Sunday, August 31, 2014

THE ALTAR OF INCENSE

Today’s Reading: Exodus 30

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

 

This is a replica of the Altar of Incense in the Tabernacle at Timna National Park, Israel.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.

 

Key Verse: Exodus 30:6

And you shall put it before the veil that is before the ark of the Testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the Testimony, where I will meet with you.

 

Here are instructions for making the Altar of Incense, the Laver of Bronze, the Anointing Oil, and the Incense, which was a mixture of sweet spices. The burning of the incense and the smoke arising represent prayer continuously ascending to God (“Pray without ceasing” 1 Thess. 5:17). Brother Lawrence calls this, “Practicing the Presence of God.” Note the final words of our key verse: “…where I will meet with you.” God met with the High Priest annually on the Day of Atonement, but because of the Cross of Christ, we have the awesome honour of living 24/7 in God’s presence. We experience the sweetness of His presence, and we are successful in our spiritual lives when we maintain a private altar of prayer and praise to God. God wants to meet with us. Astounding! Amazing! Glorious!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, here I am to meet with You, and I’m confident You are meeting with me. You speak to me saying, “I love You,” and I say to You, “I love You, Lord.” I’m one of Yours, Lord, and I know Your voice (John 10:4). Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I have trouble hearing God, I ask and believe for a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit. I remember being in the Green Room, where we would wait before going on TV, with the famous Debbie Boone. She was playing the part of Maria in a Toronto live theatre production of “The Sound of Music.” As we prayed together, I heard her say, “O Lord, it’s been so long, so very long.” She told me that with her top-of-the-charts song, “You Light Up My Life,” and her acting career, she had been so busy that she neglected her daily reading of the Word and prayer. She wept as she was filled with God’s Spirit. She is married now and is a busy wife and Mom. I trust she has remembered that time. Paul reminds me to “be [continually] filled with the Spirit” (Eph. 5:18).

Yours to help us all practice the Presence of God continually,

David

 

14 thoughts on “Sunday, August 31, 2014

  1. Yes Lord fill us afresh with your Holy Spirit and use us in these last days before Your return we give up our prayers and praise to You as a sweet aroma in your nostrils for without You we can do nothing
    God Our Father help us in Jesus name Amen

  2. Father God
    I am where Debbie Boone is right now forgive me this summer although it is
    wonderful having family and friends around one gets really busy with the world
    outside. Help me to hear you I want you first In my life every day.
    in Jesus name
    Amen

  3. I love to hear about the Tabernacle. We felt so wonderfully close to God in the replica at Crossroads, especially in the Holy of Holies. It was hard to walk a straight line when we came out! Does anyone have an understanding of going down under the Power? Had a marvellous week with the Lord when it happened in a church setting. Have a Great Day with God.

  4. Hi Doreen, It is my understanding that we sometimes go down “under the power” of Holy Spirit, when we focus and yield to him, and open our hearts to his manifest presence, allowing him to say or do whatever he wants at that time in our hearts, sometimes being unaware what happened, but there was undoubtedly some kind of refreshing of our spirit and soul. How wonderful Doreen!

  5. WOW!
    Reynold’s pictures of Timna National Park bring back many wonderful memories of our Holy Land trip with you, Norma-Jean, Ron and Ann in 2012.
    We continue to pray for peace in Jerusalem and hope that you have another successful visit with many new friends in 2014.
    Shalom,
    Graham.
    Yellow Bus.

  6. Dear Jesus, in Your presence there is Peace, in Your presence there is Joy, I will linger I will stay in Your presence day by day till Your likeness may be seen in me. This I sing as I sit in your presence this moment,

    Thank You for Your peace, joy and Your Love Heavenly Father as I sit here in Your Presence in You Jesus in this moment AMEN! I Love You Lord, as I receive Your Love, Joy and Peace!!!

    Please prayer for my friend Christine and her family; her Mother Myrna has been moved to intensive care this morning, Myrna has been told she has just a few days to live. Please pray for here and the family, thank you.

  7. It is a wonderful feeling to sit in the presence of our God .As a congregation this morning we experienced this Thank you Lord

  8. Spirit of The Living God fall fresh on me
    Spirit of The Living God fall fresh on me
    Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me
    Spirit of the living God fall fresh on me.

    Holy and Righteous Father thank you for Your Word that reminds us of the sacrifice Jesus made for us. Thank you Pastor David for guiding us through this difficult but necessary reading. Blessings to all.

  9. Dear Rev.David M

    Thank you once more for your prayer this morning which I once again made my own as I read out loud .

    Spending quiet time with Our Lord can be quite a challenge in these times of so much distractions of all sorts.

    Like all of you it can be difficult to balance family , friends, and commitments so like dear Ann M. often reminds us let us stay focused on JESUS lets make him first.

    Have a blessed day everyone!

    xx Carole

  10. Catherine those 4 lines are uplifting So easy to teach children. As i get older I can only remember simple songs! Bless everyone. Please pray for me. Had a challenging moment in church. Please pray for an increase to my income! I will dwell on the Word of God and believe that He will provide above and beyond my expectations. Thank you!

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