The Illustrator blog, as well as The Nugget blog have been discontinued. Instead, the blogs will now be published on-line on Facebook.

Answers2Prayer has now its own Facebook Group! The Illustrator and the Nugget newsletters have joined forces and are now on Facebook under the name of Answers2Prayer. This group is dedicated to bringing people closer to our loving God through thought-provoking devotionals and inspirational stories that are published daily. Join us at http://www.facebook.com.

You may either sign in or sign up. Once into your account, search for Answers2Prayer in the search bar (on the top right corner of the screen), and then hit enter. You will find our new group. Click on "Join Group", hit "Confirm" and enjoy our daily encouragements.

As always, this is a free newsletter. We hope to brighten your days by helping you make Jesus your focus!

GOD'S COPYRIGHT

"All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made." (John 1: 3 KJV)

We are advised that we should copyright everything we write, create or compose so someone else can't take the credit for it. We must never forget that everything in the world is copyrighted to God. Nobody can steal our inventions, songs, books or anything else because they all originated from God. He is the one who gave us the ideas.

It is God who gave us the talent to do these things and it is God who helps us do them. If anyone is stealing copyrights, it is us. We are stealing from God when we claim that we did these things. Everything that we create, write or compose belongs to God, not us. May God forgive us for trying to take the credit for what He has done!

We are just His tools that He uses to spread the unconditional love of Jesus. Christians are sometimes a very arrogant people. We would do well to remember that we are the clay and He is the potter. We read in the Bible "But now, O Lord, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand" (Isaiah 64: 8).

If you have forgotten that you are the clay and He is the potter, ask Him to forgive you. Allow Him to mold you into the person He wants you to be. He can do a much better job of molding us than we can. Thank You, Heavenly Father, for being our potter. Help us to get out of the way so You can work in our lives. Amen.

Joanne Lowe

September 29, 2009 joannelowe8@coxnet www.joanne-freedominjesus.blogspot.com

Announcements:

LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE!

The Nugget is happy to announce a new series that is being brought to you in the Saturday Nuggets this fall. This series focuses on the elaborate temple described in the last 9 chapters of Ezekiel, and what it means for Christians today. Join us on Saturdays for Lessons From Ezekiel's Temple! If you have missed previous lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, go to www.scripturalnuggets.org/folder6/lessons_from_ezekiels_temple.htm

Lessons From Ezekiel's Temple, Part 7: The Surrounding Wall

Last week, in Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 6, we discovered that the alcoves or porches in Ezekiel's temple are there to remind us that we do not need to be afraid of anything, because God is our refuge, our shelter from any type of storm that is thrown our way!

Today's lesson takes a look at the meaning and importance of the wall surrounding the temple:

"I saw a wall completely surrounding the temple area. The length of the measuring rod in the man's hand was six long cubits, each of which was a cubit and a handbreadth. He measured the wall; it was one measuring rod thick and one rod high." (Ezek 40:5 NIV)

Every temple mentioned in the Bible had a wall. For the wilderness tabernacle, it was a curtain: "All the curtains around the courtyard were of finely twisted linen…" (Ex 38:9-17 NIV) Solomon's temple also had a courtyard and a wall (See 2 Chron 4:9), and now, Ezekiel's temple was to also have a courtyard surrounded by walls.

And not just any wall, but ones that are about three meters (one rod) high AND three meters (one rod) thick! Now that is one massive wall!

In Biblical times rooms were often cut into walls. In large cities people actually lived in the walls: "So [Rahab] let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall." (Josh 2:15-16 NIV). In the case of Ezekiel's temple, the walls held porches for the people (see Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 6) and alcoves for the guards (See Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 8).

One last point of note about the walls in Ezekiel's temple is that special hooks hung from them: "And double-pronged hooks, each a handbreadth long, were attached to the wall all around." (Ezek 40:43 NIV)

So just what is the significance of this massive wall with its alcoves and porches and hooks that surrounded Ezekiel's temple?

First of all, walls were, and still are, used for separation. The walls around all of the temples of the Lord separated God's Holy temple from the world. This is what the walls of Ezekiel's temple mean for us today as well. We are the temple of God's Holy Spirit. We, too, need to have "walls" to separate us from the world. We may not have physical walls as did the temples of old, but we need to have spiritual walls. We need convictions. We need to stick to our beliefs and never be swayed. Paul warns us of this: "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." (Rom 12:2 NIV)

The second important lesson to be learned from the walls of Ezekiel's temple is protection. Let's remember that with the building materials and technology of Ezekiel's day, the thicker the wall, the stronger it was felt to be, and this wall was 3 meters (10 feet) thick! The walls of ancient cities were built to protect the city, and in the same way, the walls of Ezekiel's temple should serve to remind us of the divine protection that we and the church are under: "A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken." (Ps 34:19-20 NIV). Remember, no matter what happens, as long as you are in the Lord, as long as you reside under His wings, as long as God's Spirit is in your living "temple", there is nothing that can separate you from the Love of Christ (See Rom. 8:37-39)!

The third important point to be learned from the walls of Ezekiel's temple is that walls are put to good use. In this case, porches and guardhouses are carved into them, and hooks are even fastened upon them. In our homes today, walls serve as anchors for hanging curtains, pictures, supporting fireplaces, etc. When we are in Christ, and we are under His divine protection, those walls are not oppressive. Instead, the walls that separate us from the world can be used as things of beauty! They can be used as the framework for the exquisite creations that God is forming us to become!

Enough to ponder, but do ponder this: The walls of Ezekiel's temple serve to remind us that as Christians who are in the world, we are separate from the world. We need to have strong convictions and stick to them. They also serve to remind us that God is our protection, that nothing can separate us from the love of God. And finally, they are there to be a framework for the work of art, the piece of beauty that God is molding each of us into.

Join us next week for another important lesson from Ezekiel's temple: Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 8: The Guard

God bless each of you as you seek to draw closer to Him!

In His love, Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org .

Announcements:

The time is right and we are in need of many laborers. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt 9:37-38 NIV).

If you feel compelled by God, let us know by sending an email to prayer@Answers2Prayer.org .

OF BINDING AND BONDING

"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can "reconcile" God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time" (I Tim 2:5-6)

Okay folks, yet another graphic truth emerges from “Nature” about the “Supernatural” bonding mechanism between God and man. Agreed, we all know cells are the basic unit of life in the human body. Take em’ out, and we all go out of existence! Ever pondered on what keeps the cells “reconciled” (read glued) as it were, to each other, in order the human body remains as one piece? Well, the Great Designer has “embroidered” a protein network foundation called the Laminins into the “tapestry” of our bodies in order the cells do not fall apart. Ever wondered how a Laminin –the binding agent- looks like? It took my breath away, when I saw its picture, I am sure it would take your breath away too…

Oh boy! Oh Boy! It exactly looks like a cross. The Cross of Christ, which keeps Holy God and unholy man, "reconciled" to each other! For more details about Laminin, you may click on the following link…

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laminin

"For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross." (Colossians 1:19-20)

Is not the Laminin, its shape and function, a pointer to the Cross? Absolutely! It pays to keep the truth about Laminin “laminated” in our minds, right? Better still, circulate this devotional amongst your friends and beyond…

Suresh Manoharan

Hyderabad-India www.jandsmministries.com

Announcements:

INTRODUCING: LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE!

The Nugget is happy to announce a new series that is being brought to you in the Saturday Nuggets this fall. This series focuses on the elaborate temple described in the last 9 chapters of Ezekiel, and what it means for Christians today. Join us on Saturdays for Lessons From Ezekiel's Temple!

If you have missed previous lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, go to www.scripturalnuggets.org/folder6/lessons_from_ezekiels_temple.htm

THE ORIGINAL

He was learning woodwork and he wanted to make a present for his grandad. Grandma suggested he make a wooden footstool exactly like the one she used. She said grandad would like it and he would use it all the time.

Carefully they drew up a plan of the measurements, the type of wood he should use and the decorations. Grandma showed him the original in the lounge room where her footstool was a large part of her life. She and grandad spent long evenings sitting by the fire and her footstool gave her great comfort. She wanted grandad to have the same comfort she enjoyed.

The lad used his tools skillfully and felt inspired to make the footstool a perfect replica of the original.

Many, many years later, family members still talked about the perfect footstool the lad had made and how it was made according to the plan and the pattern he had been shown.

It was a method the Lord used when he gave his people the very best they could have in lifestyle and comfort.

He said to Moses, ‘Make it exactly according to the design I show you, the design for the tabernacle and all its furniture,’ and he showed Moses the original tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. Exodus 25:8-22. The Ark housed the two tables of stone the Lord himself had written on.

Then He gave Moses precise measurements, told him the type of wood and gave detailed instructions about the decorations. Like grandad’s footstool, it was central to the comfort and lifestyle of the Lord’s people.

Long after the death of the Saviour, John the Revelator on the Isle of Patmos, saw ‘God’s sanctuary in heaven was opened, and within his sanctuary was seen the ark of his covenant.’ Revelation 11:19.

The Lord gives us the best in lifestyle and comfort and it begins with the peace and stability of the instructions he wrote on stone.

We do not know what became of the replica Moses built but John shares the original with all who follow Christ.

Elizabeth Price

Announcements:

BIBLE STUDY Great news, our latest Bible Study is finally out. Basking in God's Unfailing Love, An Open Invitation to Experience God Personally To a world gone mad, trying to get to know Jesus may seem foolish. However if you give Him a try, you will desire to get to know Him more and more at the deepest level possible. His relationship with you will be more precious compared to any other human relationships out there. Enjoy getting to know Him.

Come explore it at http://answers2prayer.org/studies.html

LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE, Part 6: Why Porches?

Last week, in Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 5c, we discovered that the number and position of the temple gates reminds us of three important ideas: That God's presence is open to everyone, that it is importance to have a private place to meet with God, and that in our walk with God, we must remember to always look forward, forgetting what is behind and striving towards what is ahead.

Today's lesson takes a look at the meaning and importance of the porches by the gates:

"Then he measured the porch of the gate facing inward, one rod. He measured the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its side pillars, two cubits. And the porch of the gate was faced inward." (Ezek 40:8-10)

As you read through Ezekiel 40, you will notice that each gate had three porches on each side. Of note is that: 1) they are covered; 2) they are supported by pillars on each side; and 3) they face inward. We also know their dimensions: 1 rod by 8 cubits, and the pillars were 2 cubits high.

Although these porches are described in great detail, the Bible doesn't specify the importance of these porches. Matthew Henry's Commentary[1] suggests that these porches were: "for the shelter of those that attended in them from wind and weather".

This is a very likely explanation, as the temple court was an open area, and there was no way to ensure good weather when the people came to worship. This explanation is also fully supported by scripture: "And there will be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and rain." (Isa 4:6 NKJV). It is also supported by the fact that the porches faced "inward".

What lessons can we learn from these porches?

Just this. When we are in Christ, we are under His special protection!

Remember: the porches face inward! This means that when we focus on Him, the One who dwells in our Spiritual temples, we don't need to worry! He will provide for all of our needs! He, Himself, is our shelter, our ever-present help in time of need: "God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble." (Ps 46:1 NKJV); "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Ps 91:1 NIV); "He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge …" (Ps 91:4 NIV); and "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:19 NIV)

Friends, the porches on Ezekiel's temple are there to remind us that we do not need to be afraid of anything. We need to simply place our trust, no matter what is thrown our way, in the One who not only desires to shelter us from harm, but is also able to do so!

Of course, this doesn't mean that no bad things will ever happen. What it means is that throughout the bad times, we can rest peacefully, knowing that God is in control, and that somehow, He's not only going to bring you through, but He's also going to make everything beautiful, in His time! (See Eccl. 3:11).

And just how far does this "shelter" take us? We find the answer in Ps 46:2-3: "Therefore we will not fear, Even though the earth be removed, And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; Though its waters roar and be troubled, Though the mountains shake with its swelling." (NKJV)

Enough to ponder, but do ponder this: The porches in Ezekiel's temple are there to remind us, in our spiritual temples, that we do not need to be afraid of anything, because God is our refuge, our shelter from any type of storm that is thrown our way!

Join us next week for another important lesson from Ezekiel's temple: Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 7: The Surrounding Wall.

God bless each of you as you seek to draw closer to Him!

In His love, Lyn

Lyn Chaffart, Mother of two teens, Author and Moderator for The Nugget, a tri-weekly internet newsletter, and Scriptural Nuggets, a website devoted to Christian devotionals and inspirational poems, www.scripturalnuggets.org , with Answers2Prayer Ministries, www.Answers2Prayer.org

[1] Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible, PC Study Bible Formatted Electronic Database Copyright © 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All Rights reserved.

Announcements:

The time is right and we are in need of many laborers. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matt 9:37-38 NIV).

If you feel compelled by God, let us know by sending an email to prayerrequest@answers2prayer.org .

A LITTLE BIT OF SHADE

"The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand Psalm 121:5 How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings." (Psalm 36:7)

Sometimes our summers (and falls!) Are cookers. I have always been impressed by the difference just a little bit of shade makes. In the heat of the day, simply moving under a tree instantly creates a more comfortable feeling. There’s less glare; it feels cooler.

There are many references in the Bible about being, hiding, and taking refuge, under the “shadow” of His wings. I have pondered that, from time to time, and never gotten a totally satisfactory answer.

One thing for sure, is that a shadow, of a tree for example, provides shade During times of intense heat (trouble), the shadow (shade) carries relief. It provides a respite.

I love all the Psalms, and chapter 121 is no exception. In verse 5 it says, “The Lord watches over you, the Lord is your shade at your right hand”

What better place to catch our breath than in the shadow of God, or in the shadow of His wings? We can cool off, regather our wits, and get back out there.

Sometimes it’s good to remember that a bit of shade is just the ticket, especially when the shade is from the shadow of our Heavenly Father.

Sally Ireland Kennedy

Announcements:

BIBLE STUDY Great news, our latest Bible Study is finally out. Basking in God's Unfailing Love, An Open Invitation to Experience God Personally To a world gone mad, trying to get to know Jesus may seem foolish. However if you give Him a try, you will desire to get to know Him more and more at the deepest level possible. His relationship with you will be more precious compared to any other human relationships out there. Enjoy getting to know Him.

Come explore it at http://www.answers2prayer.org/studies.html