Handle with Care … by the Real Travis Clark
Today’s Passage – Numbers 3 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Acts 4 – 6; Proverbs 15; Psalms 76 – 80
Read the “0215 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – First John Three:One
“According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus were they numbered of him, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Numbers 4:49)
The book of Numbers is a book that many people would skim over and I understand why. This book has a lot of names and family trees, it has a lot of rules that we don’t have to abide by anymore because of Jesus. In a great part of the book of Numbers, but specifically in chapter four it even gives the manual if you would on what each person should be doing. We know that the Bible has something for us in every page, but if we’re honest with ourselves we probably think sometimes “what does this have to do with me?” In Numbers 4:1-15 we see God giving the instructions to Moses so he can relay them to the Kohathites. God Does this also in this chapter for the Gershonites (21-28) and the Merarites (29-49) So why thousands of years later is it important for us to read about this? Well number one the service that they are doing is preparing the tabernacle for the journey. I’m sure Pastor Erickson has talked about this in previous devotions so I won’t touch on the importance of it because I would assume most of us know the importance of it. So that is a big thing and God wants us to see how serious it is to deal with the things of God. God gets so specific of the covering even down to what kind of skin it should be. (Verse 6) If God is this concerned about the tabernacle that he made sure it was preserved in His book, don’t you think God wants us to prepare our temple the proper way? The reason why our way of worship and living for God is different, is because of the Trinity. Jesus died for our sins so we can go to heaven, and also we now have an intercessor so we can go directly to the Throne Room in Heaven!
Romans 8:34 “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.”
Then we have the Holy Spirit living inside us: our temple. I hear this phrase all the time “I won’t say that in church.” Well if your saved you have the Holy Spirit inside you, so you shouldn’t “say that” period. We have this portion of instructions to show us how important it is to take care of the things of God. So if you are saved you need to take the same kind of care and precautions that God wanted the people to do in the book of numbers. Paul explains this perfectly to the people in Corinth.
1 Corinthians 6:15-20 “[15] Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. [16] What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. [17] But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. [18] Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. [19] What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? [20] For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
Another thing I noticed is God didn’t give this job to one person; He didn’t even just give this job to the most important person, or people. God wanted multiple people involved. That means in the Church God doesn’t just want Pastor to do it all or one of the people on Staff to do it all. He wants multiple people to handle the things of God. On a personal level he also doesn’t just want you to walk alone.
Proverbs 11:14 Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.
God wants us to have accountability so if we are not handling the things of God the right way we will have people in place to guide us in the right direction.
If there is one thing that we can take away from Numbers 4 and apply it to our lives it’s this: Handle with care.
Posted in Devotions by Travis Clark with 3 comments.
Our Only Hope – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 26 – 27 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 19 – 21; Proverbs 13; Psalms 66 – 70)
Read the “0213 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth. And they shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, when none pursueth: and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies. And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them.” (Leviticus 26:36-39)
“Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God…” (Psalm 146:5)
Good morning. It’s kind of hard not to say something when the country you love is being decimated by godless socialists. Is it time to pine away? No. But it depends on who you are trusting in: yourself or God. Things may be out of your control, however, Jesus said…
“…but with God all things are possible.” (Matt 19:26)
The banner hung in the post office of Pittsburg, Kansas for almost 15 years. It was hung in place by the employees just after September 11, 2001. It has hung in the post office until late January. The banner simply read, “God Bless America.”
It seems that one of the residents contacted the Freedom From Religion Foundation and forced the banner to come down… after it hung there 15 years. Word of this mis-justice spread like wild fire, and found it’s way to a local business: Jake’s Fireworks. And he chose not to sit and pine away, but had 1200 yard signs and 300 banners printed that said “God Bless America,” and gave them away for free. They were all gone in 45 minutes! If he had printed more, I’m sure they would be hanging on display at somebody’s business or home.
Elijah the prophet was on the run after destroying the prophets of Baal. He was being pursued by the evil queen – Jezebel. He hid himself in a cave, and the Lord spoke to him…
“And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And the LORD said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: And Jehu the son of Nimshi shalt thou anoint to be king over Israel: and Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abelmeholah shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room. And it shall come to pass, that him that escapeth the sword of Hazael shall Jehu slay: and him that escapeth from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha slay. Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him.” (1Kings 19:11-18)
There are probably much more people who will take up their cross and having done all to stand for only true and living God than the socialists would have you believe. The time is not to pine, the time is to stand. And if the socialists don’t want to hear it, let them “change the channel.”
Peace! (GOD BLESS AMERICA)
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.
This Time in History … by Melissa Clayton
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 24 – 25 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 17 – 18; Proverbs 12; Psalms 61 – 65)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Psalm 47 and verse 1
Read the “0212 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this morning’s reading – “The Mind of the Lord,” and “Rest for the Land.”
This particular time in history referenced in Leviticus seems like a very stressful time to be alive. Maybe the rest of you are strict rule followers, but If I lived in this day in age, I believe I would be always looking over my shoulder, not because I was trying to be disobedient to the law, but because there were just so many laws to follow. Laws about sacrifice, about holy days; laws about finance and even laws about how and when to harvest your crops. Could you ever follow so many rules? You better try because if you don’t you could be stoned.
The whole passage to me seemed overwhelming and even morbid until I recognized that doing away with an overwhelming number of laws would take an overwhelming amount of grace. Grace that only the Lord Jesus could provide. Being saved from big sin takes grace from a big God. We really are spoiled to live in this “grace” age. We don’t have to fear being stoned for our sins, and we don’t have to rely on a priest to have access to God.
So, are we so subpar with our Christian walk? I pray today that the Lord would continually remind me of His mercy and grace, and that I would take advantage of the absolute privilege that it is to walk with Him in the gift of His salvation.
Posted in Devotions by Melissa Clayton with 4 comments.
How Will You Walk? … by Claudia Vara
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 16 – 18 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 11 – 12; Proverbs 9; Psalms 46 – 50)
Read the “0209 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read previous posts from this passage – “There Is a Fountain,” “Abomination,” and “The Blood”
“Rejoice in the LORD always: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Philippians 4:4)
Have you ever taken a walk only to realize that you’ve spent the whole time staring at the ground underneath your feet? Often, I catch myself doing this exact thing. I seem to always have my eyes focused down instead of in front or above me! Why do we do this?
We stare at the ground, focusing on all the ruts and holes and rocks and roots instead of the trees and sky and clouds above. We focus on all the things that might cause problems, that might hurt us, and that are negative parts of our walk, when all around us there is so much beauty and joy and positivity to see–if only we would just look up and see it!
The whole purpose of my walk is not to stare down at the ground, but to enjoy the beauty and nature around me. I miss my purpose when all I focus on are my ruts and rocks and holes and roots. I miss the joy of the moment when all I see is the difficulties. I miss the opportunity to look up.
Of course, we must keep in mind the rock and ruts to some extent lest we trip, but are you loving with your eyes glued to the ground? Entrust God with your ruts and rocks; He can take care of you. Even though your path may have its difficulties, you can still rejoice in your surroundings by placing your reliance on God.
“For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name” (Psalm 33:21).
Life is difficult–there is no way to get around it–but we can choose joy even in the most trying of circumstances. Goldy joy isn’t based on our circumstances; it’s based on our Savior. Even in the most challenging times there are so many blessings all around us to see. However, you must choose to see them, for a joyful spirit is never an accident–it is intentional. Take some time today just to thank God and dwell in the simple things that He blesses us with daily.
God both commands and enables us to be joyful. In His Presence is perfect contentment and satisfaction.
“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” (Psalm 16:11).
Each time I go for a walk, I have the opportunity to either focus up or down. I can choose the negative or the positive. There will always be ruts and rocks and holes and roots, but there will also always be trees and sky and clouds and beauty. We have to decide what we will choose to focus on. It’s a choice you must actively make, because naturally we look down. Decide to look up to your Father instead of down at your problems. How will you walk today? Don’t miss the real purpose of your journey!
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24).
“My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing unto thee; and my soul, which thou hast redeemed.” (Psalm 71:23).
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Phillippians 4:8).
Posted in Devotions by Claudia Vara with 4 comments.
I Am the Lord Thy God
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 14 – 15 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 9 – 10; Proverbs 8; Psalms 41 – 45
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Isaiah 40:31
Read a previous post from this passage – “Leprosy in the House“
“I am the LORD your God” Leviticus 19-21
There is a common phrase we see throughout these commandments that God is giving to Moses and that is “I am the LORD your God”. After almost every rule/law that God delivers He ends it with “I am the LORD your God”, why is this? The logical part of me wants to say, because we are humanwe have to be reminded of the why and who we are doing things for. Remember these are the same Israelites that murmur and complain throughout the wilderness, after God rescued them from a ruthless captor, mostly about food and water. What are some ways we can not be like them?
When times are tough remember, “I am the LORD your God”
There have been times in our lives when we did not know where to turn or which direction to go, and honestly those timesoccurred when we tried taking things into our own hands and doing things our own way, but God oft times works in different ways. Even in the though times we need to remember “I am the LORD your God” because He will not let anything happen to us outside His will. Think of the disciples in Mark 4:37 afraid of the storm, even with the Master on the ship with them, even after He had said “Let us pass over unto the other side” a mere two verses prior. Oh how easy it is for us to forget that as Christians we are in Gods hands.
When things don’t make sense remember, “I am the LORD your God”
In this new COVID, political society it seems that nothing makes sense, what is right is now called wrong, and what is wrong is now called right. There was a time when police men and women were thanked for their service, and now their service is being taken away. There was a time when being proud to be an American was the norm and now it is viewed as extremism, and there was a time when being a Christian was viewed as a good thing even by non-believers, and now it is border line terrorism. Believe it or not Jesus didn’t have that easy either, and if we think about it have times really changed? We crucified the only true innocent person on this earth, we mocked and ridiculed Him His whole earthly ministry, and even true believers denied even being associated with Him in His time of need. Things haven’t made a lot of sense for a while now but He is always and will always be on the throne, remember “I am the Lord your God.”
When it’s all going good remember, “I am the LORD your God”
Most importantly, everyday we wake up to see the beauty of His creation, every morning when we have the privilege of seeing the husband or wife He has blessed us with or the kids He has entrusted us with, remember “I am the Lord your God” and thank Him.Probably the best human example of this I can think of would be Job. Most of us in his situation would be out of the game, we would quit on God. Job truly remembered who God is, and no matter what satan was allowed to do to him, he would not curse God. May we always remember who God truly is.
Posted in Devotions by Wesley Clayton with 3 comments.
You Are What You Eat? – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage –Leviticus 11 – 12 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 5 – 6; Proverbs 6; Psalms 31 – 35)
Read the “0206 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
“Yet these may ye eat of every flying creeping thing that goeth upon all four, which have legs above their feet, to leap withal upon the earth; Even these of them ye may eat; the locust after his kind, and the bald locust after his kind, and the beetle after his kind, and the grasshopper after his kind. But all other flying creeping things, which have four feet, shall be an abomination unto you.” (Leviticus 11:21-23)
“And John was clothed with camel’s hair, and with a girdle of a skin about his loins; and he did eat locusts and wild honey…” (Mark 1:6)
Good morning. Have you had breakfast yet? And I don’t mean to “bug” you about this, but did you know it was okay to eat locusts if you were Jewish. The Jewish dietary laws were strict, but locust is on the menu. Look at the picture above. The Greek New Testament word for locust means: as pointed, or as lighting [LANDING] on the top of vegetation. But God doesn’t make mistakes. Did you know that locusts are 50% to 60% protein and only 12% fat? And the fat breaks down to 44% saturated fat, and 54% unsaturated fat (2% other). As a plus, the carbohydrates are very low making them great for the Atkins Diet. Some people describe cooked locust as similar to smoky flavored bacon and reasonably tasty. And, like I said, God doesn’t make mistakes: He wanted His children to have a well balanced diet of things that were good for them.
“And the LORD spake unto Moses and to Aaron, saying unto them, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, These are the beasts which ye shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth. Whatsoever parteth the hoof, and is clovenfooted, and cheweth the cud, among the beasts, that shall ye eat.” (Leviticus 11:1-3)
“These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.” (Leviticus 11:9)
It would appear that the fowls of the air that you could not eat were scavengers: they ate the remains of dead creatures. And all this seams to be a good thing if you want a healthy diet. Just remember that we, as Christians are not under the Law, we were given these guidelines…
“For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.” (Acts 15:28-29)
And remember Peter’s vision…
“On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common.” (Acts 10:9-15)
In case you would like to try, here are some recipes from the United Nations’ website…
Tinjiya (Tswana recipe): remove the wings and hindlegs of the locusts, and boil in a little water until soft. Add salt, if desired, and a little fat and fry until brown. Serve with cooked, dried mealies (corn).
Sikonyane (Swazi recipe): prepare embers and roast the whole locust on the embers. Remove head, wings, and legs, in other words, only the breast part is eaten. The South Sotho people use locusts especially as food for travellers. The heads and last joint of the hindlegs are broken off and the rest laid on the coals to roast. The roasted locusts are ground on a grinding stone to a fine powder. This powder can be kept for long periods of time and is taken along on a journey. Dried locusts are also prepared for the winter months. The legs, when dried, are especially relished for their pleasant taste.
Cambodia: take several dozen locust adults, preferably females, slit the abdomen lengthwise and stuff a peanut inside. Then lightly grill the locusts in a wok or hot frying pan, adding a little oil and salt to taste. Be careful not to overcook or burn them.
Barbecue (grilled): prepare the embers or charcoal. Place about one dozen locusts on a skewer, stabbing each through the center of the abdomen. If you only want to eat the abdomen, then you may want to take off the legs or wings either before or after cooking. Several skewers of locusts may be required for each person. Place the skewers above the hot embers and grill while turning continuously to avoid burning the locusts until they become golden brown.
Peace!
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 3 comments.
Do As Your Told … by Gerald Hicks II
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 8 – 10 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – John 3 – 4; Proverbs 5; Psalms 26 – 30)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – Joshua 1:8
Read the “0205 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.
Read a previous post from this passage – “Strange Fire.“
“And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Take Aaron and his sons with him, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and a bullock for the sin offering, and two rams, and a basket of unleavened bread; And gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses did as the LORD commanded him; and the assembly was gathered together unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Moses said unto the congregation, This is the thing which the LORD commanded to be done.” (Leviticus 8:1-5)
The Lord gave a command for Moses to follow and he did as he was told.
“And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you.” (Leviticus 9:6)
Moses then explained to Aaron and his sons what God commanded him to tell and show them so they could follow suit, and what would be the result if they listened to the Lord’s command.
“And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces.” (Leviticus 9:22-24)
The thought for this morning is to simply trust and obey the Lord God, Our Maker, Sustainer, and Friend.
Sounds simple?
But yet we make listening to Him more complicated than it needs to be.
Constantly hearing this is happening, this is going on, this is coming down the pike, look out for this not, knowing what’s true or not.
The feel of everything in our world, specifically our country, our churches Just feels strange, feels off balance, feels unknown, just wondering what’s going to happen next.
I want to remind you of a few things that we can never forget:
- Let’s never forget Who sits on the throne in Heaven above
- Let’s never forget Who’s not feeling strange or uncertain
- Let’s never forget Who ALWAYS knows the unknown!
One thing I keep coming across either from praying with others or just thinking from time to time
Is that right now as Christians , in this world right now, in this America we are living in: we need wisdom! God’s wisdom!
Every time I consider the word wisdom
I think of this acronym:
When
I
Stop
Depending
On
Myself
When I stop relying on my strength, my power , my abilities, my intuition and words and wit to figure out and do everything my way or what I think is the best way
And rely fully upon Him and His Words – applying His will to my life — those are the wisest options we have at our disposal!
We know our country is in rough shape but hey let’s pick ourselves up as Pastor Erickson says by our boot straps and keep pressing on — keep going — keep serving — keep doing what’s right — keep living for the Lord
4. Let’s never forget THERE IS A REMEDY
And His name is Jesus Christ!
this is a wake up call obviously the Lord knew we needed in America spiritually speaking — maybe to get us gospel centered — being more gospel minded — I don’t know
This is our time to wake up!
“Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.” (Hosea 10:12)
Does America need to hit Rock bottom? I hope not obviously.. but Maybe it’s what America needs! I have no idea and it’s not our job to try to figure out God — His ways are not our ways – His thoughts are not our thoughts – it’s our job to just listen and do as we have been told — trust and obey
5. Let’s never forget Who saved us and what He called us to do
That’s a living a Spirit led life
That’s getting the gospel out
How concerned are we really with these concepts?
6. Let’s never forget the Mighty God we worship
Praise Jesus!!
Aren’t you glad you’re saved!?
In the midst of the storms and distractions around us!
Aren’t you glad you have a calling on your life!
We have a mission!
Our Saviour saw us worthy enough to take on a task so awesome, so powerful — to tell people about Him!
Praise God!
Keep going.
Don’t quit.
Trust Him!
Posted in Devotions by Gerald Hicks with 3 comments.
Acknowledging God … by Ashley Acosta
Today’s Passage – Leviticus 1 – 4 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 23 – 24; Proverbs 3; Psalms 16 – 20)
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Deuteronomy 32:4
I want to take a detour today into Proverbs. Proverbs 3:5, 6 are very familiar verses to us as Christians. They were some of the first verses I learned as a child, and have helped shape my Christian walk for years. I turn to them often when I feel confused about the future, or not sure what decisions to make. God recently has opened my heart to something in these verses.
“Trust in the Lord with all Thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths“ (Proverbs 3:5 – 6)
I want to focus on the end of verse 5, and beginning of verse 6. “…and lean not unto thine own understanding.” We do get understanding from the Bible, but Solomon is referring to “our” understanding, not wisdom that God has given us. Where did we get this understanding from? We were born into this world with none, so how have we adopted so much of “our” knowledge. Our understanding has come over time from education, experiences, peers, family, social media, news, or even celebrities. Our understanding is worldly and fleshly. Why are we leaning on this worldly and fleshly understanding? Have you ever stood in line at an amusement park on a hot summer day? You lean on the railings, or your friends because you’re so tired of standing. No matter how hard you try to get relief nothing works. Why do we lean on unreliable, faulty things? Priscilla Jane Owens penned the great hymn that says it perfectly
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul. Steadfast and sure while the billows role, fastened to the rock which cannot move, Grounded FIRM and DEEP in the saviors love.”
This brings me to the beginning of verse 6, and the main truth that God has showed me:
“In all thy ways acknowledge him.” (Proverbs 3:6a)
If on Sunday Morning, we all attended church and as Pastor got up to preach we all walked out of the building one by one, I think Pastor would be very confused and hurt. If we all decided that we didn’t acknowledge his position in our congregation, unfortunately he would have to leave and we would have to vote in a new pastor. A definition for acknowledgment is: “to recognize the rights or authority of.” Do I acknowledge God’s position? I have always seen that as acknowledging his presence, but am I acknowledging him as God? If his own children aren’t acknowledging him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, during this important time in America, how will others acknowledge him? I have been so convicted by this. Is God not God? Is he on the throne or isn’t he? When we lean on our own understanding, we are literally not acknowledging God as God. We are saying no Lord you aren’t powerful; you aren’t mighty, you aren’t all knowing. We are taking him out of his rightful place.
“Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?” (Matthew 6:27)
“Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.” (1 Chronicles 29:11)
“God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.” (Psalm 62:11)
The verse goes onto to say, and he shall direct thy paths. I think the future gets a lot clearer when we acknowledge God as God, and put him back in his rightful place.
My prayer is: “Lord, I acknowledge your power, I acknowledge your wisdom, I acknowledge your infinite mind, your all healing hands, your almighty truth. You. Are. God.
Posted in Devotions by Ashley Acosta with 3 comments.
The Heart-Stirred and Wise-Hearted Servant by Issan Acosta
Today’s Passage – Exodus 36 – 38 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 19 – 20; Proverbs 1; Psalms 6 – 10
Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 89:1
Then wrought Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whom the LORD put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all manner of work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that the LORD had commanded. And Moses called Bezaleel and Aholiab, and every wise hearted man, in whose heart the LORD had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come unto the work to do it: Exodus 36:1-2
When I read this passage of scripture the first thing that comes to mind was my first Winter Camp a couple of months after I got saved. Brother Charlie Clark was preaching the last message of camp on the topic of “Living for God”. That night, I surrendered my life to the Lord. I did not want to waste my life away pursuing treasures on earth. From that night forward my heart was stirred for the work of the Lord, much like Bez’aleel, Aho’liab and the men mentioned in Exodus 36:2.
In chapter 36, we see God continuing to give Moses instruction on the the design of the tabernacle: the curtains, the boards and the veils to be specific. This spectacular structure that would be assembled and disassembled as they wandered in the wilderness was the Lord’s dwelling place and was not any ordinary tent that was to be put up. I would like to focus your attention this morning to verses 1 and 2 of chapter 36. God used men that had these two key characteristics for the work of the Lord:
Wise-hearted- It is so easy to serve the Lord in the capacity of our own understanding and way. We get accustomed to it and learn that we can get by with it well through out our Christian life. As servants of the Lord it is critical that we ask the Lord for wisdom when we are serving and working for him.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
Very early in ministering for the Lord I learned that not every problem and issue we may come across has a cookie cutter solution to it. A saw and a utility knife are both important tools to a carpenter, but they both can yield very different results depending on how and when they are used. When was the last time you asked God to give you wisdom when ministering for him?
Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established Proverbs 24:3
A Stirred Heart – The fumes of going through the motions in serving the Lord will only get you so far before your flesh, the devil and the world tell you to call it quits. The best fuel for serving the Lord is a stirred heart. I can tell you from experience that it is very difficult for your heart to be stirred for the work of the Lord when you are living for yourself and are spiritually anemic. Spending time with the Lord in his word and through prayer is key to developing a heart that is stirred for the work of the Lord. Serving God with a stirred heart takes the pressures off of ourselves and allows us to give God the Glory!
As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? Psalm 42:1-2
Posted in Devotions by issan.acosta with 4 comments.
Truth Or Consequences – The Saturday Morning Post
Today’s Passage – Exodus 30 – 32 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)
(Second Milers also read – Luke 15 – 16; Proverbs 30; Psalms 146 – 150
“And Moses returned unto the LORD, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold… …And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.” (Exodus 32:31 & 35)
Good morning. Have you ever noticed that when you sin there is always a price to pay? The price may not manifest itself right away, but it will eventually get there. And how soon we forget. In Genesis chapter 32, we find that Moses had gone up to mount Sinai and was communing with the LORD. He was gone a long time, and the people corrupted themselves. They gave Aaron gold, and he made them a golden calf, a false god, an idol to worship instead of worshiping the only true, living God. The result: around three thousand men were killed by the swords of the Levites, and the LORD plagued the people.
“Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat. They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusteth in them.” (Psalm 115:1-8)
The first and second commandments tell us…
“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” (Exodus 20:1-6)
Jesus told us that He is the Way. Jesus is the Truth. And Jesus is the Life: the way to life is only through Jesus, and that’s the truth! When we try other ways, other than the Truth, there are consequences…
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:18-32)
Yes, the wages of sin is still death. That is the consequence of not believing the Truth. But…
“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:31-32)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8)
The Bible calls out what is the Truth and how you can know Him and be st free no matter what the circumstances…
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.” (1John 5:12-13)
Know the Truth or suffer the consequences.
Peace.
Posted in Devotions by Pastor Ted Stahl with 1 comment.