Let Children praise Him

Mat 21:14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. 

Mat 21:15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,
Mat 21:16 And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?

The chief priests and scribes saw the miracles that Jesus did with envy and unbelief. They heard the children crying out, Hosanna (praise) to the Son of David and they were angry with them, wanting to shut them up. Jesus pointed out that they were more scripturally correct than they were.

Psa 8:2 Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

The enemies were the highest rulers in the temple. May we never be in the way of truth and the freedom of others to worship. The children of the devil will try to prevent the children of God from worshiping the true God, we ought to obey God first and always. We are required to give God glory from holy hearts.

Psa 29:1 A Psalm of David. Give unto the LORD, O ye mighty, give unto the LORD glory and strength.
Psa 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

Jesus loves the little children, for as such are the kingdom of God; they are trusting and dependent on the LORD. Is anything so lovely as a child singing "Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so?" I was told a personal testimony of a child who was badly abused in an evil home who was wandering in a wilderness place and came upon a stranger. The stranger taught her to sing Jesus loves me. Years later when she was led to the Lord through our Internet ministry, she cried tears of joy receiving this Jesus that she knew only in a simple song. Jesus loves the little children and they should not be prevented from coming to him.

Luk 18:15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
Luk 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Luk 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

Give Jesus the glory

Luk 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
Luk 19:38 Saying, Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest.
Luk 19:39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said unto him, Master, rebuke thy disciples.
Luk 19:40 And he answered and said unto them, I tell you that, if these should hold their peace, the stones would immediately cry out.

The enemies of God will try to silence our praise and worship. Bring the children to church and Sunday/Sabbath school. Let them learn to praise his name. We are not to prevent them; the government is not to prevent us from our freedom to worship our God, so be bold in your worship and praise.

A meal with God

The Covenant of Laws

Exo 24:1 Then the LORD instructed Moses: "Come up here to me, and bring along Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of Israel's leaders. All of them must worship at a distance.

2 You alone, Moses, are allowed to come near to the LORD. The others must not come too close. And remember, none of the other people are allowed to climb on the mountain at all."

3 When Moses had announced to the people all the teachings and regulations the LORD had given him, they answered in unison, "We will do everything the LORD has told us to do."

4 Then Moses carefully wrote down all the LORD's instructions. Early the next morning he built an altar at the foot of the mountain. He also set up twelve pillars around the altar, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

5 Then he sent some of the young men to sacrifice young bulls as burnt offerings and peace offerings to the LORD.

6 Moses took half the blood from these animals and drew it off into basins. The other half he splashed against the altar.

7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They all responded again, "We will do everything the LORD has commanded. We will obey."

Exo 24:8 Then Moses sprinkled the blood from the basins over the people and said, "This blood confirms the covenant the LORD has made with you in giving you these laws."

9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the leaders of Israel went up the mountain.

10 There they saw the God of Israel. Under his feet there seemed to be a pavement of brilliant sapphire, as clear as the heavens.

11 And though Israel's leaders saw God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they shared a meal together in God's presence!

12 And the LORD said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain. Stay there while I give you the tablets of stone that I have inscribed with my instructions and commands. Then you will teach the people from them."

13 So Moses and his assistant Joshua climbed up the mountain of God. (NLT)

Heb 9:19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book, and all the people,
Heb 9:20 Saying, This is the blood of the testament which God hath enjoined unto you.

The Covenant of Moses with the laws was preceded by a dinner with the one who spoke as God. This was the same voice who spoke from the burning bush. It is believed that the angel of the LORD was an appearance of Jesus, the Living Word, before he came in a fleshly body. He appeared before them and ate with them.

Act 7:37 This is that Moses, which said unto the children of Israel, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear.
Act 7:38 This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:

They shared a meal together as they received the old covenant. Another meal would be shared at the threshold of the New Covenant. More blood would be shed, this time the blood of the New Covenant.

A new covenant of grace

Luk 22:19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
Luk 22:20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

Jeremiah spoke of a new covenant

Jer 31:31 Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:
Jer 31:32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the LORD:
Jer 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Jer 31:34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the LORD: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith the LORD: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.
Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

It is a great honor to sup with Jesus. He desires our fellowship, being one with God through the blood of the Lamb. We shall dine together again at the marriage supper of the Lamb.

Rev 19:5  And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 

Rev 19:6  And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. 

Rev 19:7  Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. 

Rev 19:8  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

Rev 19:9  And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. 

On Eagles Wings

As the nation seems to be pushing away from God, He will have to bring judgement to the land. The people who love God must humble themselves and pray for our nation and our people. He will be with those who trust in him and deliver them as he delivered Israel from Egyptian bondage.

Exo 19:3 And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;
Exo 19:4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.
Exo 19:5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:
Exo 19:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

The LORD seeks a Holy people, a holy nation. America has been blessed because we were founded on the desire to worship God in freedom. The constitution was given to protect the free exercise of religion from the tyranny of government. A government that wants to take the place of God will not stand, but the people of God will be lifted up on eagle's wings if we trust our LORD.

Deu 32:11 As an eagle stirreth up her nest, fluttereth over her young, spreadeth abroad her wings, taketh them, beareth them on her wings:

Deu 32:12 So the LORD alone did lead him, and there was no strange god with him.

Jacob was protected by God and brought out of bondage. When we must do something by faith; overcome an illness, leave a job, go to a new land, as the young eagles jumped from their high nest trying their little wings, the LORD like an eagle catches them, catches you and I. He bears us up and he covers us with his wings. Jesus wants to protect us with his wings; he cried to his people in Jerusalem to come to him.

Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Mat 23:38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

As I grow older and my friends with me, I forget things, my body gets tired, troubles come our way, but we have his Holy Spirit.

Rom 8:11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

Rom 8:12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 

Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Isa 40:30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: 

Isa 40:31 But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

How true this is. LORD fill your people with your Holy Spirit, renew our strength and help us to keep you near in everything we do. We are lifted up on eagle's wings, we run and are not weary; we walk and do not faint, because we walk with you.

On Eagle's Wings - YouTube

A Rich Man

Mat 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.
Mat 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
Mat 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mat 19:25 When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
Mat 19:26 But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

People do silly things in order to be prosperous. TV preachers ask for "seed: money, so that you might get riches. These are not the true riches. The love of money can keep you from entering heaven. Does a rich person ever have enough? No, usually they want more and more. The politicians say we should tax the rich, but when you look at their life style, it is a flagrant wasting of the tax payers money on personal glory. They spend money faster than they can borrow it. Jesus was the only one qualified to judge the rich. All others are hypocrites.

We can't fake religion with the LORD, he knows our hearts.

1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The love of God will spill over to loving others. If you have wealth, you will be held accountable as a steward of the Lord.

1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Wealth cannot buy a place in heaven. We must obey God and prepare for our future dwelling place with Jesus. You say you are poor so that you do not have to give money to anyone? Think of the poor widow in the temple.

Mar 12:41 And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury: and many that were rich cast in much.
Mar 12:42 And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Mar 12:43 And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
Mar 12:44 For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living.

We are to seek opportunities to bless others. Give of the true riches of God  through hearts of love. Meet needs and share the way to salvation. God will bless you as well.

Leaving Bondage

Exo 13:17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, "If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt."

18 So God led them along a route through the wilderness toward the Red Sea, and the Israelites left Egypt like a marching army. (NLT)

They were led in an orderly manner, not in confusion, they were like an army marching as in some formation. John Gill writes that if the ranks were three feet apart and a mile wide, the distance from the front to the rear would be sixty miles. How long would it take them to cross the Red sea, as the LORD parted it for them to walk through? I would think it would take at least three days. What if the width of the sea opening were three miles wide, would they be able to go through in one day?

They were not led the easy way through the Philistines, but by a miraculous way. The easy way would make it easy for the Egyptians to bring them back. When we are in bondage to sin, do we take the easy way out? The easy way of salvation is sometimes called "cheap grace." Where words are said, but no tears shed and no commitment to the LORD. When troubles of the world come, then they return back into bondage.

In the story of Israel fleeing the bondage of Egypt, a type of the world. The LORD destroyed the worlds pull on them, but the people still were slaves to their thoughts. Faith has to be formed in our hearts if we are to continue, showing our salvation to be true. Faith comes by hearing and hearing, of the word of God. (Rom 10:17) Each of us must keep hearing God's word, making a commitment to continue in faith. Faith will see us through, if our behavior is changed by faith to obey the LORD. Learn to discern right from wrong in a world that has little truth, but makes it's own truth. World truth is not God's truth. Stay in God's truth and overcome the world. Allow your faith in Jesus to grow until you are made perfect, or mature in his love.

When I rededicated my life to God, I had left a job by faith to become a photographer. Growing in the Word of God and in faith kept me going. He blessed my family and my business through bad and good times. I did not want to return to the old job, I could only look forward as the Lord led me, there was no turning back. He has blessed me for these 36 years and he will be faithful to me forever.

1Jn 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1Jn 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1Jn 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us. 

Will we remain faithful to him?

Death of the Firstborn

Exo 11:4 And Moses said, Thus saith the LORD, About midnight will I go out into the midst of Egypt:
Exo 11:5 And all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sitteth upon his throne, even unto the firstborn of the maidservant that is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of beasts.
Exo 11:6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there was none like it, nor shall be like it any more.
Exo 11:7 But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.

Egypt stubbornly refused to heed the many warnings from God through Moses and Aaron. God was not just picking on a people, but when they continually rebelled, he brought judgement. We hear that God is love and that is true, but apart from his covenant promises, we are under condemnation because of his righteous judgement.

Joh 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Joh 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

Losing the firstborn was a great tragedy for the Egyptians. All of God's covenant people were saved because they put the blood of a sacrificial lamb around their door openings. The death angel passed over them but the Egyptians were mourning loudly for the loss of their firstborn. Not a sound was heard where God's people lived, not even a dog barking (a miracle).

The blood of the lamb was symbolic of God giving his only begotten Son to be the LAMB that would shed his blood for all who would believe in him. Those who believe in Jesus and his shed blood for their sins and rebellion, shall be saved. Faith and obedience saved Israel back then and faith in Jesus Christ will save us now. Apply the blood of the lamb around your heart and let Jesus come in to bring his peace and salvation.

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.
Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.
Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 

When Darkness Comes

Exo 10:21 And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
Exo 10:22 And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:
Exo 10:23 They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.
Exo 10:24 And Pharaoh called unto Moses, and said, Go ye, serve the LORD; only let your flocks and your herds be stayed: let your little ones also go with you.
Exo 10:25 And Moses said, Thou must give us also sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice unto the LORD our God.
Exo 10:26 Our cattle also shall go with us; there shall not an hoof be left behind; for thereof must we take to serve the LORD our God; and we know not with what we must serve the LORD, until we come thither.
Exo 10:27 But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he would not let them go.

Pharaoh was stubborn and a devil. He would steer a course that would destroy his land. Sounds familiar? It is the same stubborn spirit that follows the way of darkness.

God made the light and he can take it away.

Gen 1:1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Gen 1:2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.
Gen 1:3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

Imagine total darkness, such as in a cave deep in the earth, or a bottomless pit where no light may enter. This to me is a description of hell, no light, no love, no mercy.

Mat 8:11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.
Mat 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The children of the kingdom, refers to the Jews who did not believe in the promised Messiah. The Jews were the children of God's promises. He had sent Moses to deliver them out of bondage and he would deliver them bodily from Pharaoh's Egypt and slavery. However they would remain slaves until their minds and hearts were unshackled.

When darkness came to Pharaoh's Egypt, the Jews still had light. When darkness comes to America, we will still have the light of God, his Son, and His Word. We must warn as many as we can of the coming darkness and deliver them into the kingdom of light. Jesus said:

Joh 12:46 I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness.
Joh 12:47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.
Joh 12:48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Joh 12:49 For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.
Joh 12:50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.

Will you let your light shine? Then bring others to Jesus.

Go fish

Mat 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?
Mat 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?
Mat 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Mat 17:27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

This was a tax imposed for the use and maintenance of the temple. The temple was to worship God, Jesus being the Son of God was exempt from paying, but so as not to cause offense he had Peter cast a hook and pull in a fish with a coin in it's mouth. Peter had to obey to receive. The coin was the same amount as a shekel, which paid the tax for both Peter and the Lord. The miracle showed that Jesus was indeed Lord who kept the laws, even some ordinances that were not in the law. The law was for a certain time and continued as a custom.

Exo 30:10 And Aaron shall make an atonement upon the horns of it once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonements: once in the year shall he make atonement upon it throughout your generations: it is most holy unto the LORD.
Exo 30:11 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,
Exo 30:12 When thou takest the sum of the children of Israel after their number, then shall they give every man a ransom for his soul unto the LORD, when thou numberest them; that there be no plague among them, when thou numberest them.
Exo 30:13 This they shall give, every one that passeth among them that are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary: (a shekel is twenty gerahs:) an half shekel shall be the offering of the LORD.

Jesus became our sin offering and our redeemer. He paid the price.

Eph 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Eph 2:11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;
Eph 2:12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:
Eph 2:13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
Eph 2:14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;
Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: 

Here Comes Aaron

Exo 4:10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. 

Exo 4:11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
Exo 4:12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
Exo 4:13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
Exo 4:14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
Exo 4:15 And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
Exo 4:16 And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
Exo 4:17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
Exo 4:18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

The LORD had called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt to the promised land, but Moses continued to say that he was not qualified and that he was a poor speaker. The LORD was his strength, but to make Moses happy he gave the speaking to Aaron, who just happened to be coming in view. There was no mention of Aaron ever coming to see Moses in the forty years that he lived in the land of the Midians, but the LORD has perfect timing, Aaron showed up. This was also a confirmation, an open door.

The LORD made it clear to Moses, that Moses would hear from God, not Aaron. Any thing that Aaron was to share would be told to him by Moses. I believe that Moses had the Holy Spirit, but not Aaron. Moses was as God to Aaron. In other words, anything he would hear was from God, through Moses, a second hand message. Moses was the mediator between God and his people, just as Jesus heard from God and told his people. Jesus was a mediator and our savior. There is greater authority in hearing directly from God. Jesus spoke with authority, setting him apart from the Scribes.

Mat 7:28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:
Mat 7:29 For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

I final confirmation was given to Moses by Jethro, his Father in law who said; go in peace.

Aaron would do foolish things when he acted apart from Moses. He made the golden calf to worship, and made a silly excuse when confronted by Moses.

Exo 32:24 And I said unto them, Whosoever hath any gold, let them break it off. So they gave it me: then I cast it into the fire, and there came out this calf.

Later he would join Miriam, Moses' sister in rebellion against Moses. Miriam received leprosy, but was healed of it. Aaron heard from God for the first time directly.

Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
Num 12:4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out.
Num 12:5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth.
Num 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. Num 12:7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house.
Num 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
Num 12:9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.

One thing I see from this story is if you are called of God and know it is him calling you for a purpose, do not look for someone else to take your place. That person may not be anointed and can cause you problems if he partners with you. What did you see in this story?

I AM

Exo 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?
Exo 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Exo 3:15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

I like how the New Living Translation says it.

Exo 3:13 But Moses protested, "If I go to the people of Israel and tell them, 'The God of your ancestors has sent me to you,' they won't believe me. They will ask, 'Which god are you talking about? What is his name?' Then what should I tell them?"

14 God replied, "I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them, 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

15 God also said, "Tell them, 'The LORD, the God of your ancestors -- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob -- has sent me to you.' This will be my name forever; it has always been my name, and it will be used throughout all generations.

This explains his name Jehovah, and signifies, 1. That he is self-existent: he has his being of himself. 2. That he is eternal and unchangeable, and always the same, yesterday, to-day, and for ever. 3. That he is incomprehensible; we cannot by searching find him out: this name checks all bold and curious inquiries concerning God. 4. That he is faithful and true to all his promises, unchangeable in his word as well as in his nature; let Israel know this, I AM hath sent me unto you. I am, and there is none else besides me. (Matthew Henry)


John 8:58  Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 

Job 19:25  For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 

I know when this body dies that I live in the I AM, my redeemer.

Offenses

Mat 15:10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, Hear, and understand:
Mat 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Mat 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Mat 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Mat 15:14 Let them alone: they be blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.

Mat 15:15 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Declare unto us this parable.
Mat 15:16 And Jesus said, Are ye also yet without understanding?
Mat 15:17 Do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught?
Mat 15:18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.
Mat 15:19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:
Mat 15:20 These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

To be offended at Jesus is to be offended at God. I do not want to offend anyone, but if someone is offended by my sharing God's word, then they are offended at God, not at me.

Luk 7:22 Then Jesus answering said unto them, Go your way, and tell John what things ye have seen and heard; how that the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.
Luk 7:23 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Being human, we are concerned about what others think of us. Maybe we are concerned too much about worldly opinions and not enough concern to be in God's will? Woe to us if we offend by sinning and causing another to stumble.

Mat 18:7 Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!

Jesus was more angry at the spiritual leaders than anyone else, because they prevented others from knowing God.

Mat 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.
Mat 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

We mustn't offend people by speaking of sin? Are we being pleasant and non offensive, making people feel good, and allowing people to go to hell?

Shepherds

Gen 46:31 And Joseph said unto his brethren, and unto his father's house, I will go up, and shew Pharaoh, and say unto him, My brethren, and my father's house, which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me;
Gen 46:32 And the men are shepherds, for their trade hath been to feed cattle; and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.
Gen 46:33 And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you, and shall say, What is your occupation?
Gen 46:34 That ye shall say, Thy servants' trade hath been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we, and also our fathers: that ye may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination unto the Egyptians.

Gen 47:1 Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh, and said, My father and my brethren, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan; and, behold, they are in the land of Goshen.
Gen 47:2 And he took some of his brethren, even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh.
Gen 47:3 And Pharaoh said unto his brethren, What is your occupation? And they said unto Pharaoh, Thy servants are shepherds, both we, and also our fathers.
Gen 47:4 They said moreover unto Pharaoh, For to sojourn in the land are we come; for thy servants have no pasture for their flocks; for the famine is sore in the land of Canaan: now therefore, we pray thee, let thy servants dwell in the land of Goshen.

Joseph warned his brothers to not tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds, because shepherds were despised in Egypt. However, they did tell Pharaoh that they were shepherds, not lying to him. They could have worded this better, just as John Baptist could have spoken in smoother ways to Herod's wife; but he chose to just speak the truth.

Let us apply this to ourselves in today's culture. When asked in public the source of your blessings, do we say we are religious? Or do way say that our blessings come by faith in Jesus Christ? When asked to pray in public do we end a prayer saying amen, or in Jesus name? Are we ashamed of who we are are in Christ Jesus? We are to speak the truth even if the people in the nation call us religious fanatics, or Jesus freaks or even if they bring persecution to us. How they hear us may not be true, but some may hear and believe, so we speak the truth; God will take it from there. The brother's of Joseph spoke the truth which may have offended the Egyptians, but because of the testimony of Joseph, a living type of Christ, the family was greatly blessed. Our words and our life should show Jesus. If we speak truth or lie, our life will show if we are in Christ Jesus, so speak the truth. Do not hide who you are.

Gen 47:5 And Pharaoh spake unto Joseph, saying, Thy father and thy brethren are come unto thee:
Gen 47:6 The land of Egypt is before thee; in the best of the land make thy father and brethren to dwell; in the land of Goshen let them dwell: and if thou knowest any men of activity among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.

They were given the best land and the family of Israel grew in Egypt from seventy to over two million people, because of Joseph who suffered and was faithful so that many would be blessed. Will you be faithful through the problems of life trusting Jesus Christ? God will bless you and others who believe, bringing you through life's problems to His promises. We enter into heavenly places with Christ Jesus.

Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Eph 2:6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
Eph 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 

Herodias gets even

Mat 14:6 But when Herod's birthday was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.
Mat 14:7 Whereupon he promised with an oath to give her whatsoever she would ask.  

Mat 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
Mat 14:9 And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her.
Mat 14:10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.
Mat 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.

Why was Herodias so angry at John?

Mar 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
Mar 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's wife.
Mar 6:19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him; but she could not:
Mar 6:20 For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

A prophet speaks the word of God with power, not with words of sugar, but to the point. When we witness we are to speak truth with grace, but a prophet just gets to the message; John had to speak the truth. Herodias, having married the governor thought she was above criticism. She had power in her position and was only angered, wanting to remove the opposing viewpoint, by killing John. Ruthless people like some politicians will remove opposition, even by murder to keep their power and their way of believing.

At the birthday party, Herod was distracted and perhaps drunken. The devil looks for opportunities to take over and will entice and then sneak in his deathly will. Perhaps Herod was lusting after the daughter of Herodias making an unconditional oath to give her anything that she wanted. Herodias used this opportunity to kill John the Baptist because of her anger. Anger towards someone who speeks the truth is the wrong response. A more appropriate response would be guilt and repentance. 

I knew a Christian man who divorced his wife and married her pretty sister. Both were divorced and they married each other. The man never again attended church, he seemed to be cut off spiritually. Is there any sin that Jesus cannot forgive? Conviction and repentance, turning to God and seeking forgiveness is the correct response to sin; as David did after sinning with Bathsheba. He was restored, but his actions had consequences, for his family was troubled. Sin has a harvest, but Jesus is Lord over the harvest as well. Always come to him to be restored and put away anger. Is there anyone's head that you want brought to you? Anger kills so put it away and seek forgiveness. Seek life and truth not death and destruction. Learn forgiveness and walk in God's love.

The Kingdom of heaven has leaven

Mat 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

If this refers to the remarkable growth of the church, then we must also observe what the word leaven means as it is used elsewhere in scriptures.

The first reference to leaven referred to it as a picture of sin. This was part of the Passover service.

Exo 12:15 Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread; even the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses: for whosoever eateth leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

Leaven referred to the contrary hearts of the religious leaders.

Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Leaven referred to false doctrines.

Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

Leaven stands for malice and wickedness.

1Co 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?
1Co 5:7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:
1Co 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

So the kingdom of heaven on earth, all that profess to be of God, this kingdom contains leaven, sin, false doctrines, malice and wickedness.

What of the three measures of grain? These were affected by the leaven. Perhaps they refer to an individuals body, soul and the human spirit? All these are affected by the leaven of sin.

It is evident that the world has gotten into the earthly kingdom of God.

1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.

When Jesus comes back, his kingdom will be purged of the leaven of sin.

I made cookies last night with baking soda as leavening. I think the soda had lost its leavening, because the cookies were flat and they ran together in the baking pan into one large cookie This could be a picture of the church without the puffing up of leaven; we all become one in Christ. By the way, the cookies were called sugar and spice and they were delicious.

Joseph promoted

Gen 41:29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt:
Gen 41:30 And there shall arise after them seven years of famine; and all the plenty shall be forgotten in the land of Egypt; and the famine shall consume the land;
Gen 41:31 And the plenty shall not be known in the land by reason of that famine following; for it shall be very grievous.
Gen 41:32 And for that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh twice; it is because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass. Gen 41:33 Now therefore let Pharaoh look out a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land of Egypt.
Gen 41:34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
Gen 41:35 And let them gather all the food of those good years that come, and lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in the cities.
Gen 41:36 And that food shall be for store to the land against the seven years of famine, which shall be in the land of Egypt; that the land perish not through the famine.
Gen 41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.
Gen 41:38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?
Gen 41:39 And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, Forasmuch as God hath shewed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art:
Gen 41:40 Thou shalt be over my house, and according unto thy word shall all my people be ruled: only in the throne will I be greater than thou.

Joseph is an old testament example of someone who obeyed God and who was blessed by God even in the worst situations. Some consider him to be a type of Christ. The beloved son of the father who saved his people from perishing. Jesus of course was not only our savior, saving our souls from perishing, but he is the only beloved son from God in heaven. As the Pharaoh gave Joseph absolute power and authority under himself, so did Father God give his son absolute authority under him.

Joseph was given dreams or visions that would define his future. Although the dreams were not completely clear, Joseph followed the LORD in all circumstances and was of an excellent spirit. Jesus had this excellent spirit and when he returned to the right hand of his father, he gave this Holy Spirit to those who believed in him; those who were born again of God.

Joseph was a spirit controlled man as we are to be. He was elevated out of every bad circumstance until his purpose was fulfilled. When Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him, Joseph said how could I do this sin against God? Sin is acting in disobedience to God, missing his will for us. The LORD was in everything he did.

Wouldn't it be fine if we had a Joseph in charge of our country? It will not be too much longer until Jesus returns to rule and reign with a rod of iron in his hand. There will be no more crooked politicians.

Rev 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.
Rev 20:2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
Rev 20:3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. 

Good tree or a bad tree?

Mat 12:33 Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.
Mat 12:34 O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.
Mat 12:35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.
Mat 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
Mat 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

A liar will say something as truth, but then his actions show his true intent. The fruit is in the actions and the behavior, not in words. Words are important, for every idol word will be judged in the day of judgement. How much more shall our works be judged? Is it possible to say good words and do miracles and still miss eternal life? Yes, for the life may be a sham, a self willed life. How else are these words of Jesus understood?

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Perhaps these are like the New Age believers? They were not really doing the Lord's will. LORD, may we not be pretenders, but be the true disciples of Jesus Christ. May our words be true and our actions matching our words and may all be in your will and for your glory. Amen

Josephs Dreams

Gen 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.
Gen 37:4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
Gen 37:5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.
Gen 37:6 And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed:
Gen 37:7 For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.
Gen 37:8 And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.
Gen 37:9 And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me.
Gen 37:10 And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth?
Gen 37:11 And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

The brothers did not like this dreamer, and now he was exalting himself ? It was usually the first born who was given more honor, but Jacob loved Joseph and so did the LORD. One thing we can learn from the evil that would come against Joseph is that the favor and grace of God would continue with him. We want the favor of the LORD, so when bad things happen, know that even these things will work together for good.

Rom 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Gen 50:18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
Gen 50:19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
Gen 50:20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

His dreams came true and so will our dreams and purposes from God, if we stay under His grace.