THE TABERNACLE

Today’s Reading: Exodus 26

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).

Here we see the Brazen Altar and Brazen Laver in the outer court of the Tabernacle. This life-sized replica is situated at Timna National Park in Israel.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 26:30

And you shall raise up the tabernacle according to its pattern which you were shown on the mountain.

The Tabernacle was the place in which God was present in a special way. We, the believers, are now His special dwelling place on earth. The Apostle Paul quotes the Hebrew Scriptures to drive home this point (2 Corinthians 6:16). God gave an exact design for the Tabernacle with precise measurements, using specific materials. For example, He gave such attention to detail in the instructions for making and hanging the curtains. The veil which separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the Tabernacle shows us that we are separated from God. Remember that when Jesus died, the veil was torn from top to bottom so that there is no longer any separation for those that believe in Jesus (read Matthew 27:50-53).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to be diligent to follow Your instructions for building my life. Thank You that I am Your modern-day tabernacle. I need to know Your plans for me, and I thank You for the grace and discipline to read and follow Your instructions most carefully. In Your Name I pray, Lord Jesus. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

From the time our son Ron was six or seven, he was the designated instruction reader in our family when something arrived that needed assembling. Come to think of it, he is the first one to read my daily blogs too before they are posted for you, the reader. I’ve received much practical help from Ron and his wife Ann. I’m embarrased to tell you that I complain while I’m up on the step stool trying to hang a picture right while Norma-Jean is giving the instructions. I’m even more embarrased to confess to you that I have often complained to God about His instructions for the details of my life. Sorry, Lord!! I’ve asked God’s forgiveness in the past and I, no doubt, will do so in the future. Also, Norma-Jean, I’ve asked your forgivness in the past for complaining, and if we move again and I’m able to get up on that step stool, I’ll probably have to ask your forgiveness again. I love you!

Yours for following the instructions,

David

GOD’S DWELLING

Today’s Reading: Exodus 25

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 performing his duties in the replica of the Tabernacle of Moses at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario during the summer of 2012. Pictured are the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand, and the Ark of the Covenant.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 25:8

And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.

This chapter starts with an offering. The word “willingly” reminds us of 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” The gifts to God were gold, silver, bronze, etc. Out of these offerings to the Lord, the artisans were to make the Ark of the Covenant, the Table of Showbread, the Golden Lampstand and the rest of the furnishings of the Tabernacle. The imagination of the people was fired by the stories told by the craftsmen and the priests. The lid of the Ark was known as the “Mercy Seat.” God was “mercy seated” toward His people as a result of the blood of the sacrifice which was sprinkled on the golden overlay of the Ark. For a commentary on these powerful symbols, let’s find the time to read, if possible before we sleep tonight, Hebrews chapters 8, 9, & 10, the faith chapter 11, and then 12 & 13 (click here to read). This will be most worthwhile in understanding what all this means for us.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Dear Lord, thank You for being mercy seated for me. I pray with the publican in the Temple, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). According to Your Word, I am forgiven and my sin is gone. Amen! (1 John 1:9)

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The pictures today are not taken in Israel but in the back parking lot of the Crossroads Centre, in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. During the summer of 2012, thousands of people visited this amazing replica. It was created by Teen Missions International of Florida and transported to us here in Canada in a huge tractor trailer truck. When visitors entered the full-sized replica, the Outer Court, the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies, there was silence, except for the High Priest who says appropriate prayers in Hebrew. Crossroads erected a “Tent of Meeting” where a pastor/teacher shared how Jesus of Nazareth took the symbols and made them reality in His life and in His sacrificial death on the Cross. Many made decisions to become believers in Jesus, receiving Him as Saviour and Lord.

Yours to help us all assimilate (make part of ourselves) God’s revelation to the human family,

David

P.S. The Tabernacle project has been at the Crossroads Centre in 1997, as well as in 2012.  Crossroads continually seeks to initiate creative ways to bring thousands of precious people to Jesus. The prayers and support of every blog reader are so very important moving forward (for giving info, click here).

 ANGELS ON GUARD

Today’s Reading: Exodus 23-24

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).

Two Cherubim kneel on top of a replica of the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies at Timna National Park located in the Jordan Rift Valley. Also, Cherubim are seen on the veil that divides the Holy of Holies from the Holy Place.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 23:20

Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

Obviously, God encourages the creation of sculptures, like the Cherubim in Reynold’s picture, but bowing before them and worshiping them is wrong. Exodus 23:19 is the basis for the entire “Kosher” food system of observant Jews today. The religious Jews have taken a simple command not to boil a calf in the milk of its mother and expanded it enormously. We need to be careful to avoid such a religious trap. Again we read (24:4) “early in the morning.” It’s not that we earn brownie points by rising early to seek God; it’s an indication of fervency for God to which He responds. Seventy-four people saw the God of Israel (24:10). What an awesome description of what they saw. Revealing Himself in this way was God’s initiative. Continue serving Him and He will do what He will do to reveal Himself to us in an infinite variety of ways. Jesus said, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). We must keep our eyes on Jesus!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, You are God and also the Messenger of God. Keep me in the way, and bring me into the place which You have prepared. Like Moses, I have built an altar. An altar can have many forms. Bless this altar, Lord God, called “100words.ca.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I want to say thanks to those that have helped this almost computer illiterate person to do this two-year daily journey through the Holy Bible. This blog is sponsored by Crossroads Christian Communications Inc., a federally chartered non-profit charity in both Canada and the United States. Norma-Jean and I receive an official receipt for our giving to the ministry which we use on our income tax return. I enjoy directing some of our money, which would otherwise go to the government, in a different way…God’s work. In a sense, the government is also God’s work. I read Romans 13:1-7 from time to time. It gives me a more positive attitude toward paying taxes, whether I agree or disagree with government decisions. Your support for Crossroads is as vital for the future as it has been in the past. Please pray! We all can maintain and expand Crossroads powerful ministry by praying, giving and working together. Jesus is our connecting link to God for prayer, and here’s a link for giving a secure on-line donation…click here. Thank You! Thank You! Thank you!

Yours in thankfulness to Crossroads and your support to do this. God bless!!!

David

A HOLY PEOPLE

Today’s Reading: Exodus 22

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).

I took this photo as the sun was setting. We are looking east from Israel across the Jordan Rift Valley at the mountains of Moab in Jordan. If we could time travel to approximately 3,500 years ago, we would find the Israelites on the other side of these mountains either camping or on the move.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 22:31a

You are to be My holy people. (New International Version)

Here, in chapter 22, are practical rules for the purpose of maintaining a well-run, harmonious society. For example, in verse three is the phrase “he shall be sold.” This was not slavery as in 150 years ago, but a method of repayment by labour in lieu of wages, perhaps for five years, where the families would be cared for. In studying judicial history, it is interesting to note the wide acceptance of God’s civil laws. Many, if not most, of our laws are based on these laws. The ultimate purpose of these laws was that the people would be a “holy people.” Please take the time to look up and meditate on 1 Peter 2:9-10. This is a definition of “Holy.”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You are Holy. I sing the old hymn, “Holy, Holy, Holy” unto You. Please work in me Your sanctifying power so that I will be able to live a holy life. I pray this through Jesus Christ Who always, at all times and places, lived a life of holiness. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a child living in Ottawa, Canada, I was impressed every Sunday by the scroll painted on the wall just behind the minister as he preached God’s Word. It said, “Holiness unto the Lord.” I learned the word “restitution” (Exodus 22:5) early in life. I may have been 6 or 7 years old. I came home from a nearby sand pit with a spoon. Mother said, “David, that spoon does not belong to you. You must go around to the neighbours and find the owner, returning it with an apology to the owner.” With a sense of shame I did that. Mother would not tolerate anything even close to stealing. It happened again when I was 9. Tempted by other boys, I stole an apple from in front of Kincaid’s grocery store. I ate it, but I could never fool Mother. She finally got a confession out of me, and I was required to take 5 cents of my own money and give it to Mr. Kincaid with an apology. So that’s the story of my life of crime. I most certainly got the message of living a holy life!!!

Yours for holy living,

David

NO FEAR

Today’s Reading: Exodus 20-21

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).

A road winds through the Negev Desert/wilderness. There was no such highway for the wandering Children of Israel.

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

Key Verse – Exodus 20:1-2

And God spoke all these words saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”

Again God declares Himself as the “I AM.” Jesus said, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). Make no mistake about it. Jesus claimed over and over to be the Lord God, the same One who delivered Israel from Egypt. What a contrast between these revelations of the “I AM.” Here there were thunderings, lightning flashes, trumpet sounds, the mountain smoking and thick darkness. And 1,500 years later, there was the Baby in the manger, Jesus taking the children on His lap, Jesus weeping over the needs of people, and Jesus allowing human hands to crucify Him. From time to time in Genesis we saw God walking with Adam and Eve, walking with Enoch, becoming a friend of Abraham, but also driving Adam and Eve out of the Garden and judging the human race with the Flood. How can we ever understand this stark contrast? The answer is “The Cross.” God’s anger against sin, and His love for the sinner came together in Jesus. There was thunder, lightning, an earthquake, and darkness at noon as Jesus was dying. There was also the greatest manifestation of Love in history!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, great “I AM,” I’m overcome by Your awesome Person. I can do nothing right now but worship You. The words of the living creatures who are before Your throne come to mind; “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!” (Revelation 4:8). Also, the words of the 24 elders who fall down before You and say, “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honour, and power; for You created all things, and by Your will they exist and were created” (Revelation 4:10-11). I praise You, Lord, and will do so for ever and ever. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I tried but failed to put my commentary into only 100 words. Not only the books of the Bible, but thousands of other books have been written to help us understand Who the “I AM” is. I remember reading a story while still a teenager – This eminent naturalist was walking in his garden when he accidentally stepped on an ant. He thought, “How can I let an ant know that I really don’t mean him harm?” Then it occurred to him that he would have to become an ant to communicate with other ants. I remember thinking that when God became Man, His condescension was greater than a man becoming an ant. The fact is that there is no illustration that can adequately portray what really happened when Jesus became One of us. All I could do was to bow down and worship the great “I AM.”

Yours so that together we may worship the “Lord God Almighty,”

David

ON EAGLES’ WINGS

Today’s Reading: Exodus 18-19

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 photo was taken in Caesarea Philippi, also known as Banias. The water originates from Mount Herman then flows into underground springs. It then makes its way down to the Galilee, into the Jordan River and then eventually, the Dead Sea. The water provided life to ancient Israel and still does today for modern Israel.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 19:4

You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.

Organization is vital to success. Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, suggested a type of organization that proved to work well. Israel used this for many years. God blessed this structure and used it for His glory. Now, as Israel has put their house in order, God is ready to reveal Himself further to them. God spoke to all the people, and the people responded with this commitment, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do” (19:8). Many times Israel failed, but there were periods when they kept their word to God. The message is that in spite of failure, don’t give up. God dealt with the Egyptians, and from available records, Egypt was led by their Pharaoh into a period where they turned from many gods to the worship of one God. God will bear His people “on eagles’ wings” to bring us to Himself.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, thank You for sound advice such as Jethro gave Moses. Please send such a counsellor to me and to all who pray with me today. Grant all of us an ability to organize ourselves in such a way that Your purposes will all be fulfilled. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When Israel was established once again as a state in 1948, Jews immigrated from Yemen in the Arabian peninsula. They saw the airplanes that came to carry them as God bearing them up on eagles’ wings. In recent years, the Jews from Ethiopia, carried by air to Israel, believed the same. I am totally convinced that God, Who delivered His people from Egypt, eventually establishing a state for them, has done it again in my lifetime. I was 12 years old when it happened. I remember the headlines in the Ottawa Citizen newspaper. I saw the newsreels at a Saturday afternoon cowboy movie with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. I read a book in the 1950’s by William L. Hull from London, Ontario, which documented the miracles involved in this unprecedented event (I saw an old copy of this book for sale on amazon here. It’s called, The Fall and Rise of Israel). For the first time in history, an ancient people were re-established in their own land, and an ancient language was re-born. God has not forgotten His promises.

Yours for all God’s purposes to be fulfilled,

David

BANNER

Today’s Reading: Exodus 17

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).

I found this fascinating rock formation at Timna National Park in the Negev Desert and wilderness of southern Israel. The hiking trail leads you right through the middle of this arch. – Reynold

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

Key Verse: Exodus 17:15

And Moses built an altar and called its name, The-Lord-Is-My-Banner.

The Children of Israel asked an important question: “Is the Lord with us or not?” Again and again God proved that He was with them. Moses was frustrated because the people looked to him instead of God for their needs. The lesson is that we should not look to a leader or the government, or even our parents (as we grow older) to be our provider. THE LORD IS OUR PROVIDER! God provided an abundance of fresh water for the Children of Israel. He also provided a military victory over the Amalakites who had attacked Israel. Yes, our leaders need to be there. Like Aaron and Hur we must support our God-given leaders. When we hold up their tired hands, we’ll succeed, and when we let them down, we’ll fail.  Our Pastor, our government leaders, leaders of ministries such as Crossroads, need to be supported. Check out Romans 13:1 and 1Timothy 2:1-2. That daily altar of prayer for our leaders should be as a “banner” which declares our faithfulness and our loyalty.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord, here I am at the altar of prayer. I pray for all who are in leadership over me. In this way, I join Aaron and Hur in lifting up tired hands. Thus I am assured of victory in the challenges of life. You are my “Banner.” I will tell the world that You are my “Lord.” In Jesus’ Name, the Name I lift high, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I remember the street meetings conducted on Saturday evenings when all the farmers would come to town to shop on the main street. This was before malls were developed. It was exciting to watch the Salvation Army parade from their citadel to their corner where they would pray, sing, play their instruments, and preach the Gospel. Their banner waved above us all to proclaim, “Blood and Fire.” A little humour here: one lady with a big personality asked me, “Do you know what your belly button is for?” And then with a big laugh, she said, “It’s to hold the end of the flag pole when you march.” The bass drummer was told by a very proper lady, “We have a bell which says, ‘Come to church.'” The drummer replied with the pounding of his drum and said, “And my drum says, ‘Go get them and bring them in.'” It’s really early in the morning as I type my blog. Later, I’m going to town and I must find a way to wave a banner, my witness that Jesus is Lord!

Yours for a wise, strong and effective witness for Jesus,

David

A FRESH START

Today’s Reading: Exodus 16

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).

I try my best to match images with my dad’s blog. Well, manna was miraculous and so is God’s creation that we see all around us. Here are the Hexagon Pools in the Golan Heights, Israel. Sheets of columnar basalt tinted a burnished gray hue hang alongside the Hexagon Pools. It’s the polygonal sections of rock that give the pools their name. The rock formations have developed by shifting subterranean fault lines over a very long time, which accounts for their unusual twisted appearance. – Reynold

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

Key Verse: Exodus 16:31

And the house of Israel called its name Manna. And it was like white coriander seed, and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

“Manna” means, “What is it?” God proved over and over His faithfulness to His people. Yet the word “murmur” is found eight times in this chapter. Are Christians much different now from the Israelites of 1500 BC? By God’s grace we are declared, “A new creation; old things have passed away, behold all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). We need to confess daily that the “old” is dead and, like the Manna from yesterday, it is stinking rotten. Also, every morning if we want fresh bread, confess the new life in Christ now. This blog, the daily TV ministry of 100 Huntley Street, our Bible reading and prayer, will definitely help us. In John 6, Jesus declared that He is the true Bread from Heaven. Partake of Him daily and be healthy and strong. Worship and praise Him without murmuring.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Yes Lord, may I recognize that stale Christianity becomes “wormy,” and is definitely not appetizing to me and to others around me. Thank You for the fresh food which I am eating now. Thank You that my spirit, soul, and body are being nourished as I read and pray. Please give me grace, O Lord, to be consistent. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

From 1962 to 1977 we produced and released the weekly Crossroads telecast, and along the way began the weekly telecast for children, Circle Square. During 1976, I could not help but notice that the number 100 kept popping up regularly. When I would open my Bible randomly, there was the number 100. I would happen to look at a street number and there was that number. Finally I got the message. It was time to go daily with the ministry and this would assist God’s people to move up to “100-fold living” as in the parable of Jesus about the sower and the harvest (Matthew 13:3-9). That meant that I had to become more consistent in my early morning Bible study and prayer. On June 15th, 1977, the daily TV ministry began. Over 39 years later, 100 Huntley Street is still providing daily manna for 100-fold living.

Yours for consistently gathering fresh manna daily for our well being,

David

TRIUMPH

Today’s Reading: Exodus 15

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).

Jewish children dance at a presentation in Jerusalem.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 15:20

Then Miriam, the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

Remember Miriam? She was the one who 80 years before, as the older sister of Moses, watched over the little basket floating in the Nile. She arranged for Moses’ mother to care for the baby on behalf of the sister of Pharaoh who found the baby in the bulrushes. Now, about 90 years of age, she prophesies, puts those words to song, plays the timbrel, and leads the dance. Amazing! We need to celebrate too! God has fulfilled His purposes in the past; He is doing so right now; He will do so unfailingly in the future! He provides fresh water and promises, “I am the Lord who heals you!”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, You are the great “I AM” who heals me. I rest on Your promise for physical healing. I celebrate Your deliverance from the slavery of sin. I praise and worship You for who You are. I sing to You, Lord, for You have triumphed gloriously! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

I plan to find our timbrel and dance. I’ll ask Norma-Jean to play on the piano a dancing song that the Cameron Family from Scotland sang and danced to on the 100 Huntley Street TV show about 25 years ago. Right now I’ll contain my exuberance and finish this blog, getting it ready for posting at 100words.ca just for fresh manna and spring water for you.  Please keep rejoicing! My dance later won’t be as pretty as Miriam’s I’m sure, but Norma-Jean will laugh, and she might even dance with me.

Yours to celebrate with Miriam and you,

David

P.S. At a family celebration, a cause for dancing was the marriage of our grandson, Eric. Another cause for celebration was the touchdown of our grandson-in-law, David Lee, who played for the Saskatchewan Roughriders as a defensive end. His wife, our granddaughter Elizabeth, could teach us a little about celebrating!!! Her dad, my son Reynold, our blog photographer, put together a Youtube video about it (click HERE).

GO FORWARD

Today’s Reading: Exodus 14

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).

Looking North to Elat from the Israel side of the Red Sea. Off in the distance you can see Mountains of Edom in Jordan. This shoreline contains some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world with an amazing variety of sea life. Be sure to click on the link at the end of the blog to learn about amazing coral formations resembling chariot wheels found on the bottom of the Red Sea. Exodus 14:25 tells us that God took off the wheels of the Egyptian chariots.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace. NKJV

Hemmed in between the sea and the mountains with water before them and Pharaoh’s forces behind them, Israel meets their first big test of faith – and it appears that all except Moses are in a state of panic. Moses obeys God and God’s people learn the lesson we need to learn also. The NIV translation puts it this way, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” As long as we have the means to resist evil ourselves, we must do so. When we can do nothing, our duty is to wait patiently, quietly, courageously moving forward when God prompts us. Moses probably did not know how God would deliver, but he had no doubt that God would make a way. The words “boldness” (verse 8) and “very afraid” (verse 10) describe the changing feelings of the people. We should not be led by our emotions but by God’s Word. God says to Moses, “Tell the people to go forward” (verse 15).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, speak Your Word to me today through my Bible reading, through a godly leader, or a brother or sister in faith, or by Your “still small Voice” (1 Kings 19:12). Having heard from You, Lord, I am moving forward. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Someone said to an old preacher, “If you believed that God told you to jump through that brick wall, would you jump?” The preacher replied, “Yes, it would be my job to jump. It’s God’s job to make the hole in the wall!” I heard someone else say, “We must attempt things for God that are so humanly impossible that they will surely fail if God is not in them.” I, for one, want them to fail if God is not in them. I have said many times, “We have to be willing to trip and fall, and be made to look like the biggest fool ever, if we are to accomplish all that God wants us to do.” Over the years at the Crossroads ministry, God has done things that were humanly impossible. Sometimes I’ve championed losing causes, but I’d much rather look like a fool than fail to “go forward.” Crossroads/100 Huntley Street is still “moving forward” today!

Yours, moving forward,

David

P.S. Last week my son Ron attached to the blog the most amazing scientific research documentary about the “Exodus.” I’m asking him to put it on again today in case you missed it or in case you did not have time to share it with family members and others who may be sceptical as to the historical reliability of the Scriptures (click here). It was reported online recently that the Egyptian Department of Antiquities have now found many more remains of Pharaoh’s army on the sea bottom.