September 16, 2023

Worldly comfort is not promised. Early this morning, our power went off. The heat in Florida has been atrocious, and my thought immediately went to, "It's the Feast of Trumpets!" So I listened for the trumpet blast, but nothing came. Then I got up to see if we were the only ones without power, and thankfully, it was just our general area and not the entire world! Brace yourself. I expect that to happen very soon; we must all prepare. My dogs, who have a lot of hair, will suffer more than me if the electricity is off too long. Our home, which is well insulated, only dropped one degree within the hour that it was off, which is pretty good; no one got hot. 

Our most precious source of power comes from Jesus through the Holy Spirit. Don't lose your connection to him because of sin. Sin is like an app opened in the background that's running your battery down. For the next ten days, between now, the Feast of Trumpets and The Day of Atonement, begin cleaning out the skeletons in your closet by systematically repenting of them. Not only will this act free you from the enemy's chains, but it will be a practice in celebrating the Feasts of the Lord. Though it may be unnecessary because of Jesus, it's not wrong to honor him by asking his forgiveness and celebrating Him during this precious time of year. Repenting will draw you closer to him and restore the power lost by sinning.

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation. Ye shall do no servile work therein: but ye shall offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. Leviticus 23:23-25

September 15, 2023

The last chapter of Exodus and the setting up of the Tabernacle was precisely one year after the Israelites exited Egypt. 

On the first day of the first month shalt thou set up the Tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. Exodus 40:2

After Moses set up the Tabernacle and everything was ready, God came and settled there, and they could see him as a cloud during the day and as a fire at night. Fire is consuming, yet it stays intact without being singed, much like the burning bush. This event was the first time they had seen the presence of God since they worshiped the golden calf.

Today, we are the living Temple! God has come to rule and reign in our hearts, and we are not consumed, and the fire will never consume us because of Jesus. Another thing I found interesting is that Moses wasn’t allowed to enter the Tabernacle, just as he wasn’t allowed to enter the Promised Land. When the cloud lifted, the Israelites would continue their journey, but when it settled, they would stay. 

Starting tonight until Sunday evening at dark, we can honor God by celebrating the Feast of Trumpets. You could gather with your family for a meal and remember to put God first or, at the very least, honor God by remembering this appointed feast.

Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Exodus 40:34

September 14, 2023

When my last child entered high school, I thought I needed to prepare for my life to change. After raising children for most of my life, I felt I needed a new career, so I went to school and got a degree in fashion design and marketing. I learned how to create garments from thought to drawings, from drawings to pattern making, and then from patterns to sewing and finishing. The clothing I designed came from my imagination and wasn't given to me while facing God on a mountain like Moses. God's designs, given to Moses, had to be conveyed to artisans who could weave the linen fabrics, tailors who put them together, and jewelers who could work with stones and metal. Their ability to complete their assignment to God's specifications was incredible and could have only been understood by the work of the Holy Spirit. If I had lived back then, I might have been called on to help complete some of this work; I know some women were weavers in that day and age. 

When I imagine the priestly garments, I think of pure white, but that wasn't the case; they were gold, blue, purple, and red! It's much more royal than I had thought. The drab colors in today's clothing and interior design point to depression. The grays and "moody" ideas are bland and underwhelming. We should stop following the television for our designs and start reading our Bibles for colorful ideas. When they finished, Moses blessed them. What an incredible payment for them to receive a blessing from a man who had a special communion with God Almighty. Because of Jesus, we also have that special communion with God. Feel privileged; we live in an incredible age. 

And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them. Exodus 39:43

September 13, 2023

I love to decorate with mirrors and things that reflect the light. They are like sparkling jewels in my house. Many women carry compact mirrors in their purses to check their appearance periodically. The Israelite women were no different; they also carried a type of mirror made of highly polished brass. Isn’t it interesting to have something in common with women from biblical days? As part of their offering for the building of the Tabernacle, they gave up their compact mirrors made of brass, and the crafters used them to make the basin used for the priest to wash before entering the interior of the Tabernacle, the Holy of Holies. I’ll bet the priests could check themselves to ensure they were spotless before entering, which was a great idea because they didn’t want to get zapped for being unclean. God doesn’t play around with his holiness; we had better show him respect and scrutinize ourselves as we bring our petitions and prayers. Though we are clean because of Jesus, I think it’s essential that we start most of our prayers by asking forgiveness to make sure we cover ourselves just in case we forget something. God is holy, so we should honor his holiness. 

And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it of brass, of the lookingglasses of the women assembling, which assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Exodus 38:8

September 12, 2023

When we were remodeling our home, we had to decide the layout and what we felt was essential to include. We had to repeat those details often, especially when explaining to the people doing some of the work. We needed them to visualize our ideas to help carry out the design. God gave Moses specs for the ark and all the details of what was to be included; chapter 37 repeats those details. Another reason he may have repeated the details is that the children of Israel were not allowed to see the Holy of Holies, so it’s possible that Moses described it for them to visualize and keep at the forefront of their minds. 

The veil is torn, and we can see into the Holy of Holies, and it’s Jesus. No longer is the showbread something to look at; Jesus invites us, even though we are ordinary people, as saints to come and eat because he is the bread of life; can you taste it? The dim light of the candle sticks is now full daylight because Jesus is the light of the world; can you see it? The holy anointing oil and the aroma of the incense is like the Holy Spirit, and it is so good; can you feel it and smell it? We are truly blessed to have Jesus as our Savior. No longer the need to visualize; we can now experience the extraordinary because of Jesus. 

And he made the holy anointing oil, and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary. Exodus 37:29

September 11, 2023

Exodus 36 is a repeat concerning the details of the Tabernacle. However, there are still lessons to consider. First, when God commissions it, you will have an abundant supply, which is the case here. Not only did God supply the material for the build, but he provided the manpower and gave them the wisdom to complete the project. The people brought so many donations that Moses commanded them to stop. I’ll bet this is the only time that has ever happened! We know that today’s offerings, if abundant, are absorbed into some other project. 

And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work, which the LORD commanded to make. Exodus 36:5

Bezaleel and Aholiab were in charge, and other artisans joined in. However, others wanted to be involved because God stirred their hearts to help. This project was not haphazard; it was for the Almighty God and the people who knew this and wanted to help. Just like with any project, there are the ones in charge, others with skills to carry it out, and then there are helping hands to do the menial but necessary work. God’s work will always be successful, and if we listen to his voice and follow his design, we will also be successful. 

September 10, 2023

Moses asked the Israelites to contribute to building and furnishing the Tabernacle. Many were willing to give; some precious stones, others with more meager means, shared what they had that was a part of Moses’ list. When your pastor asks for an offering, do you dismiss it or give it willingly? When there are needs within your church, do you think that came about by accident, or do you think it might be a road God has you walk down to show your commitment to Him? Remember, only a few received the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament, so when Moses asked for the offering, their willingness had to come from their human spirit. They wanted a place to worship, so the ones who remained after the Levites and plague killed the worshippers of the golden calf were willing to help. Consider the needs of your church, and when your pastor asks for a contribution, do what your heart leads you to do; having the Holy Spirit should lead you to do above and beyond what your human spirit would allow. We have so much to be grateful for, so if there is a need in your church, show your gratitude to God by giving as much as the Holy Spirit compels you. 

The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. Exodus 35:29

September 9, 2023

God called Moses up to the mountain again and told him to bring two stone tablets so he could write the Ten Commandments again. He was there for forty days and forty nights receiving the law and didn’t eat or drink; God sustained him. When he came down, his face glowed, and the people were afraid, so he had to cover it with a veil. The children finally came close, and Moses read them the law God had given him with his face veiled; the glory of the Lord on his face was covered. 

And till Moses had done speaking with them, he put a vail on his face. Exodus 34:33

Now, we receive the law spiritually with unveiled faces; Jesus tore the veil and redeemed the law. Jesus covers all of our transgressions, past and future sins. When we venture into an area forbidden by God, the Holy Spirit impresses it upon our hearts, and we feel the need for repentance if we don’t heed the warning. When you read the Old Testament and the laws, it makes you grateful for Jesus. 

And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. 2 Corinthians 3:3

But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.2 Corinthians 3:16-17

September 8, 2023

So this morning, I'm meeting with God just as I do every morning, and a notification came up on my iPad that something had set off one of our cameras. I looked, and some furry something ran across the screen. Perplexed at what it could be, I ran out to see what it was. The furry thing was one of my neighbor's dogs, but there were two more. I captured the little one, finally caught the other two, and then took them home. It's nearly eight o'clock, and I need to finish my devotional. 

Imagine being in the glory of the Lord and having to leave it to rebuke your people for their sin of worshipping the golden calf. I'm sure it was a letdown for Moses. Spending time with God makes you desire more of Him. He had been away from the people meeting with God for forty days. Moses craved God's presence and asked to see his glory. Because God loved Moses so much, he gave in to his request. Can you imagine that? We have yet to learn how that feels. Yes, I feel his presence when I meet with him, but Moses was face to face with the Almighty and wanted to see his glory again. 

After I ran out to get those little dogs and take them home, I realized that God was giving me a lesson in leaving his presence to take care of earthly business. Sometimes, we must leave Him for a physical calling, but when we seek Him, he will show us his glory again. 

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. Exodus 33:18

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. Exodus 33:20-23

September 7, 2023

Did the things that the Israelites see God do to get them out of Egypt, the fire and cloud that went before them, and the daily manna seem normal to them that they should forget so quickly what he had done? Are we like them? They lost their patience in waiting for Moses to come down from the mountains. It seems they wanted to party. Why did they need an idol for their party? Did you know they danced around naked? Why did Aaron participate by making the golden calf? These people got to see things we’ve never seen, yet they forgot how good God had been to them. God rushed Moses off the mountain to go and handle the situation. When he returned, he broke the stone tablets with the Ten Commandments God had written with his finger. Moses ground the calf into dust, poured it in the water, and made them drink it. Then, the Levites killed three thousand men, and God plagued the others who participated. God doesn’t play any games!

Why do we tempt God like this? Haven’t we seen him answer our prayers? I believe the Holy Spirit helps us hold on to our beliefs, reminding us of all he has done; otherwise, we would fall into the same trap as Israel. 

Wait for God to work out the details of your prayer request. Things are happening in the background that you know nothing about, and God has to clear the path before you—no dancing around naked while waiting. 

And the LORD plagued the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made. Exodus 32:35

September 6, 2023

Some of us know how to do things even though we've never been taught. I'm one of those people. I can craft, sew, paint, decorate, and so on. I know how to follow directions; I'll take a class if I need help and want to improve. God gave Moses the names of two people who were in charge of creating everything for the Tabernacle. I found it interesting that he said he filled one of them with his spirit. 

See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah: And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, Exodus 31:2-3

Isn't that interesting? The same spirit that resides in us was given to Bezaleel to complete God's Tabernacle, which was much more of a task than I could ever handle. However, if you hand my husband a set of plans, he can create a building to perfection. Bezaleel and his partner Aholiab had to follow Moses's instructions and hear the voice of God to make them to his specifications. We can see by this that the Holy Spirit can not only help us hold onto our belief in Jesus but can also be used to complete physical tasks for God's kingdom. Never think too highly of yourself when you are doing anything for God. Every ability you have was given to you by him, and you couldn't finish his work without the help of the Holy Spirit. Remember to be thankful for your abilities. 

September 5, 2023

Like many of you, I love essential oils, aromatic plants, and sweet smells. According to scripture, it is apparent that God loves those smells too. As I read Exodus 30, I began looking up each aroma He required as incense in the Tabernacle. I started thinking I could grow those plants and make the same scent God wanted for the Tabernacle incense. Wouldn’t that be amazing? But then I kept reading, and it came with a warning not to create anything like it, or you would be cut off from your people, which means you would die! Even if I found those same plants, I probably couldn’t get the formula exactly right, but who wants to take that chance? The scripture says, 

“Whosoever compoundeth any like it, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.” Exodus 30:33

That’s a strong warning, and even though Jesus redeemed the law, who wants to take a chance making God angry over luxurious smells? Certainly not me. 

I believe the incense was to cover the scent of all the blood and burnt offerings so the area was pleasant. Some of these plants God wanted used have medicinal properties and could be useful for healing. God doesn’t do things haphazardly; there is always a plan and a purpose, which includes plants for healing. Natural remedies may come in handy when certain industries are taken down for poisoning people. We need to learn as much as possible so we are not caught off guard. 

September 4, 2023

In preparation for the hurricane season, I decided to empty our freezers of all the meat. Suppose our electricity is cut off for a while. In that case, we don't want the food to go to waste or have to run an extension cord to the generator for more than one refrigeration unit, so I decided to can all of it so it's shelf stable. Also, with our government's and the economy's instability, you never know when a food stash might come in handy. Now, we have heat and eat food in the pantry. I never knew how valuable learning canning could be. 

One thing I learned was that cleanliness is vital. After thawing the meat and preparing it, there were drippings in the wrappers, on towels, and on countertops. Even though I rinsed everything before putting it in the trash and the washing machine, after sitting a day, they spoiled and stunk. 

Imagine what it must have been like to make the daily sacrifices to God and the slaughtering of the bulls and rams on the altar. They burned it right away, but to sanctify Aaron and his son, a lot of blood splattering and anointing with oil was required by God. It seems so messy! All this was necessary so the people didn't take their sins lightly. When Jesus shed his blood for us, it was messy, and his blood poured out upon the ground beneath the cross as an offering for our sins. Don't take for granted what he did for us to set us free and replace the priests and the daily sacrificial rituals. After reading this portion of scripture, I'm more than grateful for what he did for us; it made my head spin just thinking about it! 

And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle itupon Aaron, and upon his garments, and upon his sons, and upon the garments of his sons with him: and he shall be hallowed, and his garments, and his sons, and his sons' garments with him. Exodus 29:21

September 3, 2023

The details provided for the priestly garments that Aaron and his sons were to wear when ministering to God show us the perfection he requires. Every detail of its elaborate design is included in the scriptures. They could not go before God in everyday clothes; he expected more from them. These garments were those of royalty, studded with precious stones in settings of gold and engraved with the names of the sons of Israel. 

No one can go before God in old clothes; he expects perfection! We are not perfect; however, we have a Priest who ministers before the Holy of Holies on our behalf, much like Aaron did for the Israelites. However, our Priest is pure from the inside out without flaw or blemish. Jesus is our perfection, and God sees us as holy because of him. 

And these are the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office. Exodus 28:4

September 2, 2023

The details of building the altar reminds me of a huge grill or fire pit, which ultimately is what it is, but it has unique features, making it extraordinary for the sacrifices to God. Most of us didn't grow up in a royal household like Moses, so some of the details of the Tabernacle he included may not register in our imagination. Even Moses, who lived in a palace most of his life, may not have known how they would look, except God showed him while he was with him on the mountain. If it were me, I would have to hurry and write down these details so I wouldn't forget. Still, God inspired Moses, which probably allowed him to remember every intricate detail that He had in mind for His dwelling place among the Israelites.

God can use your circumstances for his good. Moses's mother protected him by sending him off in a basket in the river, making sure Pharaoh's daughter would find him. Though it was traumatic for him and his family, it saved him from execution as a boy baby. Growing up in Pharaoh's house helped him secure Israel's release from captivity, but when building the Tabernacle, the privilege of living a royal lifestyle came in handy when designing luxurious accommodations for God. 

Whatever has happened to you, whether good or bad, can be used by God for his purpose. Never let your circumstances stop you from doing what God called you to do. You are a useful tool carefully crafted by God, just as Moses was.

Hollow with boards shalt thou make it: as it was shewed thee in the mount, so shall they make it. Exodus 27:8

September 1, 2023

If only we could see through the eyes of Moses the beauty of the Tabernacle when God gave him instructions for its construction. God wanted the Israelites to know he dwelled with them as they moved through the wilderness, but his home was not typical and reflected his deity. Interestingly, the outside was rough and sturdy, but the inside was exquisitely decorated with luxurious blue, purple, and scarlet fabrics and included accessories overlayed with gold and silver. The Tabernacle had dishes, tables, candle sticks, and more, just as you might find in a human's home, yet it was extraordinary and set apart to show how exceptional God is. This portion of scripture is a reminder that our outward appearance does not set us apart; our holiness through Jesus makes us sparkle as God's dwelling place.

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them. Exodus 26:1

The curtains were to be embroidered with cherubims as a reminder that God surrounds his church with his angels. The scriptures struck me hard this morning; because we love Jesus and fear God, his angel sets up camp around us for our protection. Can you imagine that? We are indeed a blessed people. If you need encouragement today, read Psalms 34; it will brighten your day!

The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. Psalms 34:7

August 31, 2023

Remember when God told the Israelites to borrow or plunder the Egyptians? There was a purpose for doing that, and it wasn’t so they could have the finer things for their possession. The instructions God gives us may not make sense at the time, but when things fall into place, and you see the reason for it, you have a moment of clarity. 

For example, years ago, we had someone doing work in our house, and the Holy Spirit impressed upon me to ask him about his sister who was sick. I didn’t know this guy or if he even had a sister, but I did what God told me to do. He fell apart and wondered how I knew about her. So I told him the impression I got from God. I don’t know what good it did, but maybe he needed to hear it to confirm that God was listening to his prayers concerning her health. 

God had plans for the things the Israelites plundered, and it became apparent when he instructed Moses to build the sanctuary so he could dwell among them. He asks that they contribute an offering specifying certain high-end items. God is royalty and should be treated as such. If you are instructed to do something odd, don’t always dismiss it as your imagination; it could be God preparing you for something he has planned. When his reason becomes clear, you are in awe of how amazing He is. 

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering. Exodus 25:1-2

August 30, 2023

Much like the Israelites, I want to hurry the time. Moses gave them a sample of the law, including the Ten Commandments. Those were the basics, but the Ten Commandments had yet to be written in stone. God gave them the commandments in chapter 20 but didn't give them the stone writings until many chapters later. Moses brought the elders and representatives of the tribes up to the mountain. While there, they presented sacrifices and were sprinkled with blood to enter a covenant with God, agreeing to obey Him. After that, he allowed them to see him, yet they saw only the fabulous Safire stone He was standing on. The impression must have been incredible. Moses and Joshua went up the mountain, where Moses met with God for forty days and forty nights. 

The critical point is that we must agree to obey God. Our Holy sacrifice was Jesus, and we are in a covenant with him and are completely washed in His blood, much like Israel was when Moses sprinkled them with blood for their covenant with God. We are chosen like Israel but must agree to be obedient to Jesus. When we realize how lackadaisical we are about salvation, we understand why Paul said in Romans 7:24, "O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" It's a shame we don't take what Jesus did for us more seriously. We need to spend more time contemplating his sacrifice and being more thankful. 

And Moses took half of the blood, and put it in basons; and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that the LORD hath said will we do, and be obedient. Exodus 24:6-7

August 29, 2023

God allowed the inhabitants of the land of Canaan to remain until Israel was large enough to move in. The Canaanites and others kept it clean and manicured until Israel was ready and their numbers and strength had increased. He intended to drive them out gradually so the wild beast would not take it over. I can't help but compare it to our sanctification and liberation. Some of us must systematically go through a process and rid ourselves of past fear, trauma, unbelief, and rejection to clean our minds. It is a gradual release so the Holy Spirit can strengthen our confidence and faith in him. There is the initial relief that follows salvation, but then we have to give up old sinful habits and release the filthy build-up left there by our old ways to complete the process of sanctification. 

When Richard's dad died, we had to move onto his property quickly because thieves and robbers found out he was gone and immediately began to loot. We ran off three groups of thieves, but that's just the ones we caught. At that point, law enforcement was no help; we had to secure the premises ourselves. Once the community realized that it was not a game and that their actions could have severe consequences, they quit trying to ransack the home. 

You must work closely with the Holy Spirit to release your mind from the enemy's stronghold. Just like we had to secure Richard's dad's property, it is up to you to secure your mind and arm it against future thieves and robbers. It's a challenging task, but it's well worth your effort. It may not be easy, but He will never leave you or forsake you. 

I will not drive them out from before thee in one year; lest the land become desolate, and the beast of the field multiply against thee. By little and little I will drive them out from before thee, until thou be increased, and inherit the land. Exodus 23:29-20

August 28, 2023

God instructed Moses by specifying how offenses should be brought to justice by him and the judges. He knew there needed to be law and order; otherwise, people would take matters into their own hands, possibly requiring too much for an offense. God is fair in his punishment, so he expects us to be fair, too. Though these laws seem basic, they would likely overdo punishment if they were to make retribution in their anger. 

What do we learn about God in this portion of scripture? He is fair, just, loving, and doesn’t tolerate the wicked. The example: 

Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live. Exodus 22:18

That one sentence explains why we have so much evil in this day and age. It has been allowed to grow and metastasize like cancer. The world is riddled with corruption because it hasn’t been stopped. We are only to worship God, but witchcraft and sorcery give place to the devil who doesn’t deserve it. When Jesus came, he freed people from their demons, releasing them from the devil’s stronghold. He loved people but hated evil. Once freed, it is up to that person to fill the void left with the Holy Spirit by accepting Christ as Savior.