Scripture:   Exodus chapter 40   The Tabernacle Completed
(Read the whole chapter, it's not that long.)

v9. Take the anointing oil and sprinkle it on the Tabernacle
and on all its furnishings to make them holy.  v10. Sprinkle
the anointing oil on the alter of burnt offering and its utensils,
sanctifying them.  Then the altar will become most holy.  v11.
Next anoint the large washbasin and its pedestal to make
them holy.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst."
Matthew 18:20

Reflection:

You know a lot of people read this chapter, and end up
saying, Who cares?  This chapter tells us about the
planning, and makeup and building of the Tabernacle
(the church).  You may read this and think it's boring,
but there is some real meaning here for us.  You see
this chapter is about worship, and how it should really
matter.  Some how we take this beautiful concept that
God is everywhere, and use it as an excuse not to go to
church.  We say I can worship God in my own way,
or I am worshiping God in nature, or I can worship
God at home listening to the football game.  The truth is
it is important to go to church. You see we are not
a club, we are not a group, we are not even a charity.
We are members of a family!   And the glue that holds
our family together is the Holy Spirit. We as a church
are the family of God.  We as a family who gathers together
and worships our God. We commune, (have in common),
with each other and our God. What I recognize, is how
wonderful it is to have the honor to share in this divine
fellowship.  Through church I never have to be alone, that
at any given time I can turn to Him and my church family
for direction. 
" Your Christian community is essential to your
spiritual growth. It's members guide, correct, comfort,
and forgive you. God designed it that way.  Think
about your "immediate family" in Christ, those you
worship and fellowship with.  Thank God for the
ministry that each individual has in you life."
(Closer Walk).
THANK GOD FOR CHURCH!

Prayer:

"May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love
of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you
all"  (2 Corinthians 13: 14)
­ 

We can be confident that he will listen to us whenever
we ask him for anything in line with his will. And if we
know he is listening when we make our requests,
we can be sure that he will give us what we ask for.
1 John 5:14-15

I love the Lord because he hears and answers my prayers.
Because he bends down and listens, I will pray
as long as I have breath!
Psalm 116:1-2

I love this quote from C.S. Lewis

Seize any time

And talking of sleepiness, I entirely agree with you
that no one in his senses, if he has any power of
ordering his own day, would reserve his chief prayers
for bedtime—obviously the worst possible hour for
any action which needs concentration. The trouble
is that thousands of unfortunate people can hardly
find any other. Even for us, who are the lucky ones,
it is not always easy. My own plan, when hard-pressed,
is to seize any time and place, however unsuitable,
in preference to the last waking moment. On a day
of traveling—with, perhaps, some ghastly meeting
at the end of it—I'd rather pray sitting in a crowded
train than put it off till midnight when one reaches
a hotel bedroom with aching head and dry throat
and one's mind partly in a stupor and partly in a
whirl. On other, and slightly less crowded, days
a bench in a park or a back street where one can
pace up and down will do.
C. S. Lewis in Letters to Malcolm
Quoted in The Quotable Lewis edited by Wayne
Martindale and Jerry Root (Tyndale House) p 493)

Reflection:

Do you really believe that God listens to you?
Do you really believe that He bends down and
listens?  I believe it!  That is a very important part
of my faith.....to believe God listens to me. Why
would I have any faith in any kind of God that does
not listen to me.  Because of my belief that my
Lord is listening to me, I pray often to God. One
thing that I do is anytime there is an accomplishment
made in my work, I thank God.  Because I believe
God is listening I often ask him for help.  When I am
faced with a problem I actually ask God "What
do you want me to do".  And the most amazing thing is,
one way or another, He answers me.  God makes
His presence known to me, my God is there for me
and always is listening.  I try to never put off prayer,
I don't say God I'll talk to You later.  No matter
what I'm doing or where I'm at, I'm mindful of Gods
presence.  I've learned, in my Christian walk, that
the best time to talk with God IS NOW! 

Prayer:

Lord I want to praise You and thank You for always
being there for me.  You are a wonderful God.  You
are compassionate, loving, and merciful, and I thank
You for loving me.  Lord I don't need to prove that you
exist, because I know you exist because you are
always there for me.  I just wanted to take time to
say......THANK YOU GOD........
I pray this Lord in the name
of Jesus Christ, Your Son, the Savior of the world.
Amen
 

Scripture:

42.Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you
come into your kingdom." 43. Jesus answered him,
"I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
(Luke 23:42,43) NIV

Reflection:

You know I understand what it's like to suffer for
past sins.  I have done some things in my life that
I'm ashamed of and in some cases still bother me.
I have certainly not led a perfect life.
I used to let these past sins run my life. The very
way I used to be and things I did, made me
depressed, and left me with a feeling of guilt and
worthlessness. I felt lonely and very much unloved.

There are many things that happened when I opened
my heart, my spirit, my whole life to Jesus Christ.
But these two verses gave, and still give me hope.
(I have tears as I right these words)  Here was a
man who believed.  Who turned to this man called
Jesus, this man, who like him, was being executed
AND HE BELIEVED!  HE BELIEVED!  Earlier we
saw that this criminal, this sinner, knew that Jesus
was more than a man, and that Jesus had done
nothing to deserve this cruel death. He deserved
his punishment, but Jesus did not.  And what did
this man do?  He asked Christ to simply remember
him when he went to heaven. And how did Christ
respond?  He told him that today he was going to
heaven with Him. The only person in the Scripture
that he promised heaven was this criminal, who was
considered the lowest of lows, this wretched man
was that very day going with Jesus to heaven.

Now I would like to tell you something that comes
from my heart. If Jesus Christ could love and forgive
and reward this man, who did so many terrible sins
....with eternal life. And He can love and forgive and
reward me, a terrible sinner.....with eternal life.
Then Jesus Christ loves and forgives you, and
rewards you with eternal life. ALL YOU HAVE TO
DO IS BELIEVE. JUST BELIEVE. Remember He
loves you and me no matter what we've done.
Just open your heart, your mind, your very soul
to Christ. BELIEVE

And to you brothers and sisters who already
believe, but maybe have troubles right now.
Remember these two verses and renew
yourselves in the very fact that Jesus loves you,
and forgives you and promises you eternal life.
HE IS THERE FOR YOU.

Prayer:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God-   the Savior of the
world.  Today, as best I know how, I receive You
and renew You into my heart by faith, asking You
to forgive my sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all.  And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN

GOD LOVES YOU AND SO DO I

Dear Lord,

There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience
this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for
me through Jesus Christ. Today my heart and my soul are
free to praise you. For this I am very thankful.

On this Independence Day I am reminded of all those
who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example
of your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both
physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember
that my freedom was purchases with a very high price.
My freedom cost others their very lives.

Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue
to give their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty
meet their needs and watch over their families.

Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord.
Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else's
life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others
into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.

Amen
 

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 Scripture:

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in Him."  (Romans 15:14)

Reflection:

Well its that time again.  Its time to pick your
candidate.  I have always been astounded at
the quality of political speech making  that goes on
now.. Like the word peace.  Never do I hear that
word use so much as I hear it from our political
candidates.  The problem is of course political
peace is certainly elusive and fragile.  However
we should be very aware that there is a spiritual
peace that comes from knowing and loving God.
The peace that has and is between God and
humanity is sealed by Jesus Christ. Martin
Luther explains what that peace means in our
daily lives.
" Those who rejoice in God are satisfied with
their peace in Him.  They bravely endure
tribulation and do not desire the peace which
reason calls for: removal of the evil.  They stand
firm and await internal strength through faith.
Neither do they think and worry what the end will be but
always place that matter in the hands of God.
They are not fretting to know when, how, or where
their trouble will be ended.  This is why God, in turn,
grants them grace and prepares for an end for their
evil- and end which shows benefits so great as to
exceed all expectations and desires.
Behold, this is the peace of the Cross, the peace of
God, the peace of conscience, CHRISTIAN PEACE.
Reason connot comprehend how we can have peace
in th midst of strife.  Nor can reason accomplish
this.  It is the work of God that is known only to
the person who has experienced it." (Martin Luther)

You see as a person of faith, a Christian, Christ
Himself is my peace. " He came and preached
peace to you who were far away and peace to
those who were near" (Ephesians 2:14-15, 17)
Isn't it really time for you to learn what peace is
all about?

Prayer:

Thank you God that in Your embrace I find
my salvation and my peace.

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence,it can
only be attained through understanding.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture: 

"I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."
Acts 21: 13

Reflection:

One of the greatest and most well known missionary was
Dr. David Livingstone.  He was especially admired for his
sacrifice for his savior.  Listen to what he said about
sacrifice.
"People talk of the sacrifice I have made in spending so
much of my life in Africa.  Can that be called a sacrifice
which is simply acknowledging a great debt we owe to
God, which we can never repay?  Is that a sacrifice which
brings its own reward in healthful activity, the consciousness
of doing good, peace of mind, and a bright hope of a
glorious destiny?  It is emphatically no sacrifice.  Rather
it is a privilege.  (Later on he said)  I never made a sacrifice.
Of this we ought not to talk, when we remember the great
sacrifice which he made who left His Father's throne on
high to Himself for us."

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him will
not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

You know Jesus Christ did not consider it to be to
big of a sacrifice to die on the cross for all of us.
He did it because He loves us. Why should I
think it to big of a sacrifice to spread God's love
right now, today.  You really don't have to be a
missionary like the apostle Paul or Dr. Livingstone.
You don't need to be sent to some remote mission
field. Your mission field may be your neighbor,
your co worker, a family member.  You see we all
need to hear that our Father God had only one
Son, and He gave that one Son to us, so that we
are forgiven, yes you and I and our neighbor are
forgiven.  We are a forgiven people, our sins are
forgiven, all our sins are forgiven.  And we have
eternal life.  We have to do only one thing, and
that is to believe this and to believe in the love of
God.  This is indeed a privilege

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God-   the Savior of the
world.  Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all.  And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!

Scripture:

"While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made
a united attack on Paul.....But Gallio showed no
concern whatsoever."
Acts 18: 12,17

Reflection:

Here we see a shinning example of apathy.  If
you read Acts chapter 18, Gallio had a perfect
chance to hear and learn about Jesus Christ, he
had a chance to stand up for something, instead
he just didn't care enough, he was apathetic.
Gallio's brother Seneca, the philosopher, once
said about Gallio, "Few men are so agreeable
about anything as my brother Gallio is about
everything."
I firmly believe that apathy is the work of the
devil and the curse of mankind.  I think it's so
very true that evil does not seek out those who
love or those who hate, but only those who don't
care.  Unfortunately thats the majority of people
including Christians.  I know this is a harsh statement
but true. 
Let me ask you something?  How would you respond
if someone told you that your house was on fire and
your family was inside.  Would you give a big yawn,
shug your shoulders, and say "Oh gee sorry to hear
that".   I don't think so, I mean life threatening situations
demand life saving steps, only quick action can stop
certain danger.  Think about the Gospel of
Jesus Christ as this kind of call to action. Jesus Christ
is calling you because your life is in danger, this demands
your prompt response. Please don't be apathetic, care
about your life, accept Jesus Christ as your Savior let
Him into your heart, the need is now!

Prayer of Acceptance:

"Lord Jesus Your word has convinced me that
You are the Son of God-   the Savior of the
world.  Today, as best I know how, I receive You
into my heart by faith, asking You to forgive my
sins and become my Guide through life.
I realize that an almost faith is really no faith at
all.  And so I hold nothing back from You. Lord
I am persuaded. Thank You that my life has been
invaded by Your loving presence. In Jesus Name
AMEN!

Quote:

Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can
only be attained through understanding.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Scripture:

And God will generously provide all you need.
Then you will always have everything you
need and plenty left over to share with others.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT

Reflection:

Plow Work

Dr. Roy L. Laurin tells of a Christian businessman
who was traveling in Korea. In a field by the side
of the road was a young man pulling a crude plow
while an old man held the handles. The businessman
was amused and took a snapshot of the scene.
"That is curious! I suppose these people are very poor,"
he said to the missionary who was interpreter and
guide to the party. "Yes," was the quiet reply, "these
two men happen to be Christians. When their church
was being built, they were so eager to give something
toward it, but they had no money. So they decided to
sell their one and only ox and give the proceeds to
the church. This spring they are pulling the plow
themselves." The businessman was silent for some
moments. Then he said, "That must have been a real
sacrifice." "They did not call it that," said the missionary.
"They thought themselves fortunate that they had an
ox to sell!"
When the businessman reached home, he took
the picture to his pastor and told him about it.
Then he added, "I want to double my giving to the
church and do some plow work. Up until now I
have never given God anything that involved real sacrifice."

Do I really believe that God does provide?  You know it
is so very true that if I really believe that my God will give me
everything that I need, then I certainly have plenty left
over to give to others.  That is what real faith is,
having so much trust in God that He will take care of me,
in everything I need. If I believe this, then I can really give,
I can really sacrifice, I mean really sacrifice, for my church,
for my brothers and sisters who are in desperate need,
for the guy that needs a place to sleep, or that neighbor
who is ill and needs comfort, or visiting someone at the
hospital, maybe even someone I don't even know.  Maybe
it means the sacrifice of loving someone who, all those around
me, hate.  Maybe it means to stand up for my belief in what
is right in the eyes of my God, and suffer ridicule for it. MAYBE
IT MEANS GIVING UP MY OX AND PULLING THE PLOW
MYSELF!

Prayer:

Thank you God for Your sacrifice of Your Son Jesus Christ
for me.

Quote:

Emily Greene Balch
Leader of The Women's International League for Peace and
Freedom, Recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize
(1867-1961)

"We have a long way to go. So let us hasten along the road,
the road of human tenderness and generosity. Groping, we
may find one another's hands in the dark
 

A Poem

by Jim Rolfes, Commander
Plymouth County American Legion
Wasmer Post No. 241, LeMars, Iowa
Date unknown

I am a veteran laid under the sod,
I'm in good company, I'm up here with God.
Come to my grave and visit with me,
I gave up my life so you could be free,
Today is Memorial Day throughout this great land,
there's Avenue of Flages, parades and bands.
I can hear music, the firing squad and taps,
Here come my comrades, the Legionnaires the Bluecaps.
One of them just put a flag by my stone,
Some day he'll have one of his own.
They say they have plans, other things to do,
Don't put us aside as you would an old shoe.
Come visit my grave in this cememtery so clean,
This is what Memorial Day means.
There are many of us lying in wakeless sleep,
In cemeteries of green and oceans of deep.
It's sad that for many who fought so brave,
Now no one comes to visit their grave.
They died so you could have one whole year free,
Now can't you save this one day for me?
There are soldiers, sailors, airmen up there,
Who went into battle despite of their fear.
I've been talking up here to all of those men,
If they had to do it, they'd do it again.
Look, someone is coming to my grave,
It's my family, for them my life I gave.
My wife, I remember our last embrace,
As I left the tears streamed down your face.
I think you knew the day I shipped,
I wouldn't return, your life be turned about.
There's my daughter that I used to hold,
Can it be that you're nearly twenty years old?
Next month is to be your wedding day,
I wish I could be there to give you away.
My son's here, too, Dad's Little Man,
Always love your country, do for it what you can.
There is on thing that really did bother,
Seeing you grow without the aid of a father.
I wish you could all hear me from up above,
That a father's best gift to his children is love.
And what better way to prove my love to the end,
Is that a man lay down his life for his friends.
I see it's time for you to go home,
Your visit made it easier to remain here alone.
Don't cry honey, you look so sad,
Our children are free, you should be glad.
Daughter, thanks for the bouquet so cute,
Thank you son for the sharp salute.
Come again, I forgot, you can't hear me from up here,
But I know you'll come visit me next year.
I hope all veterans are treated this way,
On this day to remember, Memorial Day.

Path Of Peace
     
      Path Of Peace
By Paul Mc Cann


Peace is an easy path to tread
Peace is where our fears are mislaid
Peace is beginning to restore
Peace for each man, woman and child
Peace for the troubled streets gone wild
Peace is for the old and the young
Peace in the end will overcome
Peace builds trust into a lifestyle
Peace is a friendly open hand
Peace is a place to understand
Peace in the end will overcome
Peace is for the old and the young
Peace is a legacy to leave
Peace is when we don't have to grieve
Peace is and end to all the hate
Peace is why we negotiate
Peace for all the victims of war

Paul McCann
 

Scripture:

"But I say to you, do not resist him who is
evil:  but whoever slaps you on your right
cheek, turn to him the other also"
(Matthew 5:39)

"Jesus said: Ye have heard, it was said of
old, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say unto you RESIST NOT EVIL.  But
if one smites thee on the right cheek, turn
him the other also;  and if one will go to law
thee to take thy coat from thee, give him thy
cloak also."  (Matthew 5:38-40 KJV)

Reflection:

These two verses are my favorite two verses
in the whole of Scriptures.  They are also
the most difficult to live by.  Turning the other
cheek is very, very, hard to do. Your not only to
turn the other cheek, your supposed to give him
the other one.  Give....Me....A....Break!  Who in
the world can do that?  Well apparently we can.
I think we need to remember a few things here.
Evil will win some battles, but it will not win the
war. You know why?  Because our faith in
Jesus Christ tells us not to resist evil but to
be better than evil.Thats right! EVIL CANNOT
SURVIVE GOD;S GOODNESS. and God's
goodness is in us.  Also remember that when
you violently resist evil, often you become like
evil.  Evil often time lies in the violence.  Goodness
cannot become evil, then evil does win.  I know
how hard it is, but we must keep turning the other
cheek.  The more we turn the other cheek, the
more God's goodness shines.  Do me a favor will
you?  The next time we hear rumors of a war, let's
remember these two verses. And let's remember
one more thing, Jesus tells us to take care of
the logs in our own eyes before we look for the
specks in others.

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.
Where there is hatred . . . let me sow love
Where there is injury . . . pardon
Where there is doubt . . . faith
Where there is despair . . . hope
Where there is darkness . . . light
Where there is sadness . . . joy
O, Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled . . . as to console
To be understood . . . as to understand,
To be loved . . . as to love
For it is in giving . . . that we receive,
It is in pardoning, that we are pardoned,
It is in dying . . . that we are born to eternal life.