Exodus 37, John 16, Proverbs 13, Ephesians 6

Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. That is why you need to put on God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. Ephesians 6:12-13 (NCV)

God is the creator of all things in the heavens and in the earth. I think of my children and how perfectly formed they are, down to the smallest details, including the heart-shaped birthmark on my toddler’s abdomen and the perfectly kissable lips on my baby; and I marvel that, as unique as these two little girls are, they are only two of the trillions of completely distinctive human beings who ever lived or died.

As I read more about the details that God laid out for the construction and artistry of the items used within the tabernacle, and even the tabernacle itself, it is amazing to me how specific He is for each item. From the type of materials used to the measurements and sizes, all crafted by a man whose name means ‘In the Protection of God.”

I believe that there is so much significance to everything that God does, meaning within meaning. There is a reason each of these items were certain dimensions. There is a reason each item was adorned with specific decorations. There is a reason certain materials were used in the construction of each item. Of course, physical beauty to be admired and strength to withstand the ages, but also everything ultimately points in some way to the cross, the finished work of Christ.

More specifically, what stood out to me was the use of acacia wood and gold. Annette Ettinger, my dear mother-in-the-Lord, a woman who has extensively studied Biblical botanicals, writes this:

 “Acacia or shittim wood was a virtually incorruptible wood that God chose for the construction of the Tabernacle of Moses and its contents; excluding the laver, the golden lamp stand and the mercy seat.  All of the acacia wood was overlaid with pure gold representing the deity of the Lord.  The acacia wood depicts the Lord’s humanity and His sinless incorruptible nature.

We enter into this anointing through the framework of the tabernacle…This imagery clearly brings forth a prophetic picture of the body of Christ being jointly fit together, standing ‘shoulder-to-shoulder’ and resting in the finished work of the cross.  Overlaid in gold represent His Bride taking on His image from glory to glory through His refining fire!” ¹

When I accepted Christ in my heart, we became one, I in Him and Him in me. Through Him, I am given strength; I am given everlasting life. I am grafted into His vine. As I continue to receive His gift, He infuses my life and literally changes me from the inside out. He trains me, teaches me and gives me the tools I need to withstand – truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer.

At the same time, His glory covers me from head to toe, and I am given God’s armor which reflects His image and His glory to protect me. My image transforms from that of a woman clothed in the filthy rags of sin to the image of a warrior princess covered in the gilded splendor of my King. And, I am able to stand against the wiles of the enemy.

 ²

Blessings – Julie, Vadipatti, India (written in the U.S.A.)

¹ http://www.hegai.org/products/acacia.html

² http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_cdhgqHhno4o/SjTLwf0sFcI/AAAAAAAAAY0/BwC3WLKSPX8/s1600-h/Armour+of+God.jpg

Scripture taken from the New Century Version®. Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Isaiah 26,27; Ephesians 6

From the archives, March 26, 2010.

I have really struggled with some relationships. I am taken off guard when someone inflicts emotional pain. I scratch my head over cold hearts. Tend to wounds over hurt feelings. Imagine the worst of someone as if they are the embodiment of evil:  plotting, unkind, cruel.

I have asked aloud and of others, “Who is my neighbor? Who is my enemy?” Sometimes it’s hard to tell when an attack comes from a coworker, a stranger, or an old “friend” on Facebook. When callous conflict comes from a relative, a confidant, even a sister in Christ, I wonder are you friend or foe?

Until today.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

Today when I wondered about neighbors and enemies, I thought of the faces on each “team” and realized, as I have before, that God loves every one of them. Today, when I considered my list of grievances, I also thought of the list someone may be holding against me. Today, what was different about this inner dialog was that I discovered my enemy is not flesh and blood.

Jesus told Peter, “Get behind me, Satan!” not because his disciple had morphed into the devil. The next time I try to put a face on my opponent, I need to stop and put on the armor of God. The enemy will use anyone to further his cause. Even a Christ follower.

Courtney (66books365)