THE ALTAR
Today’s Reading: Exodus 27
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).
The High Priest in front of the Golden Lampstand in the Holy Place. This lamp would burn continually and brightly, fueled by pure olive oil. This photo was taken in the full-sized replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle, which was on display during the summer of 2012 at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario. Rev. Rick Hiebert portrays the High Priest.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Exodus 27:20
And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.
The horns of the altar literally stand out for all who enter the outer court of the Tabernacle (in tomorrow’s blog we will include a photo of what those horns on that altar may have looked like). As with some animals, the horns speak of protection from attack as well as weapons to attack. Defence and offense are God’s commitments to us. God cares for all who trust Him. Animal sacrifices were consumed here. For we who believe in Jesus Christ, the Sacrifice of the Cross provides protection and also we must be on the offensive with the Cross as our message to the whole world. The olive tree and its fruit always represent the spiritual devotional life of the people of God. The olive oil was to be replenished without fail every day. The Sunday School chorus says, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” This blog is one way to make sure our spiritual life is burning brightly 24/7.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I pray for fresh oil in the lamp of my life today. Holy Spirit, You are often represented in Scripture as Oil. When my light is about to go out, please fill me with Yourself, Holy Spirit. I want to be a brightly shining light in this dark world. Thank You for answering my prayer. I receive it now, in the Name of Jesus, the One of whom John the Baptist said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (Matthew 3:11b). Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
Among my childhood memories are the words of prayers I would hear God’s people pray. One had to do with holding onto the horns of the altar. My imagination was fired with a picture of the one praying, holding to those horns and refusing to let go until God’s voice was heard and His purposes fulfilled. This is a stubborn, unyielding determination to stay in fervent prayer until the answer came from God. “Yes!” “No!” “Slow!” “Grow!” Then there was my Father’s prayer and one of the many couplets he would quote. It went like this: “May Heaven come down our souls to greet, and Glory crown the Mercy Seat.” I was not too sure what it meant, but I knew that as Dad was praying his face lit up with joy. What an amazing spiritual inheritance I received from my parents. Norma-Jean and I had a different pattern we followed with our children, but the results were the same in their lives as in mine. The Oil was replenished daily and the flame continues until today.
Yours for the daily infilling of the Holy Spirit, helping us all to burn brightly,
David
Exalted by today’s prayer and message. We let go of our burdens, for You to carry, Lord. We let our pain and fears go as You lift us up with eagles’ wings. May Your Spirit work through the young man in Fargo, ND, who has suffered a head injury, Lord. We are calling for Your loving grace, to restore him to life. We pray for Your Hand on everyone who needs it, Lord. By Your stripes and through our faith, we are healed. Through Your love, our hopes are renewed. We can do nothing without You Lord, but we can accomplish everything with You. We love You Lord, and praise Your holy Name. Amen. Wishing all saints a blessed day.
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31 ESV
WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (Lyrics) – BETTE MIDLER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jorJh8DTMVM
This runs on into Bette Midler’s The Rose
Also praying this morning for Samuel Fame and his family. May the Lord bless you, Pastor!
Amen to your prayers today Beverlee
in Jesus’ Holy Name, Amen.
Amen to your prayer, Beverlee. I pray you have better day today.
Those are 2 very beautiful songs,Beverlee.Thanks for sharing.I pray you are doing better each day.God bless
Amen Beverlee:
Thank you for the ministering songs, I joined in with singing
This is a sad but inspirational story and all I could find re ‘Samuel Fame’ on google except an archived estate document that suggests his demise.When I read about his wife’s diagnosis and his devotion I instantly thought of a poem I wrote for a Christian acquaintance who met the same fate.”Treasures in Heaven” comes to mind also.Blessings
https://salvationist.ca/articles/2016/04/major-sam-fame/
Phil
I will remember for you,
For your soul slips slowly away
But your heart is still true
And I love you more today.
Thank you for all of the years
And all the memories we shared,
For though there were some tears,
Deepest love stays unimpaired.
All the memories we had
Are worth more than gold to me now,
For though some times now are sad,
My love for you I avow.
I still remember the bliss
When we first met long ago,
When we had love’s first kiss,
But now I must let you go.
You will always have my heart
And I know I will have yours too,
But what tears me apart
Is to say goodbye to you.
(G W) Bill Marshall/24 Dec, 2015
Samuel’s wife Dolores passed away in July 2020, but Samuel is still with us. We are praying for you after losing your wife, Pastor Samuel. God bless you!
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/langley-bc/dolores-fame-9272457
OH Lord comfort Samuel I pray as he says “Goodby” to his wife
Nice music 🎵 again Beverlee. Thanks. Difficult times out there now. Hard to get medical appointments,etc. A death must be a difficult thing – not being able to have the celebration of life. Blessings & Father’s great care sent for Pastor & family. Concerned these days about family alienation happening even in Christian families. Hard to understand. I hope the tooth infection has improved & complete healing is coming quickly, Beverley. Blessings all.
What powerful prayers today, Amen to them all.
And to Bill, what a beautiful poem, I lost my husband in March, so it really touched my heart. Prayers & blessings to all.
Dear Lord God, thank You for Your servants, those You have sent to bring the sweet aroma of Life into this world. Thank You for Your Word, which is always true. Thank You for Your Spirit, who teaches us, convicts us, comforts us, and counsels us in the right ways to go. Bless all Your workers, Lord, and help all to be bold, truthful and compassionate messengers for You. In Jesus’s name, amen
God bless you, Rob, for your wonderful prayers. Amen.
Amen Rob
Yes, Amen, Rob
Thank you saints for your prayers re: my tooth and foot. The tooth feels better, but I still cannot bite down on the right side, which concerns me. I see the dentist next Wednesday for follow-up. Foot is better than it was; swam late this morning. Praying for Ger, Doreen, HJR, the man in ICU in Fargo, and Pastor Samuel Fame and family. His richest blessings of healing and strength upon you all.
Amen Beverlee, will continue to pray for your healing and for the other requests.
Blessings to all Eleanor M.
Amen Eleanor M
Amen praying for all my sister and brother In The Lord
In Jesus Name Amen