THE ALTAR OF BRONZE!

Posted on December 9, 2024 by randscallawayffm

My dad was the superb griller of all that can be cooked over charcoal on the back patio.  He worked hard to get all the meat just right; not too pink and not to overcooked, but just right.  I wouldn’t be surprised if dad prayed over his grill as it cooked so our food would be blessed by the Lord as perfect to eat!  My dad was indeed a perfectionist!

We had all kinds of grills over the years of my growing up as dad was always on a search of the “best one”—“the one and only”! Companies who made them such as Coleman, Weber, and others tried to make each new model better than the summer before; but it all came down to this:  Will it last? Will it hold up to a summer of cooking over charcoals?  Will the grill hold up to weather and not rust?  Will the extreme temperatures of a fire in a box be contained safely?  Will our food be cooked well or be charred beyond recognition as a burnt offering?  I am smiling at the last question, because there was a time, The Griller was distracted by joining in a yard game, and our meat was burned to a crispy black substance.  He called it his “burnt offering” but we ate cheese sandwiches instead that day.

God designed a grill beyond all other grills!  He instructs Moses to build an altar that will be the place where real burnt offerings of sacrificial animals will be made by the priests as the way to atone for the sins of God’s People.  The awesome smell of meat cooking that we love is also pleasing to God; as sweet incense to Him because it means even more to God, people bringing their unblemished lambs to sacrifice for their sins! 

The altar of sacrifice will last as it is mostly made of bronze!  All the cooking utensils will be made of bronze.  The grate and grill plate is bronze.  Everything will be overlayed in bronze.  Yes, God designed His altar to be practical, movable, and built to last on the wilderness journey.  This altar is a holy place that will serve to cover over sins of people and will gain them entry in the courtyard of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord.  But only the yearly designated priest will enter the holy of holies where God meets with man for the final act of atonement.  It will be the anointed and called of God work of Aaron and his descendants to be the priests who will keep the oil lamps burning to signify God’s Presence with them always. 

God is teaching the wilderness wanderers who He is with how to worship Him in Truth.

Exodus 27

The Altar of Burnt Offering

“Build an altar of acacia wood, three cubits high; it is to be square, five cubits long and five cubits wide. 2 Make a horn at each of the four corners, so that the horns and the altar are of one piece, and overlay the altar with bronze. 3 Make all its utensils of bronze—its pots to remove the ashes, and its shovels, sprinkling bowls, meat forks and firepans. 4 Make a grating for it, a bronze network, and make a bronze ring at each of the four corners of the network. 5 Put it under the ledge of the altar so that it is halfway up the altar. 6 Make poles of acacia wood for the altar and overlay them with bronze. 7 The poles are to be inserted into the rings so they will be on two sides of the altar when it is carried. 8 Make the altar hollow, out of boards. It is to be made just as you were shown on the mountain.

The Courtyard

9 “Make a courtyard for the tabernacle. The south side shall be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains of finely twisted linen, 10 with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts. 11 The north side shall also be a hundred cubits long and is to have curtains, with twenty posts and twenty bronze bases and with silver hooks and bands on the posts.

12 “The west end of the courtyard shall be fifty cubits wide and have curtains, with ten posts and ten bases. 13 On the east end, toward the sunrise, the courtyard shall also be fifty cubits wide. 14 Curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on one side of the entrance, with three posts and three bases, 15 and curtains fifteen cubits long are to be on the other side, with three posts and three bases.

16 “For the entrance to the courtyard, provide a curtain twenty cubits long, of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer—with four posts and four bases. 17 All the posts around the courtyard are to have silver bands and hooks, and bronze bases. 18 The courtyard shall be a hundred cubits long and fifty cubits wide, with curtains of finely twisted linen five cubits high, and with bronze bases. 19 All the other articles used in the service of the tabernacle, whatever their function, including all the tent pegs for it and those for the courtyard, are to be of bronze.

Oil for the Lampstand

20 “Command the Israelites to bring you clear oil of pressed olives for the light so that the lamps may be kept burning. 21 In the tent of meeting, outside the curtain that shields the ark of the covenant law, Aaron and his sons are to keep the lamps burning before the Lord from evening till morning. This is to be a lasting ordinance among the Israelites for the generations to come.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Today, we only need Jesus. Jesus was, is and always will be Savior and Lord, the One without sin, who didn’t just cover our sins, He removed them—”as far as the east is from the west”— “to be remembered no more”!  Yes, Jesus’ sacrificial work on the cross, taking all the sins of the world, yours and mine, upon his shoulders to die in our place of punishment once and for all and then rising again in resurrection power negates the need to bring lambs to a priest for burning on an altar.

All Scripture points to Jesus as the once and for all sacrifice that takes away the sins of the world.  God’s Plan, from the beginning, was to lead all people of all nations to Him.  This Plan will be fulfilled in Jesus.  Jesus, who is God in flesh, came down to seek and to save all who believe in Him, restoring a right and holy relationship with God.  “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16. The curtains designed with purpose by God for a holy place to meet with Him for that time and place and held in honor for generations to come will be ripped from top to bottom in two pieces when Jesus breathed his last breath on the cross.  The final work to redeem all who believe in Jesus will be accomplished.  All who believe in Jesus gain entry to God!

Warren Wiersbe provides proof through God’s Word that helps us to understand the significance of then and now—

“Preachers and evangelists sometimes invite people in their congregations to “come to the altar,” but there are no longer altars on earth that are ordained of God or acceptable to God. Why? Because the death of Jesus Christ took care of the sin problem once and for all (Hebrews 9:25–28). No more sacrifices can be or should be offered. The Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a reminder of His sacrifice, not a repeat of His sacrifice.

The only “altar” believers have today is Jesus Christ Himself, who bears on His glorified body the wounds of the cross (Luke 24:39; John 20:20; Hebrews 13:10).

As a holy priesthood, we “offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5). We present to Him our bodies (Romans 12:1, 2), our material wealth (Philippians 4:18), praise and good works (Hebrews 13:15, 16), and a broken heart (Psalm 51:17). —Wiersbe Study Bible

As believers in Jesus who is the Light of the World, we keep His light burning and shining with us that is reflected to a world desperate for a Savior and Lord. All believers in Jesus are called of God as His “royal priesthood;” now designated to point the world to Jesus who reconciles (reconnects) all who believe to God!  (2 Corinthians 5:18).

Notice there was only one entrance to the courtyard enclosure and therefore only one way to get to the altar of God.  God’s design until Jesus.  Jesus claimed to be the only door (John 10:9) and the only way to God (John 14:6), which explains why Peter said, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).  God’s fulfillment of His Plan to redeem the world.

In today’s pluralistic society, many people like to think that every way is acceptable to God, but that attitude leads to death (Proverbs 14:12; 16:25; Matthew 7:13–27).

As we move along in our study of God’s People learning how to worship God on their journey to the Promised Land; may we be ever mindful of the truth that Jesus was with God as part of God, waiting to fulfill God’s complete plan to redeem the whole world.  God is not finished with us until we see Him face to face in all of His glory! 

One God. One Savior. One Lord. One Holy Spirit. Worship God alone in sprit and in truth.

Lord,

We are learning more about you as we read about the journey you took your people on through the wilderness.  Sometimes we wander and we need your guidance to bring us closer to you and what you desire for us.  Thank you for cleansing our hearts, renewing our minds, and restoring the joy of your salvation in us as we daily look to you for guidance for each new day.  I love you, Lord.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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THE TRAVEL-READY TENT OF MEETING

Posted on December 8, 2024 by randscallawayffm

If you watch old movies, (the really old ones) that depict the beginning of populating the country west of the Thirteen original colonies, you have seen episodes of traveling preachers who come to town and set up a huge tent of poles and canvas.  The tent had no floor and no sides.  It merely covered a place of ground secured from a local farmer or rancher.  Inside the tent was usually a wood platform for the preacher to speak above the crowd who would gather.  The platform also served as an altar for these preachers who were fiery in delivery with a passion for sinners to be saved and the infirmed to be healed.  The outside world believed until proven otherwise.  It depended on the character of the preacher when he left the platform and walked among the people for a few days before leaving for the next town.  His life proved who he followed as Lord.

Back “in the old days,” a preacher with his traveling church, was the only preaching and teaching most little towns and communities had.  If there was a church in town, the building was also used as the school and town hall.  Most attenders were hungry for listening to God’s Word spoken.  To others it was the “circus” that had come to town.  Attending was better than herding livestock for a time. 

My dad used to tell me of tent meetings that would come to his community.  As a young, curious boy, living on a farm, he and his brother used to go near the tent, peek inside and watch the boisterous worship and loud preachers with a few people in congregation filled with the spirit, who might even get up and run around yelling in a “spiritual language” no one else could understand.  Some, however were seriously saved by God’s grace in Jesus Name through repentance of their sins.  Lives were changed. 

But some were snookered to giving as much of their limited funds as possible to the traveling false preachers of ill repute. 

We praise God for those who were saved by grace.  We praise God for the integrity of Billy Graham, who began with a tent ministry progressed to filling whole colosseums in major cities!  God called this young man to show the Light of Jesus to the world, no matter what it took!  Billy answered and obeyed. God blessed.  Billy Graham was one who you could trust to tell the Truth!  The Graham team would also train pastors and teachers in each city and community to receive the lost no found and “make disciples, baptizing them in Jesus Name”!

Moses now has been given instructions from God who designed a portable sanctuary that was built in carry with them through their wilderness journey.  Tabernacle (mishkan), was first mentioned in the Torah, (Genesis to Deuteronomy) in Exodus 25.  Mishkan comes from the Hebrew root meaning “to dwell;” the tabernacle was considered to be the earthly dwelling place of God. In Exodus 25:8-9, God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites to build a mikdash (sanctuary) where God may dwell, specifying exactly how the tabernacle should be designed.  More proof that God delights in all the details of our lives! 

God designed the first Tent Tabernacle!  Imagine God designing our homes, churches or businesses with such details!  God’s plan for His Tabernacle was filled with significance and meaning.  God’s Tent of Meeting or Tent of Congregation as it is also called; was also built for travel but beautifully sustainable for God to meet with His People who He loved.  Notice all the specific tasks to be done by skilled workers who were specifically gifted by God to accomplish.  God, who created the world in six days could have made this for His people; but He chose to accomplish this with His people; “humans made in His own image”!  Camp on that thought…

Exodus 26

The Tabernacle

26 “Make the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, with cherubim woven into them by a skilled worker. 2 All the curtains are to be the same size—twenty-eight cubits long and four cubits wide. 3 Join five of the curtains together, and do the same with the other five. 4 Make loops of blue material along the edge of the end curtain in one set, and do the same with the end curtain in the other set. 5 Make fifty loops on one curtain and fifty loops on the end curtain of the other set, with the loops opposite each other. 6 Then make fifty gold clasps and use them to fasten the curtains together so that the tabernacle is a unit.

7 “Make curtains of goat hair for the tent over the tabernacle—eleven altogether. 8 All eleven curtains are to be the same size—thirty cubits long and four cubits wide. 9 Join five of the curtains together into one set and the other six into another set. Fold the sixth curtain double at the front of the tent. 10 Make fifty loops along the edge of the end curtain in one set and also along the edge of the end curtain in the other set. 11 Then make fifty bronze clasps and put them in the loops to fasten the tent together as a unit. 12 As for the additional length of the tent curtains, the half curtain that is left over is to hang down at the rear of the tabernacle. 13 The tent curtains will be a cubit longer on both sides; what is left will hang over the sides of the tabernacle so as to cover it. 14 Make for the tent a covering of ram skins dyed red, and over that a covering of the other durable leather.

15 “Make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. 16 Each frame is to be ten cubits long and a cubit and a half wide, 17 with two projections set parallel to each other. Make all the frames of the tabernacle in this way. 18 Make twenty frames for the south side of the tabernacle 19 and make forty silver bases to go under them—two bases for each frame, one under each projection. 20 For the other side, the north side of the tabernacle, make twenty frames 21 and forty silver bases—two under each frame. 22 Make six frames for the far end, that is, the west end of the tabernacle, 23 and make two frames for the corners at the far end. 24 At these two corners they must be double from the bottom all the way to the top and fitted into a single ring; both shall be like that. 25 So there will be eight frames and sixteen silver bases—two under each frame.

26 “Also make crossbars of acacia wood: five for the frames on one side of the tabernacle, 27 five for those on the other side, and five for the frames on the west, at the far end of the tabernacle. 28 The center crossbar is to extend from end to end at the middle of the frames. 29 Overlay the frames with gold and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Also overlay the crossbars with gold.

30 “Set up the tabernacle according to the plan shown you on the mountain.

31 “Make a curtain of blue, purple, and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen, with cherubim woven into it by a skilled worker. 32 Hang it with gold hooks on four posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold and standing on four silver bases. 33 Hang the curtain from the clasps and place the ark of the covenant law behind the curtain. The curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place. 34 Put the atonement cover on the ark of the covenant law in the Most Holy Place. 35 Place the table outside the curtain on the north side of the tabernacle and put the lampstand opposite it on the south side.

36 “For the entrance to the tent make a curtain of blue, purple and scarlet yarn and finely twisted linen—the work of an embroiderer. 37 Make gold hooks for this curtain and five posts of acacia wood overlaid with gold. And cast five bronze bases for them.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

God does not require our “tent of meetings” or churches to look like this today.  And we are glad!  What God is doing for His people then was to remind the people that all they took from the Egyptians, at His command, was now to be used for a place of indwelling for His people to enjoy God’s Presence while giving God the glory for redeeming them!  This traveling tent of meeting will also be used as a place to confess sins with the promise of atonement for those sins.  A perfect, without blemish animal is chosen to be that sacrifice. It will be killed on an altar outside the tent.  Then the shed blood of the lamb will be used to “cover” the repented sins of the people.  It was the work of the chosen priest to ceremonial atonement of sins.  Throughout the Bible, God provides ways for his people to have fellowship with him.  The diligence and care with which the Israelites built the tent of meeting demonstrated their reverence for God.

Significance of the Details–

  • Detailed instructions for making the ark, the table, and the lampstand demonstrated his transcendence above the common everyday features of the world. 
  • The ark’s portable nature represented God’s desire to be with the Israelites wherever they traveled.
  • The ark of the covenant was a rectangular box containing the trio of the most precious Hebrew artifacts: a gold jar of unspoiled manna, Aaron’s walking stick that had budded long after it was cut, and the precious stone tablets that had felt the engraving finger of God.
  • Two cherubim of gold, with outstretched wings, faced each other and looked down on the golden lid with the mercy seat on the lid. They represented the majesty of Jehovah watching over the law and the needs of the people.
  • The ark symbolized God’s provision (the manna), God’s power (the staff), God’s precepts (the commandments), and, most of all, God’s presence.
  • During the temple era, the high priest would be granted a once-a-year audience with the ark. After offering personal sacrifices of repentance, he would enter the Most Holy Place with, according to legend, a rope tied to his ankle lest he perish from seeing and being in the presence of God and need to be pulled out.

Max Lucado parallels the old covenant with the new covenant provided by the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, as the once and for all sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the world!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

“A twenty-six-word parade of hope: beginning with God, ending with life, and urging us to do the same. Brief enough to write on a napkin or memorize in a moment, yet solid enough to weather two thousand years of storms and questions. If you know nothing of the Bible, start here. If you know everything in the Bible, return here. We all need the reminder. The heart of the human problem is the heart of the human. And God’s treatment is prescribed in John 3:16.

He loves. He gave. We believe. We live.

The words are to Scripture what the Mississippi River is to America—an entryway into the heartland. Believe or dismiss them, embrace or reject them, any serious consideration of Christ must include them. Would a British historian dismiss the Magna Carta? Egyptologists overlook the Rosetta stone? Could you ponder the words of Christ and never immerse yourself in John 3:16?

The verse is an alphabet of grace, a table of contents to the Christian hope, each word a safe-deposit box of jewels. Read it again, slowly, and aloud, and note the word that snatches your attention. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God so loved the world . . .  We’d expect an anger-fueled God. One who punishes the world, recycles the world, forsakes the world . . . but loves the world?

The world? This world? Heartbreakers, hope-snatchers, and dream-dousers prowl this orb. Dictators rage. Abusers inflict. Reverends think they deserve the title. But God loves. And he loves the world so much he gave his . . . Declarations? Rules? Dicta? Edicts?

No. The heart-stilling, mind-bending, deal-making-or-breaking claim of John 3:16 is this: God gave his Son . . . his only Son. No abstract ideas but a flesh-wrapped divinity. Scripture equates Jesus with God. God, then, gave himself. Why? So that whoever believes in him shall not perish.” –Lucado, Max Lucado’s Encouraging Word Bible

Lord

From the beginning, you wanted to be with us, love us, guide us to what is better—Your very best.  And you provide for us on our journey to get where you are, and at the same time you are where we are, counting the hairs on our heads!  God, there is no one like you who cares so much and loves so greatly that you would give your One and Only Son in sacrifice for our sins.  Jesus, there is no one else who would willingly go to hell and back so that I can live forever with you.  There are not enough words to express how amazing you are; but I will not stop trying to thank you and praise with what I do have in my vocabulary—without ceasing!

In Jesus Name, for our good and your glory, Amen!

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GOD TEACHES THE TANGIBLE WORSHIP OF GIVING

Posted on December 6, 2024 by randscallawayffm

When I was ten years old, my mom and dad decided I was old enough to receive a small allowance each week.  But the allowance came with a lesson.  All I heard at first that I would be allowed to carry money in my own pocket!  In the sixties, dad who was a blue-collar worker and mom a secretary, worked hard to make ends meet, so 50 cents was a big deal and a bonus to me on top of my parents’ provision of food to eat and clothes to wear.   Did I mention the lesson?  The lesson was of the stewardship of my allotment.  Ten percent would go to the church.  I could choose Sunday School offering or the whole church offering.  Another ten percent would be saved in a jar.  The rest was mine to manage in whatever way I chose. 

I was taught consistently by example that giving back to God in this way was a form of the many ways to worship Him.  I understood this concept as my parents and my grandparents were great examples with a strong faith in God who cares for us and loved us so much He sent His Son to save us.  So, 5 cents into the offering plate for me was a small jester of loving God back for all He has done.

I wonder how many parents today have “sit-downs” to teach this valuable lesson of giving back to God a portion of all He has given to us to manage; knowing that God owns it all anyway?  How many church goers today understanding that worship is indeed so much more than singing a song and listening to a sermon each week? Worship is a tangible way for humans, made in the image of God, to give back to God a portion of what God has provided for us to hold, build upon, and manage.  Why? God wants us to learn to give like He gives so that we can become more and more Him; The Giver of Life!          

Giving promotes gratitude and praise for God.  For it is in the giving that we realize just how much God has provided.  Giving is a matter of the heart.  Our hearts decide the measure of our treasures that we hold and place the most importance upon.  The opening phrase of God’s message to Moses tells it all; “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering…from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.”

Exodus 25

Offerings for the Tabernacle

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Tell the Israelites to bring me an offering. You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give. 3 These are the offerings you are to receive from them: gold, silver and bronze; 4 blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red and another type of durable leather; acacia wood; 6 olive oil for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx stones and other gems to be mounted on the ephod and breastpiece.

8 “Then have them make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them. 9 Make this tabernacle and all its furnishings exactly like the pattern I will show you.

The Ark

10 “Have them make an ark of acacia wood—two and a half cubits long, a cubit and a half wide, and a cubit and a half high. 11 Overlay it with pure gold, both inside and out, and make a gold molding around it. 12 Cast four gold rings for it and fasten them to its four feet, with two rings on one side and two rings on the other. 13 Then make poles of acacia wood and overlay them with gold. 14 Insert the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry it. 15 The poles are to remain in the rings of this ark; they are not to be removed. 16 Then put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law, which I will give you.

17 “Make an atonement cover of pure gold—two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. 18 And make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. 19 Make one cherub on one end and the second cherub on the other; make the cherubim of one piece with the cover, at the two ends. 20 The cherubim are to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the cover with them. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the cover. 21 Place the cover on top of the ark and put in the ark the tablets of the covenant law that I will give you. 22 There, above the cover between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the covenant law, I will meet with you and give you all my commands for the Israelites.

The Table

23 “Make a table of acacia wood—two cubits long, a cubit wide and a cubit and a half high. 24 Overlay it with pure gold and make a gold molding around it. 25 Also make around it a rim a handbreadth wide and put a gold molding on the rim. 26 Make four gold rings for the table and fasten them to the four corners, where the four legs are. 27 The rings are to be close to the rim to hold the poles used in carrying the table. 28 Make the poles of acacia wood, overlay them with gold and carry the table with them. 29 And make its plates and dishes of pure gold, as well as its pitchers and bowls for the pouring out of offerings. 30 Put the bread of the Presence on this table to be before me at all times.

The Lampstand

31 “Make a lampstand of pure gold. Hammer out its base and shaft, and make its flowerlike cups, buds and blossoms of one piece with them. 32 Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. 33 Three cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms are to be on one branch, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches extending from the lampstand. 34 And on the lampstand there are to be four cups shaped like almond flowers with buds and blossoms. 35 One bud shall be under the first pair of branches extending from the lampstand, a second bud under the second pair, and a third bud under the third pair—six branches in all. 36 The buds and branches shall all be of one piece with the lampstand, hammered out of pure gold.

37 “Then make its seven lamps and set them up on it so that they light the space in front of it. 38 Its wick trimmers and trays are to be of pure gold. 39 A talent of pure gold is to be used for the lampstand and all these accessories. 40 See that you make them according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

If you have ever been involved in the building a new structure to worship and meet with God as a growing congregation, these specific instructions from God to Moses makes sense!  The offerings, collected from a grateful, sincere heart, will be collected for a purpose—to build a “meeting place” to worship God with honor and thanksgiving for all He has done.  God lets the people know that He wants a “place” to meet with them!  God wants to be with His people.  Don’t miss this truth—Almighty God who created all and owns all—desires to meet with us! 

Today, WE are His Sanctuary as believers and followers of Jesus! Our bodies are His Temple.  When God looks inside the Temple of a sincere believer of faith; He sees our hearts, minds, and souls and considers these parts of the “sanctuary” as pure gold to Him.  Hearts of golden, unwavering faith, are hearts that last for eternity! 

Our Father comes to dwell in our being with a love that is so profound, unconditional, and so deep embedded into our being that it is hard for us to fully realize at times. Pause to listen to Him, love Him back, thank Him and then let us make ourselves an offering to Him this morning.  (Romans 12:1-2)

We will read later how these offerings to God will be parceled out to the artisans and gifted craftsmen and women from among God’s People so they can construct the “tent of meeting” that can be taken down and set back up on their journey throughout the wilderness to the promised land.  God’s directions are specific and purposeful.  Their work is be obedient even if they do not fully understand the directions. 

Mm, how obedient are we to God’s directions, without asking why? 

Notice that the Great Designer includes crafted details that will reflect His Creation of heaven and earth.  Remember, all the gold, silver, and other precious stones needed for this structure was given to them by the Egyptians who gave willingly to them as God’s People left town!  Mm.  Food for thought.  God uses the resources of the enemy for His glory and for our good. 

Lord,

I am so grateful for all the God-led lessons handed down to me by generations of faith filled people.  I am grateful for the continued lessons You teach me today.  May we learn and grow in our understanding of who You are, while realizing the depth of love and care you have for us. To you be the glory!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, with a grateful heart, Amen!

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COMMITMENT TO THE COVENANT

Posted on December 5, 2024 by randscallawayffm

“You promised we could go; you promised we would have fun; you promised it would happen!” These words sting a parent’s whole being when we must disappoint our children by unfulfilling a promise given.  In our humanness, living in an imperfect world, trying to manage time while others manage your time for you, we cannot always deliver on promises given to our children.  As parents, we quickly learn to never make promises that we might not be able to deliver. But what we can do is promise to love them—unconditionally—forever.

The only promise we can rely on is God’s love, mercy, and grace.  What God says He will do—He does!  God guides.  God provides.  God never leaves us to fend for ourselves.  God doesn’t hide His instructions like clues in a scavenger hunt for treasure.  God states clearly in His Word and through His Son, Jesus what He wants from us—our full, undivided love and attention when He speaks.  God loves us deeply. God wants His best for us.  So, God gave us Jesus to demonstrate just how deeply and completely He loves us.  It is no wonder that God wants men and women, created in His own image, to love like He loves us with focused, committed love that never quits with devoted adoration for who He is because He never gives up on us!  Our love, which is God’s love in us, prompts us to worship God with desires to please the One who loved us first! 

Our love for God is a loyal commitment to Him as the One and Only God. Our love births a desire to serve the One we love because loving and serving is one in the same.  You can’t have one with the other!  Jesus demonstrated how to be a servant who responds with Love. (Philippians 2)

I’ve read and studied God’s Word from Genesis to Revelation many times throughout by lifetime. After years of classes and seminars, theological discussions with seminary leaders as experts in the Word, it all boils down to this:  God simply wants us to love Him back—with all our hearts, all our minds, and all our souls—all that is us.  God is love and created us to love and worship Him. Real Love is the character and  “created image of God” in us.  God calls and we must listen for the call to commune with Him.

“My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “LORD, I am coming.” Psalm 27:8, NLT

Exodus 24

The Covenant Confirmed

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, 2 but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.”

3 When Moses went and told the people all the Lord’s words and laws, they responded with one voice, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” 4 Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said.

He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. 5 Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord. 6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he splashed against the altar. 7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, “We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.”

8 Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, “This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words.”

9 Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the seventy elders of Israel went up 10 and saw the God of Israel. Under his feet was something like a pavement made of lapis lazuli, as bright blue as the sky. 11 But God did not raise his hand against these leaders of the Israelites; they saw God, and they ate and drank.

12 The Lord said to Moses, “Come up to me on the mountain and stay here, and I will give you the tablets of stone with the law and commandments I have written for their instruction.”

13 Then Moses set out with Joshua his aide, and Moses went up on the mountain of God. 14 He said to the elders, “Wait here for us until we come back to you. Aaron and Hur are with you, and anyone involved in a dispute can go to them.”

15 When Moses went up on the mountain, the cloud covered it, 16 and the glory of the Lord settled on Mount Sinai. For six days the cloud covered the mountain, and on the seventh day the Lord called to Moses from within the cloud. 17 To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. 18 Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

God has invited Moses to spend some quality time with Him—forty days and nights to be exact!  Mm, we recall Jesus going out into the wilderness of the desert when He walked the earth to fast and to commune with God, His Father, before beginning His ministry for forty days and nights, too.  (Matthew 4) God likes the order and significance of numbers!  We also know that the Enemy of God met Jesus there to try to distract, deceive and deconstruct the Son of Man who felt hunger.  The Enemy knew Jesus was also the Son of God, evil’s ongoing opponent, the One present when evil was kicked out of heaven for trying to be God. The Enemy’s goal is to defeat Jesus.  The Enemy’s goal today is to defeat anyone who believes and follows Jesus!

From the beginning, God created mankind with the purpose to bless them with His love. God created mankind for the pleasure of their company.  God loved being in communion with them in a pure, loving relationship. Genesis 3 says God would come to the garden in the cool of the evening to spend time with Adam and Eve—until their disobedience and new alliance with evil broke the bond of their relationship.  God had created beauty and perfection for them to enjoy. God provided all they needed with only one request—don’t eat of the tree of knowledge of evil.  But the sin of wanting it all with all they thought they deserved; along with evil’s suggestion that they be God, not just be like God, led them to hide from God. Their sin upset the “apple cart”, so to speak, of a perfect communion with God—and for all who would follow.

God’s love is so deeply embedded into humanity as a precious resource that gives life!  This is why it pains Him with jealousy when we choose less than God think we can do life without Him. God knows when we choose anyone or anything but Him; we are refusing all the blessings He stands ready to pour out over us! 

Walking with God means doing what He says for our good and His glory.  We learn that obedience to God shows our love for Him that flows from our hearts to His.  Pleasing God becomes our holy response to God—if we stay focused on God like loyal servants would to a king.  King’s servants are trained to know what the King wants when He wants it before He asks!  Great servants jump at the chance to serve their king with the mere nod of his head or wave of his hand. 

Loving, respectful servants of God, committed in a holy covenant with God know instinctively how to respond to the One who gave all He had so that could have eternal life. When God gives us nod with the wave of His hand; He is giving us opportunities to respond with respect, awe, honor and praise for the One gave us His One and Only Son.

Saved By the Blood

God gave the Israelites guidelines for their relationships with each other (even their enemies) and with him. These guidelines set Israel apart from the other nations. God also gave a special ceremony that confirmed the agreement between God and his people. In the ceremony blood from animals symbolized forgiveness of sins and reconciliation to God.

Jesus was sent to earth to shed his sacrificial blood as the new covenant to remove our sins once and for all an reconcile us to God.  Ephesians 1:7 says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.” Because of Christ’s shed blood, God is able to forgive us of sins because He took our punishment.

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 1 John 1:7

God rescued His People from bondage to the Egyptians.  God provided a safe passage out of Egypt as they walk through dry ground through the Red Sea.  God guided His People through the desert on their journey to a new land, the land promised to their ancestors by God.  God fed them daily and gave them plenty of fresh water to survive on the journey. 

God does the same for us who believe in Jesus and walk in His ways.  God lays it all before us as He illuminates the right path, even when it the path leads us through thick brush or rocky climbs up a mountainside.  God leads us step by step with all we need for the journey.  God shows us His purposes for us; not only in our arrival to our destinations but in the journey itself. God was, is and always will be God.  Thanks be to God!

Lord,

Thank you for this journey of thoughts that reminds me again of your awesome power and provision.  Thank you for always being with us and not giving up on us.

In Jesus Name, for our good and Your Glory, Amen!

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THE LAW OF LOVE

Posted on December 4, 2024 by randscallawayffm

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name
All oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we
Let all within us praise His holy name

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
O night
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night O night divine

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Even before the prophet Micah delivered this message from God, God delivered this message through Moses to God’s people as the primer to learning what justice, mercy, and walking humbly with God truly means.  These words expand the intention of the Ten Commandments with ways to govern each other.

Exodus 23

Laws of Justice and Mercy

23 “Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

2 “Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, 3 and do not show favoritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.

4 “If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it. 5 If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

6 “Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 7 Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 “Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

9 “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.

Sabbath Laws

10 “For six years you are to sow your fields and harvest the crops, 11 but during the seventh year let the land lie unplowed and unused. Then the poor among your people may get food from it, and the wild animals may eat what is left. Do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.

12 “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.

13 “Be careful to do everything I have said to you. Do not invoke the names of other gods; do not let them be heard on your lips.

The Three Annual Festivals

14 “Three times a year you are to celebrate a festival to me.

15 “Celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread; for seven days eat bread made without yeast, as I commanded you. Do this at the appointed time in the month of Aviv, for in that month you came out of Egypt.

“No one is to appear before me empty-handed.

16 “Celebrate the Festival of Harvest with the firstfruits of the crops you sow in your field.

“Celebrate the Festival of Ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in your crops from the field.

17 “Three times a year all the men are to appear before the Sovereign Lord.

18 “Do not offer the blood of a sacrifice to me along with anything containing yeast.

“The fat of my festival offerings must not be kept until morning.

19 “Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the Lord your God.

“Do not cook a young goat in its mother’s milk.

God’s Angel to Prepare the Way

20 “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. 21 Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. 22 If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. 23 My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. 24 Do not bow down before their gods or worship them or follow their practices. You must demolish them and break their sacred stones to pieces. 25 Worship the Lord your God, and his blessing will be on your food and water. I will take away sickness from among you, 26 and none will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will give you a full life span.

27 “I will send my terror ahead of you and throw into confusion every nation you encounter. I will make all your enemies turn their backs and run. 28 I will send the hornet ahead of you to drive the Hivites, Canaanites and Hittites out of your way. 29 But I will not drive them out in a single year, because the land would become desolate and the wild animals too numerous for you. 30 Little by little I will drive them out before you, until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.

31 “I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give into your hands the people who live in the land, and you will drive them out before you. 32 Do not make a covenant with them or with their gods. 33 Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.”

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

It all began with Moses’ obedience to God. But through the ages, God’s Law was disastrously misinterpreted or completely ignored!  God was forgotten.  The world was in darkness.  Then Jesus, God’s Son entered the dark, lost world with the Light of God’s Love that drove the darkness away for all who saw the Light and believed!

“Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 

  • “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” –Jesus, Matthew 5:21-22
  • “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.”—Jesus, Matthew 5:25-26
  • “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”—Jesus, Matthew 5:27-28

Jesus came to show us how to walk humble with God.  Jesus was counter cultural to the religious who took charge over God, His Law, and His People.  Truly God loved us and sent His Son to set the world right again with the offer to reconcile to God through believing in Jesus.  Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins but before laying down His life for ours; He gave Light to the world by telling and explaining the Truth about God’s Law of Love that the religious leaders were so intent on misinterpreting for their own advantage and power. 

God’s Chosen People were given the His Law for their good and His glory first to Moses to a freed from slavery people who were learning what true justice, mercy, and walking with God meant.  But God’s Law was used and abused, ignored, and even added onto by men who wanted to lord it over the people to whom they were appointed to serve.

The Return to the Law of Love

  • “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”—Jesus, Matthew 5:38-42
  • “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”—Jesus, Matthew 5:43-48

Only our perfectly Holy God can make us holy through the sacrifice of Jesus, our Savior, who removed our sins.  We cannot do this for ourselves.  We are not perfect in living here on earth, but we are surely perfectly forgiven and made right with God because of Jesus’ work on the cross.  We cannot “be good” just because we desire it; or walk humbly with God without God helping us.  Jesus knew we would need help after ascending back to heaven to the Father.  So, God sent another gift to believers–the power, wisdom, and guidance of God’s own Holy Spirit who takes up residence without our being! Listen to Him!

Christ is the Lord
Oh praise His name forever
His power and glory
Evermore evermore proclaim
His power and glory
Evermore evermore proclaim

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
O night
O night when Christ was born
O night divine
O night O night divine

Lord,

I believe and I will always sing of your love, mercy, and grace with every breath within me.

In Jesus Name, for Your glory, Amen! Yes!

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LIVING THE LAW OF GOD

Posted on December 3, 2024 by randscallawayffm

“Do you solemnly swear that what you are about to say is the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”  Still said today, with one hand on the Bible, before witnessing in front of a judge and jury.

Do you ever wondered where the ideas for the laws and judgements of our land come from?  As we read and study The Law of God given to Moses, we see where it all comes from—from the crimes to punishment—all decided by judges in court who decide who did what with punishments of restitution.  The Law described in detail in Exodus clearly gives humanity the outline for law abiding. 

God began their journey with Him by giving His People the Non-Negotiable Ten Commandments as simple statements that cover all that is for humanity’s good while giving God all the glory for being their God of redeeming rescue, provider, healer, and protector.  But what if, even after all God has done, some people break the Law?  God, who knows us well and knows that there will be some who for whatever reason do not adhere to the Law, presents ways to judge offenders with punishments to deter the perpetrators from sinning again.  God knows we need the discipline of law because left on our own we resort to self-preservation tactics.  Our own American history of pioneers moving west where no law was established proves that without the protection of rules of behavior, we become the “wild west of lawlessness” that leads to disastrous outcomes for humanity—whom God loves. We need laws to guide us and keep us honest.

Exodus 22

Protection of Property

“Whoever steals an ox or a sheep and slaughters it or sells it must pay back five head of cattle for the ox and four sheep for the sheep.

2 “If a thief is caught breaking in at night and is struck a fatal blow, the defender is not guilty of bloodshed; 3 but if it happens after sunrise, the defender is guilty of bloodshed.

“Anyone who steals must certainly make restitution, but if they have nothing, they must be sold to pay for their theft. 4 If the stolen animal is found alive in their possession—whether ox or donkey or sheep—they must pay back double.

5 “If anyone grazes their livestock in a field or vineyard and lets them stray and they graze in someone else’s field, the offender must make restitution from the best of their own field or vineyard.

6 “If a fire breaks out and spreads into thornbushes so that it burns shocks of grain or standing grain or the whole field, the one who started the fire must make restitution.

7 “If anyone gives a neighbor silver or goods for safekeeping and they are stolen from the neighbor’s house, the thief, if caught, must pay back double. 8 But if the thief is not found, the owner of the house must appear before the judges, and they must determine whether the owner of the house has laid hands on the other person’s property. 9 In all cases of illegal possession of an ox, a donkey, a sheep, a garment, or any other lost property about which somebody says, ‘This is mine,’ both parties are to bring their cases before the judges. The one whom the judges declare guilty must pay back double to the other.

10 “If anyone gives a donkey, an ox, a sheep or any other animal to their neighbor for safekeeping and it dies or is injured or is taken away while no one is looking, 11 the issue between them will be settled by the taking of an oath before the Lord that the neighbor did not lay hands on the other person’s property. The owner is to accept this, and no restitution is required. 12 But if the animal was stolen from the neighbor, restitution must be made to the owner. 13 If it was torn to pieces by a wild animal, the neighbor shall bring in the remains as evidence and shall not be required to pay for the torn animal.

14 “If anyone borrows an animal from their neighbor and it is injured or dies while the owner is not present, they must make restitution. 15 But if the owner is with the animal, the borrower will not have to pay. If the animal was hired, the money paid for the hire covers the loss.

Social Responsibility

16 “If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. 17 If her father absolutely refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride-price for virgins.

18 “Do not allow a sorceress to live.

19 “Anyone who has sexual relations with an animal is to be put to death.

20 “Whoever sacrifices to any god other than the Lord must be destroyed.

21 “Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.

22 “Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless. 23 If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. 24 My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword; your wives will become widows and your children fatherless.

25 “If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not treat it like a business deal; charge no interest. 26 If you take your neighbor’s cloak as a pledge, return it by sunset, 27 because that cloak is the only covering your neighbor has. What else can they sleep in? When they cry out to me, I will hear, for I am compassionate.

28 “Do not blaspheme God or curse the ruler of your people.

29 “Do not hold back offerings from your granaries or your vats.

“You must give me the firstborn of your sons. 30 Do the same with your cattle and your sheep. Let them stay with their mothers for seven days, but give them to me on the eighth day.

31 “You are to be my holy people. So do not eat the meat of an animal torn by wild beasts; throw it to the dogs.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Our nation, under God, was established before getting off the ship from England with the writing of the Mayflower Compact.  These rules and procedure began a government “by the people, for the people” as they rebelled against English rules of submission.  There are many reasons for leaving the tyranny of English rule for this new land called America but one thing is for certain, the settlers were led by God. The Word of God would be their guide for establishing a way to live by the Laws of God. 

Our greatest accomplishment as a nation was the establishment of “checks and balances.”  Three branches of our government oversee the adherence to the laws created to protect us and guide our behaviors toward each other. This 3-pronged approach was simple and clearly stated.  I still remember the words taught to me by my government teacher in seventh grade: The Legislative Branch is made up of representatives of the people, write, edit, revise, and pass new laws by a majority vote. The laws are designed to protect all people.  The Judicial Branch was designed to judge the people who broke the law by giving fair verdicts of restitution with punishments.  The Executive Branch was given the responsibility to enforce the law.  Enforcement was also designed for protecting the innocent while watching over those who might do harm, standing ready to intervene under authority of the Law.  When each branch “stays in their lane” of responsibility; our government is a well-oiled machine for the protection and provision of all people who live what we call the UNITED States. When we do not stay in our lanes; we are less than united.

God’s Design of His Law was for the purpose to unite His People—not separate them from each other or from Him.  God’s People are united by God and His Law for their good and His glory.  When we rebel and decide to be our own god, thinking we know what we need better than God and live in ways to please only ourselves we live without His Protection.  We shun God’s Law of Love and the Compassion He has for us that He longs for us to have with each other.  And we wonder why our lives fall apart when we choose anything or anyone other than God!  When we choose disobedience; we are no longer united with God.  In our rebellion, we are disconnected.  I bet you are now realizing with me that God knew the disconnect would happen among people who live in an imperfect world brought on by the rebellion of His first created humans, Adam and Eve, right?  So let’s go there.  We know now that God had a plan that would resolve humanity’s sin problem of rebellion and disconnect—beyond judgements and punishment.  That plan was Jesus who came as “God in flesh” to fulfill every Law given while paying in full the punishment we deserved but spared.

As I decorate to celebrate the reason for Christmas my thoughts go to when God chose a virgin and a devout man to bring Jesus into the world as a helpless infant through her womb.  These God-led people raised him and loved him while living a humbled lifestyle.  Despite all the rumors and gossip, growing up of being born of a virgin; Jesus lived a holy, perfect life without sin.  Jesus learned the Jewish way of life, God’s Law in the local synagogue school, and became the joy and amazement of His teachers.  After a journey in the desert to fast and pray and to battle the Enemy’s temptations; God made Him more than ready to be His spokesperson.  God’s Son who would explain and expand the thinking of everyone who thought they knew the Law with God’s real intent of the Law originally given to Moses! “You have heard it said…but I say to you…” (Matthew 5-7)

But the “Gatekeepers” of the God’s Law, (teachers, scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees, and zealots) added to the Law as they saw fit to appease themselves to create more power for themselves.  These appointed religious leaders used and abused God’s Law for their benefit with the ruse that this was the only way to have peace with the Romans—the oppressive government in their day.  They had a good thing going—until Jesus came, preached, and told the Truth about God’s Law meant for protection His people while showing His people how to love Him back and to love each other.  God’s verdict for the gatekeepers?  “Their hearts are far from me.”

Jesus, Promised Messiah, came down from heaven and moved into the neighborhood of humanity and showed God for who He really is, telling the Truth of God.  The religious hated him and wanted Jesus killed.  The plotted against Him as they showed up at the places where Jesus preached and taught to harass Him.  The disconnected to God could not and would not listen.  But that did not stop the Son of God from God’s mission to seek and to save the lost, to serve all who would come for help, while telling all who would listen the Truth. Jesus embodied Truth.  He became the Only Way to reconnect to God who offered Eternal Life for all who would believe.  But a price had to be paid for this work to be complete.

The night before arrest and judgement, Jesus would pray to God, His Father; “Not my will but Your will be done.”  And it was done—completely. God’s plan for our redemption, in every excruciating detail was accomplished, according to what the prophets foretold centuries earlier.  The will of God, his Father was to give us Jesus, His Son, in exchange for our redemption.  Jesus paid for our sins with His life on a cruel cross.  Jesus, Son of Man, felt the pain of the beatings, humiliation, betrayal from his friends, the grieving of leaving his earthy mother behind for a while, the metal whips tearing away his flesh and then the nails—oh the nails that pierced his flesh—in ways so that his body could hang for hours on cross beams of wood.

Jesus, who knew no sin, paid for the all the sins of the world—yours and mine.  Paid in full—fulfilling the Law by God for us.  So, as believers we look upon the laws of God and the laws of our government differently than non-believers.  Our desire is to please God because of our love for God.  We love Him because He first loved us.  “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Our obedience to Him and the laws of our land are opportunities to show our love for God and others.  We don’t obey to simply avoid the wrath and punishment of disobedience; we obey because of all God did for us through Jesus, His Son!  Jesus unites us to God and to each other! Believing reconnects us to our Father who loved us so much He gave Jesus to save us and set us free from our sins! 

“To obey is better than all sacrifice,” says God to His people. (1 Samuel 15:22) That means to simply obey what God says, which is always for our good and shows our love for Him—more than keeping busy with church work, giving to the poor, and working hard so others will know how hard we work. The good we do must be motivated by our love for God while being led of God.

To daily offer ourselves as an offering is a great way to worship and praise God. (Romans 12) It is also a way to know His good, perfect and pleasing will that deters our temptation of going about life on our own.

Oh Lord,

So many lessons were offered today by the reading of Your Word!  My heart, mind, and soul is full.  I will meditate on Your Word all day long.  Thank you for Your Word and Your Holy Spirit who leads us to understand more and more each day. Lead and help us in all the details of this day given back to you for your glory.

In Jesus Name, Amen

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CAMP RULES!

Posted on December 2, 2024 by randscallawayffm

If you have ever been camping, gone to church camp, or just visited campgrounds for a day to picnic; you know there are rules that are posted for the good and protection of all who come to camp.  The rules might seem odd to people who have never set up tents or RV’s at a campsite so they can live in the “great outdoors” for awhile.  Randy and I took our kids camping many times in their younger years. We know what it is like to “set up and tear down” camp.  We also became accustomed to not only knowing the camp rules but behaving with camp etiquette.  The mantra of camp our kids were taught was, “Always leave the campsite better than the way you found it.” 

Later in life we would direct church camps of all ages.  We were direct and lovingly firm as we taught the campers how to behave with respect for each other’s belongings and bunk area, how to clean up after themselves while helping others, and to leave the rented campgrounds “better than the way we found it.”  It was easy to see how some kids had everything done for them at home and others knew exactly the tasks to be done and did it without thinking or complaining.  When a dispute at camp occurred; all involved were to come to their Counselor or the Camp Director for resolution. No one was to take the matter in their own hands.

Moses is Camp Director along with his faithful brother who is his back up Counselor for hundreds of “campers” in the desert as they journey to the promised land.  After the Ten non-negotiable commandments were given to the campers by God, Himself, the nitty gritty details, occurring when any group of people gather to live in harmony with each other, were explained.  This camp of people were former slaves of the Egyptians.  The culture they came from was difficult and not their own.  God is helping them through Moses to learn a new way of life where brutality will be banned.  The “camp rules” God is giving will seem extremely odd to us today because we are not living as they did with the challenges they had to deal with.  We have our own challenges with rules and addendums to the rules! 

From the descriptions of these new rules; we can readily see and now understand the form of disputes Moses was judging back in Exodus 18 when his father-in-law intervened with the wisdom to form a judging team!  We must not get bogged down by the intense detail of the laws with explicit ways to punish; but instead go deeper in our understanding of who God is as He is providing ways to deter sins that dishonor, maim, and/or kill people who He loves!  God’s goal is to protect His campers for their own good and for His glory.  God is God and no one else.  The campers are beginning to know and live this truth.

Exodus 21

“These are the laws you are to set before them:

Hebrew Servants

2 “If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free, without paying anything. 3 If he comes alone, he is to go free alone; but if he has a wife when he comes, she is to go with him. 4 If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free.

5 “But if the servant declares, ‘I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,’ 6 then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life.

7 “If a man sells his daughter as a servant, she is not to go free as male servants do. 8 If she does not please the master who has selected her for himself, he must let her be redeemed. He has no right to sell her to foreigners, because he has broken faith with her. 9 If he selects her for his son, he must grant her the rights of a daughter. 10 If he marries another woman, he must not deprive the first one of her food, clothing and marital rights. 11 If he does not provide her with these three things, she is to go free, without any payment of money.

Personal Injuries

12 “Anyone who strikes a person with a fatal blow is to be put to death. 13 However, if it is not done intentionally, but God lets it happen, they are to flee to a place I will designate. 14 But if anyone schemes and kills someone deliberately, that person is to be taken from my altar and put to death.

15 “Anyone who attacks their father or mother is to be put to death.

16 “Anyone who kidnaps someone is to be put to death, whether the victim has been sold or is still in the kidnapper’s possession.

17 “Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.

18 “If people quarrel and one person hits another with a stone or with their fist and the victim does not die but is confined to bed, 19 the one who struck the blow will not be held liable if the other can get up and walk around outside with a staff; however, the guilty party must pay the injured person for any loss of time and see that the victim is completely healed.

20 “Anyone who beats their male or female slave with a rod must be punished if the slave dies as a direct result, 21 but they are not to be punished if the slave recovers after a day or two, since the slave is their property.

22 “If people are fighting and hit a pregnant woman and she gives birth prematurely but there is no serious injury, the offender must be fined whatever the woman’s husband demands and the court allows. 23 But if there is serious injury, you are to take life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn for burn, wound for wound, bruise for bruise.

26 “An owner who hits a male or female slave in the eye and destroys it must let the slave go free to compensate for the eye. 27 And an owner who knocks out the tooth of a male or female slave must let the slave go free to compensate for the tooth.

28 “If a bull gores a man or woman to death, the bull is to be stoned to death, and its meat must not be eaten. But the owner of the bull will not be held responsible. 29 If, however, the bull has had the habit of goring and the owner has been warned but has not kept it penned up and it kills a man or woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner also is to be put to death. 30 However, if payment is demanded, the owner may redeem his life by the payment of whatever is demanded. 31 This law also applies if the bull gores a son or daughter. 32 If the bull gores a male or female slave, the owner must pay thirty shekels of silver to the master of the slave, and the bull is to be stoned to death.

33 “If anyone uncovers a pit or digs one and fails to cover it and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34 the one who opened the pit must pay the owner for the loss and take the dead animal in exchange.

35 “If anyone’s bull injures someone else’s bull and it dies, the two parties are to sell the live one and divide both the money and the dead animal equally. 36 However, if it was known that the bull had the habit of goring, yet the owner did not keep it penned up, the owner must pay, animal for animal, and take the dead animal in exchange.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

Obedience shows our love for God who knows exactly what we need with how to live for Him in ways that show love and honor to Him and to each other. 

These camp rules are only the beginning of how the Ten Commandments will be interpreted in daily living.  After giving the Ten Commandments, God showed his people how to apply them in everyday matters. Chapter 21 begins the discussion about worship, the care of servants and those physically injured, slaves, thieves, property, and morality.  God provides guidelines for his people so their moral life will be pleasing to him.  Holiness doesn’t seek to be odd. Holiness seeks to be like God.

Jesus came to earth later to go over these laws of love and honor again.  He taught us exactly how to think and behave more like God intended. Jesus reminds all of us then and now that all the Laws hangs on the two most important commands—Love God; Love Others.  Hold that thought throughout our study!  Meditate on how we can love each other like God loves us—without conditions!

Paul, a devout Jew when Jesus walked the earth, did not believe what Jesus said made it his life’s goal to rid the world of all who believed in Jesus—until that day after Jesus died and rose again and appeared to then Saul with this transforming indictment of his behavior; “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” That day, Paul not only received name change but a heart transplant.  His encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damacus with orders to maim and kill more believers in hand was blinded from the Law he had learned from childhood to adulthood and given sight to see the Law of Love which translate all the Laws!

Paul’s former enemies became his rescuers and mentors sent by God to help Paul really know Christ (Philippians 3:10) for who He was and was sent to do—save us and set us free from all our sins!  Paul no longer used and abused the Law he knew so well to hate, maim and imprison believers.  Paul now knew Jesus, Son of God, the one who came to not only fulfill the Law, but to teach the intent of the God’s Law and deliver salvation from sin by his death and resurrection!  All accomplished, as the scriptures foretold, so that mankind could have a new, right and holy relationship with our God, our Creator and Father in Heaven!   

Paul, transformed by Jesus, gave his whole being to Jesus who saved him.  He  preaches the words of Jesus to “campers” everywhere who have formed churches of people groups who love Jesus.  Paul wrote without haste to those people groups who were beginning to quarrel with each other, as humans will do, just as they did in the days of Moses.  Here are some of Paul’s holy advice to us today:

1 Thessalonians 4:11–12: “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”

Why? A peace-filled life leads nonbelievers to respect believers. People are watching the way we act more than they are listening to what we say.  The way we respond to adversity, unfairness of others, disrespect, and other evil ways will show others readily who we truly believe and follow. Yes, our behaviors will indeed reflect who or what we really, truly believe. “Camp” on these thoughts with prayerful reflection.

Lord,

Thank you for these thoughts that transform my thinking and cause me to be more compelled to follow what you say!  Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, transform by responsive behaviors, refresh my soul, and restore the joy and peace that comes from knowing and following you.

In Jesus Name, for our good and Your glory, Amen 

Thank You, Lord.

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THE NON-NEGOTIABLES

Posted on December 1, 2024 by randscallawayffm

“Look over contracts and read them carefully because there could be a hidden agenda you will not or cannot abide by later.”  This was the advice of my practical, law-abiding, believers in Jesus, mom and dad.  Every contract has specific stipulations, rules to follow, along with how each party will live up to their commitment.  Contracts are signed and notarized in front of witnesses to make it official and binding.  Contracts are serious business!  Contracts are promises to do what the contract says or the committed signers will be in violation of the covenant between them.  What we fail to remember at times is the contract is meant to protect both parties from being wronged by one or the other.

God gave His People a contract with ten non-negotiables to adhere to for their good and His glory.  The binding contract of commandments begin with who He is and how He must be honored as the one and only God in a culture of many gods made of metal and stone.  With each command, God provides clarity with an explanation.  This is God, Himself, speaking the commands! Observe how His people will respond.

Exodus 20

The Ten Commandments

20 And God spoke all these words:

2 “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.

8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. 11 For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “You shall not murder.

14 “You shall not commit adultery.

15 “You shall not steal.

16 “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

18 When the people saw the thunder and lightning and heard the trumpet and saw the mountain in smoke, they trembled with fear. They stayed at a distance 19 and said to Moses, “Speak to us yourself and we will listen. But do not have God speak to us or we will die.”

20 Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.”

21 The people remained at a distance, while Moses approached the thick darkness where God was.

Idols and Altars

22 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites this: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have spoken to you from heaven: 23 Do not make any gods to be alongside me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold.

24 “‘Make an altar of earth for me and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, your sheep and goats and your cattle. Wherever I cause my name to be honored, I will come to you and bless you. 25 If you make an altar of stones for me, do not build it with dressed stones, for you will defile it if you use a tool on it. 26 And do not go up to my altar on steps, or your private parts may be exposed.’

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

These Ten Commandments are generally the foundation upon which all the laws of our land are based.  But as with all contracts; there will be the rebellious who will tirelessly look for loopholes while trying to get what they want. We will soon learn that the Moses culture will be no different than it is today; for “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” in abiding by the non-negotiable commands.  The root cause is self.

God’s Perspective

The Ten are clear guidelines for God’s people to follow so that their relationship with him and with others would be healthy and strong.  God does not watch and wait for us to slip and fall so He can punish us.  God’s delight is in helping us with all the details of our lives as we seek Him.  God’s character is that of a good, loving Father who gives us guidelines to live by for our protection and our good.  If we do this, says God, all will go well for us. This is God’s way of thinking.  Seek God and His wisdom and you’ll find out how He thinks! 

Know God. Trust God.  Obey God. 

Believe in God’s Son Jesus who came to earth to save us from our sins while guiding us back to God’s true intention of the Law, expanding our thinking about abiding by the Law as He fulfilled every aspect of the Law.  “You have heard it say, but I say to you…” says Jesus to begin the next lesson of many.  Jesus spent a great deal of time preaching on a mountainside using the Ten Commandments as a reference point to transform the thinking of believers.  Read Matther 5-7 alongside Exodus and you will see how Jesus explained the Law He came to fulfill and why!

With each explanation followed with examples; Jesus shows how and why we should obey the Law. Jesus expands our minds; which was mind blowing to his listeners on the mountain that day!  Jesus, as a Servant, teaches us how to serve when obeying the Law.  Don’t stop with simple adherence, doing only what is necessary; show the love of God in you when you are given opportunity to go beyond what the Law requires.  The non-negotiables become as way to show who God is to others who do not know Him! 

It’s not about you.  It’s not about me. It’s all about God. God’s goal becomes our purpose:  To become more like Jesus in every way.  Jesus sought God often for direction and guidance. Learn to do the same! Jesus gave knowledge and understanding that caused most to say, “We’ve never heard teaching like this!” This is not surprising as there is no one like Our God who sent Jesus, His Son to save us and set us free!

In C. S. Lewis’s book, “Yours, Jack: Spiritual Direction from C. S. Lewis,” he wrote, “Obedience is the key to all doors.” Don’t think for a second that you can heed the wrong voice, make the wrong choice, and escape the consequences. At the same time, obedience leads to a waterfall of goodness not just for you but for your children, your children’s children, your great-grandchildren, and the children of a thousand generations in the future. See the promise in verse 6!  This is a non-negotiable with God, too!  God’s promises are true and will not be broken, changed, or cast aside by Him.  God cannot lie.  What He says—He will do!  Signed, sealed, and delivered by Jesus Christ, His Son.  Believe it and live it!  Our behaviors will reflect who we believe.

Lord,

Thank you, Jesus for saving my soul and making me whole. Thank you for teaching me a way to live that not only pleases you but is full of wisdom and spiritual health for us.  Thank you for the Help or Your Holy Spirit as our live-in Counselor that guides our steps and tenders our words with your love.

In Jesus Name, For Your glory and our good, Amen

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ONLY GOD IS PERFECTLY HOLY!

Posted on November 30, 2024 by randscallawayffm

“Look, mommy, there’s church!”  The toddler shouted this proclamation while sitting in his parent’s grocery cart at the store.  He had just spotted my husband, his pastor and good buddy from across the aisles.  Randy represented “church” to him so that was his first word for him. Most often, Randy was the first person he would see each Sunday at church his parents.  It made perfect sense to the toddler to call him church.

This couple began coming to our church because of our friendship as teachers in the public schools where we taught together.  We knew them before they were married.  In fact, I introduced them to each other with thoughts that they would be good for each other.  It wasn’t long until they agreed.  Later, Randy would perform their marriage ceremony! 

Later we would share in the joy of welcoming their first child, a son.  We, along with the rest of the church, became a significant part of this toddler’s journey since his birth.  Randy dedicated the baby in arms in front of the congregation while the parents declared publicly their dedication to raising their son to love and believe in Jesus and follow God’s ways of living.  Child dedications are holy and pleasing to the Lord.  These events in the church are significantly meaningful to the congregation as we set apart special days dedicated to God seeking God’s blessings over us.  God never disappoints!  Set apart days, holy and pleasing to God.  Holy, set apart days of celebration for all God has done encourages all who believe and want to pay tribute to our Provider, Healer, Protector, Savior and Lord of our lives. 

God is the Designer of holy, set apart days for His created and hold a special purpose in our lives of believing and following Him.  Holy days are for our good and God’s glory!

Exodus 19

At Mount Sinai

On the first day of the third month after the Israelites left Egypt—on that very day—they came to the Desert of Sinai. 2 After they set out from Rephidim, they entered the Desert of Sinai, and Israel camped there in the desert in front of the mountain.

3 Then Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob and what you are to tell the people of Israel: 4 ‘You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

7 So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak. 8 The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” So Moses brought their answer back to the Lord.

9 The Lord said to Moses, “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people will hear me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” Then Moses told the Lord what the people had said.

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. 13 They are to be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on them. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.”

14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.”

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up 21 and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. 22 Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”

23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’”

24 The Lord replied, “Go down and bring Aaron up with you. But the priests and the people must not force their way through to come up to the Lord, or he will break out against them.”

25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

“Be ready for the third day”—

God is coming down from His throne in heaven to speak so all will be able to hear Him.  Moses is to tell the people to get ready by washing off the daily dust of the desert, stopping their daily tasks, as ways to get ready to hear what He has to say.  God will appear to them on the third day.

I am reminded how Jesus, centuries later, would prepare his disciples for the “third day” when He would defeat death in resurrection power and come back alive, scars and all!  Jesus, who is “God in the flesh” who came down and is also called Emmanuel, “God with us” explains how He will save us:

“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be delivered over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.” –Jesus, Luke 18:31-33

This is way we celebrate Christmas—the holy birth of Jesus, “God with us”, God who came down in the flesh to live among us!  This is also why we set apart and celebrate Resurrection Sunday (Easter)—the Third Day rising from death to life that assures our Hope of resurrection by believing in Jesus who paid for our sins in full!  A life who gives us Life forever!  The bodily resurrection is central to the gospel message. “… and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,” affirms the bodily resurrection, not a “spiritual” resurrection (1 Cor 15:4). The bodily resurrection gives hope beyond this life.

Praise to God for Our Living Hope! 

Peter really is the one who was called “church”!  Simon, a disciple of Jesus who learned the power of forgiveness first hand, many times through humbled repentance, and was renamed by Jesus to be Peter “the rock upon whom My church  would be built” explains—

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you,who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:3-9

Believers! Get ready and stay ready for the return of Jesus!  He is coming back, you know!  All these holy set apart days lead to the return of Jesus, King of kings and Lord of lords!  We cannot forget that Jesus is with God as God proclaims who He is to Moses, Aaron and to all the “sons and daughters of Jacob”—the lineage from whom Jesus Christ will be born. 

God is amazing!  His thoughts will always be higher than our thoughts!  His Plan to save us was put in place at the beginning of time when He created mankind “in His own image.”  Even though this might be hard to wrap our minds around; we can still cling to the Hope, by faith, given to us by God’s Plan as our firm foundation for Life eternal.

How do we get ready to meet God today? 

What is our simple response to being set apart for God? 

Paul explains the first steps to the church:

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” Romans 12:1-2, MSG

Lord,

I am yours. I give my life, all of it, to you as an offering again today.  Only you can make me holy.  Only you can cleanse my heart completely.  Only you can change and renew my mind.  Only you can help me transform by behaviors for my good and your glory.  Only you can refresh my soul with your new mercies each morning.  Only you can fill me with your joy and peace, not like the world’s happiness which is fickle and temporary, but with pure joy of your salvation at work continuously with me!  Yes, it’s all about you in me and me in you—attached for Life!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, Amen

“The people all responded together, “We will do everything the Lord has said.” 

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LISTEN TO WISE ADVICE AS IF YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT!

Posted on November 29, 2024 by randscallawayffm

“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” Proverbs 27:9

The Bible places great importance on seeking and following wise counsel. God often uses others to direct our paths, and He encourages us to seek wisdom in our decisions. Wisdom from others, especially from those grounded in faith, helps us make better choices and align our actions with God’s plan.

There was a moment, for such a time in my former life, when I accepted the call of God to leave my public school teaching career for another work that I knew would be beyond my abilities, wisdom, and capabilities.  But by faith I knew in my heart that if God was leading; God would provide all He knew I would need.  If not for God’s intervention in those who also saw His call upon me; I could not have accepted the work before me.  In the beginning the work did not have a specific “job description” as the work was forming around who I was as one passionate to “go and make disciples, teaching them to follow Jesus” as a national leader.  I had been a volunteer locally, on a state level, and national level while employed as a school teacher.  I stepped into a role, led by God, but needed wise advice as the work began to overwhelm me.  And God provided.

I was sitting alone one day, thinking about all the tasks added by others to the work God called me to be and do. The work had been accomplished by more than one person; but now their responsibilities, through “downsizing” had been put on my plate.  So there I sat on the couch in the lobby with tears in my eyes asking God for help. I was so engrossed in my prayerful overthinking that I didn’t hear others pass by.  Suddenly I felt someone quietly sit beside me, put his arm on my shoulder, and said, “The work given to you by others is too much for you.  It is not your fault for this dumping; but it is an opportunity given to you to see what God will do in and through you.”   This wise man of God gave me more than enough from God’s heart to my soul to encourage me in my new leadership role.  God will do what He has called us to do and will equip us along the way.  But God will also give us wise counsel by others who have walked the road you are beginning to walk. 

“You cannot do this work alone.”  This is the most simple but profound advice ever given and God’s Called must listen and heed this counsel. For me, I had been taught a transformational, teambuilding style of leadership at my university while obtaining a masters on this very topic; but now God, through the counsel of my mentor was reminding me to use what I was taught and watch God expand the knowledge!  Learn it, Teach it, live it, and apply it was my new goal given by God!  I listened and I heard!  I wiped away the tears and got to work!

Almost immediately, God would send me all kinds of people as I began form teams to accomplish what He called me to do.  God was, is, and always will be amazing!  As I look back on that 13-year experience; I learned that breaking the work into “bite size” pieces, forming teams of godly, passionate people ready and willing with their God-given gifts to accomplish each “bite”, would be vital in part and be equal to the overall mission of “going out and teaching disciples of Jesus”.  Because…Isn’t that what Jesus did first after going to God for counsel—Form a team?  Why, yes, He did!  Who are we not to do what Jesus taught us to do?  We cannot do God’s work alone.

Exodus 18

Jethro Visits Moses

Now Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt.

2 After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro received her 3 and her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses said, “I have become a foreigner in a foreign land”; 4 and the other was named Eliezer, for he said, “My father’s God was my helper; he saved me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

5 Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, together with Moses’ sons and wife, came to him in the wilderness, where he was camped near the mountain of God. 6 Jethro had sent word to him, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons.”

7 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and then went into the tent. 8 Moses told his father-in-law about everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the Lord had saved them.

9 Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. 10 He said, “Praise be to the Lord, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly.” 12 Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses’ father-in-law in the presence of God.

13 The next day Moses took his seat to serve as judge for the people, and they stood around him from morning till evening. 14 When his father-in-law saw all that Moses was doing for the people, he said, “What is this you are doing for the people? Why do you alone sit as judge, while all these people stand around you from morning till evening?”

15 Moses answered him, “Because the people come to me to seek God’s will. 16 Whenever they have a dispute, it is brought to me, and I decide between the parties and inform them of God’s decrees and instructions.”

17 Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. 18 You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. 19 Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. 20 Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave. 21 But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. 22 Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. 23 If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

24 Moses listened to his father-in-law and did everything he said. 25 He chose capable men from all Israel and made them leaders of the people, officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 26 They served as judges for the people at all times. The difficult cases they brought to Moses, but the simple ones they decided themselves.

27 Then Moses sent his father-in-law on his way, and Jethro returned to his own country.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

“Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life.” Proverbs 19:20

“We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.” Ecclesiastes  4:9-10

What if we continue to do God’s work alone?  What are the dangers?

  • We become boastful and full of pride which changes our heart’s motivation for doing GOD’S work from a heart for God to a “ME” heart.  What we do becomes “MEnistry” of serving ourselves instead of the God-driven ministry to serve others while pleasing God.
  • We do or manage all the tasks for the praise of others.  The praise of others becomes our food for survival which will become a slow poison for our souls.
  • We stop taking the advice of wise counsel and lean only on our own understanding and perceptions.
  • We become depressed, tired, and irritable.  It takes a lot of energy to be in constant control.
  • We begin to believe that no one else will do it, so we do it.  Recruiting and training others seems too much work so we cease doing it which results less teambuilding which becomes a downward spiral to more depression.
  • We “can’t even” when so many miss the mark or fail to know the goal of the mission.  Whose fault is that?
  • We overthink, refusing to let go of tasks others can do, feeling we are the “only one” who knows how to do it.  And…whose fault is that?
  • We begin to criticize faithful teams who are doing the task but not in the way we think it should be done.  Gossip creeps in to destroy morale.
  • We become arrogant, offensive, and a leader others run from!  And whose fault is that?
  • We blame others because of our lack of loving, teaching, and encouraging.

“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children, says the Lord. ‘You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.’” Isaiah 30:1

“Oh, the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers.” Psalm 1:1

“Walk with the wise and become wise; associate with fools and get in trouble.” Proverbs 13:20

“Don’t do as the wicked do, and don’t follow the path of evildoers. Don’t even think about it; don’t go that way. Turn away and keep moving.” Proverbs 4:14-15

SEEK COUNSEL WHEN MAKING TOUGH DECISIONS—GOD WILL HELP US!

When we face significant life decisions, seeking wise counsel is crucial. God knows that and has already prepared just the right person at the right time for us.  The Bible encourages us to ask for advice from trusted sources, ensuring that our choices are aligned with God’s will and purpose for us. Decisions made with wise counsel can bring peace and clarity.

  • “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Proverbs 15:22
  • “Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice.” Proverbs 20:18  (God will teach us to “choose our battles”.)
  • “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?”—Jesus, Luke 14:28

All this to say:  We cannot do this alone.  That’s not what God intended for us.  God is not a taskmaster—He is a load lifter!  Jesus, God’s Son, who knows taught us:

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”—Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30 ESV

Lord,

Thank you for this lesson for your called out leaders.  You call, You send, You equip during the entire process of “going and telling, teaching and baptizing” in Your Name for Your glory!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

In Jesus Name, Amen

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