“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
~Exodus 33:11
God wants to speak with all of us like that.
Friend:
“A friend is someone you love & who loves you, someone you ... View More“The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.”
~Exodus 33:11
God wants to speak with all of us like that.
Friend:
“A friend is someone you love & who loves you, someone you respect & who respects you, someone whom you trust & who trusts you. A friend is honest & makes you want to be honest, too. A friend is loyal... A friend is someone who not only doesn't care if you're ugly or boring, but doesn't even think about it; someone who forgives you no matter what you do, and someone who tries to help you... A friend is someone who would sacrifice their life & happiness for you...You don't even think about who's talking or who's listening in a conversation w/ a friend.
A friend is someone for whom you're willing to change your opinions. A friend is someone you look forward to seeing and who looks forward to seeing you. A friend is someone you like so much, you start to like the things they like.”
God spoke to Moses like a friend. We all deep down want this. How do we get from this point to that? Moses spent alot of time with God. He wasn't laying out the shopping list of wants but he wasn't afraid to say “We need this...”
He took the time to listen to what God said too. He cared what was important to Him and sought to make it apart of who he was. Did Moses do it perfectly? No. He was still a human full of flaws and sin as are we. But God chooses to meet us where we are and help us to be who He created us to be. Just as when we make friends we love them for who they are but try to encourage them to be better.
Take some time today and read the definition above again. Ask God how you can improve in being His friend. Then stop & listen. It might surprise you to find that as you grow in being God's friend your human friendships grow too.
excerpts taken from www.urbandictionary.com/define.php%3fterm=friend&=true
“When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, `Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up... View More“When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, `Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.ʼ"
~Exodus 32:1
“When the ancient Israelites camped by Mount Sinai in Exodus 32, Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. Days turned into weeks, and the people grew restless. So they asked Aaron—the man in charge while Moses was gone—to create a new deity for them to worship. Aaron gave instructions to collect the jewelry they had brought out of Egypt, and once it had been melted and formed into a golden calf, he built an altar where the people could worship it.
It was a brash move, given the miracles God had already performed for the people. Yet how many times have we similarly lost patience when waiting on God? We might not build an actual idol or a physical altar, but there are many times when we choose to turn elsewhere for comfort and answers. These modern idols can take many forms, and some that are even neutral or positive become harmful when put on a pedestal.Think about it
• Can you remember a time when you had a need but sought its fulfillment from something or someone other than God? How did that turn out?
• What are some ways you can be better prepared next time the temptation comes up?” www.intouch.org/read/magazine/daily-devotions
“"See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, & I have filled him w/ the Spirit of God, w/wisdom, w/ understanding, w/ knowledge & w/ all kinds of skills—to make arti... View More“"See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, & I have filled him w/ the Spirit of God, w/wisdom, w/ understanding, w/ knowledge & w/ all kinds of skills—to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver & bronze, to cut & set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of crafts."
~Exodus 31:2-5
God chose Bezalel to be in charge of the making all of the tabernacle & its articles. But he did not just hand him the work & tell him to figure it out. God gave him the plans through Moses & then on top of it gave him wisdom, understanding & knowledge. Then He filled Bezalel w/ His Holy Spirit. God was right there doing the work through him.
God does that today as well.
He chose YOU. Mark 13:20; Luke 18:7; John 15:16-19;Acts 22:19; Romans 8:33; 1 Cor 1:27,28; Eph 1:4,11; Col 3:12; 1 Thess 1:4; 2 Thess 2:13; James 1:18,2:5;1 Peter 1:2, 2:9; Rev 17:14.
I listed all these scriptures to remind you when you forget that God chose you. Pick a few & read them often. You are precious in His sight.
He chose you for a task. Something unique to you. Something He has given you the talent, the wisdom, the knowledge & the understanding to do. What is it? Only He can tell you. So what ever you find yourself doing today ask Him to fill you w/His Holy Spirit & watch Him work through you.
Will life be easy? Probably not. But we are never promised ease on this side of Heaven. We are promised presence, comfort, peace, & strength to endure. We are given the tools to handle any situation. Prayer, filling of the Holy Spirit & aid. The Holy Spirit comes w/a bonus tool box. Galatians 5:22, 23,25 “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control. Against such things there is no law... Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step w/the Spirit.”
May you long to stay where God puts you,
Learn to love the view,
& always look for where He will lead you next.
"Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for... View More"Aaron must burn fragrant incense on the altar every morning when he tends the lamps. He must burn incense again when he lights the lamps at twilight so incense will burn regularly before the Lord for the generations to come.”
~Exodus 30:7-8
Back in chapter 27 we read about these lamps that were to be maintained evening & morning. The last thing before he went about his evening duty & first thing before he got started in the morning. It was to be a lasting ordinance or law for the people.
Much of what God spoke to the Israelites carries over in a different form today to those who believe in Christ as the fulfillment of the law & the Savior of the world. So how does this 1 apply?
The Apostle Paul grew up studying the law and as a Christian wrote these words to believers in Ephesus & Philipia “Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children & walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us & gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."
(Eph 5:1-2) “I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
(Phil 4:18,19)
So by loving others and giving of ourselves what costs us dearly, is 2 ways to offer incense to God. Another is prayer. Look at how our prayers are treated in heaven as we glimpse in thru the eyes of the Apostle John. “And when He had taken it, the 4 living creatures & the 24 elders fell down before the Lamb. Each 1 had a harp & they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God's people."
(Rev 5:8 see also 8:3,4)
So our prayers are incense, a pleasant smell to our God as well. I can only imagine that the lighting of the lamps & incense became mundane. We can transform the mundane to the glorious by using them as times of prayer & praise to God.
"So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am... View More"So I will consecrate the tent of meeting and the altar and will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”
~Exodus 29:44-46
Consecrate: “Definition of consecrate (1/2): dedicated to a sacred purpose. 2a:to make or declare sacred
especially: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony.
2b:to devote to a purpose w/or as if w/ deep solemnity or dedication Synonyms:Adjective:blessed (also blest), consecrated, hallowed, holy, sacral, sacred, sacrosanct, sanctified Synonyms:Verb allocate, dedicate, devote, earmark, give up (to), reserve, save, set by." merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consecrate.
The book of 1 Peter is a call to God's people today to consecrate their lives to God & instruction on what that looks like. I just want to highlight 2 of it's passages right now and urge you to take some time in the coming days to read the whole book yourself and ask God to speak His truth to you through it.
1 Peter 1:13-17; 2:9 ““Therefore, w/ minds that are alert & fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." Since you call on a Father who judges each person's work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear... But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”
“There are to be 12 stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal w/ the name of one of the 12 tribes.”
~Exodus 28:21
This verse is speaking of the stones that we... View More“There are to be 12 stones, one for each of the names of the sons of Israel, each engraved like a seal w/ the name of one of the 12 tribes.”
~Exodus 28:21
This verse is speaking of the stones that were to be embedded on the breastplate that the high priest would wear while performing his duties for the people of Israel & before God.
Some interesting thoughts on the subject are found at biblestudy.org.
“Foreshadowing the ministry of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:17, 4:14-7:28, 9, 10), the High Priest represented all of God's people before the Eternal. While performing his priestly duties he wore a breastplate, designed by the Lord, which had twelve special gems in it... The special breastplate of gems made for the priest (sometimes referred to as the "breastplate of judgment" - Ex 28:30) had each of its precious stones engraved with the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel (Levi 8:7 - 9, Exo 28:17 - 20, 39:10 - 13)... The main purpose of the High Priest's breastplate was to be a memorial (reminder) before the Eternal. It was meant to remind him that he represented all the people, as mediator & intercessor, before the Lord (Exodus 28:29, 39:7).”
Also interesting to note is the description found in Reve 4:2,3 of the Creator God. “`At once I was in the Spirit, & there before me was a throne in heaven with someone sitting on it. & the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper & ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.ʼ”
Jasper was the stone with Ruben's name, Ruby was the stone for Benjamin. The emerald was for Judah.
Ruben means “Behold the Man”
Benjamin means “Man of my right hand.” Judah means “Praise” or as his mother said at his birth “This time I will praise the Lord.”
Rev 4 goes on to describes heaven & the worship of God there by the angels & the 24 elders. Chap 5 tells of the coming judgements on the earth because of it's wickednes. We should join in the chorus because God's judgement is right & just. Praise God for He is good.
"Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant l... View More"Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.” ~Exodus 27:20-21Picture the light that would have come out of this lamp. And there were 2. This was a visual reminder that God is the light that shows the way. It is no wonder that David proclaimed "The Lord is my light and my salvation— whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?"Psalm 27:1There are about 24 more times light is written of in the psalms. Light is a key factor to life. In the New Testament Jesus proclaims His Godhood by saying at John 8:12 “Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, `I AM the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.ʼ”This was said at the Jewish feast of the lights and perhaps Jesus was standing so the light of the lamp shone directly on Him. This should have been a major Ahah moment for the Pharisees. God first gives His name to Moses at Exodus 3:14 “God replied to Moses, `I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you.ʼ”And there are at least 6 Old Testiment prophecies concerning light that Jesus fulfilled before their eyes. Look them up for yourself and see what God reveals to you who Jesus is. Ex. 25:37; Lev. 24:2; Ps. 27:1; Isa. 9:2; 42:6; 49:6: John 9:5; Acts 13:47; 26:18, 23; Eph. 5:8-14; 1 John 1:5-7.
“Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.”
~Exodus 26:30
God gave Moses specific plans & building materials to use in building of the tabernacle. He didn't leave Moses t... View More“Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.”
~Exodus 26:30
God gave Moses specific plans & building materials to use in building of the tabernacle. He didn't leave Moses to figure out where to get these things. He provided all the people needed throughout their journey to the Promise Land.
You may have heard the phrase 'Where God guides He provides.ʼ
“Is it biblical, or simply something comforting people say to reassure each other in tough times? Does This Phrase Appear in the Bible? In Isaiah 58:11, God reveals to His prophet that those of His people who do not follow His ways will be punished, but those who do follow His commands & act in a godly manner will be His light & walk closely w/ Him. For these people, the verse says, “The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land & will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail” Other translations of the Bible use more specific “guide/provide” wording ...The phrase, “Where God guides, He provides” means that if we follow God’s guidance and leading, He will provide for our needs in the way He sees fit. Is This Meaning Biblical? Yes, it is biblical to trust that God will provide for us if we follow where He guides. But we must be careful how we interpret “provides.” For instance, some believe God’s providence means He will give us prosperity & material blessings, including shelter & clothing, a variety of food, & physical well-being. Some even believe that means financial wealth or good health for ourselves & those we love. But providence & prosperity are not necessarily the same thing.God promises to never leave us. He promises to give us rest and hope. For those of us who repent & believe in His Son, Jesus Christ, God promises we shall not perish but instead receive eternal life in His heavenly Kingdom Jhn3:16.” from www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/is-it-biblical-where-god-guides-he-provides.html
"Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver ... View More"Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather ; acacia wood; olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.”
~Exodus 25:2-7
God asks for the Israelites to give from their heart. This list is made up of both things they worked hard for and things they received from the Egyptians before leaving town. Some may have been found along the way as well.
Today we are so focused on what belongs to us. Our stuff. But none of it will be going with us into eternity.
So God periodically does a heart check. This time He asks them for very specific items for specific tasks with a specific meaning behind each.
It is a fascinating study to learn what each piece means in symbolism and helps to explain much of the New Testiments happens and symbols. But, today I ask you to allow God to search your heart and show you what you are holding on to. What is He asking from you.
I think it is probably something specific for a specific reason, person and meaning to Him.
Heart check: can you let go of what isn't going to go with you into eternity?
Why is it so important to keep?
Is there some one who needs it more?
Is it holding you back from giving God your full attention?
Let go. He will provide exactly what you need when you need it.
Dear Trolls, your comments will be removed. My posts are about encouraging, inspiring and challenging the people of God to live a fruitful, blessed life, trusting God and praising Him.
For those with ... View MoreDear Trolls, your comments will be removed. My posts are about encouraging, inspiring and challenging the people of God to live a fruitful, blessed life, trusting God and praising Him.
For those with questions please feel free to ask.
To debate theology... pray and ask God to show you His truth.
Matthew 12:36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.
Ephesians 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.
1 Peter 1:18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors,
2 Peter 2:18 For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of the flesh, they entice people who are just escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for "people are slaves to whatever has mastered them."
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