Exodus 27, John 6, Proverbs 3, Galatians 2

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Exodus 27    You shall make an altar … You shall also make the court of the tabernacle…. And you shall command…

            The details for the Altar of Burnt Offering and the Court of the Tabernacle are too much for me to build and to maintain. Lord God, I am deeply and gratefully indebted to You for having managed all the details of my sacrificial offering for all of my sins by Your only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Your Son Jesus did it once and for all. If it were up to me alone, I could never make it into Paradise. (1)

             And even the care of the Lampstand is beyond my ability. I will forget, get distracted, get caught up in the “works” of it and not maintain the humble and worshipful attitude You desire and deserve. So in Your Omniscience and Omnipotence, Merciful Father, You chose to indwell within me by Your Holy Spirit! You counsel me, remind me, equip, enable and sanctify me – so that I am, more and more, a bright light for all to see so that people may see Your good works and glorify You, my Father! (2)

           Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for the sanctification process. I am overjoyed for times like now, when You, my Potter, have completed a section, so I am in a season of refreshment! (3) 

John 6           Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near. Then Jesus said, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” … One of His disciples, Andrew, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”

             I love this part! Andrew takes Jesus’ cue and looks for food to serve the people. Andrew trusts Jesus enough to go into action. Andrew does not come up empty handed either! He has something to offer the Lord. Yet, he thinks it isn’t enough. Andrew is right. In and of ourselves, nothing is sufficient. But Andrew loves and trusts Jesus enough to know to ask the Lord Jesus, “what are they among so many?” In response to Andrew’s desire which matched Jesus’ desire, Jesus does what Jesus Does – Jesus multiplies the “one small boy sized portion” which was brought, to Him to feed thousands of people! – With a large basket of leftovers for each disciple!  (4)

            Lord, I give You my heart, soul, mind and strength for You to take all of me to multiply Yourself to everyone you have me encounter! Make Yourself known, magnifying Yourself to the multitudes!

John 6           The sea arose because a great wind was blowing. … they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near the boat; … they willingly received Him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

            Lord Jesus, may I please walk with You? Holding Your hand, I will not be afraid of my situation, circumstances, or future. May I gleefully, by faith in You, look expectantly for Your coming on the waves, me walking with You as Owner, Ruler and Authority over whatever is going on! By my doing so, I trust that I will watch You save many souls from hell, mature the saints for Your paramount service and bring Yourself unsurpassed Glory! This is the desire of my heart! (5)

John 6           Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. … everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” … he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—… He who eats this bread will live forever.”

            I hunger for Your Righteousness, Lord Jesus. I feed on Your Word ravenously. I am satisfied when I continue chewing, ingesting and exercising what You have given me. Thank You! And then, after I work it off, seeing sin, unrighteousness, being in dis-unity, I hunger and thirst again. It is an unending cycle, though the Food content alters. Sometimes I feed on Your Word of Your attributes or Your creation, praise or crying out, or Your actions while You lived on earth,… Oh so much to feast on! I never tire of You, Beloved Father! (6)

            But there is a responsibility You give me, and everyone who is forgiven and changed by Your Word, my Master. I must pour out what You pour into me. I must freely give what You have freely given me. I must comfort those with the comfort You give me. I must teach those what Your Word teaches me. I must love with the love Your Word and Holy Spirit love on me. “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more.” Luke 12:48 I yield by the Holy Spirit Power You give me Lord Jesus Christ. I rejoice for the honor of Your call and seeing Your transformations!  (7)

Proverbs 3               My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights.

            Lord God, I do not despise Your chastening nor detest Your correction because I know it means that You love and delight in me as My Father and You will bring me into  closer intimacy with You. You must love me Tons because of all the correction You give me! I am overwhelmingly appreciative to be Your child whom You delight in. I learn from You every day! (8)

Proverbs 3               Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. … Happy is the man who finds wisdom … let them not depart from your eyes— Keep sound wisdom and discretion; For the Lord will be your confidence … His secret counsel is with the upright.

            Holy One of Israel, I find solace and effective wisdom in Your Word. You impart to me Your compassion, understanding, mercy, grace and truth for my words for others. I am grateful that You train me to obey Your Word, to trust You above my own feelings or faulty thinking. I am learning ever increasingly how unwise I am, and how Brilliant are Your Ways!!  I delight in You, my Father and Savior!  I fear You, so I am thrilled and Joyously run from evil and run to You. May it always be so! By my exercising the wisdom You give me, I am happy and I deeply enjoy Your secret counsel to me. Your abundant grace upon me is very humbling, Lord Jesus.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,…The wise shall inherit glory, Proverbs 3

Galatians 2               For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”

            What a miracle Father! That You would trade Your only begotten Son Jesus’ honorable life for my wretched life and destiny of condemnation to hell!  Unfathomable in the world’s economy – but Perfect in Love and Power in Heaven’s economy! Grace, unmerited favor, is all over this!! I am so grateful it was You, Lord God Jesus Christ, because You alone could rise from the dead! And I can be with You now and forever!!!

             Because of Your extravagant love on me, my debt of love beckons me to live for You always, my Christ. I ceaselessly desire for others to come to the saving knowledge of You, Sovereign Savior, and to mature IN Christ Jesus, so they will bear fruit for Your glory alone unendingly!

            Lord God, by Your indwelling Holy Spirit, You live through me. You continually caution me to not seek my fleshly desires and pleasures, but seek Your kingdom, righteousness and purposes so that Truly, the desires of my heart are met! And by my living by faith in Your Son Jesus daily, I see what You are doing, and am increasingly excited for the new, fresh new things You will do in and around me! Life is truly an adventure through communication with You by thought, word and action!

            My friend’s family which I help, the strangers I speak with, my family members I serve, – all are affected by Your Higher view and wisdom. Their hearts process Your Word to turn to You, away from sin and bitterness. And it’s only because of You Lord God! No one can change a person. But Your Word changes everything! I am so excited that You, Word of God, Jesus Christ, are so powerful, effective and victorious!! All praise and glory to the one High King of kings, the Lord Jesus Christ! (9)

In God (I will praise His word), In God I have put my trust; I will not fear. What can flesh do to me? Psalm 56:4

Bible Insights –

1 – James 2:10; John 3:16-17; Hebrews 10:10; Romans 6:10; Hebrews 9; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 3:23-24; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 1-2

2 – Matthew 5:16; Hebrews 1:3; Colossians 1:15; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Colossians 3:10; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 Corinthians 15:49; Philippians 2:12-18; Ezekiel 11:19-21; Ezekiel 36:25-29; Jeremiah 31:33-34; 1 Peter 1:23; Acts 13:52; John 15:7-11; John 15:26-27; John 3:5-8

3 – 2 Corinthians 4:7-12 , Isaiah 64:8,  Acts 3:19

4 – John 15:4-5, Psalm 37:4, Psalm 23:5, Luke 6:38   

5 – Psalm 37:4

6 – Deuteronomy 8:3, Matthew 4:4, John 4:32, 34, John 1:1-3, 14

7 – 1 Peter 1:23; Matthew 10:8; Luke 7:47; 2 Corinthians 1:4; Psalm 51:12-13; Romans 1:16; Deuteronomy 6:7; Titus 2:1-5; John 15:12; 1 John 3:1; Luke 12:48; John 14:12

8 – Luke 18:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17; John 14:26; Psalm 86:11; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 1 John 3:1; John 17:17; Psalm 25:5

9 – 1 John 3:1; Romans 1:16; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 10:38; Galatians 3:11; John 3:30; Luke 2:49; John 4:32-38; Psalm 37:4; John 1:1-3; John 1:14; Hebrews 4:12-13; Isaiah 55:11

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

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Exodus 13, Luke 16, Job 31, 2 Corinthians 1

Read at – http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ex.%2013;%20Luke%2016;%20Job%2031;%202%20Cor.%201&version=NKJV

Exodus 13    Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out of this place….‘This is done because of what the Lord did for me’

              Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here with you.” And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so as to go by day and night.  

              Lord God, You are the Deliverer, the Provider and Sustainer. I suffer because I focus on my circumstances rather than clinging to You, no matter how much, often and powerfully You reveal Your character, attributes and activity in my daily life.

              Father, thank You for being the Sovereign Lord God throughout all time and space. You brought Joseph through many trials and hardship, where Joseph clung to You because of all his unfaithful and cruel family members, owners and friends. There was no person he could trust but You. Lord God, You were and are always Faithful! You let Joseph know You would bring him out of Egypt to be with Your people – and You covered Israel as You set them free! You saved Your people from judgment of death because You provided the only Way out! The Passover Lamb of God, representative of the eternal Lamb of God, the Lord Jesus Christ. (1)

            Lord God, You have been present during my past and are bringing me to the future You have planned. Help me to be faithful to You in my daily thought life so that I will not be depleted, distracted, saddened or without vision to forfeit what You want done, Your good and perfect will.

Luke 16         There was a certain rich man who had a steward, … and said to him, ‘What is this I hear about you?’ … So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. …  And I say to you, … He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who will give you what is your own? No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.”

            Lord God, You amaze me! You have trained me to be frugal and to give to You generously out of desiring for Your will and glory to be done here on earth as it is in heaven. Your  Word has done within me what You purposed! Yet it is never about money! It isn’t if we have money or not, are rich or not. It’s about depending on You, relying on You in a relationship based upon You, Lord Jesus! It is about living for You with integrity and honoring You with my attitude, motive and intent, along with everything else of my being. It is truly all about Jesus, the Word of God. (2)  

“it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.” Luke 16:17

               The rich man and Lazarus, hell and heaven, show me that it isn’t about who had ‘good’ or ‘evil’. It is about what we do within our circumstances about You! It doesn’t depend on seeing You, Jesus, but IF we heed You, the Word of God. (vs. 30-31)                     

Job 31           For what is the allotment of God from above, And the inheritance of the Almighty from on high? Is it not destruction for the wicked, And disaster for the workers of iniquity? Does He not see my ways, And count all my steps? … For destruction from God is a terror to me, And because of His magnificence I cannot endure.

            What Wondrous expressions displaying Job’s Love for God! The intimacy and passionate desire for God from Job is sacred. Job 31 reveals the tender subtleties of living a life with the sensibilities for God to honor of the Lord God Almighty. Oh, Lord, that I, in this day, would have the same fear of You and honor for You! My heart weeps at the iniquity within me and around me! Your heart must be continually broken by each subtle ignoring of Your Presence here on earth!

             Job cries out, “Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my mark. Oh, that the Almighty would answer me, That my Prosecutor had written a book! Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, And bind it on me like a crown; I would declare to Him the number of my steps; Like a prince I would approach Him.” Job 31:35-37

            Many of us suffer seasons of tragedy, loss and of friends with bad advice. Oh! That Job would have had the Book of Your Word! Then Job could have “heard” from You as his Most Trusted Friend! You, Lord Jesus, the Word of God! (3)   

            How blessed! I DO have this!! We have a book called the “library”, the Bible! Many of us do carry it around and bind it to our hearts and minds like You command. Some Christ followers yearn to have it, yet because of cultural and governmental oppression, they must quickly memorize the single page that is smuggled to them. Others hold Your infallible Word in disdain, and seek to destroy Your reputation and your living tablets of the Word. Sadly, some who claim to belong to you, ignore your commands, precepts, principles and promises. They live a life by “their own understanding” and not a life in the Fear and admonition of the Lord. (4)

             Lord God, by Job’s circumstances and choices, I see how You were involved and protecting his person the entire time, You teach me Who You are and How You are with me. Your Word grows in me a healthy fear and respect of You in order to hide safely in Your Presence.

              Some seasons “feel” like God is displeased with me, though it is the exact opposite because this is when I am being hewn out of His Love for me. It is at these very moments that God is surrounding me closely, protecting me, providing and preparing me for greater intimacy with Him and for His plans of fruitfulness in His Presence for my future! (6)

            Job suffered for one terrible, agonizing season. But Job’s unwavering faithfulness to God seems matchless to me. In the end, Lord God, You double-blessed Job, proving a “a rich harvest of righteousness” and reimbursing Job for “what the locust had eaten”. (5)

             Joseph, too, had an agonizing season before God brought abundance and saved the nation of Israel. My agonizing season, though nothing in comparison to theirs, seems hard to me all the same. Much time in a “wilderness” with much pruning, breaking, healing and training for me by the Husband’s (a farming term) Skillful Hand is to have me trust, rely and adhere to the Almighty alone.

              What feels like “being deprived”, tortured, rejected and “soulful pain” – however real, is really heavenly pruning. God is cutting off deception, sin patterns, strongholds, lies I trust in, and setting me free so that I am no longer captive to my flesh, emotions and evil that I am unaware of. I have prayed, and I mean it – Lord, You know. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. No matter what the cost – because You already Paid the Price. Thank You Lord Jesus Christ!

2 Corinthians 1       Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, Who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ.

            Oh, Lord, the pain I feel seems interminable …. even though I know it is circumstantial and it will have an end. I do trust in the “God who raises the dead”. I am being helped by people “in prayer”. What if those two were not in place! I shudder to think of it. Lord God, help and save those who do not have You, the God of my salvation, the Holy One of Israel, for their Deliverer! Amen!

             For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He Who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, Who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. 2 Corinthians 1:20-22

Bible Insights –

1- Genesis 50:25; Exodus 13:19; John 1:29; John 1:36; Revelation 7:9-12; Romans 12:1-2  

2-  Isaiah 55:8-11; Colossians 3:23-24; John 1:1-3; John 1:14

3- Proverbs 18:24; John 5:24; John 6:63; Psalm 33:4; Psalm 119:43; Psalm 119:160; John 17:17; John 1:1-3; John 1:14

4- Psalm 1; Psalm 19; Psalm 119; Deuteronomy 6:4-8; Deuteronomy 11:16-23; 2 Corinthians 3:3; 1 Peter 2:5; Judges 17:6; Proverbs 3:5-7; Proverbs 18:2; Job 28:28; Ephesians 6:4

5- Psalm 4:8; Job 42:10-17; Joel 2:25; Hebrews 12:11

6- Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 1:1-3; Job 42:10-17; John 14:2-3; John 8:31-36; Romans 6:23; Romans 5:8; Romans 5:21; Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:3-11; Revelation 3:19

 Crystal (PsalmThirty4)

Psalm 48, Psalm 49, Psalm 50, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

 God says: Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you in pieces, And there be none to deliver. Psalm 50:22

 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. 1 Cor 11:31-32

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:22-23

Please Read – www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps%2048,49,50;%201Cor11:17-34&version=NKJV

“For if we would judge ourselves”. To judge myself means to examine my self, thoughts, actions, motives and words with the Bible. I must ponder the Law of God while asking and applying the Holy Spirit’s wisdom. I must discern if, where and how I have gone against the Holy God. If I examine myself and am honest, being without compromise, excuse, rationalization or blame of others, then God will make clear to me my faults and show me the Way out for His honor and glory. After I confess, agreeing with God about my sin, and turn away from it then Jesus cleans me. 1

            If I do not examine myself and I have sin, I remain unworthy of communion and I cause God’s judgment upon myself. If I do not confess and repent of my sins, then I WILL BE chastened by the Lord. Jesus does this so that I will stop continuing my sins. If I stop my rebellion against God, I will not be condemned with the world. 2

            Lord Jesus Christ, when my joy of You, Lord, is not full, I am sure there is something lurking within me. Please eradicate it. Take it out. Have me see, confess and repent of it, for Your cleansing, healing and fulfillment of Your good and perfect will in my life. Amen!  3  

According to Your name, O God, So is Your praise to the ends of the earth; Your right hand is full of righteousness. … For this is God, Our God forever and ever; He will be our guide Even to death. Psalm 48

           Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for setting me Free! I praise You because of Who You Are!! The Great ‘I AM’ ! Glorify Yourself through my life. Number my steps according to Your Holy Will. Thank You for showing me mercy and giving me salvation through your unblemished Son of God, the Lamb of God, Lord Jesus Christ. 4 

Why should I fear in the days of evil, When the iniquity at my heels surrounds me? My mouth shall speak wisdom, And the meditation of my heart shall give understanding…  God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, For He shall receive me. Psalm 49

            Lord, Your Word has shown me that the days are evil. I praise You for teaching me and encouraging me to work out my salvation with fear and trembling so that You, Lord God will work in me to both to will and to do for Your good pleasure. You hide me within Your Priestly garments where I am safe and secure, peeking out to do Your bidding, hopefully as You command. I rejoice to be just Your child! 5

           Lord God Almighty, the fields are ripe for harvest! Please send out Your workers to sow and reap for the salvation of souls, mightily Glorifying You! I love You – please have Your children love them with Your heart!  6

Whoever offers praise glorifies Me; And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God.” Psalm 50:22-23  

            I cry out to my God: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. Psalm 34 

1- Psalm 19:7-11; Hebrews 4:12-13; Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 51  and John 14:1 

2-  1 Corinthians 11: 27-30, 1 Corinthians 11:32, Deuteronomy 28

3-  Romans 12:1-2; Ezekiel 18:32; Romans 10:10; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9, Nehemiah 8:10

4-  Exodus 3:14-15, Proverbs 3:5-8; Psalm 37:5; Proverbs 16:9; Psalm 119:9, Isaiah 45:21; John 8:58; Acts 4:8-12; Titus 3:3-7; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; John 1:29

5-  2 Peter 3:3; Ephesians 6:10-18; Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 5:15-20; 2 Timothy 3:1-9; Psalm 119:105; Philippians 2:12-13; Luke 12:4-5; John 1:12-14; 1 John 3:1

6-  Luke 10:2; John 4:31-42; Galatians 6:7; Galatians 6:9   

7-  Psalm 34 

Crystal (PsalmThirty4)