THE GREAT INVENTOR

"We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them. Acts 24:15b Has not my hand made all these things?" (Acts 7:50)

When you were a child, did you ever wonder how the ocean didn’t slide off the earth? How all the water didn’t spill out and eventually there would be no more water in the oceans? What a great invention! Sometimes even now I think of how amazing is our God about soo many things. Like how the ocean doesn’t.

Psalm 104 majestically tells of God, the great inventor. Who but God could design oceans teeming with unimaginable sea creatures from microscopic algae to gigantic whales and countless colorful marine life in between? Plus grasses and coral and sand and, well the list is infinitesimal.

Years ago, our family did a little snorkeling and some diving. Under the sea it was eerily silent, a whole other world. ‘Beautiful’ doesn’t even come close to describing it.

The fabulous worship song by Nicole C. Mullen (Redeemer) proposes these questions: Who taught the sun where to stand in the morning, Who told the ocean you an only come this far? Who showed the moon where to hide 'til evening, Whose words alone can catch a falling star? And the lyrics answer perfectly: Well I know my Redeemer lives, I know my Redeemer lives; All of creation testify, This life within me cries, I know my Redeemer lives.

The Great Inventor and our Redeemer, one. One God. That is good news.

"Praise the Lord , O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. He wraps himself in light as with a garment; he stretches out the heavens like a tent and lays the beams of his upper chambers on their waters. He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on the wings of the wind. He makes winds his messengers, flames of fire his servants. He set the earth on its foundations; it can never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. But at your rebuke the waters fled, at the sound of your thunder they took to flight; they flowed over the mountains, they went down into the valleys, to the place you assigned for them. You set a boundary they cannot cross; never again will they cover the earth. He makes springs pour water into the ravines; it flows between the mountains. They give water to all the beasts of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches. He waters the mountains from his upper chambers; the earth is satisfied by the fruit of his work. He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for man to cultivate- bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens the heart of man, oil to make his face shine, and bread that sustains his heart. The trees of the Lord are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon that he planted. There the birds make their nests; the stork has its home in the pine trees. The high mountains belong to the wild goats; the crags are a refuge for the coneys. The moon marks off the seasons, and the sun knows when to go down. You bring darkness, it becomes night, and all the beasts of the forest prowl. The lions roar for their prey and seek their food from God. The sun rises, and they steal away; they return and lie down in their dens. Then man goes out to his work, to his labor until evening. How many are your works, O Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number- living things both large and small." (Psalm 104)

Sally Ireland Kennedy

© 2009 Irish Thursdays Weekly Devotionals, http://www.sallyikennedy.com

LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE, Part 3: Why all These Measurements?

Last week, in Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 2, we discovered that the uniform shape of the described temple teaches us to live in harmony with God's Spirit. We must allow God to be both Savior and Lord of our lives. Only then can we be effective witnesses! Today's lesson takes a look at the importance of measurement:

"In the man's hand was a measuring rod … and he measured the width of the wall structure, one rod … and measured the threshold of the gateway…" (Ezek 40:5,6 NKJV)

As you continue to read through the next five chapters, you will note that literally everything was measured and the measurement was recorded.

Why?

It could be said that God wanted to ensure that the people knew the exact measurements of the temple to be built. It could also be said that Ezekiel himself was conscientiously ensuring that those who reconstructed the temple would have an exact blueprint. Both of these ideas are likely true.

But we aren't planning on building a physical building. We have no use for the exactness of these measurements, so why do we need to be aware of them?

The concept of a measuring line or a measuring rod is found in several places in the Bible, and each time, it seems to signify one of two important meanings. The first is that of judgment:

"The Lord determined to tear down the wall around the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withhold his hand from destroying." (Lam 2:8 NIV).

The idea is also found in Zech 5:5-6, where God is setting the measuring line against His people, and in 2 Kings 21:13-14, where God is setting the measuring line against Samaria and the house of Ahab.

The second Biblical use of the measuring line speaks of setting apart for sacred purposes:

"Therefore, this is what the Lord says: 'I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,' declares the Lord Almighty." (Zech 1:16 NIV).

We can also look at Zech 2:1-5, which speaks of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, describing it as a city that will be without walls because God will become its walls. This would indicate that the city is set apart for sacred purposes. Then, there is also Rev. 11:1-2, where John is told to measure the temple of God, but not its outer courts, because the temple is for the Jews and the outer court is for the gentiles. This implies that the parts measured would be set apart for God's sacred purposes.

When we look closely at these two different ideas, it becomes clear that they really mean one and the same thing. The concept is this: The measuring line sets things apart for sacred purposes, but it is also a way to identify if what is set apart measures up. If it doesn't, judgment is pending!

So what does the fact that Ezekiel's temple was measured to its minutest detail have to do with us, today?

Let's remember 1 Cor. 3:15: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

As living temples of God's Spirit, God is calling us to be set apart for sacred purposes: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19-20 NIV).

In other words, He is asking us to live apart from the world we live in.

This idea is seen throughout the New Testament:

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord." (2 Cor 6:17 NIV)

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11 NIV) (See also John 17:14-16, James 4:4-6, 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.)

The idea is this, friends! We are temples of God's Spirit, and though we live in the world, we need to be separate from the world, set apart for Holy purposes. Because of this, we need to attempt to live holy lives, lives that reflect that we are set apart: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV)

Remember, living this way gives us protection: "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." (1 Cor 3:16-17 NIV).

But just as the measuring line was brought against Jerusalem and Samaria, living unholy lives will only bring about judgment and destruction.

Enough to ponder, but do ponder this: As temples of the living God, we are not our own. We have been bought with a price and are set apart for sacred purposes. Let's start living our lives with this is mind. Let's live holy lives, lives that honor the God who desires to dwell in our temples. In so doing, we bring about blessing to ourselves, but in not doing so, we bring the measuring line of judgment upon ourselves.

Join us next week for Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 4: Palm Trees and Cherubim

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

GATES IN THE BIBLE!

Curious as to the meaning of gates in the Bible? Check out the "Gates in the Bible" series recently published through the Nugget: http://www.scripturalnuggets.org/Folder5/gates_in_the_bible.htm

PRECIOUS MOMENTS

There are a few moments in our lives we wish we could put in a bottle, cork it and store it away in a secure place; a secret place known only to ourselves. So we could take it out now and then and enjoy it’s fragrance; it’s thrill; the joy all over again.

I believe God gives us such moments every now and then to show us our heart; to remind us of our humanity.

Just today I was sent an article written by my friend, Joe Mazella about such a moment in his live. That was the inspiration for this article; remembering precious moments in my life. I only wish my recall of such moments was as vivid as Joe’s.

Going back over my childhood; too many years to recollect many highlights or moments I care to recall, but there were a few.

One such moment occurred when I was approximately eight years old. It was a rare moment, first of all because I rarely accompanied my father anywhere. In fact, it was the only time I recall that my Dad took me with him to town. We lived in a small town, which today would be called a suburb of a larger town.

My father had an errand that required him to go into town. For some unknown reason he took me along with him.

My parents were not demonstrative people; they did not show their emotions if my memory serves me correctly. I can never recall ever observing my father embracing my mother, or any of his children for that matter, myself being the youngest of four.

On this particular occasion, we ran into an old acquaintance of my family. The two of them exchanged greetings and my Dad unexpectedly put his arm around my shoulders and introduced me to Mr. Koontz, “This is my baby”, was his remark.

It wasn’t much. To the listening bystander it was nothing to write home about, but to me it was a moment I will never forget. It was the closest thing to an embrace my father ever gave me. I was never told how cute I was, or how good I was or how much he loved me. This was a moment of great importance to me. It was in effect my father saying he was proud of me, his baby; that he loved me. So, it was very precious to me and remains so to this day.

Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me those precious moments to recall in moments of distress or sadness. I know my father and mother loved me, as I love my children. They were restrained for whatever reason from showing their feelings or emotions. Thank You for their love and care of me, even though it was such a brief moment in time. But I pray that one day, I will see them in Heaven and they won’t be restrained or hold back their emotions and feelings of joy and love.

Nell Berry

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ONE LEAF

"Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, (and) to keep oneself unspotted from the world." (James 1:27 ASV)

I was walking out my door yesterday when a strong gust of wind blew something into my face. Getting over the shock I pulled it off of my glasses. It was single red leaf that had gotten taken for a ride on that windy September day. I held this messenger of Fall in my hand and looked at it closely. It looked like it had lived its life well. It probably had first popped out on a cold April morning giving the first hope of Spring to some Winter weary soul who saw it. It must have given shelter to singing birds and shade to tired children too. From the holes in it I would guess that it gave more than one meal to a hungry insect during the hot Summer months. Now it was ending its life at its most beautiful with its radiant red adding to the glorious painting from God that covers the mountains during Autumn here. I knew too that its work wasn’t done yet, because in death it would return to the soil and help God to bring about new life next Spring.

My little leaf reminded me too of all the good I can do in my own short life here. If one, red leaf can do so much for this world then how much more can one human life do? I am going to do my best then to live my own life well. I am going to do all I can to give hope to the weary, to comfort the tired, and to feed those with hungry hearts. I am going to try and live so that my last days are my most beautiful: full of the colors of love, joy, and oneness with God.

Remember you may just be one leaf in this world’s mighty forest, but without your love and your life the forest is less. Remember too that tomorrow is another chance to live, to learn, to laugh, and to love in this world. Do your best then. Share your beauty. Help others. Commit yourself to life before death as well as to life after death. God didn’t put you here just to hang on a tree. God put you here to live well and color this world with the light of your soul. God put you here to help make this world a better and more beautiful place for those who will follow.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

Joe Mazzella is a writer and mental Health worker who lives in the mountains of West Virginia with his 3 children, 6 dogs, and 4 cats. He appreciates hearing from his readers.

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HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FALL!

With Autumn already showing her colours throughout the Northern Hemisphere of our planet, with the children all back in school, let's all take a moment to reflect upon the blessings that God has granted us throughout this past summer. May God bless you abundantly and with abundance this fall!

LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE, Part 3: Why all These Measurements?

Last week, in Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 2, we discovered that the uniform shape of the described temple teaches us to live in harmony with God's Spirit. We must allow God to be both Savior and Lord of our lives. Only then can we be effective witnesses! Today's lesson takes a look at the importance of measurement:

"In the man's hand was a measuring rod … and he measured the width of the wall structure, one rod … and measured the threshold of the gateway…" (Ezek 40:5,6 NKJV)

As you continue to read through the next five chapters, you will note that literally everything was measured and the measurement was recorded.

Why?

It could be said that God wanted to ensure that the people knew the exact measurements of the temple to be built. It could also be said that Ezekiel himself was conscientiously ensuring that those who reconstructed the temple would have an exact blueprint. Both of these ideas are likely true.

But we aren't planning on building a physical building. We have no use for the exactness of these measurements, so why do we need to be aware of them?

The concept of a measuring line or a measuring rod is found in several places in the Bible, and each time, it seems to signify one of two important meanings. The first is that of judgment:

"The Lord determined to tear down the wall around the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withhold his hand from destroying." (Lam 2:8 NIV).

The idea is also found in Zech 5:5-6, where God is setting the measuring line against His people, and in 2 Kings 21:13-14, where God is setting the measuring line against Samaria and the house of Ahab.

The second Biblical use of the measuring line speaks of setting apart for sacred purposes:

"Therefore, this is what the Lord says: 'I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,' declares the Lord Almighty." (Zech 1:16 NIV).

We can also look at Zech 2:1-5, which speaks of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, describing it as a city that will be without walls because God will become its walls. This would indicate that the city is set apart for sacred purposes. Then, there is also Rev. 11:1-2, where John is told to measure the temple of God, but not its outer courts, because the temple is for the Jews and the outer court is for the gentiles. This implies that the parts measured would be set apart for God's sacred purposes.

When we look closely at these two different ideas, it becomes clear that they really mean one and the same thing. The concept is this: The measuring line sets things apart for sacred purposes, but it is also a way to identify if what is set apart measures up. If it doesn't, judgment is pending!

So what does the fact that Ezekiel's temple was measured to its minutest detail have to do with us, today?

Let's remember 1 Cor. 3:15: "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

As living temples of God's Spirit, God is calling us to be set apart for sacred purposes: "If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." (John 15:19-20 NIV).

In other words, He is asking us to live apart from the world we live in.

This idea is seen throughout the New Testament:

"Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord." (2 Cor 6:17 NIV)

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul." (1 Peter 2:11 NIV) (See also John 17:14-16, James 4:4-6, 2 Peter 2:20-22, etc.)

The idea is this, friends! We are temples of God's Spirit, and though we live in the world, we need to be separate from the world, set apart for Holy purposes. Because of this, we need to attempt to live holy lives, lives that reflect that we are set apart: "As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14-16 NIV)

Remember, living this way gives us protection: "If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple." (1 Cor 3:16-17 NIV).

But just as the measuring line was brought against Jerusalem and Samaria, living unholy lives will only bring about judgment and destruction.

Enough to ponder, but do ponder this: As temples of the living God, we are not our own. We have been bought with a price and are set apart for sacred purposes. Let's start living our lives with this is mind. Let's live holy lives, lives that honor the God who desires to dwell in our temples. In so doing, we bring about blessing to ourselves, but in not doing so, we bring the measuring line of judgment upon ourselves.

Join us next week for Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 4: Palm Trees and Cherubim

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.

ARE WE A STUMBLINGBLOCK?

“Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.” (Romans 14: 13 KJV)

On August 14, 1980, I humbled myself and admitted that I was a sinner. I repented of my sins and asked God to forgive me and invited Jesus into my heart to be my personal Saviour. The cleansing atoning blood of Jesus was applied to my heart for the forgiveness of my sins. I was saved but I was a stumblingblock to those around me. I was very judgmental. Not only was I a stumblingblock, I was also a hypocrite because I had not forgiven the people who had hurt me.

We read in the Bible “And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye” (Matthew 7: 3 – 5).

Yes, I was saved but I still harbored unforgiveness, bitterness and resentment in my heart for those who had hurt me. I really was a hypocrite. However, before you start judging me, search your own heart and see if you are a hypocrite. Have you really forgiven those who have hurt you? Have you forgiven them from your heart or did you just give them lip service when you told them that you had forgiven them? What about it, are you a stumblingblock to your family, your friends and to those around you?

Joanne Lowe

July 9, 2009

WHEN THE LION ROARS

"The voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is majestic." (Psalm 29:4 NIV)

"The Lion has roared – who will not fear? The Sovereign Lord has spoken – who can but prophecy?" (Amos 3:8 NIV)

Recently, while on vacation, my husband and I visited the zoo in Cape May, New Jersey. As we walked through the beautiful park, I was in awe of the wonders of God’s creation. Magnificent exotic birds, nature and wildlife all testify to the glory and power of God.

I particularly enjoyed the close interaction with the goats; feeding them right from the palm of my hand. Two flamingos also entertained us as we watched them fight in an apparent struggle for more food. Then just when I realized I had not yet seen the lion, I heard his majestic roar throughout the park like a rolling thunder.

Today’s Scripture compares the voice of the Lord to the powerful call of the lion. God’s awe inspiring voice never failed to reveal His divine plan to the prophets. Although many refuse to listen, for those who believe, Jesus explains in John 15:15 (NIV), “I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

John, in Revelation 5:5 (NIV) ascribes the title “Lion of the tribe of Judah” to our Lord Jesus Christ. However, in the very next verse our Lord is portrayed as a lamb that had been slain. Consider these two distinct qualities of our Savior revealed in the imagery of the lion and lamb; One is known for meekness and sacrifice, the other for power and majesty. Jesus is the lamb judged on account of our sin yet He is also the lion who is judge over all the earth. Once He has rendered a verdict, we can be assured God’s judgments are just and true.

When the lion roars, does He have your attention? Has He called you friend? Give praise and honor for the wonderful works of God’s creation which declare His glory and bear witness to His Word.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we praise You for the majestic power of Your voice resonating on heaven and earth. We thank You for Your Word spoken through the prophets and is now revealed in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Open our hearts to hear His call and obey His voice with wisdom and understanding. By our Lord’s grace, guide us according to Your perfect will that we may walk in the path of righteousness.

Lori Ciccanti

LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE, Part 2: So What if it's a Big Cube?

Last week, in Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 1, we discovered that although we don't fully understand the reason why Ezekiel went to such trouble to give a detailed description of a temple that has never been built, there are many vital lessons to be learned from these passages, lessons that can be applied to our spiritual lives. Our study today takes us to the first 4 verses of Ezekiel 40, where the temple vision is introduced:

"In the man's hand was a measuring rod six cubits long, each being a cubit and a handbreadth; and he measured the width of the wall structure, one rod; and the height, one rod. Then he went to the gateway which faced east; and he went up its stairs and measured the threshold of the gateway, which was one rod wide, and the other threshold was one rod wide. Each gate chamber was one rod long and one rod wide; between the gate chambers was a space of five cubits; and the threshold of the gateway by the vestibule of the inside gate was one rod." (Ezek 40:5-8 NKJV)

The first thing of note from the first verses of this prophecy is the uniformity of the structure. The wall is one rod wide and one rode high. The thresholds of the gateways were one rod wide, and each gate chamber was one rod long and one rod wide. And if you read on through Ezek 40 you will note that the structure is uniform down to the minutest detail of the pattern. It is a perfect cube.

This isn't the only time this cubic shape is described in Scripture, and since Revelation 21 depicts the New Jerusalem as having the same shape, there must be a lesson to be learned from this unique form.

But what?

The Bible commentary, Barnes' Notes, gives us a clue as to the importance of this uniformity: "Among the Hebrews the perfect figure was the square or the cube, and harmony was thought to be attained by exact equality, or by the repetition of like dimensions." [1]

In other words, the cubic shape of this ideal temple of God depicts harmony!

Let's remember for a moment 1 Cor. 6:19: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (NIV). Instead of a physical temple, the heart of every Christian becomes the dwelling place for God's Spirit. There are two beings sharing the same abode: Our spirit and God's, and the uniformity of Ezekiel's temple teaches us that first thing of importance is to live in harmony with God!

Interestingly, Jesus tells us the same thing in His famous prayer: "Just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us … " (John 17:21a NIV). But how can we learn to live in harmony with God?

The first step is to make ourselves right with God. We must give Him our hearts. We must accept His gift of Salvation. We must allow Him to be the Savior of our lives.

But though this step ensures our Salvation, it isn't all that is required for harmony. The second important step is to allow God to be the centre of everything we do. We must submit our spirit to God's, we must allow Him to lead, and we must follow His lead. Besides being our Savior, we must also allow Him to also be the LORD of our lives!

A beautiful image of this harmony can be seen in the creature described in the first chapter of Ezekiel: "When the living creatures moved, the wheels beside them moved; and when the living creatures rose from the ground, the wheels also rose. Wherever the spirit would go, they would go, and the wheels would rise along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. When the creatures moved, they also moved; when the creatures stood still, they also stood still; and when the creatures rose from the ground, the wheels rose along with them, because the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels." (Ezek 1:19-21 NIV)

This creature was in perfect harmony with God's Spirit, and what a beautiful life we would live if we would learn to live the same way, if we would learn to submit to God's lead!

Why is this step so important? Jesus gives us the answer in John 17:21b: "… so that the world may believe that You have sent Me." (NIV) In other words, it is only when we live in perfect harmony with God's Spirit that we can be effective witnesses!

Enough to ponder, but do ponder this: The first lesson we can learn from Ezekiel's temple is that we must learn to live in harmony with God's Spirit. We must allow God to be both Savior and Lord of our lives. We must learn to let Him guide in everything we do. Only then can we be effective witnesses!

Please join us next week as we take a look at the second lesson to be learned from the initial descriptions of Ezekiel's temple: Why all These Measurements?

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] (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database Copyright © 1997, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

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USE CAUTION WHEN ASKING!

"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

We arrived at the 5 story Embassy Suite in Detroit, Mich., ready to unpack and settle in. “May I see which room we will be in?”, I asked. The receptionist showed me the floor plan of the hotel, and I proceeded to pick the perfect room for us. Only a few had balconies- fresh air was a must for me ! And, I had noticed when we walk in, there were a lot of birds in two trees out front. . Perfect.. I want to hear those birds chirping their cheerful morning songs! As I opened the sliding glass doors to allow the refreshing cool breeze into our room, I was assaulted with the unrelenting drone of cars traveling on the freeway nearby. “Well,” I thought” that is okay., the fresh air and balcony is worth the noise.” As we closed the door for the night, we were unable to shut out the freeway noise. The next morning we awoke and I could hardly wait to open those sliding doors and listen for the birds chirping their sweet songs from the trees. Instead I heard a raucous racket of angry mother birds protecting their nests in the eve above our balcony. As other variety of birds would sweep toward their nests, they would holler and squawk unmercifully. The sounds they made grated my nerves and I finally closed the door, trying to shut out some of the noise.

I was so disappointed- I had received exactly what I had asked for, and it turned out to be.. ”not so good”- to say the least!

This scenario reminded me how cautious I should be when I go to God with a request. Answers which I think may be “perfect” are not always so. Actually, my plans are very often quite bad, and always short sighted. God tells us in the Bible that –He has plans for us, plans to prosper us and not to harm us, plans to give us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). I really need to be careful, as I pray, to seek God’s wisdom (looking in His Word) and praying for His guidance as I place my requests at the foot of His throne. I must always remember that He sees the big picture- not just a short term solution or a quick fix for something which I think needs immediate attention. When prayers are not answered in the way I had hoped, I need to return to that scripture which reminds me that God has a wonderful plan for my life and that of each person I pray for. Then I need to thank Him for being, and staying, in control.

Marion Smith

POEM SUBMISSIONS

We are proud to announce that we are now accepting submissions for poems of Christian content to be published on Scriptural Nuggets. If you have a poem you would like to see published on Scriptural Nuggets, please submit it to submissions@scripturalnuggets.org

OUR ANCHOR IN THE MIDST OF THE STORMS

“Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath: That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us: Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil; Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (Hebrews 6: 17 - 20 KJV)

Priscilla Jane Owens who was a teacher in Baltimore, Maryland for almost half a century wrote one of the most beautiful and inspiring songs I have ever heard “We Have an Anchor”. She also taught Sunday school and wrote most of her hymns for her Sunday school students. I believe that this song came from the depths of her heart.

The words in this inspiring song have encouraged me countless times through the years. “We have an anchor that keeps the soul steadfast and sure while the billows roll, Fastened to the Rock which cannot move, Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.” How I praise God for giving Jesus to us to be our anchor in the midst of the storms of life.

I heard someone say one time that satan will always attack us at the weakest places in our lives. That is so true because yesterday satan attacked me most of the day with wave after wave of discouragement. Can you believe it; satan even tried to convince me that Jesus doesn’t love me. I just laughed when he told me that lie. Even in the midst of that vicious attack, I could hear Jesus say to me “I love you, Joanne” as He encouraged me to keep going.

It is true that satan can attack us and discourage us and temporarily defeat us but he will never win the war. Jesus has already defeated satan on the cross. Let’s all unite with one heart and say to satan “Go ahead and attack us with your billows of discouragement, criticism and sarcasm. It won’t do you any good because Jesus is the anchor of our souls.” The next time satan launches a vicious attack against you, hold on as tightly as you can to the anchor of our storms, our precious Saviour. Jesus is more than able to bring you through every storm victoriously.

Joanne Lowe

June 20, 2009 hesetmefreeforever.blogspot.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 in September for Lessons From Ezekiel's Temple!

LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE, Part 1: The Introduction

The temple of God.

Throughout the Old Testament, this has always been a central focus of the Holy Scriptures. It has also been a central focus for the nation of Israel from the time of the tabernacle in the wilderness until the present.

Much of the books of Moses are dedicated to the tabernacle in the wilderness: Its construction, its place in the camp, its furniture, its staffing, its care, and its sacrifices.

Then there was Solomon's temple, the pride of Jerusalem, which David spent much of his life preparing for, and Solomon spent much of his life building (See 1 Kings 5,6). The entire focus of the books of Chronicles is on this temple and its services, along with the kings who either desecrated it or restored it (See 1,2 Chronicles), and then the unthinkable happened: Solomon's beautiful temple was destroyed by the Babylonians, and lay in ruins for the next 70+ years (See 2 Chron. 36:19, Daniel 9, Ezra 1).

During these dark years of Jewish history, the prophet Ezekiel was given a powerful vision, one so detailed that it took up the last nine chapters of his book. The subject of his vision? A magnificent temple to the Lord!

Interestingly, this temple has not yet been built.

During the time of Ezra, after God's people returned to Jerusalem, the temple was rebuilt, but not following the same plans as in the vision given to Ezekiel. This temple was then desecrated and destroyed numerous times during the Maccabian era, and the temple that stood in Jesus' day, Herod's temple, was not built after Ezekiel's pattern either.

Could it still be built today?

Perhaps. The nation of Israel desperately desires to rebuild the temple of the Lord on the ancient temple mount in modern Jerusalem, and Biblical prophecy suggests that such a temple will be rebuilt. It is, therefore, a possible theory that Ezekiel's temple could be built in Jerusalem. Whether or not this actually happens, only time will tell.

Another possible theory states that what Ezekiel saw in his vision was patterned after the temple that was destroyed by the Babylonians. This idea is expounded by Adam Clarke's Commentary on Ezekiel 40:1:

"The temple here described by Ezekiel is, in all probability, the same which he saw before his captivity, and which had been burned by the Chaldeans fourteen years before this vision. On comparing the Books of Kings and Chronicles with this prophet, we shall find the same dimensions in the parts described by both; for instance, the temple, or place which comprehended the sanctuary, the holy place, and the vestibule or porch before the temple, is found to measure equally the same both in Ezekiel and the Kings … So that there is room to suppose that, in all the rest, the temple of Ezekiel resembled the old one; and that God's design in retracing these ideas in the prophet's memory was to preserve the remembrance of the plan …" [1]

Still another theory states that Ezekiel's temple is a model of the temple in Heaven or the temple in the New Jerusalem to be built on earth. This theory however, has two major flaws. First of all, Ezekiel's temple has rooms, tables and tools all specifically described as being dedicated to animal sacrifices. We know that Jesus' death on the cross put an end to animal sacrifices. Even Jewish people of today to not practice animal sacrifices, though many believe that this practice will be reinstated with the rebuilding of the temple. The second problem is that we are told that there will be NO temple in the New Jerusalem: "I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple." (Rev 21:22 NIV).

So we are left to guess as to the actual purpose of the elaborate description of the temple found in Ezekiel 40-48. But whether or not this was a description of the temple destroyed by the Babylonians or a description of a temple to be built in the future, my question remains the same: Can any of this have meaning to us today?

Friends, I do not pretend to have all the answers. I do not claim to be a Biblical scholar with a degree in Biblical archeology. But I believe that whether or not there will actually be a building that resembles Ezekiel's temple, whether in Jerusalem, in Heaven, or in the New Earth, there is another explanation for these verses, one that applies to every Christian today. This explanation stems from 1 Cor 6:19: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?" NIV

Because each of us becomes a temple of God's Spirit when we accept Jesus' gift of salvation, we can find important spiritual messages in each part of the description of Ezekiel's temple that will help us in our daily walk with Christ. These important messages will be the focus of the next 22 devotionals in the upcoming series: LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE.

Please join us next week for Lessons from Ezekiel's Temple, Part 2: So What if it's a Big Cube?

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] from Adam Clarke's Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1996, 2003, 2005, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.

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BONDS OF LOVE

"And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Matt 22:39 NIV)

My neighbor that lives just down the hill from me has "adopted" the family that lives across the road from her. She joyously calls their children her grandchildren and the mother and father her son and daughter. Watching them together touches my heart and lights up my soul. They share more than just cookies and chores together too. They share closeness, caring, laughter, tears, goodness, and love. They are a true family through both tough times and tender moments. They show me daily that the bonds of love are greater even than the bonds of blood and that we truly are one family in this world.

How glorious this Earth would be if only everyone followed their example. Wars would disappear overnight. Not a single child would go unfed. Joyous laughter would replace angry shouts. Hitting would turn into hugging. Smiles would sail from face to face, heart to heart, and soul to soul. Everyone would feel the love of God flowing through their hearts and through the hearts of their neighbors. And everywhere you would look you would see the shining eyes of another Child of God and member of your family.

Don’t be afraid then to build the bonds of love. Don’t be afraid to share yourself with others. You may even find yourself "enlarging your family" as you invite your fellow Children of God into your heart, soul, and life. After all, we were meant to love. We were meant to share joy. We were meant to give kindness to everyone we meet. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said: "Let noone ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile." That is how my wonderful neighbor and her "adopted" family live and that is how I hope to live as well. May the same be true for you.

By: Joseph J. Mazzella

Joe Mazzella is a writer and mental Health worker who lives in the mountains of West Virginia with his 3 children, 6 dogs, and 4 cats. He appreciates hearing from his readers: joecool@wirefire.com

Announcements:

Welcome to all new Nugget subscribers! We hope and pray that you will find this newsletter a blessing to you and to your families. God bless each of you as you strive to draw closer to Him!

The Light

"Jesus spoke to them saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.'” (John 8:12)

Even many who profess knowing Christ are always looking for a plan; a system or idea of how to make their life better or how to find joy and peace. There are all kinds of schemes and a never-ending stream of things to help people find happiness; books for everything; how to be happy.

Most think money is the answer; the lack of which is the reason they can’t be content with their lives.

If that were the case; if money would solve all our problems, then why are there so many suicides by those who have an abundance of money, a well that never runs dry; a pot of gold, so to speak, at the end of the rainbow? Why do people of means try to find solace in a bottle of alcoholic beverages?

We expect the lost of the world to be discontent with their lives, but Christians should have contentment. Not necessarily have the world’s idea of happiness. But we who know the Lord, are more content than most.

The truth is, there is no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow; there is no such thing as complete happiness in this world, which would be utopia; to find complete happiness and contentment is a myth. It does not exist. As long as there is sin in the world, there will be unhappiness; discontent; bereavement; sorrow.

Jesus said, “In this life you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)

So, what is the answer?

Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the Light of the world Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the Light of life.” (John 8:12).

This is not a formula for complete and total, “rolling on the floor laughing out loud,” happiness. Remember “in this life you will have tribulation.” That is a promise. But when one repents of his sin and accepts Jesus as Lord of his/her life, one will be happier and more content than one ever was without Him. He gives us strength and the ability to face our problems; He gives us joy in the midst of our sorrow; He gives us the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus is the answer.

Jesus is the Light, the true Light that comes from above. He is the Light of the world. (See John 1:9).

Prayer:

Thank You Lord, for Your compassion. Thank You for Your love and for Salvation. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sin, so that I don’t have to. Thank You for taking all the sin of the whole world on Your shoulders, and taking it off mine. Thank You for Your Light and for the peace that passes all understanding. Thank You for giving me joy in the midst of tribulation. Thank You that even though I will experience moments of complete and total disarray, fear, sorrow, and yes even anger, and trials and tribulations, I know I can call on Your name, repent and receive comfort and joy in You. In Jesus name, amen.

Nell Berry 2009

Announcements:

INTRODUCING: LESSONS FROM EZEKIEL'S TEMPLE!

The Nugget is happy to announce a new series that will be brought to you in the Saturday Nuggets, beginning this week. 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!