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5/23/2021

Is Your Light Shining?

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Speak to Aaron and say to him: "When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall cast their light toward the face of the menorah." Numbers 8:2

All of the tribes were told to bring in an offering to consecrate the altar inside the Tabernacle except the Levites. Aaron was wondering why they were not part of that but Moses reassured him that theirs was a special purpose. Without the light shining and remaining lit, the people’s faith and trust in the Lord would grow cold.

Aaron and his tribe are the Israelite’s preachers and teachers of the Word. Just as the light would remain lit, so the Word would be on their lips and in their hearts, sharing and caring for the rest of Jacob’s children. All people are to keep God’s Word on their hearts and minds while also sharing it without ceasing. When we cease to share and follow up, the light within us grows dim.

There is a problem in some churches today that have found this to be a problem. The drive for a relationship with God begins at the youngest child and should never stop. When the brakes are set, the light starts shining yellow and will turn red unless growth starts up again. If the same things are taught year after year then the child will not grow but stay perpetually in the last seconds of yellow begging to turn green or stop altogether.

All Children of God do not learn at the same pace which is why so many become numb and stagnated in their Christian walk. The challenge is to excite learning. Take for instance my daughter. When I started my Pastoral Studies, she wanted to help me learn. She was barely 10 years old. Seeing an opportunity because she wanted to know God more I gave her some reading to do and she would ask me questions to which I gave simple answers at first but I saw the thirst and she soaked it up like a sponge in the deep ocean. She is now 23 and needs to sit in classes with people 2 to 3 times her age. On the flip side is my son. He was going good for a while and was in the church Sunday schools but then started falling away. When I asked what the matter was, he said that he just didn’t feel like he was growing even with everything I tried. Maybe God has other plans right now and he will come to know Him later (I hope).

Parents, we need to teach our children at home and fill their hearts with the actions within the Word, not just the Word alone. But remember not to try too hard and watch how your child develops. Believe me, you will know when the child, teen, young adult, and even adults, are ready to learn how to be deeper in Love with God. Do not rush them but do not hold them back either. I believe that may have been my problem in raising our youngsters.

Don’t let the light burn out and have patience. The mustard seed must be watered slowly so that the light turns green and never goes yellow. If it does, don’t let it go red.

In His Arms of Mercy,
Rob, Servant of God

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5/16/2021

In Pursuit of the Positive

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The Book of Numbers, why is it in the Torah and what is the significance? Believe it or not, Numbers is more than just a census book, a deeper understanding of the Laws and statutes or an introduction to the Blessing that is said by priests and pastors alone and not made into a song for all to sing. Each portion has significance in the daily life and activity of a believer.

As an explanation and encouragement to seek a deeper understanding I want to take a look at Chapter 4 verse 22.

Take a census of the sons of Gershon, of them too, following their fathers' houses, according to their families. Numbers 4:22

So why this verse? It really means nothing in itself but when you seek the verses around it the meaning becomes clear. Gershon was the firstborn and Kehat was the second but in the Scripture, Kehat was counted before Gershon. What does this mean?

Gershon was given the duty of carrying the outer coverings of the tabernacle while Kehat was given the task of carrying the interior furnishings.

Let’s look at it like this: There are two steps in preparing one’s home for an esteemed guest. First the rooms are scrubbed clean; then they are decorated with beautiful furnishings and works of art. The same two steps apply to how we make our lives and ourselves into a home for G‑d. First we rid our lives of what is negative and undesirable and then we do what is good and right.

The clan of Gershon carried the outer coverings of the Tabernacle, which protected it from undesirable elements. This corresponds to our job of avoiding harmful activities and influences. The clan of Kehat, on the other hand carried the furnishings of the Tabernacle, each of which represents a particular positive attribute and activity.

Just as Gershon was born before Kehat, it is necessary to first cleanse oneself of negative behavior in order to be able to properly pursue good. Nonetheless, the clan of Kehat was counted before that of Gershon, since cleansing oneself of negativity is only a preparation for the true work: pursuing good.

Every Book in what many call the Pentateuch gives instruction by example of a right way of living. Like the short explanation above, just because someone looks good on the outside does not mean that the inside is just as clean. When we look at a person the first thing we need to focus on is the eyes because they are the window to the soul. If the other person cannot look you in the eye but focuses elsewhere that should be a warning sign especially if there is a possible other interest.

For example: There is a difference between a look of longing for a soulmate and the look of lustfulness. There is a look of jealousy and a look of satisfaction with the self. When a person can read past the cleanliness on the outside and see the intentions of the person then you are looking at the choices made by the person which are given to the soul.

If people would focus on the good things in life and concern themselves with others first then the negativity is gone and all they have appears to be good intentions. Doing this can bring a person closer to God.

Remember, we are human and so we make mistakes. The more we try to better ourselves and conduct ourselves in a way pleasing to God the easier life becomes. I know it always seems that the bad people have the best lives but that is not always true. Just under the router garments, dirt still remains which soils the good.

Brothers and Sisters, a clean heart equals a clean soul. We may have dirt on the outer garment but the inner self can be nearly spotless as we continue to strive for our relationship with God. Be of good faith and continue to study Scripture because like milk for the body, it does the soul good.

In God’s Arms
Rob, Servant of God

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5/5/2021

hurtful words

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Leviticus 25:17 tells us not to take advantage of one another. One of the worst ways we do so is through hurtful words. We say these things through dredging up the past, deceiving when buying or selling, speaking falsely of actions or words, gossip.
Saying something and taking action are considered more detrimental than just cheating someone in finances because words affect how we are motivated in life. We are told not to humiliate someone especially if we know it is false. We are not to drudge up the past to extort favors nor anything like that.
How do we control this human behavior? It is hard and something we need to work daily on but staying in the Word through consistent study and devotion early in the morning will mark you for the day so that you will carefully choose your words and actions. Joshua 1 explains that we should keep God's Word on our heart so we maintain a humble heart choosing wisely how we go throughout our day so we can have success in all we do.
Brothers and sisters this is a basic human need because how are we to love one another if we say hurtful words. Be kind and humble in your speech and we can bring others to know God through our love for Him and the people who surround us.
In Faith and compassion,
Rob, Servant of god

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Devotions and Lessons
Building Relationships Through God's Love

Is Your Light Shining?

In Pursuit of the Positive

hurtful words

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Devotions and LessonsBuilding Relationships Through God's Love

Is Your Light Shining?

In Pursuit of the Positive

hurtful words

Archives

Categories

Location

Contact Us

Subscribe Today!

Devotions and Lessons
Building Relationships Through God's Love