Construction of the Tabernacle

Today's Reading:

• Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
  
• Proverbs 9:7 - 8

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Exodus 35:10 - 36:38
The construction for all pieces of the tabernacle has begun.  Bezalel was especially gifted by God -- he made all sorts of things for the tabernacle.

 I lovee how everyone whose "hearts were willing" (35:22) brought the offerings for the tabernacle and came to do the work for it.  Soon there were more than enough sacrifices to build all that was required for the tabernacle. 

I just want to point out that your heart can be stirred by the Lord, especially while reading the bible.  This is what makes reading the bible different than reading an ordinary book.  Sure, books can motivate you, they can delight you, they can cause all ranges of emotions -- but the bible is a book that stands out against all other books ever written.  Give it a shot.  Even if you're skeptical, say a little prayer that the bible speak to your heart.  Then sit down and read.  Listen to what the bible says to your spirit.

Proverbs 9:7 - 8
It seems I accidentally read a bit too far in my previous Proverbs reading.  Today's reading are the two verses that tell us those who rebuke mockers will get insults in return, and those who correct the wicked will get hurt.  We are told to share our knowledge and Wisdom with those who embrace it. 

I commented in my last reading that you can see this verse playing out with all the comment boards on the internet.  There are ridiculous comments on there, comments that fill you with fury just to read them.  But a sensible reply does absolutely no good, it just gets insults hurled back at you.  So we should all try to take heed of what these verses are trying to teach us.  Breathe, relax, and save our energies for those who enjoy the benefit of them.

There is no "Catch" to Christianity -- Christianity is Based on Love

Today's Reading:

• Matthew 22:34 - 23:12
• Psalm 27:7 - 14

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Matthew 22:34 - 23:12

"'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind'.  This is the first and greatest commandment.  A second is equally important: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments."  ~ Jesus Christ, Matthew 22:37-40

Christianity is based on love -- Jesus came right out and said that.  It's not a hidden secret of the bible.  You don't have to search and search to find the Love.  It's there, in the open, for all to find. 

It kills me how some people think there is some sinister purpose in those who are trying to convert others to Christianity.  I was recently talking to a skeptical friend of mine about letting the bible speak to his heart.  He then said something along the lines of "plenty of books speak to you, Hitler's speeches spoke to many people's hearts."  Ouch.  I could be wrong because I have never read one of Hitler's speeches, but I'm pretty certain that the basis of his speeches weren't love, tolerance, forgiveness and simple obedience.

I could see how people might get overwhelmed with the Old Testament. There is much judgement and condemnation and long lists of required steps to atone for sins.  The Old Testament has much value for us and does have many things to teach us.  But please realize that our covenant with God is held through the New Testament and the blood of Jesus Christ. 

I haven't found a single thing yet that makes me think I'm falling victim to a cult (yes, same person, same conversation!) or that anything bizarre is being asked of me.  Yes, it can be hard to jump off and believe in this one being who created everything.  And yes, it can be hard to take the bible as God's divine word because it went through centuries of committees and translations and seemingly man-made decisions.  I really can't help you there.  All I can say is that if you believe in God Almighty then you have to believe that He had the power to completely shape the bible as He wished it to be.

Let the bible speak to your heart.  Turn off your head and let the words speak to your spirit.  Even if you are skeptical, say a little prayer before you read for understanding and for the bible to speak to you.  Trust me, if you open your heart and do that, the bible WILL speak to you.  Love.  Love is the greatest commandment of them all.  That's not really so bad, is it?

Psalm 27:7 - 14
Here David cries to the Lord to save him from his enemies.  His enemies are sneering at him, telling him to let his God save him.  David says that he has known God from the time he came from his mother's womb and that God has been there with him always. 

God has been there for each of us, always.  The question is, have we been there for God?  Have we been willing to receive Him and let Him come to our rescue?  I feel like God has always been there for me.  I can't recall a time where I haven't known Him (that doesn't mean I've always obeyed or lived righteously!). 

I believe it would be substantially harder to find your way to the Lord after you have passed your childhood.  But it's far from impossible.  Whether you've known it or not, the Lord has been there for you since you were in your mother's womb.  Yes, I'm talking to YOU.

Conclusion
Hey -- you who I was talking about back there -- you know who you are.  I love you anyway :)

P.S.
As a friend, of course.  Don't go getting any funny ideas! Muwahaha!