Glowing for God

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him. Exodus 34:29-30, NIV

Exodus 33 ends with Moses asking to see the glory of God. After agreeing to this, Moses is warned by God that because His glory is so great, Moses must be sheltered by God’s hand while Moses stands in the cleft of the rock, (v. 18-23).

The next chapter of Exodus closes with Moses coming down from Mount Sinai, having spent the last 40 days and nights in the presence of God receiving instructions for the people. (This is the second time Moses spent 40 days with God on the Mount receiving these instructions—written by the hand of God. The first account takes place in Exodus 32 and does not end well, i.e., the golden calf.) Moses is told by the LORD He is making a covenant before the people and that He will do awesome wonders never done before, (34:10). (I’m sorry I really must interject—WOW! When the Creator of the universe says this to you—I mean REALLY—WOW—to the infinite degree!! That’s what I call exciting!)

No wonder Moses comes down from the Mount with a radiant face! His face was so radiant, even Aaron, his brother, was afraid to come near him, (v. 31). Moses had to put a veil over his face. He did not wear the veil when speaking to the LORD or when telling the people what the LORD had said, but otherwise, Moses would cover his face.

Extraordinary!—but should it be? Shouldn’t we all look as though we have been in the presence of God? As God’s people we are called to be different—IN the world but not OF the world, (John 15:19, James 4:4) Not only are we to act differently, but shouldn’t we look differently as well? I’m not suggesting that others should be afraid of us because of how we look, but I am suggesting we should be different enough that the difference is recognizable.

We should all be walking-talking-advertisements for Jesus Christ. How about you? Are you glowing for God? In the words of the Apostle Peter—Always be ready to tell everyone the reason for the hope that lives inside of you, (1 Peter 3:15)!

God Bless!

The Friend of God

"If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people.”

The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?”

And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:13-17, NIV

Exodus 33:11 tells us the LORD would speak to Moses as speaking to a friend. What keys unlock the door to that type of relationship? I believe they are faith, obedience, and dependence upon God. Those factors are most certainly still relevant today.

In a relationship of any kind, there is always one person who makes the first move—God always initiates the relationship; it is never us. John 6:44, Jesus speaking says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” God’s pursuit of Moses is displayed in Exodus 3:4, via the burning bush.

God introduces Himself to Moses by the divine Name; I AM, telling Moses that He is the God of his ancestors; the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses faith begins to take shape as he follows God in obedience. Throughout the book of Exodus you see the faith and obedience of Moses building and you witness a great crescendo moment in Exodus 33 when Moses is called the friend of God.

Moses complete dependence and submission is evidenced by his saying to God, “teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you, (v.13).” And more of that faith, obedience and dependence upon God is witnessed when Moses says to God if He doesn’t go with them they will not be distinguishable as God’s people, (v. 15-16).

Moses demonstrated his love and faith to God through obedience. Jesus expects the same of us and tells us in John 14:15 that if we love Him we will keep His commandments. In verse 21 of the same chapter Jesus repeats this adding, “The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

Loving Father, please forgive me where I fail you. I thank you that you know me by name. Thank you for your continuing work in me through the power of the Holy Spirit, making me more Christ-like each day. I pray I submit myself fully to you each day so that I too, may one day be called your friend. Amen.

God Bless!

God is in the Details (JEHOVAH-JIREH, The Lord is Provider)

Also I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you: the tent of meeting, the ark of the covenant law with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent—the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand—and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place. They are to make them just as I commanded you.” Exodus 31:6b-11, NIV

As you read through Exodus (and the other “books of Moses”), you find a great many details as to the laws the people were to observe, details concerning sacrifices, the setting up of the altar, the setting up of the tabernacle, etc. In fact, there are so many detailed instructions, it completely boggles the mind. I always find myself wondering, “How could they possibly keep up with all this?”

The answer to the question is that God is in the details. When God said to Moses in Exodus 31:6b, “I have given ability to all the skilled workers to make everything I have commanded you”, He was telling Moses, “don’t worry, I’ve got your back; I’ve got this covered.”

When God directs us to do something, He quips us for the work. Stir clear of the dangerous trap of self-reliance and claim Ephesians 3:20-21, NIV, for your own: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

God Bless!

Reading the Bible is Vital to Christian Growth

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105, NIV

Reading the Bible is vital to Christian growth, development, and maturity. As spiritual newborn babies, we NEED the milk of God's word in order to grow, (1 Peter 2:2, NIV) Also, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16, NIV.

Pastor Greg Laurie has written an article entitled, The Value of God’s Word which may be found at biblestudytools.com. The article lists five points to sum up the value of God’s word: it is perfect, it transforms us, it gives us wisdom, it is right and therefore, keeps us on the right path, and following God’s word keeps us happy. Laurie closes by saying the key to successful Christian living is to read, study, memorize, and obey the word of God.

Popular theologian, Chuck Swindoll, (http://www.insight.org) says the Bible is food for Christian development no matter what stage of life you are in and you can never exhaust its storehouse of nourishment.

Consistently and earnestly study the word of God. Worship God daily and submit to His authority in your life. You’ll be eternally glad that you did! The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:9, NIV, “It is written, ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’—the things God has prepared for those that love Him—”. AMEN!!

God Bless!

United with Christ--What's the Next Step?

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Philippians 2:1-2, NIV

Accepting Jesus Christ through faith is not an ending—it is a beginning; you are a new creation in Christ, (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV). It is an exciting time—so much to learn and so many blessings to enjoy. In the opening text, the Apostle Paul is telling us we need to focus on becoming more like Christ—having the same love for others—being of like-mind and of like-spirit with Christ.

How do we accomplish this? It is a growth process. Babies aren’t born eating solid food and running foot-races. We must grow in the faith and we do that by focusing on the things of God. We do this through prayer, Bible reading, and we form relationships with others that will help us to grow spiritually.

Prayer is essential to living a successful Christian life. Take time to be alone in with God each day through prayer. God seeks a personal and intimate relationship with us and prayer—communication—is essential in any relationship. Don’t just talk, but listen also.  Learn to recognize the different ways God speaks to you: in prayer, through His Word—the Bible, through others, and also through situations and circumstances.

Reading your Bible is vital to Christian growth, development, and maturity. That is not surprising because, after all, the Bible is the Word of God. As newborns babies, we NEED the milk of the word in order to grow, (1 Peter 2:2, NIV) Also, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16, NIV.

The obvious place to find and form relationships with other believers is in church. A church should not be thought of as a building but a group of like-believers. Look for a church that is a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church. Talk to a pastor or seek recommendations from friends. Today many churches have web-sites on the Internet which may be helpful to you.

I also encourage you to be baptized. Baptism is not necessary for salvation but it is an act of obedience and a public profession of your faith. The Apostle Paul tells us through baptism we are “buried with Him (Jesus Christ) through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life”, Romans 6:4, NIV. By being baptized you identify with the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

As you seek Christ and submit to His authority, He will do amazing things for you and through you. Unwavering obedience and worship not only pleases God but also influences those around you.

God Bless!

YOU Must Choose

But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15, NIV

When it comes to important decisions of life we must make a stand; we must choose; neutrality is not an option. This is never truer than when you are faced with issues of where you will spend eternity. You either accept the gift of salvation or you decline it. There is no contract to be negotiated by a team of litigators; there is no neutral facilitator with whom you may consult and there is no labor union to support you. Your family cannot decide for you; nor can your friends. The choice is yours.

Salvation is by grace through faith; God’s gift of grace, accepted or rejected by you. The offer is on the table; will you accept the offer by faith in Jesus Christ? Jesus told the Pharisees, “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” Matthew 12:30, NIV

What will you choose? We cannot assume a neutral stand in the contest between the Lord and His enemies, even though there are those who would attempt to convince you otherwise. Paul said in Ephesians 6:12-13, NIV, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

Joshua’s declaration is no less valid today than it was that day so many, many years ago. You MUST choose. I pray you make the right decision. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.

God Bless!

Are You Seeking Christ?

Someone has said we all have a God-sized hole in our hearts we are seeking to fill. Are you seeking a personal relationship with Christ but you aren’t sure how to go about it? You may find help in the letters, A—B—C.

A—Admit that you are a sinner

Sin is defined as separation from God. Since the time of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and the introduction of sin into the world, we have all been born into sin and have a sin-debt that must be satisfied. Until the sin-debt is paid we will continue to be spiritually separated from God. The Bible tells us in Romans 3:23, NIV, “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” which means we have all done things which are displeasing to God.

The punishment for our sin is being eternally separated from God. Romans 6:23, NIV, tells us, “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” God in His infinite love and mercy provides us a way of escape from the “wages of sin”. He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue us. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, NIV

Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He paid our sin-debt by willingly giving up His life for us on the cross. Jesus died in our place and was resurrected proving His death was sufficient to pay our sin-debt because through the cross He overcame both sin and death. “God made him who had no sin to be sin (or be a sin offering) for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21, NIV

B—Believe that Jesus is God’s Son and accept God’s gift of forgiveness from sin.

God grants forgiveness and salvation to all those who place their faith in Jesus Christ. By placing your faith in Jesus; trusting in Him as Savior; believing His death on the cross was sufficient payment for your sins, you will be saved. “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, NIV

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, God offers us salvation as a gift. No amount of good deeds will ever save you; you cannot save yourself, it is a gift of God. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9, NIV

C—Confess your belief in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

Romans 10:9, 10, and 13, NIV, tells us, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’”

There are no magic words to recite. Salvation is by grace through faith; God’s gift of grace, accepted because of faith in Jesus Christ. You must believe—you must believe sincerely and from the heart. Romans 10:17, NIV, says, “Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.”

In Matthew 12:34, NIV, Jesus said, “the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” You should and you will want to communicate your faith in Christ through prayer, praising and thanking God for His love, mercy, and grace. Thank Jesus Christ for paying your sin-debt in full and paving the way for your salvation.

You may wonder what next? Accepting Jesus as Lord is just the beginning of the faith journey. Strive to grow more and more in the likeness of Christ by following Christ’s example in baptism (Matthew 13:3); find and join a Bible-believing, Bible-teaching church; where you can fellowship with other believers and grow in faith (Hebrews 10:25); also, continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ through prayer (Romans 12:12) and Bible study (2 Timothy 3:16).

May God richly bless you as you pursue Christ daily and the abundant-full-life (John 10:10). May the knowledge of Jesus Christ; His character and His ways permeate your heart, your mind, your soul, your actions, and your attitude. AMEN.

(NIV=New International Version, ©2010, Biblica, INC.)