Unexpected Opportunity - Embracing an Outreaching Lifestyle

Testimony of God's Glory (Insights in Law)

2/5/2012

The vision God gave Moses was to focus on spiritual intimacy as a good soldier while making no provision for the flesh or being entangled in the affairs of everyday life (Ex. 39; 2 Tim. 2:3-4). Two additional images Paul gave Timothy was a disciplined athlete and hard-working farmer that Moses implemented in setting up and operating the tabernacle as a testimony of God's glory (2 Tim. 2:5-6; Ex. 40).

The Lord told Moses to set up the tabernacle of the tent of meeting and place the ark of the testimony, veil around the ark, table, lampstand along with the lamps, gold altar of incense before the ark, and veil for the doorway to the tabernacle. Set up the altar of burnt offering in front of the doorway and laver with water between the tent of meeting and altar. Anoint the tabernacle, altar of burnt offering and laver with oil so they can be holy. Wash Aaron and his sons with water before putting on holy garments so they can minister as priests to God throughout their generations (Ex. 40:1-16). Play according to God's rules in ministering as His priests (athlete).

Moses erected the tabernacle, laid its sockets, set up its boards, inserted its bars and erected its pillars. He placed the testimony into the ark and put the mercy seat on top of it. He brought the ark into the tabernacle and set up a veil for the screen. He put the table in the tent of meeting on the north side outside the veil with an arrangement of bread. He placed the lampstand opposite the table on the south side. He lighted the lamps before the Lord. He placed the gold altar in front of the veil and burned fragrant incense on it. He set the altar of burnt offering before the doorway of the tabernacle and offered the burnt and meal offerings. He placed the laver with water between the tent of meeting and altar so Moses, Aaron and his sons could wash their hands and feet. He erected the court around the tabernacle and altar and hung up the veil for the gateway of the court (Ex. 40:17-33). Confess sin, surrender & pray to God, and meditating on His word while trusting in Christ's shed blood (farmer).

The cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle so Moses could not enter. Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, Israel would set out and stay when it remained. The cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day and fire in it by night in the sight of Israel (Ex. 40:34-38). Be strong in God's grace to show His glory to the world.

Use spiritual weapons of confessing sin, surrender, prayer, meditating on His word and trusting in Christ's blood to show His glory to the world.

How to Make No Provision for the Flesh (Insights in Law)

1/24/2012

Many times God seems far away. Statistics from George Barna show that less than one percent of those between the ages of 18 and 23 have a biblical worldview. Barna suggested that “parents are not focused on guiding their children to have a biblical worldview. One of the challenges for parents, though, is that you cannot give what you do not have, and most parents do not possess such a perspective on life.” Paul instructed Timothy to take things he heard from him and entrust to faithful men so they could teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). Furthermore, he was to suffer hardship as a soldier by not getting entangled in the affairs of everyday life (2 Tim. 2:3-4). God inspired Moses to take the soldier mentality and live in spiritual intimacy while making no provision for the flesh.

They made finely woven garment that Aaron used for ministering in the holy place. They made a ephod and attaching shoulder pieces of fine twisted linen and gold sheets woven together, the work of a skillful workman just as the Lord commanded Moses (Ex. 39:1-5). God prepares you for spiritual intimacy with Christ.

They made onyx stones set in gold filigree settings engraved like signet with the names of the sons of Israel. They were placed on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones just as the Lord commanded Moses (Ex. 39:6-7). God engraves your name like precious stones near His heart.

He made a breastpiece like the workmanship of the ephod of gold, blue, purple and scarlet material and fine twisted linen. They mounted four rows of precious stones set in gold filigree setting engraved with the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. They made on the breastpiece chains like twisted cordage in pure gold and placed two gold rings on the two ends of the breastpiece just as the Lord commanded Moses (Ex. 39:8-21). God protects your heart to remain pure.

They made the robe of the ephod of blue woven work and pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet material and twisted linen on the hem of the robe. They made bells of pure gold between the pomegranates for the service just as the Lord commanded Moses (Ex. 39:22-26). God clothes you with Christ to make no provision for the flesh.

They made tunics, turban, decorated caps, linen breeches, sash of finely woven or twisted linen for Aaron and his sons. It was blue, purple and scarlet material, the work of the weaver, just as the Lord commanded Moses (Ex. 39:27-29). God renews your mind to know and do His will.

They used pure gold to make the plate of the holy crown, which was inscribed like engravings of a signet, "Holy to the Lord." They fastened a blue cord so all of it could be attached on the turban above, just as the Lord commanded Moses (Ex. 39:30-31). God crowns you with ultimate worth more precious than gold.

Thus all the work of the tabernacle of the tent of meeting was completed. They brought the tabernacle to Moses, the tent and all its furnishings, covering of rams' skins dyed red and porpoise skins, screening veil, ark of the testimony with its poles, mercy seat, table, utensils, bread of Presence, pure gold lampstand with its arrangements of lamps, utensils and oil for the light, gold altar, anointing oil and fragrant incense, veil for the doorway of the tent, laver, hangings for the court, equipment for the service of the tabernacle and tent of meeting, holy garments for Aaron and his sons to minister as priests. Moses examined and blessed all the work they had done just as the Lord commanded (Ex. 39:32-43). God sees and blesses works done in His name.

To learn how to make no provision for the flesh, use a chiastic structure beginning with the first paragraph: A, B, C, D, C', B' A'. We group together the content in A & A', B & B', etc.:
1. God prepares you for spiritual intimacy by seeing and blessing your works
2. God engraves your name like precious stones upon His heart and crowns you with ultimate worth more precious than gold
3. God protects your heart to remain pure and renews your mind to know and do His will

Mechanisms to Equip Workmen of the Word (Insights in Law)

1/16/2012

Quoting Steve Jobs, founder of Apple: “There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
“Innovation distinguishes between a leader and a follower.”
“We made the buttons on the screen look so good you’ll want to lick them.”

In the blog explaining Ex. 35-36 to get the proper context, one builds a kingdom ministry by obeying and trusting God for provision while coordinating the labor and planning under His direction. Share the vision and particulars with potential donors before hiring skilled and wise overseers to lead the work of others. Present a compelling ministry or business plan uniting the various ministries with structural connections, good communication and infrastructure enabling everyone to work toward one purpose and mission (Ex. 35-36). Moses next gives instructions on how to equip workmen to handle God's word accurately in every good work (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16-17).

Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold inside and out and gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings, two on each side, and poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold. He placed the poles in the rings to carry the ark. Bezalel made a mercy seat of gold and two cherubim of gold at both ends. The cherubim had wings spread upward with faces toward the mercy seat (Ex. 37:1-9). Construct a platform under God's direction so the word and cross of Christ will be heard and applied in full view of the world.

He made the table of acacia wood overlaid with pure gold and gold molding around it. He cast four gold rings placed on the four corners. He made poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold to carry the table. He made gold utensils, including dishes, pans, bowls and jars, to pour out libations (Ex. 37:10-16). Construct a user interface so people readily and easily access God's word.

He made the gold lampstand, a hammered work with its base, shaft, and cups shaped like almond blossoms along with bulbs and flowers in one piece. It had six branches with three on each side. He made seven lamps with gold snuffers and trays (Ex. 37:17-24). Create the platform and user interface skillfully and beautifully to encourage people to interact with God's word so they see His glory.

He made the altar of incense with acacia wood overlaid with gold and gold molding around it. He made two gold rings on opposite sides of the altar as holders for poles to carry it. He made poles of acacia wood overlaid with gold. He made holy anointing oil and pure, fragrant incense of spices, the work of a perfumer (Ex. 37:25-29). Equip workmen in God's word who pray fervently and handle His word accurately to be prepared for every good work.

He made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood and horns overlaid with bronze on its four corners. He made bronze utensils of the altar, including pails, shovels, basins, flesh hooks and firepans. He made a grating of bronze network underneath the altar. He cast four rings on the ends as holders for the poles. He made poles of acacia wood overlaid with bronze to carry the altar. He made a bronze laver and bronze base from the mirrors of the women who served at the doorway of the tent of meeting (Ex. 38:1-8). Lead workmen in God's word who see themselves through the mirror of His word in repentance and confession of sin.

He made the court of fine twisted linen and 20 pillars with 20 bronze sockets. He made silver hooks and bands with silver overlay on their tops. A weaver of blue, purple and scarlet material wove fine twisted linen to make the screen of the gate of the court. The pegs of the tabernacle and the court were bronze (Ex. 38:9-20). Motivate workmen in God's word who prioritize intimacy with God.

Bezalel of the tribe of Judah and Oholiab of Dan, an engraver, skillful workman and weaver in blue, purple, scarlet and fine linen, made all that the Lord commanded Moses for the tabernacle of testimony. All the gold used in the work of the sanctuary set aside for the worship of God cost 29 talents and 730 shekels. The silver cost 100 talents and 1,775 shekels; (a beka a head or half a shekel for each one who passed over whoolder than 20 years was 603,550 men. Casting the sockets of the sanctuary and veil (one talent per socket) cost 100 talents of silver. The hooks for the pillars, tops overlay and bands cost 1,775 shekels. The bronze of the wave offering for sockets to the doorway of the tent of meeting, bronze altar and grating, utensils, sockets and pegs cost 70 talents and 2,400 shekels (Ex. 38:21-31). Write a business plan listing specific costs and trusting God to provide the money.

Here are mechanisms to equip workmen of the word:
1. Construct a platform under God's direction so His word and cross work of Christ will be heard and applied in full view of the world
2. Construct a user interface so people readily and easily access God's word
3. Create the platform and user interface skillfully and beautifully to encourage people to interact with God's word so they see His glory
4. Equip workmen in God's word who pray fervently and handle His word accurately to be prepared for every good work
5. Lead workmen in God's word who see themselves through the mirror of His word in repentance and confession of sin
6. Motivate workmen in God's word who prioritize intimacy with God
7. Write a business plan listing specific costs, how money will be raised and break-even analysis

Practical Requirements in Building Kingdom Ministry (Insights in Law)

1/7/2012

Many well-meaning ministers of the gospel fail in their pursuit of personal ministry goals because of their inability to conduct their ministry as a well-tuned and well-oiled operating mechanism in the same way a Fortune 500 company would. They often over-spiritualize the practical requirements of enterprise. Moses obeyed God's instructions and operationalized them in the building of the tabernacle, which represents kingdom ministry today. Let's learn from Exodus 35-36 on how a ministry can practically fulfill God's calling.

Rest and Obey God
Work six days and rest completely on the seventh day to not be put to death. Don't kindle a fire in your dwellings on the sabbath day (Ex. 35:1-3). Begin your work by resting in and obeying God because of Christ's work on the cross.

Trust God to Provide
Contribute willingly to the Lord of gold, silver, material, acacia wood, lighting oil, fragrant incense and onyx stones for the ephod and breastpiece (Ex. 35:4-9). Trust God to provide financial and material resources instead of relying on clever fund-raising techniques.

Coordinate Labor and Planning
Let every skillful, wise and practical man make what Lord has commanded that included the tabernacle, tent and covering, ark, mercy seat, curtain, table, utensils, bread of Presence, lampstand, lamps, oil for the light, altar of incense, anointing oil and fragrant incense, altar of burnt offering, woven garments for ministering in holy place and holy garments for Aaron and his sons to minister as priests (Ex. 35:10-19). Coordinate the labor and planning for kingdom ministry with God's direction.

Share Vision and Specifics of Giving
Everyone whose spirit moved him brought the Lord's contribution for the work of the tent of meeting, its service and for the holy garments. Those whose hearts stirred them brought offerings of gold and precious materials to the Lord, including skilled women who spun linen and rulers who brought onyx stones as settings for the ephod and breastplate, along with spice and oil for the light, anointing oil and fragrant incense (Ex. 35:20-29). Share the vision of ministry including what, when and how to give, while allowing God to work.

Hire Skilled Overseers
The Lord has called by name Bezalel to fill him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, knowledge and in craftsmanship to make designs for working in gold and silver, cutting of stones and carving of wood to perform every inventive work. He put in Bezalel's and Oholiab's hearts to lay a foundation of teaching to direct peoples' lives. God filled them with wisdom of heart and skill to perform every work of an engraver, designer and weaver. God put skill and understanding in Bezalel and Oholiab along with others to know how to perform all the work in constructing the sanctuary according to His commands (Ex. 35:30-36:1). Hire skilled and wise overseers to lead the work of others under His direction.

Present Compelling Plan
God called everyone with skill whose heart stirred them to come and perform the work. They got freewill offerings Moses received every morning to construct the sanctuary. He told the people to stop sending contributions since they had enough (Ex. 36:2-7). Present compelling ministry or business plan to enable people to give generously without pressure or manipulation.

Unite Various Ministries: One Mind
The skillful men constructed the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twisted line joined together. Bezalel made two sets of 50 loops of blue and 50 clasps of gold to join the curtains so the tabernacle was one (Ex. 36:8-13). Unite the various ministries so everyone is of one mind.

Discover Structural Connections: One Love
Bezalel made 11 curtains of goats' hair joined together for a tent over the tabernacle. He made two sets of 50 loops and 50 clasps to join the tent together as one (Ex. 36:14-19). Discover structural connections among the various ministries so everyone has one love.

Practice Good Communication: United in Spirit
He made acacia wood boards for the tabernacle with two tenons fitted to each one. Two silver sockets fit under each of the 54 boards to cover all sides of the tabernacle (Ex. 36:20-30). Practice good communication among the various ministries enables everyone to be united in spirit.

Weave Infrastructure: One Purpose
He made five acacia wood bars for each side of the tabernacle with gold overlay and rings, as holders for the bars. He made the veil of blue, purple and scarlet material with fine twisted linen. He made four pillars of acacia wood with gold overlay and hooks, with four cast silver sockets. He made a screen for the tent doorway of blue, purple and scarlet linen, the work of a weaver (Ex. 36:31-38). Weave the infrastructure so everyone is intent on one purpose.

You practically build a kingdom ministry by:
1. Begin your work by resting in and obeying God because of Christ's work on the cross
2. Trust God to provide financial and material resources instead of relying on clever fund-raising techniques
3. Coordinate the labor and planning for kingdom ministry with God's direction
4. Share the vision of ministry including what, when and how to give, while allowing God to work
5. Hire skilled and wise overseers to lead the work of others under His direction
6. Present compelling ministry plan to enable people to give generously without pressure or manipulation
7. Unite the various ministries so everyone is of one mind
8. Discover structural connections among the various ministries so everyone has one love
9. Practice good communication among the various ministries enables everyone to be united in spirit
10. Weave the infrastructure so everyone is intent on one purpose

Fighting Spiritual Dryness (Insights in Law)

12/31/2011

Everyone experiences times of dryness in their relationship with God. Do you feel stagnant? Have you stopped growing? Have you plateaued in your vocation? Does it seem like you aren't making an impact? Some of the causes of spiritual dryness are lack of prayer, sin, work imbalance, pagan rituals or superstition, spiritual undernourishment and following rules. Exodus 34 shows how to fight spiritual dryness so you are transformed into His image through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Lack of Prayer
The Lord instructed Moses to cut out two stone tablets on Mount Sinai so God could write words that were on the earlier ones. The Lord descended in the cloud and stood there as Moses called upon the name of the Lord. He proclaimed the Lord as compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in lovingkindness and truth. He forgives sin but visits the iniquity of fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations. Moses asked favor and pardon for their sin so God could take them as His possession (Ex. 34:1-9). Call upon God to experience His love and forgiveness.

Sin
God made a covenant and performed miracles so everyone would see Him working to drive out the Amorites, Canaanites, etc. Make no covenant with the inhabitants of the land lest they become a snare as you play the harlot and sacrifice to their gods. Tear down altars, smash sacred pillars and cut down their Asherim to not worship any other god and cause your sons to play the harlot with their gods (Ex. 34:10-17). Worship God and trust His deliverance so you aren't lured into sin.

Work Imbalance
Seven days you are to eat unleavened bread as a reminder when you came out of Egypt. The first offspring from cattle and sheep belonged to God. Work for six days and rest during the seventh even during plowing and harvest time. All the males are to appear before the Lord three times a year with no man coveting your land. God will drive out nations and enlarge your borders (Ex. 34:18-24). Take time to rest and trust God's power and provision to expand your kingdom impact.

Pagan Rituals or Superstition
The sacrifice of the Feast of Passover was not be left over until morning. Bring the first fruits of your soil into the house of the Lord your God. Don't boil a kid in its mother's milk (Ex. 34:25-26). Trust Christ's sacrifice on the cross daily for power over sin.

Spiritual Undernourishment
Moses fasted while being with the Lord 40 days and 40 nights. He wrote the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments (Ex. 34:27-28). Spend quantity of time with God in fasting to hear Him speak to you.

Following Rules
Moses' face shone as he came down from Mount Sinai after speaking with God. He commanded Aaron and Israel to do all the Lord had spoken. Then Moses put a veil over his face. He removed it while talking to God and replaced the veil when the people saw his face (Ex. 34:29-35). Behold God's glory through the Holy Spirit to be transformed into God's image.

Rate yourself on ways to to fight spiritual dryness on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being lowest and 10 highest): 1. Call upon God to experience His love and forgiveness
2. Worship God and trust His deliverance so you aren't lured into sin
3. Take time to rest by trusting God's power and provision to expand your kingdom impact
4. Trust Christ's sacrifice on the cross daily for power over sin
5. Spend quantity of time with God in fasting to hear Him speak to you
6. Behold God's glory through the Holy Spirit to be transformed into God's image

The Ultimate Coach (Insights in Law)

12/17/2011

Coaching is an expanding profession in the business arena. A recent study by International Coach Federation (ICF) showed that (42.6 percent) of respondents who had experienced coaching chose “optimize individual and/or team performance” as their motivation for being coached. This reason ranked highest followed by “expand professional career opportunities” (38.8 percent) and “improve business management strategies” (36.1 percent). “Increase self-esteem/self-confidence” and “manage work/life balance” rated fourth and fifth to round out the top five motivation areas. Exodus 33 shows how the ultimate coach in God the Father related with Moses to transform the idols of success in Ex. 32 into kingdom opportunities and dominion.

Transform Individual or Team Performance Into Supernatural Kingdom Dominion
The Lord told Moses to go to the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. God would send an angel to drive out the Canaanites so they could enter the land flowing with milk and honey. However the Lord said to Moses that He would destroy and not go with an obstinate people (Ex. 33:1-6). God goes with obedient people to defeat spiritual enemies.

Transform Professional Career Opportunities Into God's Kingdom Opportunities
Moses pitched a tent of meeting outside the camp where those who sought the Lord stood. The pillar of cloud would descend at the entrance and the Lord spoke to Moses face to face just as a man speaks to his friend. Joshua stayed in the tent after Moses returned to the camp (Ex. 33:7-11). God speaks face to face as a friend to those who seek Him.

Transform Business Management Strategies & Manage Work/Life Balance Into God's Kingdom Strategies & Presence
Moses asked to know God's ways so He could know Him and find favor in His sight. God said His presence and rest would go with him. Moses wanted God's presence to go with him before being led out to the land. God's favor was proved by His going with His people so the might be distinguished from all other people on earth (Ex. 33:12-16). God sends His presence, rest and favor to those who pray for His ways.

Transform Self-Esteem & Self-Confidence to God-Confidence
The Lord answered Moses by saying he found favor and knew him by name. Moses asked to see God's glory. God said He would make all His goodness pass before him and proclaim His name, while being gracious and compassionate to those He chose. He told Moses to stand in the cleft of the rock to see His back when His glory passed by because no man could see His face and live (Ex. 33:17-23). God reveals His goodness and glory to those He chooses.

To experience God transformation in the areas listed in the bold headings above, do the following:
1. Obey whatever God tells you to do
2. Develop an intimate, face-to-face relationship with Him
3. Pray for God's ways and direction
4. Listen to God's word and worship Him

Defeating the Idol of Success (Insights in Law)

12/11/2011

Each of us often get focused on work and activity without spending sufficient time in prayer and relaxation. It could be our business or even ministry work that have worthy goals. Most of the goals of the modern church can be accomplished without God. All we need is people, money and a common objective. Achieving success is not an automatic sign that the Holy Spirit is empowering us. Aaron crafted a golden calf when Israel became impatient over Moses not coming down from Mt. Sinai. They worshiped what they saw instead of the unseen God. Do you and me idolize success and short-term, observable outcomes?

The Lord said to Moses that He filled Bezalel of the tribe of Judah with the Spirit of God in wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all kinds of craftsmanship. He also appointed Oholiab of the tribe of Dan and put skill in their hearts to make all God commanded Moses: tent of meeting, ark of testimony, mercy seat upon it, furniture of tent, table and its utensils, pure gold lampstand with utensils, altar of incense, burnt offering and its utensils, laver and stand, woven garments for Aaron and priests to minister in their priesthood, anointing oil and fragrant incense for the holy place to make according to His commands (Ex. 31:1-11). God provides the creativity, practical insights, technical know-how and skilled labor to succeed in business, science, technology and art.

Moses commanded Israel to observe His Sabbaths as a sign and perpetual covenant throughout their generations so they could know God who sanctified them. He who profaned the Sabbath by doing work would be killed. The Lord ceased from labor on the seventh day and was refreshed after making heaven and earth (Ex. 31:12-17). Rest every seventh day from your creative labor so you can worship God, be refreshed and not die.

When God had finished speaking with Moses on Mount Sinai, He gave him two tablets of testimony written by the finger of God (Ex. 31:18). God wants you to record what He communicates so you don’t forget.

When Moses delayed coming down from mountain, the people told Aaron to make a god since they didn't know what happened to Moses who brought them out of Egypt. Taking gold from their rings, people fashioned a molten calf with a graving tool and said this god brought them out of Egypt. After offering burnt and peace offerings to it, the people sat down to eat, drink and play. Their corruption and stubbornness caused Moses to ask God to change His mind about being angry, destroying Israel and making a great nation for Moses. Since His power brought Israel out of Egypt, the Egyptians would say God wanted to kill them. Moses reminded God of His promise to Abraham of multiplying his descendants so they could inherit the land given to them forever. The Lord changed His mind about harming Israel (Ex. 32:1-14). Leaders influence people to either wait for long-term, eternal character qualities or seek impatiently the visible, temporal, short-term results.

Moses went down from the mountain with the two tablets of testimony that God engraved on the tablets. Moses' anger burned when he saw the calf and the dancing. He shattered the tablets, burned the calf and scattered the powder in the water for Israel to drink (Ex. 32:15-20). A leaders' right response is anger when God’s people sin by disobeying His word.

Moses asked Aaron what Israel did to him that such a great sin was brought upon Israel. Aaron answered that the people were prone to evil and threw the gold given to him "into the fire and out come this calf" (Ex. 32:21-24). A leaders' wrong response is worshiping the material instead of God.

Moses saw how Aaron let the people get out of control to be a derision among their enemies. After the sons of Levi came to Moses being with the Lord, they killed 3000 men with the sword, dedicated themselves to Him and received His blessing (Ex. 32:25-29). True blessing comes by surrendering yourself to His will and using the sword of the Spirit, God's word, to defeat the flesh.

Because the people sinned greatly, Moses could possibly ask God to forgive their sin of making a god of gold. Even though the Lord would blot out the sinners, He told Moses to follow His leadership through His angel going before him. The Lord killed the people for worshiping the calf Aaron made (Ex. 32:30-35). Worshiping business, science, technology, art or material results as an end in themselves cause death in your relationship with God.

To defeat the idol of success, take time to each week to rest, recreate and return to God in worship and prayer. Make that time the highlight of your week to recenter your life.

Preparing for Ministry in a Post-Modern Society (Insights in Law)

12/4/2011

Today's predominant philosophy, postmodernism, puts a high value on subjectivity. People say, "It is truth if it's true for me." Everyone can have their own truth. There are bridges with strategic potential in presenting the gospel:
1. Spiritual Sensitivity since postmodernists have tendency to be spiritual seekers
2. Experiential Spirituality since Christians have a God who is real and active in their lives and postmodernists are looking for a real personal encounter
3. Personal Spirituality since God answers prayer supernaturally and postmodernists who are spiritually minded want to have a personal interaction with spiritual forces
4. Practicality since God can meet their needs and postmodernists want answers to real problems they face in their daily lives
5. Social Needs since postmodernists are attracted to Christians who do something about real problems in society
6. Shalom since Jesus offers wholeness and postmodernists are looking for a better life like emotional comfort, happiness, peace, joy and love
7. Willing to Break Out of Former Norms since postmodernists are willing to try new religious forms if they are practical, spiritual and speak their language
8. Looking for Spiritual Guides that comes from relationship and inviting postmodernists to join us on the journey

Exodus 30 explains how to prepare yourself for ministry to postmodernists.

Make an altar of acadia wood overlayed with pure gold to burn incense. Two gold rings on opposite sides would be holders for poles to carry the altar. Put it in front of the veil near the ark of the testimony and mercy seat where God would meet with you. Aaron burned fragrant incense every morning when he trimmed the lamps. Don't offer any strange incense on this altar nor pour out a libation on it. Aaron would make atonement on its horns once a year with the blood of the sin offering throughout your generations (Ex. 30:1-10). Put on the armor of God (Ex. 29) with prayer through the power of the Holy Spirit.

God instructed every son of Israel 20 years and over to give a ransom of half a shekel for himself when taking a census so no plague would come among them. The atonement money provided for the service of the tent of meeting (Ex. 30:11-16). Make petitions for the whole church.

Make a bronze laver filled with water for washing and place it between the tent of meeting and the altar. Aaron and his sons would wash their hands and feet so they wouldn't die when they entered the tent of meeting or approached the altar while offering a fire sacrifice to the Lord (Ex. 30:17-21). Confess all known sin so you can be pure before God.

Take the finest of spices to make holy anointing oil. Anoint the tent of meeting, ark of the testimony, table and lampstand and their utensils, altar of incense, altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, and laver and its stand. Consecrate them to make them holy so whoever touched them would be holy. Anoint only Aaron and his sons and consecrate them to minister as priests to God (Ex. 30:22-33). Present your body as a living and holy sacrifice to God so He can do whatever He wants with you.

Moses would beat valuable spices to make incense, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure and holy. Put part of the incense before the tent of meeting where God would meet with Moses only (Ex. 30:34-38). Ask God for wisdom on how to minister the gospel so others can understand and embrace it.

Here is your checklist to prepare for ministry to postmodernists:
1. Put on the armor of God by prayer through the power of the Holy Spirit
2. Make petitions and intercede on behalf of the church
3. Confess all known sin to God
4. Present your body as a living and holy sacrifice so God can do whatever He wants
5. Ask God for wisdom to attractively minister the gospel seasoned as were with salt

Wait Before Work (Insights in Law)

11/25/2011

A Fuller Seminary survey of 1050 Reformed and Evangelical pastors in 2005-06 showed only 26% of pastors regularly had personal devotions and felt they were adequately fed spirituality. We get the idea that the model of success is to make something happen with programs and work hard to make people happy. Henri Nouwen said the main obstacle to love for God is service for God. We can’t really serve Him unless we love Him. We make room for God by taking time to be with Him. We wait before work.

God sets aside the priests for His purpose as they take one young bull, two rams without blemish, unleavened bread, cakes and wafers mixed with oil to be put in one basket. He instructs them to wash Aaron and his sons with water at the doorway of the tent of meeting. "Put the tunic, robe of ephod, breastpiece and turban on Aaron. Take anointing oil and pour it on his head, while anointing him along with his sons as a perpetual priesthood (Ex. 29:1-9)." True fellowship with God comes as you place your faith in Christ's sacrifice and become washed by the word of God in the power of the Holy Spirit.

"Sacrifice the bull and pour its blood on the horns of altar. Burn its flesh and offer it up in smoke outside the camp as a sin offering (Ex. 29:10-14)." Christ's sacrificial death that restores your relationship with God should lead to humility, dying to self and confessing sin.

"Offer a whole ram on the altar to be a soothing aroma, an offering by fire, as a burnt offering to the Lord (Ex. 29:15-18)." Give your all to God by surrendering your heart and life to Him.

"Slaughter the other ram, take its blood and put it on the lobe of Aaron's and his sons' right ears, thumbs of their right hands, big toes of their right feet. Sprinkle anointing oil on Aaron and his sons’ garments to be reserved exclusively for God. Take the bread and wafer in the hands of Aaron and his sons as a wave offering before the Lord (Ex. 29:19-25)." Christ's life through His blood transforms how you hear, work and walk.

"The wave offering was to be cooked and eatened by the priests for their ordination. Heave offering was to be a tax to support the Levites. The peace offering signified thanksgiving and sense of wholeness (Ex. 29:26-28)". Christ brings wholeness as you sense your need of Him, feed upon Him continually and trust His provision.

"The holy garments of Aaron will be for his sons in future generations so they can be anointed and ordained. For seven days he shall put them on when he enters the tent of meeting to minister in the holy place (Ex. 29:29-30)." Being in God's presence for long periods of time provides grace to serve Him.

"Boil the ram in a holy place so Aaron and his sons could eat its flesh along with the bread in the basket by which atonement was made. Burn any of the flesh and bread that remains until morning instead of eating it (Ex. 29:31-34)." Meditate on God's word while in His presence.

"Ordain Aaron and his sons through seven days. Each day offer a bull as a sin offering and purify the altar (Ex. 29:35-37)." Remind yourself daily how Christ restored your relationship with God so you will die to self and confess your sins.

"Offer two one-year-old lambs daily in the morning and at twilight with a grain offering and drink offering as a soothing aroma. It would be a continual burnt offering throughout all generations at the tent of meeting where He met with Israel. God consecrated the tent of meeting, the altar and Aaron and his sons to minister as priests to Him. He would dwell among them and be their God so they could know He is Lord (Ex. 29:38-46)." Your total surrender to God determines your success and takes priority over your ministry.

Are you taking time to be with God or always busy serving Him? Spend one hour this morning or evening to just listen and bask in God's love for you. If a Scripture comes to mind, meditate on it. Thank God for His various attributes and tell how much you love Him in response to His love for you.

Putting on the Armor of God (Insights in Law)

11/16/2011

Your circumstances are more than what you experience in the natural. There's a supernatural dimension with an enemy, Satan, who hates you. He kills, steals and destroys. Everyday you face a spiritual battle. Like any war, soldiers must wear protective armor to stay alive and prosper. The clothing of the priests in Ex. 28 alludes to the armor of God described in Eph. 6:10-18.

"Bring Aaron and his sons to minister as priest to God. Have skillful persons endowed with the spirit of wisdom to make holy garments for glory and for beauty. Breastpiece, ephod, robe, tunic of checkered work, turban and sash would be holy garments to consecrate Aaron and his sons" (Ex. 28:1-5). Put on the armor of God to be glorified with the beauty of holiness.

The ephod would be made of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet material and fine linen with two shoulder pieces joined to its two ends. Two onyx stones would be engraved with the names of the sons of Israel. They would be set in filigree settings of gold on the ephod's two shoulder pieces joined by its two ends. Aaron would bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial (Ex. 28:6-14). Clothe yourself with Christ with the names of people on your heart.

The breastplate of judgment would be the work of skillful workman using similar types of material as the ephod's, folded double with four rows of valuable stones mounted and set in gold filigree. The stones would be according to the 12 tribes of Israel like the engravings of a seal. Bind the breastplate by its gold rings to the ephod's rings with a blue cord as a skillfully woven band of the ephod so they won't come loose. Aaron would carry Israel's names in the breastplate of judgment over his heart along with the Urim and Thummim when he enters the holy place for a memorial before the Lord continually (Ex. 28:15-30). Put on the breastplate of righteousness and belt of truth so you can maintain a pure heart and hear God's word to minister to the church.

The robe of the blue ephod would be made of pomegranates of blue, purple and scarlet material and bells of gold all around its hem. Its tinkling would be heard when Aaron entered and left the holy place before the Lord so he wouldn't die (Ex. 28:31-35). Draw near to God to receive grace and mercy.

A plate of pure gold would have, 'Holy to the Lord,' engraved and fastened on the front of the turban with a blue cord. It would be on Aaron's forehead to take away the iniquity of the holy things that the sons of Israel consecrated to be acceptable before the Lord (Ex. 28:36-39). Put on helmet of salvation to guard your mind.

Aaron's sons would have tunics and sashes with caps for glory and for beauty. They would be anointed, ordained and consecrated to serve God as priests. Linen breeches would cover their bare flesh that reached from the loins to the thighs when they entered the tent of meeting or when they approached the altar to minister in the holy place so they don't incur guilt and die (Ex. 28:40-43). Put on the shoes of the gospel, shield of faith and sword of the Spirit so peace, faith and God's word can defeat the works of the evil one.

The following scriptures can be used as examples of how to “pray on” the Armor Of God (Jim & Linda Warren, Work of His Hand):

The Belt Of Truth

Around my waist I put the belt of truth. Father, I commit myself to Jesus as the foundation of my life today. With your strength Lord, I will resist the temptation to stand on any worldly foundation. Jesus, you alone are my foundation for any situation that will arise today. (John 14:6)
The Breastplate Of Righteousness
On my heart I put the breastplate of righteousness. I can fight any battle today because of the righteousness of Jesus, not my own! Jesus I declare that you are my righteousness and that though the victory of the cross I can stand victorious against temptation, sin and the attacks of our enemy. (2 Corinthians 5:12)
The Shoes Of Readiness and Peace
On my feet, I put the shoes of the gospel. Father, prepare me by helping me know Jesus in a deeper way. Let your word become the guiding light for every step I take today and let the knowledge of the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection be my source of peace. (Romans 5:1)
The Shield Of Faith
In my hand I take up the shield of faith. Father, by faith, connect me to the power of Jesus. My desire is to trust in you and your strength alone. Protect me from the arrows of the enemy today as I rely on your power. Give me faith so I may go forward doing your will. (Hebrews 11:33–34)
The Helmet Of Salvation
On my head, I receive the helmet of salvation. Jesus, you are my salvation. You are my deliverance. Deliver me from all sins and weaknesses – spiritual, physical, and emotional. Cover me with strength, peace and anointing and bring me to complete wholeness in you. (1 Thessalonians 5:8–9)
The Sword Of The Spirit
In my hand I take up the sword of the Spirit, the powerful word of God. Jesus, you are the living version of God’s Word. May God’s Word give me wisdom to apply the Word to life’s situations and today’s troubles. (Hebrews 4:12)