When God promises us something, He means it - He does it. He promised the Israelites they would live in the land He gave them, the Promised Land. They had to follow Him to get there. It can be sooo difficult to follow Him, we usually begin the journey following Him and then somehow we decided consciously or unconsciously to take the lead and it is a disaster until we repent and follow Him.
In the story of Rahab and the spies, we see a visible sign of the covenant yet to come, the scarlet cord - a visible and physical symbol of God' protection and deliverance. The scarlet cord worked, but how much more we have in the Blood of Jesus - our Messiah, our Deliverer, our Healer, our Passover Lamb, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords.
Let's give Him some praise!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 23, 2009
Week 12, Deut 8 - Deut 28
So much of this week's readings concern knowing what the Lord said to the Israelites, reminding them to obey His commandments, and remove what is evil from their sight.
Chapter 8:1-3
"You must carefully follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase, and may enter and take possession of the land the LORD swore to your fathers. Remember that the LORD your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
The Lord led us out of the wilderness into the promised land, we cannot possess what He has for us and continue to willfully sin at the same time. When we possess what He gives us, we are able to bless and advance the Kingdom. It's hard to be a blessing when we are dwelling at the bottom of the pit. When we possess the spiritual blessings He has for us, our prayer lives are empowered, our spiritual walks become more bold. In verse 4 we hear the very words Jesus uses as satan tempts Him, man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Chapter 9, when the Lord leads us across the Jordan, He goes before us, He is our banner, Jehovah Nisi, He takes care of the obstacles for us. We must follow Him, not take the lead in our rush to do things.
Verses 26 & 27,
26 I prayed to the LORD: Lord GOD , do not annihilate Your people, Your inheritance, whom You redeemed through Your greatness and brought out of Egypt with a strong hand. Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Disregard this people's stubbornness, and their wickedness and sin.
This is the 1st time I noticed the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham are the Lord's inheritance. You and I are heirs of Abraham - we are His inheritance.
Chapter 10:9
For this reason, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance like his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God told him.
WOW - The Levites inheritance is the Lord. That's an inheritance!
verses 12 - 22:
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you except to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul? Keep the LORD's commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good. The heavens, indeed the highest heavens, belong to the LORD your God, as does the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD was devoted to your fathers and loved them. He chose their descendants after them—[He chose] you out of all the peoples, as it is today. Therefore, circumcise your hearts and don't be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing. You also must love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You are to fear the LORD your God and worship Him. Remain faithful to Him and take oaths in His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome works your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt, 70 people in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky.
The passage really sums up much of what the Lord wanted to instill in His people.
Chapter 11:13-21
"If you carefully obey My commands I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and worship Him with all your heart and all your soul, I will provide rain for your land in season, the early and late rains, and you will harvest your grain, new wine, and oil. I will provide grass in your fields for your livestock. You will eat and be satisfied. Be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside, worship, and bow down to other gods. Then the LORD's anger will burn against you. He will close the sky, and there will be no rain; the land will not yield its produce, and you will perish quickly from the good land the LORD is giving you. "Impress these words of Mine on your hearts and souls, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your fathers.
What more needs to be said about living for the Lord? He meets every need of His people as long as they serve Him. This passage further convicted me to hide more of His word in my heart. As a side note, much of what we read, makes it very clear the Promised Land was given by God to the Israelites. The land is theirs...I cannot help but wonder if God will bless countries whose governments advise Israel to carve up their land and give a portion to other people...
Chapter 12
The Lord is so clear about removing idols from our life. He wanted the Israelites to destroy the places in which idols were worshiped.
Chapter 14
11 "You may eat every clean bird, 12 but these are the ones you may not eat:
the eagle, the bearded vulture,the black vulture, 13 the kite, the various kinds of falcon, 14 every kind of raven, 15 the ostrich,the short-eared owl, the gull,
the various kinds of hawk,16 the little owl, the long-eared owl,the white owl, 17 the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, 18 the stork,the various kinds of heron,
the hoopoe, and the bat. 19 All winged insects are unclean for you; they may not be eaten. 20 But you may eat every clean flying creature.
I gotta say - Not a problem.
The chapter goes on to remind us to give Him our tithe and to take care of those in need.
Chapter 15 - every 7 years debts are cancelled, can you imagine if the world operated like this today! Again His word tells us to help the poor.
Chapter 17 - we read about requirements for a king, after reading this passage and knowing the kings in Israel's future, we know many of them did not fit the bill:
14 "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, take possession of it, live in it, and say, 'We want to appoint a king over us like all the nations around us,' 15 you are to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. Appoint a king from your brothers. You are not to set a foreigner over you, or one who is not of your people. 16 However, he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire many horses, for the LORD has told you, 'You are never to go back that way again. ' 17 He must not acquire many wives for himself so that his heart won't go astray. He must not acquire very large amounts of silver and gold for himself. 18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes. 20 Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue ruling many years over Israel.
Chapter 18
9 "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. 10 No one among you is to make his son or daughter pass through the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, 11 cast spells, consult a medium or a familiar spirit, or inquire of the dead. 12 Everyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable things. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God. 14 Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do this.
Not so long ago these practices were done in secret in America, now it's done right out in the open. This is no laughing matter to the Lord.
This week ends with us reading Chapter 28, blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The Lord wants so much to bless us so we can be a blessing. Let us really search our hearts this week and determine what we need to do to grow in Christ and let go of in our lives.
Chapter 8:1-3
"You must carefully follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase, and may enter and take possession of the land the LORD swore to your fathers. Remember that the LORD your God led you on the entire journey these 40 years in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. He humbled you by letting you go hungry; then He gave you manna to eat, which you and your fathers had not known, so that you might learn that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
The Lord led us out of the wilderness into the promised land, we cannot possess what He has for us and continue to willfully sin at the same time. When we possess what He gives us, we are able to bless and advance the Kingdom. It's hard to be a blessing when we are dwelling at the bottom of the pit. When we possess the spiritual blessings He has for us, our prayer lives are empowered, our spiritual walks become more bold. In verse 4 we hear the very words Jesus uses as satan tempts Him, man does not live by bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
Chapter 9, when the Lord leads us across the Jordan, He goes before us, He is our banner, Jehovah Nisi, He takes care of the obstacles for us. We must follow Him, not take the lead in our rush to do things.
Verses 26 & 27,
26 I prayed to the LORD: Lord GOD , do not annihilate Your people, Your inheritance, whom You redeemed through Your greatness and brought out of Egypt with a strong hand. Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Disregard this people's stubbornness, and their wickedness and sin.
This is the 1st time I noticed the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham are the Lord's inheritance. You and I are heirs of Abraham - we are His inheritance.
Chapter 10:9
For this reason, Levi does not have a portion or inheritance like his brothers; the LORD is his inheritance, as the LORD your God told him.
WOW - The Levites inheritance is the Lord. That's an inheritance!
verses 12 - 22:
"And now, Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you except to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, and to worship the LORD your God with all your heart and all your soul? Keep the LORD's commands and statutes I am giving you today, for your own good. The heavens, indeed the highest heavens, belong to the LORD your God, as does the earth and everything in it. Yet the LORD was devoted to your fathers and loved them. He chose their descendants after them—[He chose] you out of all the peoples, as it is today. Therefore, circumcise your hearts and don't be stiff-necked any longer. For the LORD your God is the God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, showing no partiality and taking no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreign resident, giving him food and clothing. You also must love the foreigner, since you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. You are to fear the LORD your God and worship Him. Remain faithful to Him and take oaths in His name. He is your praise and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome works your eyes have seen. Your fathers went down to Egypt, 70 people in all, and now the LORD your God has made you as numerous as the stars of the sky.
The passage really sums up much of what the Lord wanted to instill in His people.
Chapter 11:13-21
"If you carefully obey My commands I am giving you today, to love the LORD your God and worship Him with all your heart and all your soul, I will provide rain for your land in season, the early and late rains, and you will harvest your grain, new wine, and oil. I will provide grass in your fields for your livestock. You will eat and be satisfied. Be careful that you are not enticed to turn aside, worship, and bow down to other gods. Then the LORD's anger will burn against you. He will close the sky, and there will be no rain; the land will not yield its produce, and you will perish quickly from the good land the LORD is giving you. "Impress these words of Mine on your hearts and souls, bind them as a sign on your hands, and let them be a symbol on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the heavens are above the earth, your days and those of your children may be many in the land the LORD swore to give your fathers.
What more needs to be said about living for the Lord? He meets every need of His people as long as they serve Him. This passage further convicted me to hide more of His word in my heart. As a side note, much of what we read, makes it very clear the Promised Land was given by God to the Israelites. The land is theirs...I cannot help but wonder if God will bless countries whose governments advise Israel to carve up their land and give a portion to other people...
Chapter 12
The Lord is so clear about removing idols from our life. He wanted the Israelites to destroy the places in which idols were worshiped.
Chapter 14
11 "You may eat every clean bird, 12 but these are the ones you may not eat:
the eagle, the bearded vulture,the black vulture, 13 the kite, the various kinds of falcon, 14 every kind of raven, 15 the ostrich,the short-eared owl, the gull,
the various kinds of hawk,16 the little owl, the long-eared owl,the white owl, 17 the desert owl, the osprey, the cormorant, 18 the stork,the various kinds of heron,
the hoopoe, and the bat. 19 All winged insects are unclean for you; they may not be eaten. 20 But you may eat every clean flying creature.
I gotta say - Not a problem.
The chapter goes on to remind us to give Him our tithe and to take care of those in need.
Chapter 15 - every 7 years debts are cancelled, can you imagine if the world operated like this today! Again His word tells us to help the poor.
Chapter 17 - we read about requirements for a king, after reading this passage and knowing the kings in Israel's future, we know many of them did not fit the bill:
14 "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, take possession of it, live in it, and say, 'We want to appoint a king over us like all the nations around us,' 15 you are to appoint over you the king the LORD your God chooses. Appoint a king from your brothers. You are not to set a foreigner over you, or one who is not of your people. 16 However, he must not acquire many horses for himself or send the people back to Egypt to acquire many horses, for the LORD has told you, 'You are never to go back that way again. ' 17 He must not acquire many wives for himself so that his heart won't go astray. He must not acquire very large amounts of silver and gold for himself. 18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. 19 It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD his God, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes. 20 Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue ruling many years over Israel.
Chapter 18
9 "When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not imitate the detestable customs of those nations. 10 No one among you is to make his son or daughter pass through the fire, practice divination, tell fortunes, interpret omens, practice sorcery, 11 cast spells, consult a medium or a familiar spirit, or inquire of the dead. 12 Everyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you because of these detestable things. 13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God. 14 Though these nations you are about to drive out listen to fortune-tellers and diviners, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do this.
Not so long ago these practices were done in secret in America, now it's done right out in the open. This is no laughing matter to the Lord.
This week ends with us reading Chapter 28, blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The Lord wants so much to bless us so we can be a blessing. Let us really search our hearts this week and determine what we need to do to grow in Christ and let go of in our lives.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Week 11, Numbers 25 - Deut. 7
Numbers 25:
The Israelite men begin to sin with Moabite women and worship their idols. To me this is a lesson in letting the world around us creep into to our lives, 1 step at a time. The Lord became very angry and told Moses they must be killed and be exposed in daylight. 24,000 died. This type of sin must have been very out in the open because we see an Israelite man bringing a woman into camp:
6 Then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 7 When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand 8 and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and into the woman's body. Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; 9 but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000.
10 The LORD said to Moses, 11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them. 12 Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. 13 He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."
All it took was 1 man being zealous for the Lord's honour to turn His wrath away from the people. We never know what a difference one more prayer makes, what a difference 1 more person interceding makes. Keep praying, keep interceding - all it takes is 1 person.
Chap. 27: So many times I hear God doesn't care for women, He was indifferent to them through out the Old and New Testament. Of course I disagree with this wholeheartedly, in verse 1, we see He cares very much:
1 The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They approached 2 the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, 3 "Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah's followers, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. 4 Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives." 5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD 6 and the LORD said to him, 7 "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them.
Chap. 30 - The Lord has a lot to say about vows, vows no longer seem to mean much in society.
Chap 35:6 - The Lord always provides refuge, even when we sin:
6 "Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns.
Deut. 1-4 The recent history of the Israelites is reviewed, we see over and over again, the Lord calls us to be an obedient, holy people.
Deut. 5:
6 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
7 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
8 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
11 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
17 "You shall not murder.
18 "You shall not commit adultery.
19 "You shall not steal.
20 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
21 "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Reading the 10 Commandments makes us think it's so simple - I would never murder anyone, I would never cheat. Maybe those are not the sins we commit or ever will commit, but we are people and we commit sins. I have to repeat my motto: I am so glad I am a New Covenant Girl, that Jesus paid the price for me, by the shedding of His blood, our Father resurrecting Him from the grave for us. Live it out, walk by faith not sight, use your sound mind, do not let fear control your life - we are not a bunch of nothings, we are Blood bought, saved, transformed Daughters of the King!
The Israelite men begin to sin with Moabite women and worship their idols. To me this is a lesson in letting the world around us creep into to our lives, 1 step at a time. The Lord became very angry and told Moses they must be killed and be exposed in daylight. 24,000 died. This type of sin must have been very out in the open because we see an Israelite man bringing a woman into camp:
6 Then an Israelite man brought to his family a Midianite woman right before the eyes of Moses and the whole assembly of Israel while they were weeping at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. 7 When Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, saw this, he left the assembly, took a spear in his hand 8 and followed the Israelite into the tent. He drove the spear through both of them—through the Israelite and into the woman's body. Then the plague against the Israelites was stopped; 9 but those who died in the plague numbered 24,000.
10 The LORD said to Moses, 11 "Phinehas son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, the priest, has turned my anger away from the Israelites; for he was as zealous as I am for my honor among them, so that in my zeal I did not put an end to them. 12 Therefore tell him I am making my covenant of peace with him. 13 He and his descendants will have a covenant of a lasting priesthood, because he was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites."
All it took was 1 man being zealous for the Lord's honour to turn His wrath away from the people. We never know what a difference one more prayer makes, what a difference 1 more person interceding makes. Keep praying, keep interceding - all it takes is 1 person.
Chap. 27: So many times I hear God doesn't care for women, He was indifferent to them through out the Old and New Testament. Of course I disagree with this wholeheartedly, in verse 1, we see He cares very much:
1 The daughters of Zelophehad son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Makir, the son of Manasseh, belonged to the clans of Manasseh son of Joseph. The names of the daughters were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. They approached 2 the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and stood before Moses, Eleazar the priest, the leaders and the whole assembly, and said, 3 "Our father died in the desert. He was not among Korah's followers, who banded together against the LORD, but he died for his own sin and left no sons. 4 Why should our father's name disappear from his clan because he had no son? Give us property among our father's relatives." 5 So Moses brought their case before the LORD 6 and the LORD said to him, 7 "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right. You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and turn their father's inheritance over to them.
Chap. 30 - The Lord has a lot to say about vows, vows no longer seem to mean much in society.
Chap 35:6 - The Lord always provides refuge, even when we sin:
6 "Six of the towns you give the Levites will be cities of refuge, to which a person who has killed someone may flee. In addition, give them forty-two other towns.
Deut. 1-4 The recent history of the Israelites is reviewed, we see over and over again, the Lord calls us to be an obedient, holy people.
Deut. 5:
6 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
7 "You shall have no other gods before [a] me.
8 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 9 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 10 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.
11 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
12 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.
16 "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
17 "You shall not murder.
18 "You shall not commit adultery.
19 "You shall not steal.
20 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
21 "You shall not covet your neighbor's wife. You shall not set your desire on your neighbor's house or land, his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Reading the 10 Commandments makes us think it's so simple - I would never murder anyone, I would never cheat. Maybe those are not the sins we commit or ever will commit, but we are people and we commit sins. I have to repeat my motto: I am so glad I am a New Covenant Girl, that Jesus paid the price for me, by the shedding of His blood, our Father resurrecting Him from the grave for us. Live it out, walk by faith not sight, use your sound mind, do not let fear control your life - we are not a bunch of nothings, we are Blood bought, saved, transformed Daughters of the King!
Week 10, Numbers 7 to 24
Sorry this is a week late. I make notes in a spiral notebook and then post my thoughts. The notebook is MIA, I am bummed. I gave up and began using a new notebook, so I should find the lost notebook tonight after work...
In chapter 7, I find the various items which are offered to the Lord quite interesting. So different than what we offer today.
Chap. 8 - the Levites are set apart from the rest of Israel. They are consecrated to the Lord and are to live a holy life; just as Christians are set apart, we are in the world but not of the world. Can people see the difference in us? We are not to be self righteous or legalistic, but a loving, holy people. We are a part of the Body of Christ, not The Holier Than Thou Club.
Chap. 9 - The Israelites would encamp and set out according to where the cloud was located. They had an outward and visible sign of the Lord's will for them. Part of me thinks wow, what if we had that, the other part knows even with the glory cloud, we would still sin, still get it wrong, etc.
Chap. 10 - The Lord tells the people what the sounds of the trumpets mean, they knew if the leaders were being called, if the entire community was being called, if they were going into battle. Just think, if we are alive the day Jesus returns, we will hear the trumpet and know what it means.
Chap. 11 - No matter how much the Lord does for us, we have human moments and grumble and complain just as the Israelites did. It is an easy habit for humans to develop. Search your heart and make sure you are not a murmurer or complainer, so fall into it in the disguise of always being right.
In verses 10-12, we have the people saying they would rather be slaves in Egypt. It's hard for us to imagine. Many of us have remained in a bad situation in life because it's familiar. Humans are humans, it is hard to imagine being of the mindset being a slave in Egypt beats the glory cloud of the Lord and having our meals provided by Him.
Chap. 12. - Moses interceded on Miriam's behalf. She spent 7 days outside the camp, the people did not move on till she was brought back. I think her experience would be very humbling.
Chap. 13 - Moses followed the Lord's instructions and sent men into the Promised Land to explore. Caleb wanted to take possession, other men did not because the people of Canaan were of great size. How many times do we know God has promised us something and we look around and see problems of great size and do not follow through with what the Lord has for us?
Chap. 14 - 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
Moses and Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb were wise men, they knew what to do, get on their faces and pray. The key phrase is: If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us. It's all about pleasing Him and letting Him lead us.
Chapters 15-19 contain material which I think describes humans - fear, pride, doing it our way, mumbling, complaining, etc. I am so glad we drink of the Living Water.
Chap 20: 3 They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! 4 Why did you bring the LORD's community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!"
Again the people preferred bondage, again Moses and Aaron fell face down before the Lord. How often are we steps from the Promised Land and miss it because our faith wavers?
Aaron dies...he has been a part of our readings for so long, it's like saying goodbye to a friend. We see a man who in his humanness messsed up years ago with the golden calf incident become a mighty man of God who interceeded for his people and really served the Lord. We get to see a man become a spiritual giant...
Chap. 21- The Lord gives the Canaanites over to Israel, but in verses 4 & 5 we come to the What's Wrong with Those People Category for 100.00 Alex:
4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, [a] to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"
The people repented quickly this time and Moses interceeded for them. To me this is a lesson on not only our own behavior but possibly how long we may need to interceed on behalf of a lost loved one or over a situation.
Chap. 22- 24, we read the account of Balaam and his donkey, Balak being clueless as to the things of the Lord. Balaam's donkey filled Balaam in on the Lord's will, Balak seemed genuinely astonished Balaam would not curse the people.
I would not be telling the truth if I did not admit I am glad we are nearing the end of Numbers, but in reading the book - I am reminded how easily we can ignore God and fixate on what we think the problem is.
In chapter 7, I find the various items which are offered to the Lord quite interesting. So different than what we offer today.
Chap. 8 - the Levites are set apart from the rest of Israel. They are consecrated to the Lord and are to live a holy life; just as Christians are set apart, we are in the world but not of the world. Can people see the difference in us? We are not to be self righteous or legalistic, but a loving, holy people. We are a part of the Body of Christ, not The Holier Than Thou Club.
Chap. 9 - The Israelites would encamp and set out according to where the cloud was located. They had an outward and visible sign of the Lord's will for them. Part of me thinks wow, what if we had that, the other part knows even with the glory cloud, we would still sin, still get it wrong, etc.
Chap. 10 - The Lord tells the people what the sounds of the trumpets mean, they knew if the leaders were being called, if the entire community was being called, if they were going into battle. Just think, if we are alive the day Jesus returns, we will hear the trumpet and know what it means.
Chap. 11 - No matter how much the Lord does for us, we have human moments and grumble and complain just as the Israelites did. It is an easy habit for humans to develop. Search your heart and make sure you are not a murmurer or complainer, so fall into it in the disguise of always being right.
In verses 10-12, we have the people saying they would rather be slaves in Egypt. It's hard for us to imagine. Many of us have remained in a bad situation in life because it's familiar. Humans are humans, it is hard to imagine being of the mindset being a slave in Egypt beats the glory cloud of the Lord and having our meals provided by Him.
Chap. 12. - Moses interceded on Miriam's behalf. She spent 7 days outside the camp, the people did not move on till she was brought back. I think her experience would be very humbling.
Chap. 13 - Moses followed the Lord's instructions and sent men into the Promised Land to explore. Caleb wanted to take possession, other men did not because the people of Canaan were of great size. How many times do we know God has promised us something and we look around and see problems of great size and do not follow through with what the Lord has for us?
Chap. 14 - 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell facedown in front of the whole Israelite assembly gathered there. 6 Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, who were among those who had explored the land, tore their clothes 7 and said to the entire Israelite assembly, "The land we passed through and explored is exceedingly good. 8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 9 Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the LORD is with us. Do not be afraid of them."
Moses and Aaron, Joshua, and Caleb were wise men, they knew what to do, get on their faces and pray. The key phrase is: If the Lord is pleased with us, He will lead us. It's all about pleasing Him and letting Him lead us.
Chapters 15-19 contain material which I think describes humans - fear, pride, doing it our way, mumbling, complaining, etc. I am so glad we drink of the Living Water.
Chap 20: 3 They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the LORD! 4 Why did you bring the LORD's community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here? 5 Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!"
Again the people preferred bondage, again Moses and Aaron fell face down before the Lord. How often are we steps from the Promised Land and miss it because our faith wavers?
Aaron dies...he has been a part of our readings for so long, it's like saying goodbye to a friend. We see a man who in his humanness messsed up years ago with the golden calf incident become a mighty man of God who interceeded for his people and really served the Lord. We get to see a man become a spiritual giant...
Chap. 21- The Lord gives the Canaanites over to Israel, but in verses 4 & 5 we come to the What's Wrong with Those People Category for 100.00 Alex:
4 They traveled from Mount Hor along the route to the Red Sea, [a] to go around Edom. But the people grew impatient on the way; 5 they spoke against God and against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the desert? There is no bread! There is no water! And we detest this miserable food!"
The people repented quickly this time and Moses interceeded for them. To me this is a lesson on not only our own behavior but possibly how long we may need to interceed on behalf of a lost loved one or over a situation.
Chap. 22- 24, we read the account of Balaam and his donkey, Balak being clueless as to the things of the Lord. Balaam's donkey filled Balaam in on the Lord's will, Balak seemed genuinely astonished Balaam would not curse the people.
I would not be telling the truth if I did not admit I am glad we are nearing the end of Numbers, but in reading the book - I am reminded how easily we can ignore God and fixate on what we think the problem is.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Week 9, Lev 18 - Numbers 6
Can I just say among friends, I am glad to be out of Leviticus. I talked to the Lord about it, told Him - Sorry, I am so tired of this book, though I am thankful for the theme of holiness and being reminded frequently to keep the Sabbath. Anything He repeats is important.
As I read Leviticus 18:1-4, The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'I am the LORD your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God.
Holy Spirit, please convict me of any sin I have let creep into my life that is a part of the American culture. I want to confess my sin and repent.
Lev 19:9-10, " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.
As money grows tighter, I must remember those who need help and continue to give to food pantries and other ministries who help in my community.
Lev 19:30 - " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD...another verse pertaining to the Sabbath and the Lord mentions reverence for His sanctuary. It saddens me, the church I have attended for over 20 years is a gab fest before the service. No longer an atmosphere of prayer before the service.
Lev 23:3 " 'There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. - The Sabbath is a big deal to the Lord. It should be a big deal to us. Jesus mentioned it as well.
Lev 26:2 " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.
Lev 26: 11-13 11 I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Skip ahead to Rev 21: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Imagine the day the dwelling of God is with men, we will be His people and He will be our God!
We get to the first few chapters of Numbers, God is so in the details, He even tells the tribes how to set up their camps in Chapter 2...He is involved in the details of our lives too, He wants only the best for us.
Numbers 5:11-18 - The Jealousy Ritual, I have to say it again, I am so GLAD I am a New Covenant Girl! Praise You Jesus for being my scapegoat, my atoning Lamb!
Numbers 6:24-26 - What a blessing...
" ' "The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
As I read Leviticus 18:1-4, The LORD said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: 'I am the LORD your God. You must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices. You must obey my laws and be careful to follow my decrees. I am the LORD your God.
Holy Spirit, please convict me of any sin I have let creep into my life that is a part of the American culture. I want to confess my sin and repent.
Lev 19:9-10, " 'When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the alien. I am the LORD your God.
As money grows tighter, I must remember those who need help and continue to give to food pantries and other ministries who help in my community.
Lev 19:30 - " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD...another verse pertaining to the Sabbath and the Lord mentions reverence for His sanctuary. It saddens me, the church I have attended for over 20 years is a gab fest before the service. No longer an atmosphere of prayer before the service.
Lev 23:3 " 'There are six days when you may work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, a day of sacred assembly. You are not to do any work; wherever you live, it is a Sabbath to the LORD. - The Sabbath is a big deal to the Lord. It should be a big deal to us. Jesus mentioned it as well.
Lev 26:2 " 'Observe my Sabbaths and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am the LORD.
Lev 26: 11-13 11 I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.
Skip ahead to Rev 21: And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." - Imagine the day the dwelling of God is with men, we will be His people and He will be our God!
We get to the first few chapters of Numbers, God is so in the details, He even tells the tribes how to set up their camps in Chapter 2...He is involved in the details of our lives too, He wants only the best for us.
Numbers 5:11-18 - The Jealousy Ritual, I have to say it again, I am so GLAD I am a New Covenant Girl! Praise You Jesus for being my scapegoat, my atoning Lamb!
Numbers 6:24-26 - What a blessing...
" ' "The LORD bless you
and keep you;
the LORD make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
the LORD turn his face toward you
and give you peace."
Monday, February 23, 2009
Week 8, Exodus 39-Leviticus 17
How is the world is week 8, 2009 over? I cannot believe it.
I love Ex 40:34 - Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
I so want my heart to be God's tabernacle and be filled with His love. I want people to see Jesus in me, not Annette.
As we read through Leviticus and learn about the precise detail God has for the priestly garments, the ceremonies required, and the various types of offerings, I am so thankful Jesus is my sin offering. He took my sins and infirmities and saved me. I am so thankful the Lamb of God saved us...
Thank You Lord for Your Word and the theme of Leviticus - holiness - You want us to be Your holy people. May I become the holy child You have called me to be.
I love Ex 40:34 - Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
I so want my heart to be God's tabernacle and be filled with His love. I want people to see Jesus in me, not Annette.
As we read through Leviticus and learn about the precise detail God has for the priestly garments, the ceremonies required, and the various types of offerings, I am so thankful Jesus is my sin offering. He took my sins and infirmities and saved me. I am so thankful the Lamb of God saved us...
Thank You Lord for Your Word and the theme of Leviticus - holiness - You want us to be Your holy people. May I become the holy child You have called me to be.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Week 7 - Exodus 22-38
As I read chapter 22, I am struck by how clear God's laws are, very black and white, certainly something we do not today in the world and sometimes even in the church.
Verse 28 really convicted me: 28 "You must not blaspheme God [k] or curse a leader among your people.
I know between 1992 and 2000 I rarely prayed for the president, but I sure complained about him. Whether my candidate is elected to the office of president or not, as a Christian I am called to pray mightily for the president. I prayed mightily for President Bush, who knows how President Clinton's years in office would have been if I had earnestly prayed for him. I have numerous friends who say the same thing...
Verse 29 really touched me as well:
"You must not hold back [offerings from] your harvest or your vats. Give Me the firstborn of your sons.
Chapter 23: 19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD your God.
Do I bring Him the best of the firstfruits of everything He has given me?
Verse 24:You must not bow down to their gods or worship them. Do not imitate their practices. Instead, demolish them and smash their sacred pillars to pieces.
Have I let any ungodly practice creep into my life because of cultural influences?
Chapter 24: The Lord is so precise in the details He gave to the Israelites, He continues to be percise as He discloes the Covenant Ceremony to them.
Verse 8: Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you concerning all these words."
Those words are so dear to me, as I think of the Blood of Jesus being shed for me.
Verse 12: The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commands I have written for their instruction."
Can you imagine hearing the audible voice of Yaweh saying Come up to Me on the mountain...it doesn't matter what words finish the sentence...Come up to Me...thankfully we can come up to Him in worship and prayer.
Chpater 25: 1 The LORD spoke to Moses: 2 "Tell the Israelites to take an offering for Me. You are to take My offering from everyone whose heart stirs him [to give]. (A) 3 This is the offering you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red (B) and manatee skins; [a] acacia wood; 6 oil (C) for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx [b] along with [other] gemstones for mounting on the ephod and breastpiece.
I am astounded at the variety of items the Israelites were asked to put in the offering. As we give our tithes, we must remember the Lord may have a variety of things for us to offer on top of our tithe and the items may change with seasons if life.
Chapter 26: I am also amazed by the instructions pertaining to the curtains. It is hard for me to envision the magnitude of the project, so different than my great-grandmother's quilting circle.
Chapter 27: We learn about the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Courtyard, the Lampstand and Oil.
Chapter 28: We read about the priestly garments, verse 4: These are the garments that they must make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a specially woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons so that they may serve Me as priests.
I realize I am not a Levite, but I am called to ministry as a Christian. Am I wearing holy spiritual garments? Do I put on love as instructed in the New Testament? Am I wearing robes of righteousness...what about my armor?
The ephod and breastpiece: the work the Lord asked them to do is amazing...the gems and percision required.
verse 29: "Whenever he enters the sanctuary, Aaron is to carry the names of Israel's sons over his heart on the breastpiece for decisions, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
Aaron was to carry the Names of Israel's sons over his heart just as I am to carry the Name of God' Son on and in my heart as I make decisions and petition our Father with prayer.
Verse 36: You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave it, like the engraving of a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD
A great reminder for me to live a life consecrated to Him.
Chapter 29: I must repeat myself...after reading the detailed instructions about Aaron and his sons being consecrated - I am so glad to be a New Covenant girl!
Chapter 30: In today's world many people do not think about things which are sacred, but as Christians we should. The chapter is full of things which were sacred to God.
Chapter 31: 1 The LORD also spoke to Moses: 2 "Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft 4 to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. 6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be with him. I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the [other] furnishings of the tent
When the Lord calls us to do something, He will give us the wisdom we need just as He did with the craftsmen He called.
Verse 13: "Tell the Israelites: You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the LORD who sets you apart.
In what way do I observe the Sabbath? Do I attend church and then fill the day with activity or give it to Him? (Honestly - I would have to say a combination of both many Sundays.)
Chapter 32: This falls back into the What is wrong with these people category:
1 When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god [a] who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don't know what has happened to him!" 2 Then Aaron replied to them, "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters and bring [them] to me."
The scene chills me, shows me how easy it is to fall into idolatry.
Verse 8:They have quickly turned from the way I commanded them; they have made for themselves an image of a calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and said, 'Israel, this is your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
Chapter 33: But I will not go with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way." 4 When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn't put on their jewelry.
How many times has the Lord not been able to go with me because of sin I have let into my life?
Verse 19-23:He said, "I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 20 But He answered, "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." 21 The LORD said, "Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen."
Can you imagine the awe of this conversation with Yaweh?
Chapter 34: such beautiful words found in verse 6: Then the LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,
Verse 8: Moses worships Yaweh and intercedes for the Israelites...oh how I need to intercede for people, my prayer life has been all about family and self since my father died. My mother and I still need prayer, but I need to be in prayer for other people as well.
Verse 12: Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you.
Through business or social connections, have I made a "treaty" with anyone that is displeasing to the Lord?
Verse 35: and the Israelites would see that Moses' face [i] was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the LORD.
Oh that Jesus would radiate from my face and speak to non believers and people who need to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
Chapter 35: Moses tells the people what the Lord commanded.
Chapter 36:5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the LORD commanded to be done."
Can you imagine if the entire Body of Christ gave in this manner?
Chapter 37 & 38 - believe it or not, I have nothing to add...
Verse 28 really convicted me: 28 "You must not blaspheme God [k] or curse a leader among your people.
I know between 1992 and 2000 I rarely prayed for the president, but I sure complained about him. Whether my candidate is elected to the office of president or not, as a Christian I am called to pray mightily for the president. I prayed mightily for President Bush, who knows how President Clinton's years in office would have been if I had earnestly prayed for him. I have numerous friends who say the same thing...
Verse 29 really touched me as well:
"You must not hold back [offerings from] your harvest or your vats. Give Me the firstborn of your sons.
Chapter 23: 19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD your God.
Do I bring Him the best of the firstfruits of everything He has given me?
Verse 24:You must not bow down to their gods or worship them. Do not imitate their practices. Instead, demolish them and smash their sacred pillars to pieces.
Have I let any ungodly practice creep into my life because of cultural influences?
Chapter 24: The Lord is so precise in the details He gave to the Israelites, He continues to be percise as He discloes the Covenant Ceremony to them.
Verse 8: Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you concerning all these words."
Those words are so dear to me, as I think of the Blood of Jesus being shed for me.
Verse 12: The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commands I have written for their instruction."
Can you imagine hearing the audible voice of Yaweh saying Come up to Me on the mountain...it doesn't matter what words finish the sentence...Come up to Me...thankfully we can come up to Him in worship and prayer.
Chpater 25: 1 The LORD spoke to Moses: 2 "Tell the Israelites to take an offering for Me. You are to take My offering from everyone whose heart stirs him [to give]. (A) 3 This is the offering you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red (B) and manatee skins; [a] acacia wood; 6 oil (C) for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx [b] along with [other] gemstones for mounting on the ephod and breastpiece.
I am astounded at the variety of items the Israelites were asked to put in the offering. As we give our tithes, we must remember the Lord may have a variety of things for us to offer on top of our tithe and the items may change with seasons if life.
Chapter 26: I am also amazed by the instructions pertaining to the curtains. It is hard for me to envision the magnitude of the project, so different than my great-grandmother's quilting circle.
Chapter 27: We learn about the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Courtyard, the Lampstand and Oil.
Chapter 28: We read about the priestly garments, verse 4: These are the garments that they must make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a specially woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons so that they may serve Me as priests.
I realize I am not a Levite, but I am called to ministry as a Christian. Am I wearing holy spiritual garments? Do I put on love as instructed in the New Testament? Am I wearing robes of righteousness...what about my armor?
The ephod and breastpiece: the work the Lord asked them to do is amazing...the gems and percision required.
verse 29: "Whenever he enters the sanctuary, Aaron is to carry the names of Israel's sons over his heart on the breastpiece for decisions, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
Aaron was to carry the Names of Israel's sons over his heart just as I am to carry the Name of God' Son on and in my heart as I make decisions and petition our Father with prayer.
Verse 36: You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave it, like the engraving of a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD
A great reminder for me to live a life consecrated to Him.
Chapter 29: I must repeat myself...after reading the detailed instructions about Aaron and his sons being consecrated - I am so glad to be a New Covenant girl!
Chapter 30: In today's world many people do not think about things which are sacred, but as Christians we should. The chapter is full of things which were sacred to God.
Chapter 31: 1 The LORD also spoke to Moses: 2 "Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft 4 to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. 6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be with him. I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the [other] furnishings of the tent
When the Lord calls us to do something, He will give us the wisdom we need just as He did with the craftsmen He called.
Verse 13: "Tell the Israelites: You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the LORD who sets you apart.
In what way do I observe the Sabbath? Do I attend church and then fill the day with activity or give it to Him? (Honestly - I would have to say a combination of both many Sundays.)
Chapter 32: This falls back into the What is wrong with these people category:
1 When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god [a] who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don't know what has happened to him!" 2 Then Aaron replied to them, "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters and bring [them] to me."
The scene chills me, shows me how easy it is to fall into idolatry.
Verse 8:They have quickly turned from the way I commanded them; they have made for themselves an image of a calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and said, 'Israel, this is your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
Chapter 33: But I will not go with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way." 4 When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn't put on their jewelry.
How many times has the Lord not been able to go with me because of sin I have let into my life?
Verse 19-23:He said, "I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 20 But He answered, "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." 21 The LORD said, "Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen."
Can you imagine the awe of this conversation with Yaweh?
Chapter 34: such beautiful words found in verse 6: Then the LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,
Verse 8: Moses worships Yaweh and intercedes for the Israelites...oh how I need to intercede for people, my prayer life has been all about family and self since my father died. My mother and I still need prayer, but I need to be in prayer for other people as well.
Verse 12: Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you.
Through business or social connections, have I made a "treaty" with anyone that is displeasing to the Lord?
Verse 35: and the Israelites would see that Moses' face [i] was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the LORD.
Oh that Jesus would radiate from my face and speak to non believers and people who need to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
Chapter 35: Moses tells the people what the Lord commanded.
Chapter 36:5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the LORD commanded to be done."
Can you imagine if the entire Body of Christ gave in this manner?
Chapter 37 & 38 - believe it or not, I have nothing to add...
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