Hear and Obey

	Today's Reading: Leviticus 7-9 Comments: I have posted from the OT reading I had planned to do yesterday but couldn't make the time.
	Hear and Obey- Leviticus 8:5
	Leviticus 8:5–6 (ESV)5 And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded to be done.” 6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water.

Not always Smooth, Be Strong

	Today's Reading: Lev. 7-9; Acts 15
	Dealing with dissension- Acts 15:2 Paul and Barnabas deal with the aftermath of some believers that spread word that all christians must be circumcised and follow all ceremonial Jewish law to be saved...

More on More than Words...

Update to today's post-

In reflecting on today's lesson and after further prayer I believe there is an important message that I initially missed in the passage I read today.  So here Paul and Barnabas come into Lystra and Paul is led by the Holy Spirit to pronounce a man healed. The witnesses reacted by ascribing deity to Paul and Barnabas and they began to offer sacrifices to them...

More than Words

	Today's Reading: Lev. 4-6; Acts 14
	Divine Unction- Acts 14:1
	Personalize it method (Rick Warren's 40 Days in the Word): Lord please show me your message in the Word today and let me see the application for my life, amen. Jeff, words may be spoken, sentences strung together wonderfully, but if my Spirit does not push the message into the hearts of the listeners, there is nothing done. Be sure to know that it is not the vessel doing the work. My Spirit will open eyes in my timing and I will grant divine unction to my surrendered vessel that brings my message with a pure heart and for my glory. As well taught by my servant E.M. Bounds, the sermon is made by the man- not the words. And the man is made by the Holy Spirit in the closet of prayer. A sermon brought from the head might be correct and well structured, but the man must come from the closet and bring a message direct from me if it should move hearts and tranform lives. See the example in Paul here… Acts 14:1 (ESV)14 Now at Iconium they entered together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. Be certain Jeff, that you put all effort into meeting with me and tranforming your own heart and in knowing me. Waste not your time drafting messages when I am waiting in the tent of meeting…in the closet of that quiet place of prayer. So always pray and meet with me first, study comes second…do you think I speak most clearly in my Word? Perhaps you have not obeyed, perhaps you have not surrendered enough to hear my voice loudly enough yet. Draw near Jeff, draw near and hear my Spirit.
	Some will respond and some resist- Acts 14:4
	Acts 14:4 (ESV)4 But the people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews and some with the apostles. Do not be discouraged by those that do not respond positively Jeff. Simply pray and trust that I will work in those that I have called. Know that even amongst those you love- your example might bring the opposite effect that you hope for. This is ok, let me be concerned with this. Only be faithful and wait upon me. From the Matthew Henry Commentary- The influence which the gospel had upon many of the Gentiles, and their embracing it, as it provoked some of the Jews to a holy jealousy and stirred them up to receive the gospel too (Rom. 11:14), so it provoked others of them to a wicked jealousy, and exasperated them against the gospel. Thus as good instructions, so good examples, which to some are a savour of life unto life, to others are a savour of death unto death. See 2 Co. 2:15, 16 Henry, M. (1996). Matthew Henry's commentary on the whole Bible : Complete and unabridged in one volume (Ac 14:1–7). Peabody: Hendrickson. See that Paul turned his message from the Old Testament history to my creation in order to make a case with the gentiles that knew little of my promises to Israel and the history of my covenant to Abraham. You also should know thta the exact same message is not appropriate for everyone you would encounter. Listen for my lead and I will give you the words. Consider your audience Jeff and know that it is good to relate to them. This could be your own family or co-workers where you need to give consideration to the message…the approach. For certain there is one gospel, but how you get there may vary. Hear Paul shift to convince the gentiles... Acts 14:15 (ESV)15 “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men, of like nature with you, and we bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to a living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all that is in them. From Wiersbe's Commentary- Note that he did not use the OT Scriptures as he did in the synagogue service, but rather reasoned with these Gentiles on the basis of God’s works in creation. Compare this sermon (given here in vv. 15–17 in brief) to Paul’s message in Athens (17:16–34) and his statements in Romans 1:20ff. The works of God in nature leave the heathen “without excuse.” Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament (313). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books. Romans 1:20 (ESV)20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
	Discernment- Acts 14:9
	Acts 14:9–10 (ESV)9 He listened to Paul speaking. And Paul, looking intently at him and seeing that he had faith to be made well, 10 said in a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he sprang up and began walking. Pray for my filling Jeff that you may have discernment as you encounter people in need. That you might know how it is you can serve them. Pray for a humble compassionate heart that would not wlk past someone who is hurting, someone who needs prayer or encouragement. Be there for them- pray, help, listen.
	More than conversion- Acts 14:22
	Acts 14:22 (ESV)22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. Follow this example Jeff. Know that conversion is only the beginning and that reaching the multitudes takes developing fishers of men. Know that converts need to find growth in me and men should band together to help one another be strengthened in this matter. Men should be employed in the business of making more disciples.  From Wiersbe's Commentary- Paul was able to say that the entire area had been evangelized! How did he do it? He won converts, established churches, and trained Christians how to do the job. See 1 Thes. 1–2 for another example. Wiersbe, W. W. (1997). Wiersbe's expository outlines on the New Testament (315). Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books.
	Application and Prayer:
	Today I will pray more than study Today I will seek to know my heart and know yours Lord Today I will not be discouraged by any lack of response to my efforts or even strong resistance Today I will listen for your voice and ask for discernment to recognize the person in need Today I will seek to be a fisher of men and I will pray that many would make disciples and that we would multiply as you intended Lord Thank you for your Word. Thank you for giving us such hope and such an example in your apostles. Teach me to follow their example and to know how it is I am to proceed with this mission to make disciples. In Jesus name I pray, amen. Soli Deo Gloria! View blog from a computer or iPad for more content. Follow @dailysurrender

Pray, Fast, Listen, Do...

	Today's Reading: Lev. 1-3; Acts 13
	Pray, Fast, Listen, Do...then Pray More!
	Acts 13:2 (ESV)2 While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

Worthy of Filling

Today's Reading: Ex. 39-40; Ps. 15; Acts 12

His glory filled the tabernacle- Exodus 40:34–38

Personalize it method (Rick Warren's 40 Days in the Word): Lord please illuminate your Word today by your Holy Spirit and give me the message that I am to apply to my life today.  Amen.

See that I dwell in my tabernacle Jeff- but it must be perfect.  This is why you need complete reliance on my Son.

Hear of His Glory!

Today's Reading: Ex. 37-38; Ps. 19; Acts 11

Click to read Psalm 19 Comments: I have posted an overview of Psalm 19 in an outline format. I do not quote Psalm 19 so follow the link above to read it.

It's a Heart Thing

Today's Reading: Exodus 36, Acts 10

	Personalize it method (Rick Warren's 40 Days in the Word): Lord please let me hear your message to me in your Word today.  In Jesus name I pray, amen. Salvation through Jesus alone; to Jew and Gentile alike.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 13

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted the final question and wrap-up of the Exodus 35 chapter study.  Please see Part 1 for explanation of this study.  Tomorrow I will be back into daily devotional study!  The first part of this posting is duplicate of Part 2 but new information begins at the "prayer in wrap-up" section below...

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 12

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted my answer to question number 11 mostly in the form of my prayer to the Lord.  Please see Part 1 for an explanation of this study into chapter 35 of Exodus.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 11

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted my answer to question number 10 from the chapter study on Exodus 35.  Please see Part 1 for an explanation of this chapter study.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 10

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted my answer to question number 9 of the Exodus 35 chapter study.  Please see Part 1 for an explanation of this chapter study.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 9

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted my answer to question number 8 in the Exodus 35 chapter study.  Please see Part 1 for a description/explanation of this chapter study.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 8

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted an answer to question number 7 in the Exodus 35 chapter study.  See part 1 for a description of this study.

Pit Stop

No study today!  God had a different and wonderful plan for my morning today and I am thankful for my wonderful bride, faithful friends, the body of Christ, the mysterious ways of the Lord, and for his varied and sometimes difficult ways of teaching me to follow him.

Thank you Lord for loving me enough to bless me and teach me so.  Let me hear your message and be a doer of your Word Lord.  Please give me faith to walk in the path you set for me and let me honor you in everything I do.  In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria!
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How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 7

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

I have posted the study into question 6 below.  Please see part 1 to get the details of this chapter study on Exodus 35. 

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 6

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

I have posted answers to questions 4 and 5 for the chapter study of Exodus 35.  Please see Part 1 for the details of this chapter study.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 5

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

So today I posted the study into question number 3.  Please see part 1 for a full description of this chapter study of Exodus 35. 

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 4b

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Initial thoughts:

So I have posted the conclusion of my study into why God chose to have Israel build a tabernacle at this point in history.

Power Through Prayer

I have re-posted from last night as I had a private time this morning with the Lord devoted to thankfulness for my wife, the mother of my kiddos.  

Instead of completing my earlier post on the second question of the Exodus 35 study, I have decided to post a series of quotes from E.M. Bounds' Power Through Prayer and I trust if you read this with thoughtful, prayerful concern and self reflection, you too will come to the conclusion that we all miss out on God's power in our life due to our lack of earnest prayer...

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 4a

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:

Today I have posted a partial study of the second question- I will complete the study and update the post by this evening. See part 1 for an explanation of this chapter study of Exodus 35.

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 3

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Comments:
So I have posted a conclusion to the study of my first question. See part one from a few days ago for explanation of the Chapter study here...

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 2

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Today is part 2 of a study on Exodus Chapter 35.  See yesterday's post for more information about this chapter study approach and the questions I started with- but this post lays out the first days study to answer the questions that came out of part 1. The study for question 1, 2, and 12 are begun below but are not complete. I am unsure how to post these as I continue the study so that there is not a bunch of duplicate reading but we'll see... 

How to Build a Tabernacle: Part 1

Today's Reading: Exodus 35

Direction regarding how to proceed with the Tabernacle construction

Awakening

Today's Reading: Acts 9

Acts 9:3–6 (ESV)3 Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. 4 And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5 And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 6 But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Be Thee Consumed

Today's Reading: Exodus 33-34; Acts 9 (will be covered tomorrow)

Exodus 33:3 (ESV)3 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people.”

Put Down the Calf and Be My Witness

Today's Reading: Exodus 30-32; Acts 8

Exodus 30:14-16
Everyone who is numbered in the census, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the Lord’s offering. 15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when you give the Lord’s offering to make atonement for your lives. 16 You shall take the atonement money from the people of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may bring the people of Israel to aremembrance before the Lord, so as to make atonement for your lives.”

Enter With Caution

Today's Reading: Exodus 28-29; Acts 7

Exodus 28:35 (ESV)
And it shall be on Aaron when he ministers, and its sound shall be heard when he goes into the Holy Place before the Lord, and when he comes out, so that he does not die.

Where Shall I Dwell?

Today's Reading: Exodus 25-27; Acts 6

	Exodus 25:8–9 (ESV)8 And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell in their midst. 9 Exactly as I show you concerning the pattern of the tabernacle, and of all its furniture, so you shall make it.

Answerable to a Mighty God

Today's Reading: Exodus 23-24; Psalm 14; Acts 5

Exodus 23:20–21 (ESV)20 “Behold, I send an angel before you to guard you on the way and to bring you to the place that I have prepared. 21 Pay careful attention to him and obey his voice; do not rebel against him, for he will not pardon your transgression, for my name is in him.

Be Filled With Boldness

Today's Reading: Exodus 21-22; Acts 4

Exodus 22:25 (ESV)25 “If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be like a moneylender to him, and you shall not exact interest from him.

Be Filled and Trust Only in Me

Today's Reading: Exodus 17-20; Acts 3

Exodus 17:6–7 (ESV)6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink.” And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the Lord by saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”