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Showing posts from February, 2017

Teachable

"The wise are glad to be instructed, but the babbling fools fall flat on their faces. People with integrity have a firm footing, but those who follow crooked paths will slip and fall." Proverbs 10:8-9 I had someone tell me recently, "I don't like being told what to believe." Regardless of whether we're being told what to believe or not, the reality is we're all going to ultimately decide for ourselves. So, I didn't really challenge the point. However, the "nobody's telling me anything" spirit does cross into the stupid zone pretty fast. If someone tells us to not touch the hot stove or to not run out into traffic and we do anyway ... you get the point. In the verses for the day, the writer of the Proverbs draws one strong distinction between the wise and the foolish. The wise are glad to be instructed. The babbling fool isn't interested in being taught. Instruction is not on their "must have" list. We can learn th

Willing

"All whose hearts were stirred and whose spirits were moved came and brought their sacred offerings to the Lord. They brought all the materials needed for the tabernacle, for the performance of it's rituals, and for the sacred garments. Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. They brought to the Lord their offerings of gold -- brooches, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind as a special offering to the Lord." Exodus 35:21-22 As a parent of a Riley's Hospital baby, I find it very easy to donate when the clerks behind the counter ask if I'll donate my change or a dollar to Riley's. I don't know for sure what's done with that money. I've never taken the time to research the money trail. Our daughter was treated the best so I choose to simply assume the best and give. The love we were shown causes me to check my cynicism at the door. The people of Israel were invited to giv

Enter

"When the inner curtain is in place, put the Ark of the Covenant behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place." Exodus 26:33 I wanted to go in. Certainly the view would be better. The company would interesting to be sure -- VIP only. You've seen it too. Perhaps a concert or a sporting event. "Reserved Seating Only." You needed the right badge or the right connections. I'm fully aware that there are numerous functions in this world to which I will never receive an invitation. I'm separated from who's who and I'm perfectly okay with that and here's why... Moses was given very specific instructions about the tabernacle which would serve as the central place of worship for the people of Israel for hundreds of years. The Most Holy Place could only be accessed by the High Priest and then only once a year. The focal point of God's presence kept separated from the people. Any violation was met with immedi