Exodus 31 (ESV)
1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 "See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, 4 to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 in cutting stones for setting, and in carving wood, to work in every craft. 6 And behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, and the ark of the testimony, and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furnishings of the tent, 8 the table and its utensils, and the pure lampstand with all its utensils, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin and its stand, 10 and the finely worked garments, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, for their service as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and the fragrant incense for the Holy Place. According to all that I have commanded you, they shall do."
Bezalel was filled with the Holy Spirit to be able to work artistically in many different craftmanships for the adorning of the temple. He was given an assistant and a crew who received their ability from God. God wanted His temple not only to be where He would dwell among His people, but that the temple would visually reflect His beauty. One of the ministries at our church will soon be studying how the priest's garments and the temple reflect Christ. And it comes down that Bezalel was chosen as overseer of these things and was equipped by God for the purpose.
Today's devotion may be specifically targeted at me today, but please try to see how it may apply to you - even if it is in a different area.
Does today's church adorn it's buildings and garments the same way? The Baptist church I worship with doesn't. But, does the church do anything visually to enhance worship or learning? Mine does. In fact that is one of my major areas of responsibility. With the many resources available today, adding quality video to music is easy and welcomed. Using a Christian produced video to help tell a story is a new sermon tool. Using PowerPoint to display scripture is great for note-takers and those with impaired vision.
My mistake: I have called this all "Bells and Whistles." I have taken all these things that I oversee and reduced it down to using any means to get through to a Video/Multimedia generation. I have said that though these things are nice, it all comes down to the preaching and teaching of God's word and everything else is just icing - not necessary.
After reading this section of scripture, I realize that this is important to God. Using other senses to worship God is good and encouraged (Ps 34:8 - O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.). God will use our frame of reference, as long as it doesn't contradict Him, to reveal Himself to us. He did it visually in Exodus, He did it culturally in the New Testament (Acts 17:22-31; I Cor. 9:19-23), so it makes sense that He will reveal Himself using our visual culture.
Though I'm shamed that I discounted something very important to my Father, I'm excited that He chose me to oversee this important aspect.
Has God called you to something you deem unnecessary? Take time to pray to Him to reveal how important it really is - then just praise Him for using you.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
His Presence
Exodus 29 (ESV)
45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
This section of scripture is at the end of the description of the process to sanctify the temple and the priests. This comes after warnings of not to make the same kind of incense used in the temple and not to anoint an ordinary person with the anointing oil for the temple and the priests.
Even after warnings that if not heeded would cause a person to be cut off from Israel, God affirms His love for His people. He desired to dwell among them. He desired to let them know that He was their God.
Here's an exciting thing to think about, if you have ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be your Lord and Savior, you are no longer an "ordinary" person. In fact you are a priest and a temple. I Peter 2:9; I Corinthians 6:19-20.
Do you live your life as an anointed priest of God? Do you even think of yourself as that? Remember that He dwells among you and has equipped you. Everything you need is in Him - you just need to ask Him. And what is required of your priesthood? Always point to God. Glorify Him. Proverbs 3:5-6. And when people ask why, point to what Christ did for you and how He enabled you. I Peter 3:15.
45 I will dwell among the people of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.
This section of scripture is at the end of the description of the process to sanctify the temple and the priests. This comes after warnings of not to make the same kind of incense used in the temple and not to anoint an ordinary person with the anointing oil for the temple and the priests.
Even after warnings that if not heeded would cause a person to be cut off from Israel, God affirms His love for His people. He desired to dwell among them. He desired to let them know that He was their God.
Here's an exciting thing to think about, if you have ask Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be your Lord and Savior, you are no longer an "ordinary" person. In fact you are a priest and a temple. I Peter 2:9; I Corinthians 6:19-20.
Do you live your life as an anointed priest of God? Do you even think of yourself as that? Remember that He dwells among you and has equipped you. Everything you need is in Him - you just need to ask Him. And what is required of your priesthood? Always point to God. Glorify Him. Proverbs 3:5-6. And when people ask why, point to what Christ did for you and how He enabled you. I Peter 3:15.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Burnout
Exodus 18
13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
One thing I am learning to pay attention to while in the ministry is setting boundaries. Sometimes it's just easier to take care of a need myself instead of finding others who can handle it. This is why so many pastors "burn out" instead of persevering. Moses was doing this very thing until his father-in-law pointed out the problem and gave him a solution.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that wen ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Obviously, first and foremost, the number one preventative measure for burnout is prayer. Not giving up reaps rewards. But what can you and I do?
This depends where you are: the pastor or leader may have to learn to delegate. He may have to learn to let go of something and let another take that task over. This is tough for the person who is particular on how things should be done. Well, lose the pride and let God lead that person in that task, which very well may be so more effective than what you could ever do.
You could be on the other side of this - you may not be taking anything on. I'm not saying that you need to immediately start teaching 1st Grade Sunday School, but I am saying that there may be many things you can do that can help a leader avoid burnout: taking out trash; helping to shut down the church after service, shoveling snow off the front steps, etc. Watch your leaders, see if they are doing anything that you could do for them. That little thing may just be more important than you could ever imagine.
13 The next day Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from morning till evening. 14 When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, “What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-in-law, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God; 16 when they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make them know the statutes of God and his laws.” 17 Moses' father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and the people with you will certainly wear yourselves out, for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to do it alone. 19 Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God, 20 and you shall warn them about the statutes and the laws, and make them know the way in which they must walk and what they must do. 21 Moreover, look for able men from all the people, men who fear God, who are trustworthy and hate a bribe, and place such men over the people as chiefs of thousands, of hundreds, of fifties, and of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all times. Every great matter they shall bring to you, but any small matter they shall decide themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23 If you do this, God will direct you, you will be able to endure, and all this people also will go to their place in peace.”
One thing I am learning to pay attention to while in the ministry is setting boundaries. Sometimes it's just easier to take care of a need myself instead of finding others who can handle it. This is why so many pastors "burn out" instead of persevering. Moses was doing this very thing until his father-in-law pointed out the problem and gave him a solution.
Galatians 6:9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Luke 18:1
And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that wen ought always to pray, and not to faint;
Obviously, first and foremost, the number one preventative measure for burnout is prayer. Not giving up reaps rewards. But what can you and I do?
This depends where you are: the pastor or leader may have to learn to delegate. He may have to learn to let go of something and let another take that task over. This is tough for the person who is particular on how things should be done. Well, lose the pride and let God lead that person in that task, which very well may be so more effective than what you could ever do.
You could be on the other side of this - you may not be taking anything on. I'm not saying that you need to immediately start teaching 1st Grade Sunday School, but I am saying that there may be many things you can do that can help a leader avoid burnout: taking out trash; helping to shut down the church after service, shoveling snow off the front steps, etc. Watch your leaders, see if they are doing anything that you could do for them. That little thing may just be more important than you could ever imagine.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Watch God
Exodus 14 (ESV)
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Verse 14 is so powerful. "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The King James says "Ye shall hold your peace." I know my understanding of this is pretty blunt - "Just shut up and let God be God." At least the Bible isn't as harsh as I am, but that's what is being said.
Israel was being pursued and was trapped between the Red Sea and a horde of angry Egyptians. Israel, like us, just started whining and complaining - not only that but with a sarastics tone: "What? There wasn't enough room for graves in Egypt so you brought us out to the wilderness to die?" Moses responds, "Be silent and just watch what God is going to do."
This is the first time I've looked at Exodus 14:14 in my own words - and frankly, I'm convicted by it. By nature, I'm a complainer. And by nature, I want to solve my own problems. I've been in the process of learning that there is more to be thankful for than to complain about. But sometimes that "complainer" is just lurking under the surface - maybe not voicing complaints, but maybe influencing attitudes or actions. I now see in those situations, a simple sentence can help me get the right perspective: "Silence! Watch God!"
13 And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. 14 The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.”
Verse 14 is so powerful. "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent." The King James says "Ye shall hold your peace." I know my understanding of this is pretty blunt - "Just shut up and let God be God." At least the Bible isn't as harsh as I am, but that's what is being said.
Israel was being pursued and was trapped between the Red Sea and a horde of angry Egyptians. Israel, like us, just started whining and complaining - not only that but with a sarastics tone: "What? There wasn't enough room for graves in Egypt so you brought us out to the wilderness to die?" Moses responds, "Be silent and just watch what God is going to do."
This is the first time I've looked at Exodus 14:14 in my own words - and frankly, I'm convicted by it. By nature, I'm a complainer. And by nature, I want to solve my own problems. I've been in the process of learning that there is more to be thankful for than to complain about. But sometimes that "complainer" is just lurking under the surface - maybe not voicing complaints, but maybe influencing attitudes or actions. I now see in those situations, a simple sentence can help me get the right perspective: "Silence! Watch God!"
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Why Twice?
Mark 8 (ESV)
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Have you ever considered why Jesus had to make two attempts to heal this blind man? Why wasn't the blind man completely healed on the first attempt?
Was it because Jesus didn't have the ability to do it on the first try?
We believe that Jesus is God, and that God is all powerful, so what is up with this account?
It comes down to we don't know. We can look at clues though. It was not the blind man who sought Jesus, but his friends. This blind man MAY have not believed Jesus was able to do anything. He MAY have just gone with Jesus to prove that this Man was just a fake and couldn't do anything.
Then something amazing happened, Jesus revealed just a little of Himself to the man. Just enough for this man to realize that Jesus had some power. Think about the story, why would Jesus have to ask if the man saw anything if Jesus knew He completely healed him?
The blind man received sight, but it was blurred. What do you think was his opinion of Jesus now? "Wow! I can see better, maybe this guy is for real." And I truly doubt that he was put off because he didn't get all his sight. It was probably just enough to spark some faith, because when Jesus touched him again he saw everything clearly. And if you remember Jesus told several people it was their faith that healed them.
How's your faith? Have you been touched that first time so that you know Jesus is for real? And if you have, do you now allow Jesus to open things up so you can see clearly? Take this a step further, are you in any conflicts now? And how many conflicts are the result of misperceptions (not seeing clearly)? Ask the Lord whom you trusted your life in to open your eyes so that you may see that situation clearly.
22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him. 23 And he took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when he had spit on his eyes and laid his hands on him, he asked him, “Do you see anything?” 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men, but they look like trees, walking.” 25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 And he sent him to his home, saying, “Do not even enter the village.”
Have you ever considered why Jesus had to make two attempts to heal this blind man? Why wasn't the blind man completely healed on the first attempt?
Was it because Jesus didn't have the ability to do it on the first try?
We believe that Jesus is God, and that God is all powerful, so what is up with this account?
It comes down to we don't know. We can look at clues though. It was not the blind man who sought Jesus, but his friends. This blind man MAY have not believed Jesus was able to do anything. He MAY have just gone with Jesus to prove that this Man was just a fake and couldn't do anything.
Then something amazing happened, Jesus revealed just a little of Himself to the man. Just enough for this man to realize that Jesus had some power. Think about the story, why would Jesus have to ask if the man saw anything if Jesus knew He completely healed him?
The blind man received sight, but it was blurred. What do you think was his opinion of Jesus now? "Wow! I can see better, maybe this guy is for real." And I truly doubt that he was put off because he didn't get all his sight. It was probably just enough to spark some faith, because when Jesus touched him again he saw everything clearly. And if you remember Jesus told several people it was their faith that healed them.
How's your faith? Have you been touched that first time so that you know Jesus is for real? And if you have, do you now allow Jesus to open things up so you can see clearly? Take this a step further, are you in any conflicts now? And how many conflicts are the result of misperceptions (not seeing clearly)? Ask the Lord whom you trusted your life in to open your eyes so that you may see that situation clearly.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
What's there to fear?
Psalm 27
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
This psalm came a day after I faced the temptation of fear. My family faced three pieces of bad news in one day and all in the same area. The first thing that came to mind was, "What are we going to do?" And though that was not the "mature Christian" thought, it still shows that I have "knee-jerk" reactions.
I quickly recovered from this, but there was one part of that actually desired "to worry." Though with my heart and mind I trusted in the Lord, there was a part of me upset that I couldn't worry. I know its silly, and I saw it as silly and quickly dismissed it as another temptation to deal with situations on my own (or in the flesh). But it did make me think.
How many of us would not see that as temptation but automatically go into survival mode? Do we let fear trigger us into a primal survival mode? Do you know another name for this survival mode? Yep, you got it, it's our sinful nature. Its us deciding we know how to survive better than the Creator of life Himself.
The beginning of this psalm sparked this thought, and the answer comes in the last line. Take time to reflect on what fears trigger you into survivor mode, and then let the Lord have control in those areas.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
1 The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?
This psalm came a day after I faced the temptation of fear. My family faced three pieces of bad news in one day and all in the same area. The first thing that came to mind was, "What are we going to do?" And though that was not the "mature Christian" thought, it still shows that I have "knee-jerk" reactions.
I quickly recovered from this, but there was one part of that actually desired "to worry." Though with my heart and mind I trusted in the Lord, there was a part of me upset that I couldn't worry. I know its silly, and I saw it as silly and quickly dismissed it as another temptation to deal with situations on my own (or in the flesh). But it did make me think.
How many of us would not see that as temptation but automatically go into survival mode? Do we let fear trigger us into a primal survival mode? Do you know another name for this survival mode? Yep, you got it, it's our sinful nature. Its us deciding we know how to survive better than the Creator of life Himself.
The beginning of this psalm sparked this thought, and the answer comes in the last line. Take time to reflect on what fears trigger you into survivor mode, and then let the Lord have control in those areas.
Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
be strong, and let your heart take courage;
wait for the Lord!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Desiring Righteousness
Psalm 25
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
This psalm struck me this morning. It is very simple, yet it compells me to just say, "Lord I am yours, please lead me."
No long explanation or insight today, just a challenge to seek God's will today. Take time to read His Word. Ask Him for understanding before you read (Ps 119:18). And expect to hear from Him everytime you read His love letter to you.
Desire change in your life - change that reflects God molding you into something incredible. A lump of clay only has to do two things: be moldable and remain in the potter's hands. Can you do that today?
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
5 Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all the day long.
This psalm struck me this morning. It is very simple, yet it compells me to just say, "Lord I am yours, please lead me."
No long explanation or insight today, just a challenge to seek God's will today. Take time to read His Word. Ask Him for understanding before you read (Ps 119:18). And expect to hear from Him everytime you read His love letter to you.
Desire change in your life - change that reflects God molding you into something incredible. A lump of clay only has to do two things: be moldable and remain in the potter's hands. Can you do that today?
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