#SpeechTherapy |Healing through forgiveness |(part 1)| with special guest Jewel Taylor!

Hey there BCU family!

In keeping in step with our forgiveness series, special guest co-host and my beloved sister in Christ, the ultra-amazing Jewel Taylor,  joined us on our weekly Bible study live on Periscope (Thursdays @ 8:05pm EST on channel BlenCouragesU), to talk us through how to heal through forgiving.

Jewel and fam
The amazing Jewel Taylor and her super cutie-cute munchkins!

Jewel, a beautiful, powerful woman of God, wife and undergirding to her husband, Minister Richard, and mom to two awesome children, gently leads us through the book of Jonah and challenges us to look at the story behind Jonah’s disobedience and subsequent need to forgive and be healed. Trust me–just listen in and be blessed! Jewel also provided study notes and key Scriptures as a guide for you, so feel free to print and make any other notations you’d like! Additionally, if you need the notes in a PDF format, just email us (Blen@Blencouragesu.com), and we can make it happen!

 

Click on the icon below to listen in!

Study notes

HEALING IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE

Why the book of Jonah? God dealt with Jonah in three major areas:

His pride
His arrogance
His lack of compassion
How can we heal and forgive from our hearts as dictated in Matthew 18:35 if our hearts are full of clutter? Healing through forgiveness starts with us.

STOP RUNNING
Read: Jonah 1:1-4

Key verse: v2. But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.

What are you running from? What measures have you taken to avoid the person/people who caused you harm? What is God telling you to do and you are dragging your feet?

We must face our life situations/people in them regardless. When we stop functioning we open the door for depression, anxiety and other emotional & mental issues. We must face the situation.

Being hurt is not the sin, but living in it is.

STOP PLAYING THE TAPE & DO NO HARM

Read: Jonah 1:5-17

Key verse: v10. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, and said unto him, Why hast thou done this? For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the LORD, because he had told them.

>>Stop rehearsing what was done and do not play the victim. Do not meditate on what was done, who did it, why they did it etc.

>>How do you stop the tape? By filling your heart/mind with the things/thoughts of God. When the negative thought comes – change it.

Key verses:

Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

>>Sometimes we don’t want to let go of the anger because it is comfortable and we feel justified in our anger. We feel righteous – as Jonah did (see Jonah 4:2).

Key verses:

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing.

>>If you do not stop the tape – you will then lead yourself to cause harm (to someone else or to those who’ve harmed you AND continue the cycle of hurt, as Jonah endangered the men on the ship.

Key verse: Jonah 1:12 And he[Jonah] said unto them, Take me up, and cast me forth into the sea; so shall the sea be calm unto you: for I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you. 

BCU family, this is a true call to ACTION! With God’s grace we need to give our hurt and disappointment, no matter who it was and how deep the cut to Jesus, the Master Physician, so He can heal us completely! Will thou be made whole?

Lord will, join us next time as we go into “Healing through forgiveness” part 2, as we continue in the book of Jonah. Thank you for tuning on and may God bless you, make His face to shine upon you and until we are together again, #StayOnTheWall!

 

Love,

 

BCU

 

BlenCouragesU11 Comments

Series: #SpeechTherapy.. the words of my mouth (part 4)

Hey BCU Family,

As usual, please enjoy the audio podcast (click on the icon below), the written transcript, or both! In either case, God bless you as you read, hear and apply the Word of God.

Let the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord my strength and my redeemer (Psalms 19:14).

Over the last few weeks, we’ve been talking about #SpeechTherapy and how it starts in the heart. We looked at the wicked hearts of Haman (Esther 3), and royal couple, Jezebel and Ahab (I Kings 21). Also we looked at some of the effects of the lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh and the pride of life. Now that we have our and/or are working on keeping our hearts and minds clear, we want to look at HOW we communicate and the severity of not communicating God’s way.

A few years back, I saw a little bit of a movie called “1000 words” on TV. Eddie Murphy was in it and I believe the premise was he talked so badly and so much, that someone his character  made a deal with had this tree pop up that had a thousand leaves on it. So every time Eddie Muphry’s character spoke a word, a leaf fell off. Once all the leaves fell off, it was time for the character to die, so he got real careful about the words he was speaking —only doing so when needed. (I didn’t see the end so I don’t know what happened).

While this was a fictional movie, there is biblical proof because we also have a responsibility over the words we speak:

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:33-37. 

So, we have to give an account for every IDLE word we speak! The Greek phrase is idle word is “rema argos”, meaning “careless, inactive or unprofitable words.”

How many careless or non-profitable words do we speak daily? I don’t know about you, but now that we know this, it’s time to make sure the words we sow yield a profit. This is not to say we DO NOT speak up against sin, injustices, questioning something that bothers you, get angry, upset, talking a struggle over with a godly friend—if you are discussing it with a pure heart and intentions, the nothing unwholesome will come out of your mouth. When we get bashing, name calling, gossipy, messy, those things that come out of an unclean heart, that’s where the trouble is.

What are some of things that happen when out speech is undisciplined? Loquaciousness— a fancy word for talking too much.

A. Thoughtless talk

A fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in until afterward/holds them back (Proverbs 29:11). It’s unwise to just tell people how you feel, give them a piece of your mind, tell them off, I just had to get it off my chest—etc. There will be times where we need to speak up, we just need God’s wisdom and follow His direction for the proper timing.

At had a incident on a job where an individual  seemed like they were playing “stump the chump” with me. In other words, when I gave a directive to the co-workers we were they “overrode” it. In FRONT of everybody.

Now you know, I was as hot as a firecracker on the 4th of July! I’m SOOOO grateful the we took a break shortly afterward and I went straight to the loo and head throne of grace—I needed God to help me with that. That’s a trigger for me—correcting is one thing, but I have an issue if you’re trying to embarrass me by challenging what I’m saying in a certain authoritative tone and manner. No ma’am, no sir.

So anyway, I’m not sure if co-worker sensed something or the Lord tapped them on the shoulder, but they did come and ask me was there anything they could have done differently or something like that. And with God’s grace I politely told them person what they did. They assured me it wasn’t intended that way and somewhat straightened it out, (I’d have done things differently), but that ok, the Lord worked it out. Who knows what would have come out if I had said something right in front of everyone..I may have compromised my witness, displeased God, had to be chastened for disobedience.

#Bottom line: We may be justified in feeling wronged or angry about something, we need to pause and pray before we say.

B.  LONGGG talk

In the multitude if words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise (Proverbs 10:19).

Do you know anyone who just talks, talks, talks, talks, talks? Do you play “dodgeball” when you see them, hoping to avoid a long, drawn-out, fruitless conversation? Do you already have something planned or time your meeting with Chatterbox so you have to go by a certain time OR are you the CHATTERER? It’s one thing if we are talking about things that are wholesome and edifying, and no, everything is not serious, so laughter is in order as well. For many of us who avoid the Chatterer, the CONTENT of the conversation is repetitious, long-winded, disjointed, hard to follow, can get gossipy, slanderous, messy, details get added…and idle words can creep in.

This Scripture is not dissuading us from talking to someone about concerns, situations, seeking godly counsel, or venting. We want to be sure to take things to the Lord first, ask Him IF we should talk to so-and-so and THEN tell your story with as much brevity AND detail as possible. Before you launch into your story, ask the person if this is a good time or how much time they have.

We talk about that in a class at work and to be honest, until I started teaching that concept, I don’t know if I was ever conscious about checking with people time wise to see if it was a good time for THEM. I just plopped on down and started talking! We don’t know the responsibilities the hearer has and how flexible they may or may not be. Maybe you didn’t come up for air long enough for hearer to say, “I have a doctor’s appointment in 30 minutes.” Then we feel gypped because we didn’t get to tell the story or feel hearer is insensitive or doesn’t care. Did you care to ASK the person, “do you have about 30 minutes or so, really need to talk this out?” Is it really an emergency, or can you pray and wait until hearer can get settled so they can give you undivided attention?

And this extends past talking to friends…what us speakers who are allowed 10 minutes to give a reflection or speak on a topic? We launch into 3-4 choruses of a rousing song that goes 7 minutes and then you want to start the clock for your 10. Or we start to tell an unrelated story with a lot of detail and then go into the topic. Not right. Yes, we have to allow for the Holy Spirit to have His way—as long as the Spirit is moving, then we yield to Him. It’s the flesh aka the tongue or a spirit of pride and disobedience where we feel it’s okay to take more time. This effects others who have to speak or carry on part of the program after you. Think of the person who is last on the program, spent time and effort to prepare their work, only to have it cut to two minutes because it’s time to go? This is a matter is respect and obedience. Philippians 2:3 says let NOTHING be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other not highly that yourselves. Think about the other person before yourself.

#BottomLine: talk long, talk wrong!

This week, with the help of the Lord, let’s pay attention to the triggers—the things that set of our impatience/hasty speech patterns —what is it about the slow speaker that really bothers you? How is it that cutting someone off, interrupting a conversation or changing the conversation to what YOU want to talk about giving God glory and helping others. How did we make the other person feel? You don’t care? God does and we will have to answer for it. Let’s start minimizing our account and  ask the Lord to help us not to be reactive in the mouth, rather to handle the situation HIS way. Amen? Amen!

Thank you so much for tuning in and until the next time we are together, #StayOnTheWall.

Love,
BCU

BlenCouragesU3 Comments

Series: #SpeechTherapy..it starts in the heart! (part 2)

 

Hey BCU family,

As usual, please enjoy the audio podcast (click on the icon below), the written transcript, or both! In either case, God bless you as you read, hear and apply the Word of God.

We prepped and started heart surgery last time, realizing we may harbor too many old and bad things in the heart/mind, and bad meditations get you in trouble! We saw that with the evil-thought/actioned Haman in Esther 3. We need to understand that many of the adverse thoughts the enemy brings are rooted in lust that is spoken of in I John 2:15-17, followed by some examples.

Do not love the world or anything in the world, if anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For everything in the world, the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life, comes NOT from the Father, but from the world. The world and the lusts pass away, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

  • lust of the eyes (Esau wanted Jacob’s stew and sold his birthright for it in Genesis 25:30-34).
  • lust of the flesh (many of us know all about David & Bathsheba in 2 Samuel 11:1-4).
  • and pride of life (besides Haman in Esther 3), King Herod who gave a speech, was lauded by the people, and the angel of the Lord smote him for not giving God the glory (Acts 12:21-23).

This is a fixed fight you know, and God wants us to be victorious over our heart meditations and gives us the Word in which to do it. Let’s go back to Romans 12:1  from a previous study. I beseech you therefore brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. Verse 2 says not to be conformed to the world but transformed by the renewing (ongoing) of your mind, that you may test or prove what is that good and acceptable perfect will of God. When we offer up our bodies, that includes the heart and mind. Acceptable means welcomed, well-pleasing and favorable. And we cannot present our bodies properly if the mind/heart isn’t right. Let’s talk about the lust of the eye.

*Since eyes are the windows to the soul, this lust tied to the soul and emotions. For the most part, every lust comes from a desire that is good. There is NOTHING wrong with desiring something—God gives us the desires of our heart when we delight ourselves in Him (Psalm 37:4). We desire to work, have things, work in a ministry, to be married—those are GOOD things. Where we have to be mindful is how the enemy can pervert good desires in your heart with thoughts that are contrary to how God commands us to think speak or act.  When you start to covet, plot, scheme, start working overtime, missing church, saving your tithes and offering money, not paying your bills, all to get “things”, that’s where the lust comes in. Let’s look at 1 Kings 21:1-16.

The story is, Naboth had a vineyard that the king, Ahab wanted (or coveted) BADLY. Naboth refused and Ahab was so upset about it, he would not even eat. Queen Jezebel found out and devised a HEINOUS plot to lie on and have Naboth killed–and then told the king the vineyard was now his to have. Just.like.that. This couple did not care that an innocent man was killed, his family likely very devastated—it did not matter who they needed to step on to get what they wanted, so long as they got it.

Can this apply to us? Perhaps not to this extreme…but let’s think about it from a few angles. For my singles..wanting to get married because you “see” everyone else is in a relationship, so you go out of our way, or rather “out of God’s way” to make it happen. When you get Mr. or Ms. NotRightNow, things go great initially (that’s how the enemy does it), and then he lowers the BOOM and you have a crazoks on your hands!  Let’s ask God to keep us content with what we have, and bless us with “extra” as He sees fit.

I Timothy 6:6-8 says, but godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world and it is certain that we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment, let us be content.

Or, think about the times you may have wanted something so badly you missed important date or responsibility just to get it. In my early saved days, I skipped paying a bill to get a pair of shoes. I cannot tell you where those shoes are, what they looked like or where they are today! I can tell you I had a hard time recouping that money to pay my bill. All because of wanting something someone else had/ wanting something SO bad. A covetous heart. A desire gone bad.

Okay, what about the lust of the eye/desire to “play.” The purpose is socializing; taking a break..maybe talking a bit at work, playing Candy crush or a binging on a movie marathon. We all like to relax the mind–and that is a good thing.

What happens when the scales start tipping to the lust of wanting more play than work? This is when chronic slothful/laziness creeps in. A Sunday off here, missing a study there, half-doing what you’ve been called to do, not tending house, not taking care of yourself, burying your talent, not calling a sister, sending a note of encouragement, or maybe witnessing—all because you don’t feel like it, not in the mood, need a break from the people, the chores, etc, or have gotten into the habit of a Lifetime Movie Marathon or the whatever your go-to play routine is. While we all need days to unplug, recharge and refresh, we are accountable for the time God gives us and we have way too much responsibility to practice slothfulness on the regular. With God’s grace, let’s ask for wisdom to know how to spend the time He gives us.

See then that you walk circumspectly not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Do not be unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17).

What about the desire to be safe? Keeping/knowing our loved ones are safe? Our jobs are safe, the bridge is safe, etc. We teach at work that feeling safe is a basic need—NOTHING wrong with that desire–in the right place. Where things go too far is when the emotion FEAR comes in. Fear can come on the form of cowardice, worry, panic, having irrational thoughts, making emotional decisions. Let’s not forget the unprofitable servant in Matthew 25 —the one who buried the talent? During accounting time, verse 25 says, the servant told his master he was AFRAID and went to hid his talent in the earth. The master called the servant wicked and slothful–and proceeded to cast him into outer darkness where there was weeping and gnashing of teeth.

A bit back, a dear friend and sister in Christ got a message in between Sunday School and morning service that a family member had not been heard from since the night before—not answering phones, etc. Notice how the enemy timed this attempt right before service. What I loved was that the sister said something like “God knows where he is and I am not going to worry about it.” We prayed and it turned out he was fine, thank God!! Sister did not let fear take over. Now, I realize that there are scary situations out there—no doubt. We want to ask God to cover, keep and sustain our hearts from fear.

And we know that God has NOT given is a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7).

What about grief? That’s an innate desire when we lose a loved one or friend. The emotion connected to that is sadness. Perfectly normal. Now hear me good, grieving, sad days, crying spells are normal as we miss a person—birthdays, holidays, special times…

Where the enemy gets heart-busy is when the grief is extended to the point where one cannot function and stay in a state of depression for years at a time. We talked about that in Ruth 1 as Naomi vocalized her grief (after losing her husband and two sons) by telling the folks to call her Mara meaning bitter—because the Lord had dealt bitterly with her. While she went though the grieving process,at some point the Lord blessed her to start adjusting to the “new normal”, and she was used to bring Boaz and Ruth together. If Naomi had stayed grieving, she would not have been functional as to what God called her to do–and look at the result! Boaz and Ruth became great-grandparents to king David and mentioned in the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1.

To every thing, there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).

Once again, let’s start paying more attention to your thoughts/what’s in your heart. Ask God to show you (even if it’s painful), what areas need more attention or a purge. and ask for His help in overcoming them and creating a clean heart Psalm 51:10. Also, step up your gatekeeping of the heart as directed in Proverbs 4:23. Philippians 4:8 reminds us to think on true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy, think on THOSE things. I did not say not to talk to the Lord about what bothers you, we just want to take it there and LEAVE it there. Amen? Amen!

Join us next time as #SpeechTherapy continues with the lust of the flesh–you do not want to miss it! Thank you so much for stopping by/tuning in and until we meet again, #StayOnTheWall!

 

Love,

 

BCU

 

*See http://www.themoorings.org for a nifty chart and examples of lust gone awry!

BlenCouragesU4 Comments

Series: The called according to His purpose-part 4

Hey BCU family!

As usual, you are welcome to listen to the podcast (by clicking on the icon), read the written transcript, or both, either way, be blessed through listening and obeying the Word of God!

Before we get started, I was thinking, with the things going on today—the foolishness in the news, unholy alliances, calling the wrong right/right wrong, and our own personal trials, we NEED to know the Word of God and to  purpose in our hearts to get and stay grounded (attached to the Foundation, who is Jesus) and rooted (like a tree planted by the water—nourished and strong) by knowing who God says we are so we can STAY upright when the storms of life come and the winds of adversity blow.

In “The called” part 1  and part 2  as we looked at  Romans chapter 8, God says we are:

No  longer condemned
Walkers in the Spirit
Sons/Children of God
We are heirs/joint heirs
We suffer
The called according to His purpose
Predestinated
Justified
Glorified
Loved
More than conquerors
Not separated by the Love of God

Last time, we looked at I Peter 2:9 and covered “a chosen generation”. God calls us CHOSEN! Chosen for the rendering of special service to God.  And that special service included a look at Naomi, who God CHOSE and used to lead Ruth to Him, her new husband, Boaz who subsequently became the great-great-grandparents of King David (Ruth 4:22) and were named in the lineage of Christ in Matthew 1.

God also calls up EQUIPPED. We looked at Moses, a palace kid, who killed someone and was a fugitive (Exodus 2)—yet God called him to lead the Israelites out of bondage.

For those who are more background people, God CHOSE you, too! Exodus chapter 1 tells of two midwives Shiprah and Puah, who were instructed by the king to KILL male Israelite babies after they were delivered. The women disobeyed the king’s ordered and were duly rewarded by God. They were the CHOSEN and CALLED according to His purpose. No matter what God calls you to do—in front or behind the scenes, it all IMPORTANT. Not always easy, pleasant,  without tears or hurt sometimes, but nonetheless you are a VITAL role in the Body of Christ!

Referring to our Scripture text from I Peter 2:9, but you are a chosen generation, a royal; priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people who should show forth the praises of Him who brought you out of darkness into His marvelous light, let’s concentrate on the second phrase—because God calls us–a royal priesthood.

This stems back to Exodus 19, after the Israelites left Egypt and were camped in the wilderness. After talking with God, Moses was to tell the people, “you’ve seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I brought you out on eagle’s wings, and brought you to Myself. Now therefore, if you will obey my voice, in truth and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure into me above ALL people for the earth is mine. And you shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation (Exodus 19:4-5).

Let’s pause here. This should resonate with us, because did not God bring us out of our bondage to sin?  Did we groan with the heavy burden the hard taskmaster of what our former sinful lives were like? Were we not SLAVES to sin? Entangled? When we were tired of the party, being broken, feeling empty and burdened, we came to the altar, were saved according to Acts 2:38, and God brought us out on eagle’s wings to Himself.  Eagles can carry quite the load, protect their young and have powerful wings that glide swiftly. This demonstrates God strength and power, y’all. He DELIVERED us.  He REDEEMED us. He CHOSE us. HE CALLED us! Let the REDEEMED of the Lord say so! You are CALLED! YOU ARE CHOSEN!

So this kingdom of priests/royal priesthood…now in Exodus 19 and I Peter 2.  Ofttimes when we use this statement, there is a sense of “entitlement” in a natural sense ( for example, this prosperity mentality/we should be sitting on a pile of money,  not having to wait in a line, talking to servers at the restaurant—“no, take that food back, I’m the King’s kid!” etcetera).

While God does take GOOD care of His children, we are not entitled to look down anyone,  getting everything discounted/free treating the non-royalty (non-believers) wrongly or to a earthly mansion and a yacht! This royalty we are called to and chosen for by God comes with responsibility!

One definition we found for royal to a realm in which a king sovereignly rules, which ties into where Christ rules in our hearts. The word priests are now associated with Christians because we have access to God and offer not external but ‘spiritual’ sacrifices. More to come on that.

Let’s look at the function of a priest.

A priest was an official who was set apart from the rest of the community in order to carry out certain duties associated with sacrifice and worship. While priests were mentioned throughout the Old Testament, the  first organization and ordination of priests is laid out in Exodus 28 & 29 where Aaron and his 4 sons were appointed by God to minister to Him in the office of the priesthood.

Exodus 28 also outlines the exact garments the priests should wear, right down to the precious metals, stones, colors, lettering,  the measurements and the material—along with how to wear the breastplate and how a bell should be on the hem when Aaron went out and came in so he would not die. Everything was exact.

Application to us:
1) God’s priests were not just anyone who decided they wanted to be one after studying up on it, or coveting the position. They were CHOSEN by God for a reason—Aaron wore the turban with the engraved plate that bared any iniquity of Israel so their offerings were ACCEPTED by God.  THAT is NOT to be taken lightly.

The priests wore specific garments outlined by God down to the tiniest detail even underclothes (Exodus 28).  My thought is everyone knew who the priests were by what they wore. As a royal priesthood, we should be dressed a certain way— yes, so we are distinct. Now, I’m NOT here to regulate wardrobes back to cotton hosiery and 3 piece suits for the men to an outdoor sporting event in July–we distinguish ourselves with our modesty. Men and women alike.

I saw a video clip where a “Christian” celebrity was rebuked by an audience member for baring her chest area on a magazine cover. The audience member in turn was rebuked by the celebrity’s husband, saying she can wear what she wants in Jesus name. [insert blank stare]. I’m not here to regulate what folks wear, with the grace of God guiding me, I don’t want people having to “guess” if I’m saved or not based on my lack of/apparel. Remember man looks on the outside, but God looks at the heart.  Man looks at the outside, because they can’t see your heart.

In addition to that, we can’t just dress up the outside, cause that can look any way we want, but what do the insides look like? The Pharisees were dressed well, but Jesus said they were like white-washed seplechurs or coffins that APPEARED beautiful OUTWARD but inward were full of DEAD MEN’S BONES AND full of all UNCLEANNESS! (Matthew 23:27).  Anything dead on the inside stinks and no one is drawn to that expect flies and vultures who pick off carcasses. YUCK!

Bottom line: Just like the priests, people should know who we are without us saying a word—We have Jesus down on the inside that shows up on the outside. Are we dressed in the Word of God? Is Jesus an inside job?

God calls us DISTINCT!

2)Priests were also called to facilitate the different offerings (sacrifice or gift/Corban, see Mark 7:11)  for the people as a mediator between them and God. You just did not approach God and give Him your offering.  There are five main offerings spelled out in Leviticus (chapters 1-5), that came with very specific instructions that had to be followed a particular way.

The offerer was NOT forced to give an offering, it was something they wanted to do. (Leviticus 1:4 says he shall offer it of his OWN voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle). The offerer gave a perfect animal, prepared the animal or grain offering a particular way AND the priest had to offer up a specified way.  For example, once a bull was killed, the blood had to be sprinkled round about the alter by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and the animal had to be laid in order on the wood for the fire. (Leviticus 1:11-12).

The priest were even had to offer up sacrifices for themselves for any accidental sin—if the priest sinned, everyone was guilty.

In Leviticus chapter 9, it outlines how the priests needed to offer up sin and burnt offerings to make atonement for themselves and for the people, as the Lord prepared His people to see His glory (Lev. 9:6), and because they did exactly what God said, verses 22-23 records that the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people—where the fire consumed the burnt offering and fat and when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces. HOW AWESOME!

How this applies to us:

First, we no longer need to offer up any animals for our sins. Jesus said in Hebrews 10:4 that it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins..every priest offering up the same sacrifices daily could never take away sins. Can you imagine how many animals were offered up?!  So Jesus Christ offered His body ONCE to sanctify ALL(Hebrews 10:10). Christ offered ONE sacrifice for sins FOREVER (Hebrew 4:12).

Also, we no longer need a priest as a mediator. Remember the priest was the go between for the people and God offering wise. Jesus did away with that by sacrificing His life as well. Ephesians 2:13 says “but now in Christ Jesus, you who were sometimes far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.” Also, Ephesians 2:18 says, for through Him, we have access by one Spirit into the Father. Further, we can come boldly to the throne of grace to obtain grace and mercy to help in the time of need! (Hebrews 4:16).

God CALLS US to DIRECTLY to Him.

We have to stop here, BCU family.  I am prayerful that this Word empowers, encourages and challenges us all to change to be more like Christ. Stay tuned for “The called” part 5, as we finish up a royal priesthood. Thanks and God bless you for stopping by! Until next time, #StayOnTheWall!

 

Love ,

 

BCU

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Series: The called according to His purpose! Part 3

 

Hey BCU Family!

Please enjoy the condensed audio podcast (by clicking on the icon below), read through written format or do both! Be encouraged in the Lord!

Last time, talked about being grounded (attached to The Foundation–Jesus) and ROOTED (having deepness) in WHO God says we are, rather than being tossed about with what the world, the adversary, TV, Bubba and dem and anyone else says contrary to Word of God. We explored Romans 8, which reminded us that God says we are:

– No longer condemned
– Walkers in the Spirit
– Sons/Children of God
– Heirs/joint heirs
– We suffer
– The called according to His purpose
– Predestinated
– Justified
– Glorified
– SO Loved
– More than conquerors
– Not separated from the love of God

This gives us a good foundation into who God says we are, so we can withstand the attacks of the adversary without retreating/recoiling every time.

Let’s talk through 1 Peter 2:9. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 

Our focus this week? “but you are a chosen generation….” Let’s look at the word “chosen.”

Short Definition: chosen, elect, choice, select.  Longer definition: chosen out, elect, choice, select, of those chosen out by God for the rendering of special service to Him.

I want to get across to you how precious and special you are to God—this is really NOT to be taken lightly. When we think about what our final destination was and how God “called” and chose us and we responded…we ought to serve the Lord will GLADNESS!!!! Let’s talk about some biblical examples of chosen, so we can continue to be encouraged to #StayOnTheWall.

Going to our study a few weeks ago in the book of Ruth, (you can catch the  initial podcast here ), we HAVE to include Naomi. Yes NAOMI! If we think back to Ruth chapter 1, after Naomi and her daughters-in-laws, Ruth and Orpah lost their husbands, Naomi decided to go back to Bethlehem and urged her daughters-in-law to stay in Moab to find rest with their “new” husbands (Ruth 1:9). Orpah went back to “her people and her gods” (v 15), where she would life comfortably, back home with what was familiar.

On the other hand, Ruth saw something in Naomi. Ruth felt compelled to leave the comfort of her country, familiarity of her worship, take on a mother-in-law, exchange certainty for uncertainty, face poverty, possible rejection and assault in a new land…all because Naomi lived in SUCH a way that Ruth WANTED to serve NAOMI’s God (v 16)—who we know is the ONE and ONLY true God! Naomi was CHOSEN to bring this one soul out of the darkness of idol worship and into the marvelous light of ONE God!  Did we not trade what was comfortable to us—the partying, the drunkeness, the ungodly behavior, the sin we became accustomed to, took on uncertainty about what/who we would lose, possible poverty (be it financial or emotional, rejection from friends/family), and even assaults from the enemy— because, thank God for the free will He gave us, we made the decision to give our lives to Christ?! Who was “your Naomi?” Who witnessed to you about the goodness of God?  Thank God for them!!! Glory to our awesome God!

Ahhh, but think about Naomi’s life under the light of Romans 8:28. Marriage, abundance, famine, widowed, daughters-in-law gained, sons lost—an elderly woman with a bleak future. Yet in all that, Ruth was won to God, she got the rest in Boaz (representative of Christ) due to Naomi’s instructions, Naomi gets taken care of, Ruth became great-great grandmother to King David (Ruth 4:22), and is named in the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:5). AND her story is blessing and encouraging us THOUSANDS of years later! ROMANS 8:28 is in effect!!!! I Peter 2:9 say WE ARE CHOSEN!!! Naomi was CHOSEN!!!! CHOSEN to bring this ONE soul in and much fruit was bared after that! From now on, be mindful of how YOUR life effects others. You never know who will come to Christ because they see the Lord in your actions, decisions, attitude. GOD CALLS YOU CHOSEN!!!!!!! Next up? God called you EQUIPPED!

Moses. I know you all know the story—but let’s look at the backstory for those who feel like you are too “inadequate” to be used by God. Moses was actually supposed to be killed as a baby, due to the wicked Pharoh’s instruction to do so, as the Israelites were starting to outnumber the Egyptians (Exodus 1). Moses had a wise mom who arranged for her infant son to be in a basket down by the river where the Pharaoh’s daughter would happen to be, and of course the palace became Moses’ home (Exodus 2:1-10).

While Moses grew up privileged, he did kill an Egyptian and was a fugitive for years, settling in Midian (v 11-15). Exodus 3 records, while tending sheep in back of Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God, Moses heard the voice of the Lord who CALLED/CHOSE Moses to lead the Israelites OUT of bondage. Moses said:

Exodus 3:11– Who am go to Pharaoh? (Verse 12. Certainly I will be with you. When you bring the people out of Egypt, you will serve God on this same mountain).
What do WE say to God? Who am I to witness? Who am I to use this gift?

Exodus 3:13–Who do I say you are? What do I say when they ask your name? (The God of your fathers sent me and I AM that I AM. I Am sent me. This is my name forever and a memorial to all generations. The people will listen to you, the king won’t let you go, but I will smite them with all my wonders. You will spoil the Egyptians. Exodus 3:14-22).

Who do we tell people God is? How do our actions, words and thoughts line up with what He said? Are we bold enough to tell it? Live it out loud? God called Moses and warned him that the king would not let them go, but God would smite them and the Israelites would get the victory. How many times has God called us to something, a ministry—witnessing, doing something for someone, told us it would be difficult but promised the victory. Did we lean into the promise? or try and get out of it?  Moses goes into another chapter with his excuses.

Exodus 4:1 –They won’t believe me! They will say the Lord did not come to you! (God turned a rod to a serpent and back again, and on top of that made Moses’ hand white with leprosy and immediately healed him. God assured him of they didn’t believe Moses’ voice or the first two signs, they would believe the voice of the second sign where Moses was to take river water, pour it on dry land, and the river water would become blood on the dry land (verses 2-9).

What miracle did God do for you—saved you, kept you before you got saved, after you got saved and messed up, blessed you, delivered you— we all have a testimony to tell!

Exodus 4:10– I am not eloquent, slow of speech and tongue. (v 11 The Lord told Moses to GO! HE made the mouth and he would be IN his mouth and would teach Moses what to say).

God will give us the words to say, if we ask Him. He saw this moment for you to speak coming way back yonder and wants you to do well. Just rely on Him for every Word. If you do, it will be perfect.

Exodus 4:13-Then Moses wanted someone else to go (Verses  14—17). Now God gets angry and consents to Moses’ brother Aaron being the spokesperson to the people, but MOSES still had to work directly with God to teach Aaron what to say and Moses was in charge of the rods and signs). Moses finally relented.

What finally happened? Moses met with Aaron, they gathered the elders of the children of Isreal, Aaron spoke what Moses told him that God said, Moses did the signs and the people believed, bowed their heads and worshipped (Exodus 4:28-31).

Notice, Moses did NOT get out of what God called Him to do. He got some help, but still had to do the “heavy lifting.” We can cry, pout, weep, fast, pray and wail all day, everyday, but when God says I chose YOU to do it, YOU will not get out of it. How do I know? It happened to me. 🙂

God did not save you for a decorative showpiece—He chose YOU to do something—teaching, preaching, ushering, cleaning, taking care of your family, witnessing by attitude on the job whatever He called you to, He chose You for and –will equip you accordingly!

GOD CALLS US EQUIPPED!

BONUS info: And lest you think to yourself, well, Naomi and Moses were famous and God doesn’t call everyone to that. I’d say…you’re right. That still doesn’t get you out of what God called YOU to do. Many of the “supporting cast” in Ruth and Exodus were just as chosen as Naomi and Moses. Let’s check out one such example in Exodus 1.

As briefly mentioned before, prior to Moses coming on the scene, a new king arose over Egypt and was vexed that the (chosen) children of Isreal out numbered and were mightier than the Egyptians. Worried about the Israelites joining with their enemies in a war, the Egyptians decided to enslave and drive them hard–but the Israelites multiplied all the more (Exodus 1:8-14). Then the king gets this wicked idea to speak to the midwives, in particular, Shiprah and Puah. Shiphrah, meant splendid or pleasing, and Puah means to coo and cry out.

So imagine telling these wonderful women to kill ALL the male children upon birth! (verse 16). The Word says BUT the midwives feared {reverenced} God and they did not do what the king told them, rather saved the men children alive (v 17). When the king questioned the women about why his order was disobeyed, they said the babies came too quickly for  the midwives to see what the gender of the baby was, so it sounds like the midwives got there too late to kill the babies.

Verse 20-21 of Exodus 1 says that God dealt well with the midwives, the people multiplied and waxed mighty. Moreover, in reward for their heroic and virtuous behavior, God “established households” for Shiphrah and Puah which probably means that they became the matriarchs of enduring families in Israel.

The Bible does not record ONE death of an Israelite due to the king’s order—the actions of these women allowed THOUSANDS of Israelites to flee from Egypt with their families intact at the appointed time.

Bottom line: Nothing that God called you to do is trivial or unimportant.

Whew!! Once again, the meat is off the bones and now it’s time to apply what we learned.

God calls us to action—in all capacities. If you know what God has for you to do, walk worthy of that vocation with His grace. If you do not, ask God to reveal it to you and walk in it with His help. If we ask, He will answer!

I am prayerful that you all should be excited and renewed to function in the body of Christ on all SIX cylinders. There are days where it will be a challenge, like God told Moses, but just the same, God was with Moses. And He is with us.

God called us CHOSEN!

God CALLS us EQUIPPED!

You are who GOD said you are! Amen? Amen!

God bless you and until next time #StayOnThe Wall.

 

Love,

BCU

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