Christ’s Cleansing Of Even Our Best Efforts

It will be on Aaron’s forehead, and he will bear the guilt involved in the sacred gifts the Israelites consecrate, whatever their gifts may be. It will be on Aaron’s forehead continually so that they will be acceptable to the Lord. (Exodus 28:38)

Then Haggai said, “‘So it is with this people and this nation in my sight,’ declares the Lord. ‘Whatever they do and whatever they offer there is defiled.

Haggai 2:14

Even our best acts of worship and efforts for the Lord would be sullied and ruined by sin if not for Christ. As Aaron bore the guilt of sin when the Israelites offered to God, so Christ serves as an even Greater Highpriest on our behalf cleansing our guilt to make our worship acceptable

In the book, Pursuit of Holiness, The Author Jerry Bridges says “Even our tears of repentance need to be washed in the blood of the Lamb. ~Jerry Bridges,~

This is to say that even the repentance of a sinner could not fully be accepted if Christ had not died on the cross so that God could receive imperfect repentance. Many feel their repentance is not good enough! Which indeed it is not based on us. So often even repentance is done with a tinge of self interest! Men may repent for fear of being condemned to hell or facing serious consequences of sinful ways- Even repentance driven by fear of God’s wrath can be I feel acceptable because Christ died on the cross. Yet God would ideally want our repentance to be pure, our devotion totally selfless, for his glory not merely the blessings that result as a byproduct of obedience. Yet nevertheless, our God is generous, he blesses obedience so often even though all we really could say “we are unprofitable servants and have only done our duty” (Luke 10:17)

We owe God obedience just being creatures he created, sin has made us rebellious, self willed and stubborn. We truly neglect our natural duty – Christ paid our debt so we can do our duty truly from a heart of devotion. Even though we owed God that all along, he was merciful and generous to forgive us of our negligence.

Bee-coming A Queen

Bee-coming A Queen

Bees are a fascinating insect and there are some facts that are not commonly known. Female bees are the only ones able to sting, the stinger of a female bee is actually a part of it’s reproductive system. Yet not all female bees possess the capability to reproduce. Only a female that has been cultivated into a queen can breed more bees. In order to become a Queen the female selected is fed with a specialized nectar known as royal jelly and through the process becomes a queen able to reproduce thousands of new bees.

Yet there is some spiritual lesson Im sure here to as there is so many lesson’s is God’s creation over all. We see the Church, the people of God, and bride of Christ to must draw it’s source from the Word to become all she was created to become. We cannot truly live apart from the Word or become all we have potential to be without filling our lives with it.

In Ephesians 5 we see, “to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—

Ephesians 5:26-29

The Lord gave us new life, and by the Word and Spirit of God made us into “New people” we had to first hear the Word of God preached and the Gospel proclaimed to have faith and believe. We became like “Queen” bees in a sense with spiritual nectar that transformed us. As a result we are called to go “make disciples” – spiritually reproducing new life by sharing the gospel. Spiritually scattering seeds of truth! Unlike physical reproduction, the Gospel and the Word be preached causes new spiritual life. Jesus said it this way “Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit” (John 3:6)

Meaning we physically are born as the result of human parents, we inherit skin and bones and a physical form as a result of being born. Yet Jesus says “Unless a man be born again, he will not see the kingdom of God” in this same chapter.

Everyone alive was born once- you have a body and are a result of human parents. Yet Jesus taught a second birth of spiritual kind had to take place. This is the only way we will inherit spiritual life. When the Spirit of God uses the Word of God to produce “new life for God” inside of us.

Yet the reason for sharing the Gospel is for starters its commanded, yet we cannot change anyone. We can only share this truth and let those who will respond have the opportunity. Too many Christians put too much focus on their efforts to change people, when in reality we are only called to share the message and not held responsible for results or who responds.

Well on another note, there is a practical facet in the home life too. We see that Ephesians 5:25 says “Husbands love your wives as Christ loved His Church and gave himself up for her”

A man according to the Bible is called to spiritually lead in a way that reflects Christ in his home. “

to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. After all, no one ever hated their own body, but they feed and care for their body, just as Christ does the church—
Ephesians 5:26-29

I suppose one of the greatest ways a husband can do this is reflecting the Lord Jesus properly to his wife, as well as trying to initiate spiritual growth in her and “Feeding her” (Not just with literally putting food on the table, though that is so important.) A man can also feed his wife spiritually, lead her in study of the Word and prayer, as well as support her emotional needs There are many needs a wife has, not just material but spiritual and emotional too.

Though many men think along the lines of working hard and supporting a family, there are many other ways too a husband can nurture his wife into her full potential. Many men may feel they are less significant because their jobs may not pay them high, yet the lie is that a man can do many other wonderful things to really feed and care for his wife.

Too often a man is judged too much on his income level, rather than his work ethic and willingness to work hard. Even a man with a modest job who is a good worker has I feel more on a man with lots of money but is not the ideal worker. Our society judges men on wrong things often. Yet a man who can bring home even modest average income yet knows how to love and care for his wife and children has the advantage over a rich man who only knows how to provide material, financial but not spiritual or emotional.

There are many women out there I am sure that give anything for quality time with the man she is with over a huge salary. Many women would gladly trade loads of money just for more love and attention. Materialism in our society and over emphasis on money has ruined many things in our world as it is. We must remember some of the greatest treasures we can pass on to our families is time, investment and love. Some of the greatest treasures have nothing to do with money.

Daily Manna

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. Exodus 16:4 –

“I will rain down bread from heaven for you” Ah and behold this small passage is so full of truth on every level. Spiritual providence and graces come to us from heaven! Only God can send strength and fresh hope we need, “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22) and he alone has power to speak and strengthen the weary soul

The Sovereign Lord has given me a well-instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary. He wakens me morning by morning, wakens my ear to listen like one being instructed.

Isaiah 50:4

The manna the Israelites ate though represented to “physical provision” and met a tangible need for food. We are told by Jesus himself to pray “Give us today our daily bread” and God is in the business of not only just meeting spiritual soul needs but knows how to provide physical and material needs too.

Manna from above we could rightly conclude is all God’s provision he sends, whether the physical or tangible, as well as the spiritual. We are both creatures of spiritual needs as well as dependent on physical provision too- such as food, shelter, clothes and other life necessities. We can trust the Lord to take care of us as he sees best one day at a time. Shall we think God who gave us “The bread from heaven” (Christ Jesus) and withold other things we need?

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. 37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

John 6:35-42 –

To have Jesus Christ is to have everything we truly need. If we have Christ, every promise of God is “Yes and amen”

Meaning every promise in Scripture can be applied to ourselves by faith. Provided we use proper context in claiming such treasured promises. We must do our diligence to understand what exactly is being said and see if we are doing our part in promises that God has certain conditions and requirements for. Yet apart from faith and relationship in Christ these promises cannot be claimed- no more than you can claim someone’s great wealth or home without being in relationship with them. Yet if your married to Christ, he will provide from His good supply all we truly need, and many things too that we enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)

The Church’s Wedding Gift

(Pharaoh king of Egypt had attacked and captured Gezer. He had set it on fire. He killed its Canaanite inhabitants and then gave it as a wedding gift to his daughter, Solomon’s wife.
1 Kings 9:16

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne. 22 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
Revelation 3:21-22

There historically is an event that takes place, Pharaoh attacks Gezar and kills the people in in it and sets it on fire, then he gives it to his daughter Solomon’s wife as a wedding gift. Though Solomon in these times erred by marrying a gentile woman- it serves still none the less as a timeless spiritual reminder of how God through Christ has made “unclean” people the “beloved”

Through faith in Christ Jesus, we have been “accepted in the beloved”

to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace
Ephesians 1:6-7 –

Though from an Old Testament sense Pharaoh’s daughter was “Unclean” she became Solomon’s wife – serving as a forshadowing of what was to come. Christ who died for sin, not just of Israel has made salvation available to “all who believe, for it makes no difference. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23)

We see Pharaoh attacks the city of Gezar destroying those in it setting it on fire. We know God also reserves fire in store to pour out on those who reject His Son, and he will at some point no longer endure any more contempt from a world that defiantly rejects His rule. He will execute his judgement and give this world over to the Beloved people who love Him and do his will.

Yet for now he waits patiently for all who will respond to his invitation of peace

I am not angry. If only there were briers and thorns confronting me! I would march against them in battle; I would set them all on fire. Or else let them come to me for refuge; let them make peace with me, yes, let them make peace with me.”
Isaiah 27:4-5

There is still opportunity to bow, and “Kiss the son”

Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 2:10-12

“The Lord is With You Mighty Warrior”

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon, he said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior. ” Judges 6:12

Gideon was called to free the Israelites from the oppressive power of Midian. Yet Gideon did not see himself as how God described him at all. He said things like ““Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family. ”
(Judges 6:15 )

For one the Lord saw him as “Mighty warrior” and saw Gideon’s potential not present state.

Secondly, the Lord wanted Gideon to put his faith in God’s power, not his own might

The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites, leaving none alive.” Judges 6:16 –

The key was in the phrase “I will be with you”
The Lord earlier on said this to Moses

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain. ”
Exodus 3:11-12 –

When God puts in front of us a task that seems too far beyond us, well that is cause it always is. As it says “Not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord” (Zechariah 4:6)

The Lord never wants us to focus on our skills, power and strength- he wants us to rely on Him and His power. “This is what the Lord says: “Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,” declares the Lord .
Jeremiah 9:23-24

So when its God calling us to do something, he will more often than not make it God sized so we rely on Him to provide the strength to get through it or Him for the solution to it.

In reality living the Christian life is a Christ sized objective, we can only succeed at it through Christ’s power, so we wont take any credit!

What barriers and obstacles are you facing today reader? Lets revisit some key points

• God called Gideon what He knew Gideon has potential to become through His power
• God empowered Gideon to do the impossible

Do you feel like your facing things beyond you? Do you feel you fail to measure up to what God says you are? Take heart and invite his power to do the work and make you all He knows you can be (Philippians 2:13, Philippians 4:13)

“AS CHRIST LOVES THE CHURCH” She cannot outdo His love

Jesus Christ already factored in our human weakness when he saved us. Imagine several scenarios, your children probably love you but can they really outdo the love you have showed them over their lifetime? Think of how much money you spend over a span of 18 years taking care of your children, feeding them, clothing them, sending them to school and all the money you spend for them to keep a roof over their heads. Well you cannot probably expect them to outlove you.

When you marry a woman, you may already take into consideration, she has her weaknesses and emotions and moods. She has her days where she may even herself admit she is difficult. Yet you love that woman because she is yours, and you committed your life to her. One of my dearest friends who passed away some time ago said something inspiring to me, he said “I knew my wife had anger problems before I married her, but I did it anyway. I love her anyways.” I could really sense he loved her how fondly he spoke of her and would say “You know divorce just isnt in my vocabulary”

This man was one great inspiration to me and really learned alot from him. His life was not easy but he always reminded me to trust the Lord.

Yet the thing about Grace is, we often think of grace as just a one time thing Christ did to save us, instead of a continual flow of God’s goodness to us who are saved.

We were saved by grace, we are kept saved by that same grace. In spite of weakness God knew we had in advance he still chose us to be His

Praise the Lord for that!

Spiritual Antibiotics

Penicillin

Penicillin is a mold derivative that is now an antibiotic. Yet when Penicillin was first discovered to inhibit the growth of bacteria it was observed in a petre dish. The bacteria seemed to be thriving in other places but not around the penicillin growth.

Yet, as believers Christ has commanded us to be “Salt and light” – salt too is a bit of antiseptic in nature. It has healing properties as well and is used often as a great preservative. The fact of the matter is Jesus wants us as his followers to act like this- to influence and affect the culture in such a way it preserves to some degree the values and goodness. Sin grows in this world quite extensively, yet the Christian’s influence should serve to stifle that to some degree. We do that in a few key ways

• Sharing the Gospel.
  The Gospel is one of the greatest weapons against darkness we have. We can see lives changed as result of sharing the message. The Gospel is both a lifestyle as well as a message, when we live according to the truth we speak we take an effective approach to shining light of Christ in a dark world sin grows so well in

14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:14-16 –

Light is actually also something in nature that has power to kill and inhibit some bacterial growth. The sunlight especially do to some UV rays. Yet if you remember anything from highschool biology class you will know bacteria thrive best in 5 different conditions generally

1.) Dark places
2.) Moist Places
3.) Food Source
4.) Proper Ph level
5.) Ideal temperature

Sin too is like rank bacterial growth. Sin loves the dark and does well when light is not exposing it. The Ph – the condition of the heart and not being balanced is a way to let sin begin to grow well. Lukewarmness is an invitation to sin, complacency speeds up lethargy of the soul and opens us up to spiritual infections. We often through what we allow to come into our minds and think on give sin food source to grow and grow.

Bacteria rely on moisture to move freely through droplets. Being as they make use of a tail called a flagella- moist environments make it easier for bacterial organisms to move and spread.

Salt- dehydrates and preserves, it also creates a ph level microbes are not fond of.

It is no wonder Jesus used light and salt for his illustration here.

—-Living Right and Not Compromising

When we live as we ought and do not compromise our values in a world that it is not popular. We remind the world they are living against God’s will.

Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked.
Proverbs 25:26 –

——Prayer
One other very powerful way to influence society is through prayer. Since the Lord is open to the prayers of the upright, we can with confidence pray over a world that is so quickly coming undone. God listens to prayers of the person of faith and if we do not pray, who else is going to do that and be truly heard? (See JAMES 5:16)

God can do all he wants without prayer, but has decided to use the prayers of his people as means to bringing his will into situations on earth. We must not forget this.

Spiritual Therapy

We all heard of physical therapy. The techniques of strengthening muscles and getting the body stronger. Yet imagine for a moment you were trying to build your core – abdominal and balance muscles. You may be told to sit on this ball here and then imagine someone trying to push you off of it but you resist it to strengthen those core balance muscles. The more you resist against the opposing force the stronger those muscles will become. Yet our faith works alot like that too

We rest and sit on the promises of God, yet there are opposing forces trying to push us from our secure trust and position. We have to contend against what we see, how we feel, and at times even spiritual antagonists.

Yet we must resist the pressure and push. We must rely on faith inspite of what we see, and resist the urge to go by how we feel. The more we exercise faith over feelings and sight, the stronger our faith becomes.

You will one day see God had a reason for all the trials he allowed you to go through in life, and thank him for those

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline —then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. “Make level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
Hebrews 12:7-13 –

Discipline means basically “training” and in this context it has very constructive applications. Many see the word discipline and assume it means “Punishment” for sin. The truth is though discipline may feel unpleasant, punishment from God is often destructive and done through wrath towards sin, discipline however has more friendly fatherly connotations- it is used for spiritual development

Not all trials are directly result of sin. Even ones that are I have seen personally God use to shape me and build me. Yet often our trials are a part of just living in a place that is not yet heaven but God is using all of them for our good!

Always Protects, Trusts, Hopes, Perseveres

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
1 Corinthians 13:7

True there are exceptions to this- we know the Bible says we ought not trust everyone and there are times where protecting someone from consequences is not good. We know that we should not put all our hope in a person but truly in the Lord. Yet what is this saying then? We should always try to practice love and protect someone’s reputation even if they did something that we could gossip about or make them look bad for. We should trust and not assume the worst. We should hope the best for others- even when we are not getting along too well with them. We should persevere through challenges and get through the messy things of life.

Think about it this way. A man who loves his wife. He ought to protect her, maybe she had a bad day and acted a certain way or maybe vice versa he was the one being difficult, but couples show love by protecting the decency and honor of eachother- not bad mouthing the other to all who will listen

Always trusts- well maybe we could say “give the benefit of a doubt” and “believe the best about that person” even if they are having a bad and off day. We all have days we need grace to come unraveled don’t we? We all need days to be loved where we are at, even though we are not where we ought to be at. Thats what grace is all about, and how blessed we are to have a God of grace.

Always hopes- well shouldn’t we hope for the best for that other? Want them to rise to the fullest of their God given potential? We hope for their best, even if they are acting their worst. Why? Cause Christ does that for us. Merciful and gracious he is, how longsuffering and patient is the Lord! Ah and he does not break His covenant of love with us because we are having bad days!

Always perseveres- pressing through difficulties is a way to really grow any relationship. Go back to the scenario of a couple. The couples that have good and amazing marriages are not ones that do not have challenges or difficulties or times they get into arguments, but stay commited and work through the “mess” to see how God will bless.

Perseverance is key to any lasting relationship as well as faith itself. We must hang in their if we want to truly succeed. Its ok to have moments, we got to never give up though!

Marriage- Teaches Us To Die To Self

“Many approach marriage seeing a crown or roses and not accepting there is the downside of thorns.”

But still it is a beautiful blessing, it is one of a man’s greatest blessings to find a woman he loves, but indeed marriage is also a cross a good man must learn to be crucified on. Yes crucifying his selfishness, his pride, his own emotions often. 

“Husbands love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for it.” Ephesians 5:25

Yet there be times a man only needs to die to himself in such moment- his wife’s words may pierces his heart like sharp nails. He must at times hang there silently like Christ did. Did Christ utter threats or show anger in response? Ah it says “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:21-23 )

There will be times her words will pierce. Her coldness and distance may keep him back like a spear extended. Yet will he follow His master’s example? One of the greatest ways a man can show how much he loves his wife is how he treats her and the choice he makes to still love, cherish and treasure her, even at her worst.

Marriage is not merely about “happiness” but holiness, Christlikeness and learning to love a human being so deep, that you know them for who they truly are good, bad and ugly sides yet still remain faithful and choose to love them inspite of it.