Lord, Empower us!

If you are a regular follower of this blog, then you will notice a bit of a change for the next 8 weeks. I am serving as a table leader for an 8 week Freedom Workshop. If you'd like to follow along, you can find the resources at the link directly above. Also, I will post here, the daily Bible reading assignment (heartwork) so you can read along. This workshop has been a life changer for me so I'm eager to share it with others. May you be blessed!

BIBLE READING HEARTWORK
Week 2 - Day 5
Ephesians 3; Psalm 145

Ephesians 3:16-19

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Lord, this is my prayer for myself, the ladies in my group, my husband, and each of my children. Father, you are the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. Your glorious resources are unlimited. Please empower each of us with inner strength through your Spirit. Jesus, make your home in each of our hearts as we trust in you. Let our roots grow down into God's love and keep us strong. Give us the power to understand how wide, long, high, and deep your love is. Let us each experience the love of Christ. Please do all this so we can each be complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

FREEDOM WORKSHOP VERSES

Romans 8:12-14

So, dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, you turn from it and its evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

Romans 8:12-14

Isaiah 1:18

"Come now, and let us reason together," says the Lord. "Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool."

Isaiah 1:18

MEMORY VERSES

Assurance of Salvation

John 5:24

Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

John 5:24

Assurance of Salvation

Assurance of Salvation

1 John 5:13

I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

1 John 5:13

Assurance of Salvation

The Carrying Poles of the Ark

Exodus 25:13-15
"Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold. Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it. These carrying poles must stay inside the rings; never remove them."

Cool!! I just saw something that wasn't mentioned in the book I'm using to enhance my study of Exodus 25, (See yesterday's post: Symbolism in the Ark of the Covenant). The carrying poles were made of acacia wood and gold, signifying both Christ's deity and humanity. They were never to be removed from their rings.

It's the combination of Jesus' deity and humanity that carries salvation to us. Without both Jesus' deity and his humanity, we cannot be saved. This cannot be removed from the equation.

Thank you, Holy Spirit, for helping me to see this! I love how this part of the scripture, which has always been so dry for me before, has now come alive. It's like I've entered a hidden cave that is sparkling with precious jewels just waiting for me to mine them!

Lord, your ways are so wonderful! I love and praise you! In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

All Have Sinned

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

All Have Sinned

All Have Sinned

Isaiah 53:6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6
All Have Sinned

Symbolism In the Ark of the Covenant

Exodus 25:10-11
"Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood - a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high. Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it.

I'm using the book, "Seeing Christ in the Tabernacle" by Ervin N. Hershberger to deepen and compliment my study of this section of scripture.

According to Hershberger, the gold represents the deity and glory of Jesus Christ and the Shittim Wood (acacia wood) represents the incorruptible humanity of Christ.* So the fact that both were used in the making of the Ark of the Covenant points to the reality that Jesus was both fully God and fully human. If he was not fully God, then the cross would not have been sufficient to cover our sins. If he was not fully human, then the sacrifice would not have applied to us.

Thank you, Jesus for being both totally God and totally human for my sake!

Even the dimensions of the Ark have symbolic significance: 

Length: 2 1/2 cubits = 5 half-cubits or units of measure: 5 = Grace

Breadth and height: 1 1/2 cubits = 3 half-cubits: 3 = Trinity

Vertical girth: 4 x 1 1/2 = 6 cubits: 6 = the number of man

Horizontal girth: 2 x 2 1/2 + 2 x 1/2 = 5 + 3 = 8 cubits: 8 = New Beginning*

"Maybe that's manipulating numbers, but it simply illustrates what the Bible plainly teaches: the Trinity (3), by Grace (5), offers Man (6) a New Beginning (8). 'If any man be in Christ, he is a NEW CREATURE: old things are passed away; all things are become NEW' (2 Cor. 5:17)." *

Lord, Jesus! I want to remain in you! I praise you for the symbolism found in the Ark and for the new beginning you gave me.

Lord, God, you are so awesome and mighty! Only YOU could have worked out all these details hundreds of years before Christ was even born. I praise your great and Holy name! In Jesus' name, amen.

*Hersberger, Ervin N. (2010) Seeing Christ in the Tabernacle. Harrisonburg, VA: Vision Publishers.

MEMORY VERSES

All Have Sinned

Romans 3:23

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3:23

All Have Sinned

All Have Sinned

Isaiah 53:6

We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:6
All Have Sinned

An Eye For An Eye?

Exodus 21:23-24

But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.

Lord, you gave us this rule to keep punishments from going overboard, not to give us permission for revenge. We humans can tend to get carried away with wanting retribution when we've been wronged or injured in some way. Left to our own devices, minor arguments can quickly escalate into full on wars.

When my feelings are hurt or someone has wronged me, help me to look to YOU, Lord, instead of letting my emotions run away with me. Help me to follow Jesus' example. In, Jesus' name, amen.

1 Peter 2:21-23

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

MEMORY VERSES

All Have Sinned

Romans 3:23

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Romans 3:23

All Have Sinned

All Have Sinned

Isaiah 53:6

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.

Isaiah 53:6
All Have Sinned

Jesus, My Sacrifice

John 10:17-18

"The Father loves me because I sacrifice my life so I may take it back again. No one can take my life from me. I sacrifice it voluntarily. For I have the authority to lay it down when I want to and also to take it up again. For this is what my Father has commanded."

There were a few times when the mobs tried to kill Jesus. At least once in this very chapter. But Jesus always slipped away - until it was the right time. Then Jesus could have called on legions of angels to protect him, but he didn't.

Matthew 26:53-54

"Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?"

When Jesus was on trial before Pilate, he told Pilate that the only reason he had the power to kill him was because God was allowing it.

John 19:10-11

"Why don't you talk to me?" Pilate demanded, "Don't you realize that I have the power to release you or crucify you?"

Then Jesus said, "You would have no power over me at all unless it were given to you from above. So the one who handed me over to you has the greater sin."

Thank you, Jesus, for laying down your life for me! And thank you for not staying in that grave! You broke the power of sin and death over my life! I praise your holy name! In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I Was Blind, and Now I Can See

John 9:24-25

So for the second time, they called in the man who had been born blind and told him, "God should get the glory for this, because we know this man Jesus is a sinner."

There is much questioning in this chapter about who was a sinner. The disciples assumed that because the man was born blind, then either he or his parents were sinners. The Pharisees decided that Jesus was a sinner because he healed on the Sabbath. They also held the belief that the man had been born a total sinner. (Verse 34) The truth of the matter is that we were ALL born total sinners.

The man who had been blind had more understanding than the Pharisees. He said that if Jesus were not from God, then he wouldn't have been able to heal his eyes.

Jesus is the ONLY human to ever be born totally without sin. That is why he is the only one who can take our sin away. He is indeed the light of the world who gives sight to the blind and shows those who think they see that they are actually blind.

Lord, please improve my spiritual sight. Bring into focus the areas where I think I can see clearly but I'm actually blind. Most of all help me to see you clearly. Let me see other people the way you see them. Thank you for what you taught me this morning. In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I Can't Throw the Stone

John 8:7

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

Lord, help me to not be quick to condemn others for their sin. I am just as sinful as anyone. It's only your grace, mercy and continual forgiveness that saves me.

Romans 8:12-14

So, dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, you turn from it and it's evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

As I'm learning to walk in victory and having some success in not doing what my sinful nature urges me to do, don't let me look down on others who are still struggling to learn this.

I can't help thinking of the parable of the proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector from Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:14

"I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Lord, I praise you for pointing this out to me before it becomes a huge issue in my walk. I have looked at others, who I know have heard the Freedom Workshop message, and wondered, "Why aren't they getting this?" Lord, please forgive me for my self-righteous attitude. Next time I'm tempted to do this please remind me of what you just taught me.

Other believers are in process, just like I am. Of course, if I see a brother or sister engaging in blatant, habitual sin, then I need to lovingly and with YOUR words, rebuke them. But not when they are simply stumbling along as they strive to obey you.

I can, however, remind them to run to you. And I can share the truths from Romans 8:12-14 with brothers and sisters in Christ who may not have learned them yet.

I praise you, Jesus, for the changes you are working in me. I want to decrease so you can increase. I want to be more and more like you, who did not condemn the woman, but told her, "Go and sin no more." In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Search the Scriptures

John 7:52

They replied, "Are you from Galilee, too? Search the Scriptures and see for yourself - no prophet ever comes from Galilee!"

Well, the Pharisees were correct in saying that we need to search the scriptures. However, they seemed to have conveniently forgotten their own learning of the Scripture. As a result, they came to the wrong conclusion. 

Isaiah 9:1-2

Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan river and the sea, will be filled with glory. 

The people who walk in darkness

will see a great light.

For those who live in a land of deep darkness,

a light will shine.

These verses are very particular about the place to which they refer. Galilee is also the area where Jesus did most of his teaching and miracles. He grew up in Nazareth, but he was born in Bethlehem. 

This map comes from BibleStudy.org

The Pharisees were completely misled in their understanding of the Scriptures. They only saw what they wanted to see in them. If we search the scriptures with a sincere heart and not our personal agenda, we will always find that Jesus is who he claimed to be.

Lord, help me to get rid of my preconceived ideas and beliefs when I'm reading your word. Help me to search it with a sincere desire to know you and understand the truth.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Help Me to be a Servant

Jeremiah 17:5

This is what the LORD says: "Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts from the LORD."

Hosea 6:6

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 20:26-28

"But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his live as a ransom for many."

Lord, you desire truth in the innermost being, so I'm being brutally honest with myself here. I have a bad habit of wanting others to serve me, especially my family. Please help me to break this habit and be willing to serve my family instead. Please forgive me for my selfishness. Thank you for the example you gave us. Thank you for being willing to serve me! In Jesus' name, amen.

The Miracle of the Empty Tomb

Hosea 6:6

I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.

Hosea 6:6

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 12:38-40

One day some teachers of religious law and Pharisees came to Jesus and said, "Teacher, we want you to show us a miraculous sign to prove your authority." But Jesus replied, "Only an evil, adulterous generation would demand a miraculous sign; but the only sign I will give them is the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was in the belly of the great fish for three days and three nights, so will the Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights."

These religious leaders wanted Jesus to prove that he was the Messiah by performing a miracle for them. Jesus knew that even if he did it still wouldn't convince them. In fact they had already witnessed him perform many miracles. They wanted him to show them a special miracle that would convince them.

There was no miracle that would do that because their hearts were hard. That was shown when they said that Jesus cast out demons by the power of satan. They refused to see that the Holy Spirit was empowering Jesus and so blasphemed the Holy Spirit by denying his power. 

Jesus knew that the only miracle that could save anyone is the miracle of his resurrection.

Your Healing Power

Psalm 44:5

Only by your power can we push back our enemies;

only in your name can we trample our foes.

Psalm 44:5

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Luke 6:19

Everyone tried to touch him, because healing power went out from him, and he healed everyone.

Lord, you showed me a new perspective on this today that I've never really thought of. You are the one who created the heavens and the earth. You created the human race and you uniquely designed each one of our bodies. So you are the Great Physician. This I knew.

But what hadn't occurred to me is that Jesus had all that same power and as your child I also have access to it. Not that I can make commands and have you heal everyone and anyone. It's still up to your discretion. But I can make requests, knowing that the power who created the universe is able to do what I ask if it is your will to do it.

This just adds yet another layer to my faith. Please keep adding layer after layer until I'm so wrapped in faith that no doubt can get through. In Jesus' Name, amen.