BE PREPARED

Today’s Reading: Exodus 31

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 priest is before the Altar of Incense and the Veil, behind which is the Holy of Holies. This is in the full-sized replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle which was on display at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, during the summer of 2012.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 31:3

And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship.

In order to be prepared for all God desires, we must do our part. Yes, God will give us gifts, enabling us to do our part. God created gold, silver, copper (out of which bronze was made), and jewels. Bezaleel, grandson of Hur, who lifted the hands of Moses, was prepared with his gifts to co-operate with God for God’s purpose. He was the chief artisan of the Tabernacle. God gave Moses the details but never intended that Moses would do it all by himself. We need the leadership of our Pastors, and our Pastors need us. As God has filled us with His Spirit, given us gifts “in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,” let’s show up and say, “I’m here Pastor. What do you need done?”

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, by Your grace given to me, I will show up at the Pastor’s study and ask, “Is there anything I can do to help you fulfill God’s call?” Lord, may I be willing to do a small task which no one else but You and the Pastor will know about, or a big task which the whole congregation notices. May I not expect recognition or honour. I want to be Your loyal servant. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen (so be it)!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Be Prepared.” I had the opportunity to be a Cub, a Scout, and at 18, a Scout Leader for a year. I had those two words drilled into me. I love to work with my hands, as well as my heart and mind. Norma-Jean loves to serve too. A couple of years back, she took on a project of knitting toques for AIDS orphans in Africa. It gets cold in the highlands of Africa, particularly at night. I watched her for days as she knitted 55 of them. Many others joined her as our Crossroads Missions promoted the “Toques for Africa” challenge. We received over 10,300 knitted toques by our 100 Huntley Street viewers! Our missions partner in Swaziland booked the National Stadium, filled it with AIDS orphaned children, and handed out these treasures, along with many other blessings. What joy this service brought to the heart of God and to the hearts and heads of the children. (Our mission partner for that project was Heart for Africa…www.heartforafrica.org).

Yours for service for the Lord,

David

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” (Ephesians 5:18).

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

David

A BURNT OFFERING

Today’s Reading: Exodus 29

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 male Ibex ascends En Gedi in Israel. The Dead Sea and the country of Jordan are in the distance.

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

Key Verse: Exodus 29:18

And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord; it is a sweet aroma, an offering made by fire to the Lord.

This seems like a strange ugly scene in the middle of the ceremony and pageantry of the ordination of the High Priest and his fellow priests. Suddenly there is blood and death in the Tabernacle. Aaron and his sons are compelled to stand in their new beautiful robes and to participate in killing a ram. As they lay their hands on the animal, it is slaughtered, its blood drained and sprinkled around. God ordered this ugly scene to remind us of the ugliness and seriousness of sin. Our sin results in death. The ram’s death is a picture of God’s mercy. An animal was dying in the place of Aaron and his sons. Of course, no animal is worth the value of a human being. Ultimately, only a human being could die for another human. Jesus, fully Human and fully Divine, accomplished this in His death.

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord God, I recognize the horror of my sin which caused the terrible consequences of the death of Your Son, Jesus. I’m so very, very sorry, Lord. May I be sorry enough to quit my sin. The enormity of Christ’s personal sacrifice for me is overwhelming to me. I give You my life according to the grace You’ve given me to do so. I pray these mercies through Jesus Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

As a boy I travelled with my Dad from time to time in his visitation of the farming community which he served as minister. On one occasion we happened upon the slaughter of a steer. The bellowing, the struggling, the blood, the sight of its agony, the smell of death are scenes graphically imprinted on my mind. Sometimes, even now, when I’m enjoying one of Norma-Jean’s delicious roast beef dinners, that experience comes to my mind. An animal died to provide for me. The enjoyment of the superb taste, including potatoes, gravy, peas, carrots and butternut squash, soon turns the ugly memory to appreciation for such a gift. When I partake in the communion meal at church, I bring to mind John 6:52-59. In particular, verse 54 is startling. “He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” This is true, and I decided years ago to believe.

Yours, grieving over my sin and at the same time celebrating God’s amazing grace!

David

HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD

Today’s Reading: Exodus 28

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).

In this full-sized replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle, which was on exhibit at the Crossroads Centre in Burlington, Ontario, the High Priest places blood from the sacrifice onto the horns of the altar on behalf of the people (yesterday’s blog makes reference to these horns).

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

Key Verse: Exodus 28:36

You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet: HOLINESS TO THE LORD.

The clothing of the high priest was designed by God, Himself. The symbolism is powerful. Jesus Christ is our High Priest. He is the personification of “Holiness to the Lord.” He is “The High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1). In the book of Hebrews, He is called our High Priest seven times. We need to take the time to read Hebrews 2:17 right through to Hebrews 10:22 (click here). That is a big assignment, but I guarantee you’ll learn to value the work of Jesus more than ever. Like the epaulets on the shoulders of the Hebrew high priest, He presents our names before God, not just from time to time but continually. His primary occupation is that “He ever lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25). John writes, “If any man sins, we have an Advocate (lawyer for the defense) with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, I thank You with all my being for representing me before the Father. Thank You, God, for receiving the blood of the Sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus, on my behalf. It’s beyond me to fully comprehend Your love, grace and mercy. I can only give myself here and now once again to You. When I pray, “In Jesus’ Name,” I have a new understanding of what is really taking place. IN JESUS’ NAME, Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

Dr. Charles Rolls was often a guest on 100 Huntley Street when in his nineties. One day, at 97, he showed up at our studio in downtown Toronto fully dressed in the garb of the High Priest. He had sewn the entire outfit with his own hands, put it on, and proceeded on the subway from North York to mid-town. I can’t imagine what the people on the train thought. He told them he was a guest later that morning on TV and was teaching about the role of the Hebrew High Priest. He departed this life at age 99. I had a big celebration planned for his 100th birthday. Instead, we celebrated his passing on to Glory. His series of books on the Names of Jesus are amazing (you might find one or more copies of his six-volume set on Amazon.com…try starting here). I realize once again that I (you too) am called to be a priest in the sense that when I pray for someone, I am representing them to God (1 Peter 2:5 & 9, Revelation 1:6).

Yours for a greater understanding of the ministry of Jesus, as well as our personal ministries,

David

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

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