The Kick-off Event For the New Ministry!

On Saturday, November 13th; our new ladies ministry called "Connections" was kicked off with a ladies banquet. We called it our "Let's Get Acquainted" banquet. In recent weeks we have been informed that our congregation has doubled in just two years since moving from Duluth, Ga. (where we could seat about 250) to Lawrenceville, Ga. into a building with a sanctuary that will seat 850. It has been amazing to watch God's hand move among His people.
It has also been quite eye-opening to see how much Satan can fight against the moving of the Spirit among the congregation.

But, we (the members of the church) have remained faithful to God and the direction in which he has led us and He has proved himself to be faithful in the ministry over and over again.

One of the goals for the banquet was to allow the new ladies who have joined to connect with our ladies who have been with us from before the move to Lawrenceville. I am happy to say that I have heard so much buzz among the ladies and how happy they are that they were able to make new friends and feel a part of an exciting ladies ministry.

At the end of the evening I handed out a survey card for the ladies to fill out. The questions were directed in two main areas. What are your gifts, talents, abilities and passions for Christian service and what do you need and desire to see us do for you through the ladies ministry at Meadow Baptist.
I have spent some time going through those cards and a couple of things are occurring over and over again.

Many of the ladies have written down that they desire more fellowships and activities that bring them together with other ladies. Many have also expressed a desire to be discipled or mentored. I expected to see both of these things as the Lord has impressed upon my heart in the last couple of years that there is a huge need for fellowship and guidance among Christian women (Titus 2)
What I was really delighted to see is that I am finding that there are just as many women who have a desire to disciple and / or mentor another lady.
God is bringing it all to pass. He is revealing the needs of the ladies in our congregation and providing an avenue for those needs to be met.

Now, it is up to us to seek God's direction in how to bring these two groups of ladies together for His glory. The banquet was beautiful, exciting and more wonderful than I had even hoped for. Now, we roll up our sleeves and watch God reward all the hard work.

Please join me in this prayer; God, bless this ministry. May it be a shining light to guide women to you and an avenue of blessing to those who are yielded to service. He is good and His mercy endures forever.....can't wait to see what He's going to do next. I'll let you know!

A New Direction!!!

Hi everyone; whoever you are. I'm sure by now that most of you who were following this blog have probably given up. The last post was on April 19th. I am so sorry. I had a seven week Bible study that took so much of my time.
The study was based on a book by Susan Hunt called "Spiritual Mothering the Titus II mandate" I made all my own handouts for each chapter and spent a lot of time in study, prayer and preparation. The study involved 21 ladies.
As a direct result of the seven week study I got some definite direction from the Lord about something I've been praying for over 2 years.

The Lord has impressed upon me to start a women's ministry at Meadow Baptist Church like none we've ever had. We are not only going to be establishing discipleship, mentoring and more Bible studies for the ladies in our congregation, but we are also, beginning to reach out into the surrounding community to reach ladies in need there.

As the director of the "Connections" ministry, I am asking that you please join me in praying for a clear direction. I wrote the following mission statement and vision statement for the ministry:

Vision: As Christians we have a desire to see the women's ministry of Meadow Baptist Church become a beacon of hope to the lost, a source of strength for the fearful, a shelter for those seeking refuge, and a constant source of encouragement and acceptance. Our prayer is that every woman who enters our church will find a place of sanctuary where she feels unconditional love, peace of mind and an eternal spring of hope that is rooted in the faith that we share through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ.

Mission statement: To create a ministry that touches the lives of women from the teens to our senior saints and serves as a tool to edify, educate, encourage and evangelize; not only by reaching in to the ladies in our congregation, but also, by reaching out into the surrounding community, bringing honor and glory to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

With God's help this is the ministry that we will develop. Our kickoff event is scheduled for Saturday, November 13th. It's a get acquainted banquet. We have assigned a hostess to each table who will invite ladies from the church but leave a space or two for visitors and new members who will be personally invited to sit at her table. The hostess has chosen a theme, and will decorate and prepared food for the ladies at her table. The purpose of the banquet is to make those new ladies feel a part of our ministry. We will also be handing out a survey that will be vital to fulfilling the mission of reaching out by utilizing the gifts and talents of all the ladies in our congregation.

I will be following the development of this ministry on my blog and also giving words of encouragement to ladies as they strive to serve Christ in a deeper way.

Please look forward to these changes.
Thank you!

I was doing my Bible study early this morning and connected to a website that was giving me the Hebrew pronunciation, definition and origin of the names of God. It was one of the most interesting things I've looked at in a long time. I am amazed at the way God uses language to express Himself to us.

I was lead to the website while studying for a ladies class that I will be teaching in June. The class will be on "Spiritual Mothering" not little children, but the Titus II spiritual mothering, as in the Older women teaching the younger women. In the book the author, Susan Hunt, in speaking of God's character, begins to give the definition of one of God's names "El Shaddai".

She began with the definitions of mother and mothering.
Mother: a female that has borne an offspring. A female who has adopted a child or otherwise established a maternal relationship with another person.
Mothering: to give birth to...to create and care for; instigate and carry through. To watch over, nourish, and protect.

Based on these definitions: Spiritual Mothering is when a woman possession faith and spiritual maturity enters into a nurturing relaitionship with a younger woman in order to encourage and equip her to live for God's glory.
Susan continues by stating this:
"God's relationship with His people forms the pinnacle for the spiritual mothering concept defined above." This is where the name "El Shaddai" comes in. I never knew this, but confirmed it this morning.

"The traditional translations of scripture have consistently rendered this name "Almighty." But to appreciate it's full flavor; it will be helpful to examine its Hebrew roots. El is a shortened form of "Elohim" which sets forth the might, the strength, and the excellence of God. This is where it gets interesting "Shad"is the Hebrew word for breast. Shaddai pictures God's fullness or bounty, his tenderness, his generosity, his desire to nurture us and make us fruitful. In one name "El Shaddai" God's attributes of might and tenderness are brought together.!" Isn't it wonderful to know that a God that is so powerful, also loves us so much that his tenderness toward us is comparable to that of a nursing mother. As a mother who nursed her babies, I can tell you that there is no other bonding relationship that is more precious.

Numbers 12-14 Since we are blogging through a chronological Bible these chapters in Numbers and the ninetieth Psalm were written together chronologically.

Dissension of Aaron and Miriam (12:1-16)
God commanded Moses, Aaron and Miriam to meet with him at the door of the tabernacle. There he came down in the cloud and caused Miriam to contract leprosy. They feared for her very life...Moses intervened in prayer and she was sent out of the camp for seven days and then allowed to return free of the disease. God is using Miriam and Aaron as examples here to show how seriously he judges those who would dare to speak out against a prophet. I don't pretend to know the heart or thoughts of God, but; it makes me wonder about an application for today. If we speak out against a man of God today, what would the consequences be? Could it be that this example was also set forth for us to be aware of our criticism of our pastor? I've heard some pretty harsh things said about pastors who did not deserve the wrath that was bestowed on them and I always wonder if and how God might judge the ones who are critical of him. After all he is God's man if he preaches the word, a modern day prophet, if you would...I am also reminded of the passage of scripture that describes the prophet Elijah, who was in a certain town and some of the local boys were taunting him and God sent a bear out of the woods to eat the boys.

My husband and I were at the home of one of our Sunday school students for an Easter sunset service. We were meeting by the lake and a missionary was sharing his testimony. The speaker had a microphone, so the sound was echoing across the lake where three or four little boys were playing. Right in the middle of the missionaries testimony the boys started to yell nasty comments across the lake. "Hey, you preacher man, why don't you just shut up?" and "We don't care what you have to say, just shut up." I was reminded of the little boys that God judged and terrified that a bear might appear any moment. I don't know if when or how, but I do believe that sin (of any kind) has serious consequences. That is however, up to God to judge, not us!

Spies Sent into Canaan (13:1-33)
One man from each tribe was sent out to spy on the land of Canaan. There they saw giants. They reported back to Moses and even though Caleb wanted to go and conquer the land immediately, the others were too afraid of the giants that lived there (they compared themselves to grasshoppers next to the giants).

Israel Refuses to Enter Canaan (14:1-10)
This was the land "flowing with milk and honey" that God had promised them.
Yet they refuse to trust Him to deliver it to them, even though He had promised to do so. Sounds so like us sometimes. (Oh ye of little faith)
Joshua and Caleb tried to convince the people that God was true to his word and that the land would be theirs. But the people wanted to stone them because they were so afraid.

Moses Intercedes for the People (14:11-25)
So, as has become the norm, God came down in the cloud before the people and basically said, "How long will these people reject Me? And how long will they not believe me, with all the signs which I have performed among them?"
In our terms God had had it with these people, He was tired of listening to their moans and complaints, because he had proven himself faithful to his word over and over again and the people still refused to trust him.

Death Sentence on the Rebels (14:26-38)
God spoke to Moses and told him that all those who went to spy on the land and came back causing the people to complain about Moses and fear to possess the land, (who were 20 years old or older) with the exception of Joshua and Caleb would die of a plague sent by God and would never be allowed to enter the land that God was prepared to give them. So, it was done...

A Futile Invasion Attempt (14:39-45)
There was great mourning in the land because of these deaths. But evidently they didn't get it still!!! They decided that it would be best if they now went to conquer the land. But Moses told them how foolish this would be because the Lord would not be with them. They still wanted to go their own way instead of God's way. So they went anyway and were attacked.

There is a lesson here for us. Sin doesn't pay.
One of my former pastors used to say:
Sin will take you further than you want to go,
Keep you longer than you want to stay,
and cost you more than you want to pay.....there's a lot of truth there.
The Bible says that the consequences of sin is death. Romans 6:23a
But it doesn't end there...God loves us, He mad a way "the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" Romans 6:23b. What a precious realization for us. We went from the "slaves of sin" to the "slaves of God" Romans 6:20-22
tells us "For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life." There it is, before Christ comes into our lives we are "slaves" to sin. But after salvation through the blood of Christ, we are "slaves" to righteousness. Willing slaves, might I add...praise God for his grace to us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).
If you don't know Him personally, get to know Him. He loves you, He died for you and He wants to know you!!

Good morning all! I was reminded this morning, after receiving a lovely email from my daughter, how blessed I am. God has given me three wonderful children who love Him. The best thing is that all three of them know that God loves them and I can see God working in each of their lives to mold them into what He wants them to be. I thank Him every day for His wonderful blessings.
My excitement is building as I anticipate the birth of my first grandchild. He/She is not due until September, and the family lives in Portland, Oregon so we will be spending time immediately after the birth with them. Please pray for Ashley and Aaron as they become new parents. It is a huge responsibility both financially and spiritually. But God's timing is always perfect and this precious little one will be welcomed, nurtured and brought up to love God.
I would also ask that you pray for me. I have been experiencing some strange pains in my left leg and hip area. I will be making a Dr.'s apt. in the next week.

Numbers 8-11

Arrangement of the Lamps (8:1-4)
God had a plan for every aspect of the tabernacle to bring glory unto himself.
Everything was put in order just as God commanded it to be.
Cleansing and Dedication of the Levites (8:5-25)

The Second Passover (9:1-23)
Here, God reminds Moses, to remind the people to keep the passover, just as they had observed it the first time. If not their firstborn child would die. This shows just how seriously God wanted the people to keep His commandments and ordinances. This entire chapter is dedicated to reminding the people of this.

Two Silver Trumpets (10:1-10)
These trumpets were used to call the people to the tabernacle for meetings and worship, as well as calls to movement, or to march out into battle.
The sounding of both trumpets was a call to meeting or worship.
But if only one trumpet was blown it was a call to move or to go to battle, depending on the specific type of call.

Departure from Sinai (10:11-36)
It was time for them to move. If you remember, in earlier chapters, God had told the people who and how the tabernacle was to be packed up to move. He gave very specific instructions as to which tribes were responsible for every aspect of their journeying. In this chapter we see the process. The "cloud" is taken up from above the tabernacle (10:11) an indication from God that it was time for them to move. Then each tribe performed their specific duties; with the Levites taking up the tabernacle with the ark of the covenant going out before them for a three day journey (10:33).

The People Complain (11:1-15)
Well, here we go again. It's just like us today. God blesses and instead of being a nation of grateful followers, some choose to complain. Well, God takes this attitude of a lack of gratitude very seriously. In fact the Bible tells us in verse 1 that "...His anger was aroused. So the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed some..." The fear of the Lord is a wonderful thing. It will preserve us not only unto good works, but also physically. May we be a grateful nation, God has blessed and preserved us!! When the people ran to Moses, he prayed and God had mercy and quenched the fire (11:2). God was still supplying manna for the people. But, again, they become dissatisfied with it and crave the meat and vegetables that were abundant in Egypt. The complaints turned into lust and the lust into an act of disobedience. Egypt was their old life and God had granted them a new life, and the promise of a wonderful land waiting at the end of the journey. Isn't this a beautiful picture of our journey to the beautiful place He has prepared for us at the end of our earthly journey?

The Seventy Elders (11:16-30)
These Elders were chosen from among the people to help bear the burden the people were putting on Moses. The moaning, hungers and grumblings were beginning to be more than Moses could bear alone (11:1-17).
Moses chose seventy men from among the tribes and met with them and God at the tabernacle and God came in the cloud and spoke to Moses and filled the 70 men with the spirit of the Lord. (11:24-27).

The Lord Sends Quail (11:31-35)
The elders were chosen, filled with the spirit, and warning the people about the consequences for their ungrateful hearts. So, God sent quail, those that lusted for the old life in Egypt gave in to the temptation, captured the quail and as a consequence of their disobedience to God, they died. This is also a picture.
A picture of God's judgment on those who choose sin (death) over obedience (life) (11:31-34).

The Bible is very clear on this in other passages as well. In James 1:14-15, we see the progression of the consequences of sin. First there is temptation, then a drawing away from the truth, (through mans own lusts) then there is enticement, (Satan's work). Then when lust has conceived (the embryo is death), it brings forth the sin, and after the sin, death. You can see the same process in the garden of Eden; Eve was tempted, then lusted after the fruit, Satan stepped in and enticed her further. When Eve gave in to the enticement of Satan, her own lusts brought her to the decision to disobey God, partake of the fruit and sin. After she and Adam sinned, they were condemned to death, spiritually and the the process of physical death also began as they were ejected from the place of perfection (the garden) into the place of contamination (the world). But, praise the Lord, that was not the end of the story. We were rescued from our sin. God's son, through his obedience to the will of his Father, made a way of escape for us. Salvation through his blood. And now, we are on our journey toward the land that has been prepared for us. Some day at the end of this earthly journey, we will be in our promised land, with the one who gave himself for us. Keep looking up...it won't be long!!!

I went through the Georgia, DMV tag line recently. And I was reminded how easily people can get worked up over something they don't understand or "think they understand" and want to push their opinions on others around them. As I entered the tag office there was a man asking each person who entered the building, "Have you filled out your census report and sent it back in yet?" I had to say "No". The gentleman was very nice and replied back "You need to get it in, we're waiting for you."

A man came in behind me and was asked the same question. This man however, replied "yes" and then proceeded to tell the other gentleman why he only filled in two of the questions. "It's an invasion of privacy" "It wasn't the original intent of the census to divide the country into districts, so that the democrats can make sure that certain ethnic or economic groups will be the majority, to insure that they vote for them". He had all kinds of reasons why he disagreed with the process.

Right behind him, a black couple came in and were asked the same question.
They replied "yes" very kindly and then were subjected to the constant negative comments of the man in front of them. As he continued to talk about the different races that "are so easily influenced" as he put it; it was obvious to me that the couple was very unhappy with the man's comments. Not to mention the fact that he was holding up the line. I was embarrassed that the man kept directing his comments to me, as if we were old friends. I finally succeeded, after several tries to get the man to change the subject. And I was certainly relieved when my turn finally came to get out of the line and purchase my tags.

The experience reminded me that not everyone is interested in my opinions and I pray that I am sensitive to those around me when I am expressing them. As Christians, we are called to be kind, meek, and Christ like. It is possible to share, even a passionate belief, in a way that is not offensive to those who may not necessarily agree with our views. On the other hand it is important for us to speak up when injustice is done. Jesus did teach us that...even He could "be angry and sin not." We are to be salt and light in a dark world....don't be silent, but do be Christ like!!

Numbers 4-7 These chapters not only deal with the census, but also designate the duties of specific families within the tribe of the Levites. Remember, from our previous studies, that the Levites were the tribe from which the priest were chosen. Therefore, the duties of these families revolved around the erection, operation, and disassembly of the tabernacle, and were described in detail.

Duties of the Sons of Kohath (4:1-20)
Duties of the Sons of Gershon (4:21-28)
Duties of the Sons of Merari (4:29-33)
Census of the Levites (4:34-49)

Ceremonially Unclean Persons Isolated (5:1-4)
Confession and Restitution (5:5-10)
Concerning Unfaithful Women (5:11-31)
This is very interesting to me. According to Nelson, the test described here in verses 11 through 33 was to prevent jealousy and suspicion. These verses describe the "law of jealousy." whereby a woman suspected of marital unfaithfulness had to be brought to the priest for trial before the Lord (v.16), who alone could reveal the truth of the matter; thigh to rot...belly to swell. Some physical disorder causing sterility (vs. 21,22,27). Ultimately, it appears that God must have miraculously controlled the results whenever this test was used. Nelson also believes that verse 27 could be referring to the miscarriage of a child. Also indicating that God's divine will was performed in the lives of those whether guilty or innocent of unfaithfulness to their husbands.
Neither the water nor the dust could by itself cause "the swelling of the belly" or the "rotting of the thigh". But God certainly could.

The law of the Nazirite(6:1-21)
A Nazirite (from a verb meaning "to separate or abstain") was a layperson of either sex who was bound by a vow of consecration to God's service for a specific period of time or in some cases for life. He could drink no fruit of the vine, could not eat grapes or raisins (vs.3-4), could not cut his hair (vs. 5) and could not defile himself by going near a dead person (vs. 6-7) These outward signs served as a public testimony of his dedication to God.
The Priestly Blessing (6:22-27)

Offerings of the Leaders (7:1-89)
This process must have been very important to the Lord. He dedicated 89 verse to the description of the offerings that were given by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes. The offerings were both orderly and abundant.

This chapter brings a thought to my mind.
"Everything rises and falls on leadership." How many times have you heard that? God commanded these leaders to bring specific offerings, brought to the temple by tribes in a specific order, and they were lavish. This beautiful display of love for the Lord was a shining example for the people. The leadership was setting the bar high so that the people would follow their example of gratitude to a God who preserved, protected and continued to provide for their needs in the wilderness journey. As long as they blessed God, He would in turn bless them. We see this throughout the Old Testament scriptures.

Let's follow their example. We must let our offerings to the Lord be lavish. We must let them be an example and a testimony to the fact that the Lord has blessed us so abundantly. I don't know about you, but I certainly have been blessed beyond what I deserve. I want my offerings to be a reflection of that blessing for the world to see...

Numbers 1-3

Census! Heard that word lately? If you live in America, that's almost all you've heard about (besides the health care bill) over the last few months.
Numbers chapter 1 begins with the first Census of Israel. In the Hebrew Bible, this book is entitled "In the Wilderness." The name "Numbers" comes from the Greek translation of the Old Testament and refers specifically to the census figures given in two census reports; Num. 7-1:2-46 and 26:2-51.

The content of the Book of Numbers is diverse, moving back and forth between lists and laws and narratives, making it hard to identify any single outline or structure. The book begins in the same vein as Leviticus, with more divine instructions from Mount Sinai, still stressing priestly matters. These laws conclude in ch. 10 and the Israelites set out for the Promised Land.
The people needed organization in order to reach that "land flowing with milk and honey." and God instructed Moses to take a census so that the people would be organized both for travel and for warfare.


The First Census of Israel (1:1-54)
God chose one man from each tribe to be in charge of getting his entire tribe together and counting the men who were 20 years and older (old enough to go to war) (1:1-4). God gave Moses the specific names of the men that were to be chosen from each of the 12 tribes to carry out the census (1:5-44).
There was one exception, the tribe of Levi was not numbered; they were the tribe chosen to be over the operations of the tabernacle (1:47-54).
The number of men in the other 11 tribes were 603,550 (1:45-46).

The Tribes and Leaders by Armies (2:1-34)
Each of the tribes was assigned a section of the camp.
These armies were designed to surround the camp for the purpose of sounding the alarm if an enemy approached from any side. The entire camp was surrounded by the various tribal armies.

The Sons of Aaron (3:1-13)
Census of the Levites Commanded (3:14-39)
This census was for every male from the age of one month and above (vs.14).
The Levites camp was located to the east in front of the tabernacle (vs.38-39)
There were 22,000 of them.

Levites Dedicated Instead of the First Born (3:40-51)
Offerings were taken from all the people and given to the Levites for the
operation of the tabernacle, this was a ceremonial offering for redemption (3:49-51).

Duties of the Sons of Kohath (4:1-20)
This family was part of the Levite tribe. Those from age 30 to 50 were counted. These men were given very specific duties concerning the taking down and carrying of specific parts of the tabernacle to get it ready to be moved. (vs.4-15)
They were to wrap and carry the "most holy things" (4:4)
They would die if they did not prepare and move things according to the Lord's commands (4:17-19).

Duties of the Sons of Gershon (4:21-28)
These men ages 30 to 50 were responsible for the curtains, the coverings, the screen for the door, the screen for the gate, hangings of the court, and all other things made of fabric and skins (4:25-26).

Duties of the Sons of Merari (4:29-33)
These men 30 to 50 were to carry the boards of the tabernacle, it's bars, its pillars, its sockets, and the pillars around the court with their sockets, pegs, and cords, and some of the furnishings (4:31-32).

Census of the Levites (4:34-49)
The Levite tribe was responsible for the packing up and moving of the tabernacle. We must remember that the tabernacle was made to be put up and taken down. Though it was a mammoth task, it could be done. Not only was it a large undertaking, but it was also very valuable with everything being covered in bronze or pure gold. If you remember our past study; each one of the furnishings was built with sockets and rings so that poles could be inserted to allow them to be carried. According to the above passages, these families of the tribe of the Levites were given commands directly from God, by Moses, to carefully pack and carry each part of the tabernacle to the next leg of their journey. If they followed God's direction, and worked together, a mammoth task became possible. What a great lesson here for us, the body of Christ. We have a mammoth task ahead of us. We are trying to reach a lost and dieing world.
We must work together, be organized and prepared for "travel and warfare".
The next leg of our journey is reaching those who need a Savior and as far as the warfare is concerned; you can be certain that Satan will be waging war against us, all the way!!

I have really been swamped for the last two weeks. So starting today I'm going to try and make up some ground. We will look at a couple of extra chapters each day for a couple of weeks to try and catch up some. Please be patient with me. I'm definitely a diamond in the rough!!

Exodus 24-27:
Someone reminded me yesterday in Sunday school that God's ways are higher than ours and our ways are not His ways. It's a dangerous thing to speculate "what He meant" or try to be dogmatic about our own opinions concerning "what He said" in scripture. So, when I read chapter 24 and looked at the penalties that God ordained for His children, some seemed harsh. But, His ways are higher than mine!!! I will not speculate...just see the facts. When scripture is silent I need to be silent. But when scripture sets specific commands in place, it is "what God said" and can be used to guide and teach us as His children. Some say God's laws are outdated or that Old Testament scripture is not relevant to us today...I say, if God said it, I believe it and if I can apply it through the Holy Spirit's conviction of sin in my heart, then it's relevant. Open your heart to God's word and allow His Holy Spirit to do the work in you as you read and study it.

Care of the Tabernacle Lamps (24:1-4)
The oil had to be replenished morning and evening so that the light never went out. A constant reminder that the Lord was with them. This was one of Aaron's responsibilities as the priest.

The Bread of the Tabernacle (24:5-9)
The Bread was also to be made daily from flour received from the people. Set in two rows of 6 loaves (representing the twelve tribes) and was to be eaten daily by Aaron and his sons as a reminder of the covenant between them and their God.

The Penalty for Blasphemy (24:10-23)
Blasphemy was a very serious crime "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain" one of the ten commandments, if broken, was punishable by stoning. Those who heard the "cursing of the Lord" were the ones to take up the stones (24:14). Murder was also punishable by death. The laws of retribution were put into affect in this section of scripture "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth" (24:18-21).

The Sabbath Years and Year of Jubilee:
Every 7th year was the Sabbath Year, in which the land was to lie fallow (Lev. 25:4). Among other things this practice would prevent soil depletion and the subsequent impoverishment of the farmer (still practiced today by farmers). The Year of Jubilee came every 50th year (Lev.25:9,11). Possibly no systematic harvesting of the produce of the fields was permitted during the 7th or jubilee years. Although people might eat such produce in the fields (25: 6,7,12), their regular meals were to come from the excess of the previous years (25:21).

The Sabbath of the Seventh Year (25:1-7)
The Year of Jubilee (25:8-17)
Provisions for the Seventh Year (25:18-22)

Redemption of Property (25:23-34)
If someone became poor and was forced to sell their possessions, including land, house etc. and a relative could purchase it back, or if he at a later time was able, he could buy it back at a prorated price. The purchaser would hold the land until the year of jubilee at which time all land was restored to it's original owner.

Lending to the Poor (25:35-38)
If someone fell into poverty it was the duty of those around him to take him in and feed him without charging him money for the service.
Every 50th year was the year of jubilee in Israel (Lev. 25:11,13). The provisions of this sacred time were intended to maintain economic equality and prevent the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few. In the Jubilee year, if property were not already redeemed, it was to be restored to the original owner (25:25-28). This prevented the creation of great hereditary estates that would have reduced the families of small land holders to the status of serfs. It was similar to the suspension of debts, which was a widespread practice in the Old Babylonian period.

The Law Concerning Slavery (25:39-55)
If someone became poor they could sell themselves to a brother and work for him (for pay) not as a slave, but as a hired hand to be released back to his own land until the Year of Jubilee. Slavery was practiced at this time. The children of Israel could purchase "from the inhabitants of the nations surrounding them"
(25:44-46) person to work the land and they were to be considered permanent property of the family who purchased them as an inheritance to their children(25:46).

Promise of Blessing and Retribution (26:1-46)
This chapter is an expanded version (if you will) of the original ten commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. By that I mean that God not only repeats the laws, but also gives an explanation of the law and the relating promises given in the covenant for the obedience of the law.
"These are the statutes and judgments and laws which the LORD made between Himself and the children of Israel on Mount Sinai by the hand of Moses." (26:46)

Redeeming Persons and Property Dedicated to God (27:1-34)
In verse 2 a singular vow means a special vow by which an individual consecrated to the Lord himself or his family, his animals, his house or his fields(27:2, 3-8, 9-13, 14-25). Instead of actually transferring ownership the individual could substitute a just sum of money (except when a clean animal was vowed to the Lord, in which case it could not be redeemed (27:9-10).
In today's vernacular, this would be called a (tithe or offering) to the Lord.
We do not transfer ownership of our property, we simply give to the church according to our prosperity.

An "eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Sounds harsh, doesn't it? God also says "vengeance is mine." God's justice is perfect, holy and made according to His omnipotence. Ours on the other hand is scud by greed, hatred and a warped sense of justice, ruled by a sin nature. Let go and let God!! When we are wronged, it is often times hard to let it go and just let God have his perfect way in the situation. But, it is best, because His ways are higher than ours and His will is perfect and just!!!

Before we begin the passage for today, I have a prayer request.
A friend of mine called me this afternoon and asked prayer for her brother's family. Her brother in Atlanta, rushed his wife to the hospital with an abscessed appendix, while at the same time in, Portland, Oregon, their son was being ruched to the emergency room with a broken collar bone, the result of a snowboarding accident. Now the son is hundreds of miles away lonely and in pain, while his mom is in the hospital. His return flight isn't until Saturday.
Please pray that the airline will take mercy on him and let him fly home on a stand by flight so that he can be with his family. He needs them and they need him.

Leviticus 21-23

Regulations for Conduct of Priests (21:1-22:16)
The priest were forbidden to come in contact by preparing or carrying a dead body except for the close family listed in these verses. (Lev.21:1-4) Otherwise they were defiling themselves and were made unworthy of serving in the tabernacle. The other regulations for the priest behavior deal with such things as marrying a harlot or a divorced woman.(Lev. 21:7) It also speaks of Aaron's descendants who would become ineligible to serve as a priest; those with any defects. (Lev.21:17-23)

Offerings Accepted and Not Accepted (22:17-33)
Any offering with a blemish or other defect was not an acceptable offering. (22:19-23) Nothing bruised or crushed (fruits & vegetables) torn or cut (22:24-27) In other words all offerings had to be perfect in order to be accepted.

Israel's Feasts (Lev. 23:1-44)
In addition to the Sabbath, Leviticus 23 describes seven sacred festivals of the Hebrew calendar that were observed before the Babylonian exile. These feasts were occasions for nationwide gatherings which called the people to public worship. Passover (23:5) and the Feast of Unleavened Bread (23:6-8) occurred in Abib (also called Nisan), the 1st month (March or April) of the sacred year. Combined they were one of Israel's three annual pilgrimage festivals for which every adult male was required to present himself at the tabernacle; and later, the temple.

Passover may have been celebrated for one day at the beginning of the week-long Feast of Unleavened Bread, as it is in modern Judaism.

Firstfruits (23:9-21) was celebrated twice during the year as an expression of gratitude to God for His provision in the harvest. The first celebration occurred on the day following the Sabbath at the time of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. This fell during the barley harvest, some time between the 15th and the 22nd days of the 1st month (Abib). The second celebration occurred 50 days later during the Feast of Weeks.

The Feast of Weeks (23:15-22), also known as Harvest (Ex. 23:16), occurred 50 days after the offering of firstfruits at the barley harvest. Held in connection the wheat harvest, this one day celebration during the 3rd month (Sivan) involved the firstfruits observation as well as other sacrifices. It was the second festival with required attendance at the temple.

The Feast of Trumpets (23:23-25) was the first of three holy days of the 7th month (Tishni). It was a sacred celebration of the new civil year, calling attention to judgment for sin, and the need for penitence and forgiveness.

The Day of Atonement (23:26-32) was the second holy day of the 7th month. On this day sacrifice was made for the sin of the whole nation, thus, it was a time of true repentance and faith preparing for the Feast of Tabernacles.

The Feast of Tabernacles (23:33-36 or Booths v. 39-43), the third holy day of the 7th month was celebrated at the end of the grape harvest in September-October. Also known as in gathering (Ex. 23:16), it was a time for great joy when all harvests were completed. It was also the third feast requiring a pilgrimage to Jerusalem.

It seems that there were festivals going on all year to remind the children of Israel that they had much to be thankful for. God had miraculously provided for their safety, health, and spiritual well being. It was up to them to be obedient to the things Moses was trying to teach them. Through their obedience came the blessings of God upon their nation.

Leviticus 16-20

The Day of Atonement:
A description of the Day of Atonement, the most sacred event in the year, appears in Lev. 16 and also in Lev. 23:26-32. Post biblical Judaism referred to this annual observance as "the day" or "the great day." In the New Testament Paul calls it "the Fast" (Acts 27:9). It was observed on the 10th day of the 7th month, Tishri, corresponding to October (Lev. 23:1).

Aaron, the high priest had two sons who were consecrated to serve in the tabernacle with him. They were given very specific instructions about the burning of the incense. Even down to where the fire was to come from. In disobedience to their father, they obtained the fire from another source and they died. God takes his commands very seriously, especially where true worship if concerned. Chapter 16 begins with a description from God through Moses to Aaron concerning the entering into the "Holy of Holies". The chosen priest could only enter into that sacred place where the very presence of God was, on one day each year, there was a penalty of death for disobedience.
The rest of the chapter deals with meticulous instructions from God about the preparation of the tabernacle for the yearly ritual.

The Sanctity of Blood (Lev. 17:1-16)
Any animal killed for food was to be brought to the tabernacle where the blood and fat became a peace offering (v. 5-6). Then the meat could be eaten.
This was commanded to keep them from offering the blood of animals (slaughtered for food) to idols (17:7). We must also remember that the only time they ate meat was during the festivals. This would be a time when they might have visitors in the camp who could influence them in the worship of other gods. These laws were an attempt to atone for their sins and keep them from turning from God to idols.

Laws of Sexual Morality (Lev. 18:1-30)
These are very specific laws to prevent incest, homosexuality, bestiality and adultery. In this chapter there are references made to the past inhabitants of the land, the Egyptians and the Canaanites who practiced these things and a command to the children of God that they should "observe My judgments and keep My ordinances" (18:4).

Moral and Ceremonial Law (19:37)
These laws dealt with everyday life. Many of which are rewrites of the ten commandments. References are made to being holy, avoiding idol worship, the treatment of one's neighbor, lieing, stealing, adultery and prostitution.
These were designed to teach the people how to live peacefully with one another.

Penalties for Breaking the Law (20:1-27)
In the first verse there is a reference to Molech-(an Ammonite deity to whom children or infants were often sacrificed). The punishment for such a sacrifice was stoning. There were very severe punishments assigned to the disobedience to laws; anything from cutting off a hand for stealing, plucking out an eye for viewing the nakedness of another, to death by stoning for adultery. At any rate the people got the message straight from God, so there was no doubt that it was commanded, not requested.

Why is it that we take God's laws so lightly. As Christians we are commanded to obey the very same things that were the children of Israel. They are not requests; they are commandments.
Maybe it's because there are no longer stoning, or the removal of limbs. It sounds pretty harsh, but human nature is such that if you give an inch a mile is taken. If we are willing to admit it, we all know that we need to be held accountable for our actions.

God help us to be the kind of Christians that desire to follow your commands.
Help me personally to be putty in your hands. It is the only way that we can become more like Christ...it is the only way that a lost and dieing world can see God's glory through us!!

Leviticus 11-15
The next eleven chapters of Leviticus deal with all sorts of laws. Many of the laws discussed in these chapters relate to clean and unclean animals (ch.11)health issues, health issues such as childbirth, leprosy and bodily discharges (ch.12-15) murder (killing anything even animals without sacrificial purpose was considered the same as murder) (ch. 17).others to moral issues, (ch. 18, 19). Remember that Israel is a new nation and the establishment of law is essential to their survival. Therefore, God, through Moses, delivered the law to the people. Chapter 20 covers some of the penalties for breaking the law. These were also important to serve as deterrents for the people, encouraging them to live by God's standards.

Foods Permitted and Forbidden (ch. 11:1-22)
The rationale for the distinctions between clean and unclean animals has been the subject of speculation. One suggestion is that unclean animals include those whose locomotion is improper or irregular, like the bat, which is a mammal that flies. Fish without fins are unclean (Lev. 11:10), as are animals that "creep" on the ground (11:41). I have also heard the opinion that the unclean rationale is based on what the animals eat (hogs eat slop, shrimp and lobster are both scavengers and eat off the bottom of the ocean as do some fresh fish, such as catfish). Thus it would appear that there could also be health related reasoning behind some of the laws.

Unclean Animals (11:23-47)

The Ritual After Childbirth (chapter 12)

The Law Concerning Leprosy (13:1-46)
The Law Concerning Leprous Garments (13:47-59)
Both of these laws were established to protect the uninfected from the infected person or their belongings. Since this disease could be transferred from one person to the other through a live virus on the clothing or belongings of the infected person, there were very strict laws concerning the disease. At certain stages of the disease, the person was ordered to be quarantined (13:45).

The Ritual for Cleansing Healed Lepers (14:1-32)
The Law Concerning Leprous Houses (14:33-57)

The Law Concerning Bodily Discharges (15:1-33)
These laws were established to make sure that diseases were not carried from one person or one home to another. Isn't it interesting that God has established these things to protect his people from bodily fluids that could possible contaminate and spread through the people. Such diseases have wiped out thousands throughout history (black plague for instance) and look at the devastating affects of aids, which is a disease spread by bodily fluids.
It seems to me that if the world turned back to God and obeyed his laws which were established for the protection of His people, we would be much better off.
I of course am not referring the laws concern sacrifices, our final sacrifice was complete with the death of Christ. But, the practical laws concerning health issues, the way we treat each other and so many of the laws that were established for the well-being of the nation as a whole. Through studying these laws I have been able to see how many of our present day laws have evolved directly from what God passed down to Moses. What a blessing that God loved us enough to help our forefathers establish laws to govern us, with an open eye to the sin problem of man. I am grateful for the men and women who enforce the law and protect us from those who will not obey the law.

Leviticus 8-10
These chapters begin the study of the consecration of Aaron and his sons.
They were the priest appointed by God and revealed to Moses. Aaron and his sons were to be consecrated and perform the duties of the tabernacle. Every duty and responsibility is carefully outlined by God himself and spoken to Moses to be revealed to the priests.

Aaron and His Sons Consecrated - Lev.8:1-36

The Priestly Ministry Begins - Lev. 9:1-22

The Profane Fire of Nadab and Abihu - Lev. 10:1-7
Conduct Prescribed for Priests Lev. - 10:8-20

Right or Wrong Ritual: Life or Death (Lev. 10:1-7)
In the modern western world we tend to think of religious rituals as the procedures by which a group of people worship God. It is not a crisis of faith if some part of a ritual is not done exactly right. But in the ancient world the ritual was considered something to be performed correctly. The ritual properly performed, was proper religion. To make an error in the prescribed forms of the rite was not just a mistake, but an act of impiety.

The priests, who were anointed and set apart to perform the rituals, were expected to live by a more stringent set of rules than were ordinary people. They had to memorize all the liturgy, hymns,k and words for every religious service. The ancient world held services for the deities every day of the year, and so specialists were needed among the priesthood who could handle any service. These priests, it was believed, were chosen by the deity being worshiped.

Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons, were legitimate priests who chose on their own not to follow the ritual that was sanctioned by God (Lev. 10:1). Their deviation appears minor in the eyes of the modern western world; they simply lit their incense censers with a fire from an unapproved source. But for this breach of worship they were both destroyed by divine fire (Lev. 10:2).

Israelites and Judahites would have understood these deaths as the proper consequence. A priest was supposed to follow the proper ritual, since the ritual was the way deity was honored and respected (Lev. 10:3). Nadab's and Abihu's evil was their decision to determine for themselves right and wrong ways to worship. Even mourning for these dead priests was denied, lest it be seen as condoning their sin (Lev. 10:6,7).

I believe that God takes our worship of Him very seriously still today.
This example, though we do not have the demands placed on us today that were placed on them, makes me aware of just how seriously we should look at the process of worship. God says that we should worship Him "in Spirit and in Truth" What does that mean exactly? We are commanded to be "filled with the spirit" in many places in God's word. Perhaps true worship can only be done if we are void of the things of this world and (filled with the spirit). To worship in (truth) means to me, that I will know in my heart the truth of God's greatness, mercy, and grace; when we are aware of these characteristics of God, we cannot help but worship Him in truth.

So, I guess, I would describe worshipping God in spirit and in truth as (The act of being filled with God's spirit to the point where I am keenly aware of His greatness, mercy and grace toward me; and being made aware of this face I am compelled to yield myself completely and be engulfed in worship of Him to the point where nothing else enters my heart or mind.)
Oh to worship God so completely and fully that nothing else matters.
That's how I want to worship Him!!!! How about you?

We are beginning today in the book of Leviticus. The book is a continuation of God's covenant instructions on Mount Sinai, begun in Ex. 20. The name "Leviticus" comes from the many laws and regulations of the book that concern the rights and duties of priests (who were of the tribe of Levi).

Certain clearly defined bodies of laws can be identified in the book. The first seven chapters prescribe the laws of sacrifices; chs. 11-15 distinguish between what is clean and unclean; ch 16 describes the Day of Atonement; and the various laws of chs. 17-26 are unified by the distinct refrain "You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" (Lev. 19:2)

The entire Book of Leviticus is set in a relatively brief period of time. Only a month and a half passes between the erection of the tabernacle at Mount Sinai and the Hebrews' departure from Sinai. The tabernacle was finished on the 1st day of the 1st month in the 2nd year of the Exodus (Ex. 40:17); the departure was on the 20th day of the 2nd month of the same year (Num.10:11,12). Depending on whether the Hebrews left Egypt in the 15th or 13th century, the 2nd year of the Exodus would be about 1445 or 1274 B.C.

The content of Leviticus, however,extends beyond this short month and a half in the wilderness. Many of the laws clearly pertain to a time after the Israelites had entered their land, for instance, the laws for planting fields and cleansing houses. Partly for this reason, some suggest that at least the current form of the book was actually composed later than its context would suggest, perhaps from several different law codes. Of course, those who accept the traditional attribution of the first five books of the Bible to Moses disagree and understand these passages simply as laws given for a future time.

The animal sacrifices described so carefully in Leviticus fit properly in the historical context of the book. Animal sacrifice was universal in ancient Near Eastern religion, so Israel's sacrifice of animals is hardly surprising. More striking, though, is the absolute prohibition against the equally common practice of child sacrifice (see Lev. 18:21).

Leviticus 1-4
These four chapters deal with the different types of offerings that were to be offered to the Lord in the tabernacle.

The Burnt Offering-1:1-17
The Grain Offering-2:1-16
The Peace Offering-3:1-17
The Sin Offering-4:1-35

Leviticus 5-7
These chapters cover, for the most part the laws that governed the offerings. There were very strict procedures for each offering and also laws that governed the exact way in which the priest would perform their duties concerning the offerings.

The Trespass Offering-5:1-13
Offerings with Restitution-5:14-6:7
The Law of the Burnt Offering-6:8-13
The Law of the Grain Offering-6:14-23
The Law of the Sin Offering-6:24-30
The Law of the Trespass Offering-7:1-10
The Law of Peace Offerings-7:11-21
Fat and Blood May Not Be Eaten-7:22-27
The Portion of Aaron and His Sons-7:28-38

The more I study the old testament the more I realize that God's plan for us is so amazing. We are washed in the blood of the "once and for all" sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The law that had to be obeyed for the remission of sin was done away with when, our Savior, the only complete sacrifice gave his life for us. Praise God for his mercy that we are no longer required to practice the day in and day out ritualistic duties that were required of the Israelites to keep their fellowship with God and be purged of sin. Have a wonderful day with the Lord knowing that your faith in His sacrifice has removed the penalty of death and separation from God forever. Amen!!

What a wonderful day in the Lord I was granted yesterday!

After our choir special, I went to my place in the seat next to my husband and settled in for one of Jeff's great messages. With great anticipation I opened my Bible to Titus chapter 2 where we have been now for a couple of weeks. One of my favorite books in the Bible. Just as I got to my place in the scripture, I gasped and looked at my husband and said, "It's my day to answer the prayer lines for the Transforming Truth ministry. So I jumped up and quickly went over to the conference room in the other building.

We had several routine calls, a couple from people who call regularly. The message had wound down and we were getting ready to leave but continued to receive calls. Everyone either had left or were on another line, when the phone in front of me rang. I picked it up and the voice on the other end sounded a little desperate. As she told me her story, I learned that she was in the bed and had to be there for at least two months. She suffers from Lupus and had a fall that left her unable to attend drive. She was watching the transforming truth ministry and expressed how much she enjoyed it.

She told me that she was born into a Jewish family, her husband is an atheist, and her son does not know the Lord. As I listened to her, I could hear in her voice that she needed desperately to share her heart with someone. It became evident that she was not a Christian and I turned in my Bible to the book of Romans.

Everyone else was leaving and I continued to speak with her. She was asking questions about the Jewish nation. How they got where they were and why they were so loved by God. It just so happens that God has had me studying through the books of Genesis and Exodus for the last several months. Not only have I been blogging through the Bible and at this point have gotten to the passages that we needed to discuss; but I have also been doing a Bible study that started in Genesis and at this very moment has me in the middle of the issues she was bringing up.

Isn't God glorious? I don't believe for a moment that I just happened to be the one who picked up the phone when she called, or that my mind and heart have been centered in on exactly what this precious lady needed to hear. We were still on the phone at 1:00 and I had just shared with her the entire Romans road. She had a translation of the Bible that didn't read exactly like mine, so she wanted to write down all the verses. She had some confusion about her stuff (as she called it) she said "my big beautiful house, my expensive cars, you know that kind of stuff" she said, I'm afraid He (God) will take it away from me.
I said, "God doesn't need your stuff, He just wants your heart".

She wanted me to pray and she wanted to just listen. When I asked her if she prayed in her heart to receive Christ as her Savior, she said Oh I was just listening to you pray. I explained to her that she needed to pray and receive Christ as her Savior, she abruptly said, I've got to go, my husband is home.
I said, "would you please read through these verses I have given you and call me back later when we can talk further?" she said, "yes".

On my way home from church I turned my cell phone back on and I had not one message from her, but two messages from her within two minutes of each other, that were placed to me while I was in church. The voice on the other end said, "Kathy this is ......, I'm the lady you spoke with this afternoon on the phone. I'm ready, please call me back I want to pray with you. I excitedly called her back and she prayed the sinners prayer in her own words, and as she wept, she received Christ as her Savior. What a glorious end to a great day with the Lord.
At the end of our conversation, as I sat in my driveway, she said something to me that I will never forget. She said, "Kathy, I have called many of the prayer lines on the T.V. and out of all the people I have ever spoken to, you are the only one who has ever taken the time to answer my questions, and now I really understand". Praise the Lord, I said to her "......., please don't give me any praise for that, God has done what you needed in your heart, I was just the tool He used to do it. I explained to her how God had put us together on the phone and how I had been studying the exact passages that we needed to discuss, and I continued by making sure that she knew that only God could have known that she needed me that day and brought us together. We wept together, as I promised to pray for her, her husband and her son. God is so good. I praise Him today and give Him all the glory for that precious soul coming to know him.

Exodus 38-40

Making the Altar of Burnt Offering (38:1-7)
Making the Bronze Laver (38:8)
Making the Court of the Tabernacle (38:9-20)
Materials of the Tabernacle (38:21-31)

Making the Garments of the Priesthood (39:1)
Making the Ephod (39:2-7)
Making the Breastplate (39:8-21)
Making the other Priestly Garments (39:22-31)

The Work Completed (39:32-43)
Since we covered all of the fixtures, furniture and priestly garments in detail in Exodus chapters 25-31 in detail, I will not go back over all of them. God had given Moses very specific instructions, right down to the colors of thread that were to be used to embroider the curtains that were to be hung in the tabernacle. Suffice it to say that by the end of chapter 40 we have confirmation that every detail of every specification was followed right down to the purple, blue and scarlet cherubim that were skillfully embroidered on the curtains that were hung in place.

The Tabernacle Erected and Arranged Exodus 40:1-33
Remember that the tabernacle was built so that it could be taken down and moved. Though it was possible (it was what God told them to do) it was not an easy task. Remember that everything was covered in pure gold, or was built of bronze and wood, these things were not exactly light weight. However, the furniture used in the tabernacle was built with rings on the corners so that poles could be inserted and could be carried be two to four men.

The Cloud and the Glory (40:34-38)
There was a cloud that came down to hover over the tabernacle when the glory of the Lord filled it. When the cloud was there, they stayed where they were. But when the cloud was taken up they knew it was time to continue on their journey. The Bible tells us in verse 38 "For the cloud of the Lord was above the tabernacle by day, and fire was over it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys." This is just another example of God's love, protection and provision for his chosen people.

I have recently had a testing in my faith financially. Even though I have fought the battle of tithing many times, it is a weakness, especially when money is tight, the bills are due and there's just not enough money to go around. It is so easy at that point to just say "God understands that my house payment is past due" and "that utility bill has been waiting to be paid". Yes, he does, but he said the "first fruits of all our increase belong to him" (Proverbs 3:9). It's not a request, it's a command and with that command comes a promise of blessing if we obey. "So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine" (Proverbs 3:10).

I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew God would provide and yet, my faith was weak. I resisted doing the right thing. I knew my fellowship with him was broken because of my sin. But God is so good, He is so faithful and He never fails. When I could resist the holy spirit's leading no longer, I yielded, and followed the leading of the holy spirit and wrote the tithe checks.

You want to know how good God is?

Three weeks ago I submitted a bid for a commercial cleaning job worth more than a thousand dollars. Because I hadn't heard from the company I had already decided that I was not going to be awarded the job. But before I could even get my tithe checks into the offering plate, I got a phone call from one of the owners of the company. Not only did she tell me that I had the job, she told me my bid was too low and that I needed to go and look at the site and submit a higher bid.
Now, you tell me. Is that just a coincidence? I don't think so. In fact, I know that it was God's plan in action! The moment I yielded to His will, he did the rest. God has proven himself to me in similar ways over and over again.

I fail often...but God never fails. Be faithful to Him and watch his plan for your life unfold and receive the blessings that He is just waiting to pour out on you.
Remember, faith the size of a mustard seed can move a mountain (Mat. 17:20).

Our reading today is in Exodus 35-37

Sabbath Regulations (35:1-3)
After the ten commandments came other laws for the people to obey. As we read them they were so ritualistic feeling, but God knew in his wisdom that the people would stray without such laws; after all they had already proven it, when Moses was on the mountain. They were to follow the example of our creator, work for six days and rest on the Sabbath. This law carried with it the death penalty. I would say God took this very seriously!

In previous chapters God gives Moses the instructions. In these chapters the instructions are carried out, just as God had commanded. The offerings are given, the artisans are called and the construction process begins.

Offerings for the Tabernacle (35:4-9)
Gold, silver, bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair, ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood, oil, spices, onyx stones, and other stones to be used for the clothing of the priests.

Articles of the tabernacle (35:10-19)
Gifted artisans were called out of the people to create the articles for the tabernacle according to God's specifications.

The Tabernacle Offerings Presented (35:20-29)
The offerings were given with a willing heart. That is the only way they will be acceptable unto God. He will not force us to give, and giving grudgingly, instead of with a willing heart, motivated by love, yielded to Him, forfeits the blessing.

The Artisans called by God (35:30-36:1)

The People Give More than Enough (36:2-7)
The people gives so much that Moses had to command them to stop.
What a wonderful problem to have. It sounds like they learned the lesson that God is still trying to teach me.

Building the Tabernacle (36:8-37)
Here, God gives very specific instruction for the measurements of things and how they are to be constructed.

Making the Ark of the Testimony (37:1-9)
Making the Table of Showbread (37:10-16)
Making the Gold Lampstand (37:17-24)
Making the Altar of Incense (37:25-28)
Making the Anointing Oil and the Incense (37:29)

God's plan is perfect. It was for the children of Israel and it is for us.
It sounds very simple, "just obey". But life gets in the way some times.
It's hard, but, with obedience; comes blessing!!!

Today's reading is Exodus chapters 32-34

As I began reading in chapter 32, I realized how foolish people are, how impatient we are, and how quickly we forget. God had led his people out of slavery, fed them on a daily basis, protected them from an entire army by dividing the red sea, and yet, they have forgotten all of it.

The Gold Calf (32:1-35)
Because Moses, didn't come down from the mountain (where he was talking with God) as quickly as the people thought he should, they got restless and impatient. Moses was face to face with God, pleading for the people, getting wisdom from God to help the people and risking death himself to do so. But what were the people doing? They were bending the ear of Aaron and convincing him that Moses wasn't coming back at all.
Aaron's action, at the insistence of the people, came only forty days after they received the commandments not to worship other gods, nor to make other images for worship.

Don't forget, there were about 2 million people in the nation of Israel when they left Egypt. Perhaps Aaron was afraid that the people would revolt against him, get angry, and kill him if he didn't do what they wanted.
Perhaps he feared the people more than he feared God. That was his first mistake. But for whatever reason, he yielded to the will of the people and built a golden calf, which they began to worship. Keep in mind this is the very same Aaron who had been consecrated to serve in the tabernacle and lead the people in worshiping the true God. What happened? How in the world could he get so far from the plan that God himself had established for worship?

We could ask ourselves the same question. How can we worship God on Sunday and live like the way we want to the rest of the week? How can we worship the god of money by robbing God of the tithes and offerings that He commanded us to give? How can we totally ignore gathering ourselves together to honor God on Sunday and spend our time worshiping the links or the lake? Just because we don't build the likeness of an animal and bow down to worship it, does not mean that we are not worshipping idols.

There's a very simple explanation, we have been given a free will, and often make poor choices, in spite of what God has done for us. I don't know about you, but God has blessed me far beyond what I deserve, and yet I fail him in so many ways. Don't be too hard on the children of Israel, we are all guilty of some or all of the same things, we just don't have our sins written down in a book for everyone to read about. And we are great at rationalizing and making excuses that sound really good. Aaron was trying to give an explanation to Moses (Ex. 32:22-24). Nice try Aaron, but it sounds as foolish as many of our excuses.

Don't be fooled God is not mocked "whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap" (Gal.6:7). We will not get away with our sin. Though God loves us, His holiness will not allow Him to overlook sin. But He has made a way, it is called repentance. We have been given the answer for our sin problem through the blood of Jesus Christ. It lies in the confession of sin, daily dieing to self, and fully trusting in God for all that we need.

Except for the pleading of Moses for the people, God would have destroyed them. When Moses saw that the people were worshiping the calf, he got angry and broke the very laws that were given by God (the ten commandments) to guide them into proper worship (32:19). The other problem with sin-there are always consequences. Three thousand men died as a result of the idol worship (32:28). What a big price to pay.

The Command to Leave Sinai (33:1-6)
Moses Meets with the Lord (33:7-11)
It was the job of Moses as the leader to meet with God, then give the people the words of the Lord for daily worship. When Moses went to meet with the Lord, all the people worship at the entrance to their tents.

The Promise of God's Presence (33:12-23)
How precious was the promise of God to Moses, that He would never leave him, but would go before him and the people that he was charged to lead. We have that same promise in Hebrews 13:5-6 "...I will never leave you nor forsake you." so we may boldly say: The Lord is my helper: I will not fear."

Moses Makes New Tablets (34:1-9)

The Covenant Renewed (34:10-28)
God renewed His blessing on the children of Israel. The ten commandments represent the renewal of the covenant between God and his chosen people.
Their obedience of the commandments was the source of their continued relationship with God.

The Shining Face of Moses (34:29-36)
Whenever Moses met with God, his face would be shining and he would wear a veil to keep the people from being afraid of him.
This passage brought a thought to my mind. I have heard it said that there is a "glow" on the face of those who have met with God. I wonder if this scripture is the original source for that analogy. I also wonder, have you met with God lately? Can people see the glow in you? Do they know that you have been with God? I hope so. I have often been in conversation with people whom I haven't met previously; and there is just something about them... they don't have to tell me, but I can tell that they know the Lord. There should be something distinctively different about God's people.
WE SHOULD GLOW!!!

Exodus 28-31

Garments for the Priesthood (28:1-4)

Chapter 28 begins by describing the garments that must be worn by the priest (Aaron and his sons) who served the Lord in the tabernacle. Each piece of the priestly garments was made to God's specifications and as "holy garments" (28:2,4) They were also to be made "for glory and for beauty" (28:2)

by "gifted artisans, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom" and garments made for the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the Lord (28:3).

The garments to be made were: "a breastplate, an ephod, a robe, a skillfully woven tunic, a turban, and a sash" (28:4).



The Ephod (28:5-13)

The Ephod was an outer garment worn by Aaron. It's significant that the Lord commanded that they should take "two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel" (28:9). These were the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. The two stones were to be attached to the shoulders of the Ephod and were to be set in pure gold. Then a set of gold chains were to be attached from one side of the Ephod to the other which connected the two stones.



It was as if God was saying to Aaron "the weight of the sins of the people of Israel are on your shoulders". The priest were responsible for making the sacrifices on behalf of the people. It was a huge responsibility. Without the sacrifices, there was no remission for sin. Until the ultimate sacrifice was made on the cross, the priest offered the substitutionary lambs before God for the people.



The Breastplate (28:15-30)

On the breastplate, again the Lord commands that the names of the twelve tribes be engraved on stones. The stones were to be set in gold and attached to the front of the breastplate in four rows (17-21). Rings were fashioned out of gold with chains attached and blue cords that connected the Ephod to the Breastplate. (22-28) "So Aaron shall bear the names of the sons of Israel (the twelve tribes) on the breastplate of judgment over his heart, when he goes into the holy place, as a memorial before the Lord continually" (28:29).

God wanted Aaron to bear the names of the 12 tribes every time he came into the tabernacle (the presence of the Lord). It was a constant memorial to him and the people that there was no permanent cure for their sin problem. That would only come later through the sacrifice of the Lord, Jesus Christ.

Until then, "So Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel over his heart before the Lord continually" (28:30b)



Other Priestly Garments (28:31-43)

All the garments were hand woven of fine linen. The robe was to be blue and the hem was to have pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet woven into it and alternated with gold bells (pomegranate, bell, pomegranate, bell) all around the hem of the garment. (28:31-34). The bells were attached so that he could be heard while he was in the holy of holies. It the bells stopped ringing, they knew that God's judgment had fallen on the priest and he was dead and needed to be pulled out of the holy of holies by the blue cords attached to him. (28:35)



"You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD (28:36) This engraved plate was to be attached with a blue cord to the front of the turban worn by the priest. This plate is referred to as "the holy crown" of the turban. It reminds me of the holy crown worn by Christ on the cross, but his was made of thorns, not gold.


Aaron and his sons consecrated (29:1-37)
The Daily Offerings (29:38-46)

The Altar of Incense (30:1-10)
The Altar of Incense was representative of the prayers of the saints being lifted up to God and was burning day and night (30:7-8). This was to be a perpetual burning of sweet smelling incense unto the Lord. Many references are made to the incense's representation of the prayers of the saints (Psalm 141:2, Revelation 5:8, Revelation 8:3)

The Ransom Money (30:11-16)
These were offerings taken each year during the census, this money was used to sustain the functions of the tabernacle (30:11-16)

The Bronze Laver (30:17-21)
This laver was filled with water that was to be used by the priest (Aaron and his sons) was washing themselves before entering the tabernacle of meeting.

The Holy Anointing Oil (30:22-38)
This oil was made from very specific ingredients, described here, and was used to anoint every thing in the tabernacle, to make it holy before the Lord.

Artisans for Building the Tabernacle (31:1-11)
God called very specific people to aid in the construction process they are actually named here (Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Aholiab of the tribe of Dan). These two men and their tribes were given special wisdom, and knowledge for the construction and design of the tabernacle and everything that was to be used in it's construction and ministry. Verse 3 says that this wisdom, understanding and knowledge has come from "the filling of the Spirit of God".

The Sabboth Law (12-18)

The people were commanded through Moses to keep the sabbath day holy. A day of rest consecrated to the Lord. This passage refers back to creation and the fact that the Lord worked for six days and "the seventh day He rested and was refreshed"(31:17b)

How often do we ignore the fact that there is a day that we should set apart for worship. Not only for worship, but also for rest from our work. In today's society, many people work seven days a week. What for? So they can buy more stuff to fill their lives that are left empty, because they fail to recognize the God of the universe who has made all things possible for us. He has blessed us so much especially in America, yet we fail to bless Him for what he has given us.

I fear that our ungrateful hearts are quickly going to be judged. I pray that we as a nation wake up to the reality that WE OWE HIM EVERYTHING!!!

May God be merciful to us...

Exodus 25-27-The study of the tabernacle

God wanted a way for his children to be able to have fellowship with him.
He commanded Moses to tell the people to bring offerings. Not just any offerings, but "offerings of gold, silver, bronze, blue, purple, and scarlet thread, fine linen, and goats' hair, ram skins dyed red, badger skins, and acacia wood; oil for the light and spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense; onyx stones, and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate." (Ex.25:1-7)

Wow, God had very specific orders for the building of the tabernacle and the creation of every item to be used for service by the priest.
God commanded Moses to follow the specifications exactly, and as we look at this, you will get a mental picture of the beauty and glory of the sanctuary that God had the people build so that they could worship Him.

Every piece of furniture, every altar, and every serving piece used in the tabernacle was either made from pure gold, or covered with pure gold. Can you imagine the beauty as the light from the golden lampstand danced around the room, reflecting off the other pieces of gold, silver and bronze?
And the fine linen carefully hand embroidered with thread of blue, purple and scarlet to God's specifications must have been exquisite.

In my mind it was a little piece of "heaven on earth" which is exactly what God wanted for his chosen people. He wanted to cause them to ponder in their minds what heaven must be like and to worship him in a place of sanctuary from the world outside.

Offerings for the sanctuary (Ex.25:1-9)

The Ark of the Testimony (Ex. 25:10-22)
The ark was a portable chest made of wood and covered with gold (25:10). To this extent it resembles portable chests made by the Egyptians, displaying their skill in woodwork and decoration. The chests also provide examples of the way objects were carried with parallel bars arranged for the porters.

The Table for the Showbread (Ex. 25:23-30)
The Gold Lampstand (Ex. 25:31-40)

The Tabernacle (Ex. 26:1-37)

The Altar of Burnt Offering (Ex. 27:1-8)
Ancient altars from the Middle East were often provided with projections on the four corners, called horns in the Bible (Ex. 27:2). Possibly these horns were used to hold the animal on the altar as Ps. 118:27 would suggest. The bull was honored in different religions and the horn is a symbol of divine strength. But Exodus says nothing of this.

The Court of the Tabernacle (Ex. 27:9-19)
The Care of the Lampstand (Ex. 27:20-21)
It's very interesting to me that God commanded the priest (Aaron and his sons) to keep the light in the lampstand burning day and night continuously. Isn't that just like God? He provided an everlasting light for us. All we have to do is obey Him and follow His light. Prior to the death of Christ there were outward signs of the light that was yet to come in the person of Jesus Christ. So, the people had to continually be reminded that the light was available to them in the tabernacle where they came to fellowship with God.

Today, after the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ our Lord, we have the same opportunity. The difference is that Jesus Christ is that eternal light. The light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5) is Jesus Christ. During the Millennial Kingdom, (Is.60:20) ..."for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light."
John 1:4 states "In him was life; and the life was the light of men."
John 1:9..."the true light..."

One of my favorites is found in (Ps.27:1) "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
We can freely receive God's light through knowing Jesus Christ as our Savior.
I am so grateful for the privilege of knowing Him as my light, and my Savior.
I hope you know Him too!!

Exodus 21-24
The study of ancient law is very interesting. Chapters 21-23 are filled with the law not only concerning people, but also animals and their control. I'm sure many of our animal control laws stem from these very verses. Isn't funny how man does not want to give the holy scriptures any credit for being "pertinent" to today's society; yet law, science, and history can be traced through God's inspired word. The Bible is a wealth of knowledge, understanding and practical values for daily living. We would all be better off if our society turned back to the Bible for help in all those areas of life.

The Law Concerning Servants (21:1-11)
The Law Concerning Violence (21:12-27)
Animal Control Law (21:28-36)
The Ox That Gored (Ex. 21:28-32)
Certain laws found in the Law of Moses concern subject matter that is treated quite similarly in the laws of other ancient Near Eastern cultures. One example, found in this passage,is the law dealing with an ox that gores a human causing personal injury or death. A "goring-ox" law was not unique to Israel; at least four other ancient Near Eastern traditions had legislation on this issue.

**Earliest appearance-(C. 2017-1793 B.C.) from Eshnunna, early Old Babylonia

In these laws there is no stipulation to stone an ox that gored habitually. The owner, rather, was heavily fined, especially if the ox had not been previously dehorned and was not kept confined (21:29). In Israel, owners were also fined (21:30-32) but the ox was stoned.
Other examples of ox-goring legislation show that such laws existed over a long period of time. One letter comes from the Old Babylonian city of Mari on the Sytian side of the Euphrates River. The Mari tablets date from around 1813 to 1760 B.C., and demonstrate that goring-ox laws were actually put into practice in Syro-Mesopotamia during the time of the biblical patriarchs. Another letter from Nuzi in northern Mesopotamia places similar laws a few centuries later (C. 1450-1330 B.C.).
Apparently, Israel shared in a tradition of laws that were common in the ancient near East. Israel and the Old Babylonian cultures shared the principle of negligence and liability in the law concerning goring-oxen. Owners who failed to safeguard against potentially dangerous situations were held responsible (21:29). Sounds a lot like our leash laws of today, doesn't it? The principles of negligence and liability are obviously still prevalent in a large portion of the laws in our current judicial system.

**Also found in the code of Hammurabi (c.1792-1750 B.C.)
Babylon's king Hammurabi is best known for his law code.
The code of Hammurabi (as it is called) contains 282 laws and has numerous parallels with Scripture. Few of the laws, however, were ever cited in existing Old Babylonian court cases. Hammurabi did not create these laws; rather, they appear to be a collection of diverse traditions. The "if...then" format of the Code of Hammurabi ("if" you do this....."then" the consequences are this...) appears frequently in the Covenant Code (Ex. 22:8,16, 17)without the word "then". This format of style of law is often called case law since its format describes particular cases of situations. There was a wide-spread legal tradition in the 2nd millennium B.C. and case law is still in modern societies to govern people.

Responsibility for Property (22:1-15)
Moral and Ceremonial Principles (22:16-31)

Justice For All (23:1-9)
The Law of Sabbaths (23:10-13)
Three Annual Feasts (23:14-19)
The Angel and the Promises (23:20-33)
This angel, it would seem, from the wording, is the Lord himself (23:21) for the Lord is the only one who can pardon our transgressions. These were a set of laws that the people were to follow while in conquests of other people and their land.
This is the continuation of the possession of the covenant promised land.

Israel Affirms the Covenant (24:1-8)
Sacrifices are made, the book of the covenant is read to the people and they promise to obey (24:5-8)

On the Mountain with God (24:9-18)
Moses went up into the cloud to be with God for forty days and forty nights.
I'm so grateful that God gave us laws to live by. I cannot even imagine how our society would be without them. The sad thing is, in our modern society, man is quickly moving away from the laws of God and increasingly relying on his own wisdom to govern.....we all see the results of this. God and prayer have been removed from the school system, the ten commandments are being removed from places where they have been for centuries, and even basic institutions created and ordained by God (marriage and the family) for example are being legislated contrary to God's word. I fear that the blessings of God on our nation are very soon going to be removed from us because of man's pride and resistance to acknowledging Him and his authority over us as a nation.

In the next few chapters we will see the specific instructions given by God to Moses for the construction of the tabernacle and every item that was to be used inside to enable His people to have fellowship with him.