I must confess I have so looked forward to doing the final week of homework and I was not disappointed. At different times, I found myself singing involuntarily to the holiness of God. I was reminded that indeed we are the temple of the living God in the new covenant. He is dwelling in my tent. Since my spirit, soul and body are inseparably linked, each impacts the other. Like this week, with my illness, my emotional and spiritual life suffered as well. If God is indeed dwelling in me, then it behooves me to honour this body that he knit together in my mother's womb. How often I have seen Christians not taking care of their bodies, and that includes me. I tell you, I started back on my vitamin regimen and did my walk today. Oh yeah! Beth remarked, "A healthy, holy tabernacle provides the best environment in which a healthy, holy soul and spirit can thrive."
Father, may I remember daily that I am the temple of the living God and prompt me to take the best care of my body, soul and spirit. May I exercise my body, mind and soul in walking, studying and reflecting on Your Word, living practically, praying and communing with You. May I remember that I have been chosen to reveal Your glory in the darkness around us. Thank You for that awesome privilege. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Morsel #2
Oh my, this is what I have so long anticipated. This sumptuous morsel. Beth titled the last study day as The Intimacy of the Holy of Holies. She had us draw again the basic tabernacle diagram. This time we looked in the New Testament and at how intimacy grew as the Holy of Holies was approached, but how the numbers of people dwindled when it came to the most Holy Place. 1Cor.15:6 showed 500 brothers saved-figuratively standing at the bronze altar as we enter the tabernacle. Next we see Luke 10:1-2, where 72 people were set apart for service--figuratively placing them at the basin. Then we come across the 12 disciples fellowshipping with Jesus in Matt.26:17-30. We can figuratively place them beside the Holy Place. Yet we read in Matt.17:1-8 and Mark 14:32-52 that only 3 were invited into the innermost chambers to witness the transfiguration, to witness the agony at Gethsamene. Beth asks, "Why just those three?" She answers, "Because God pierces the deepest intents of the heart. He knows who really yearns and searches for Him."
Prayer:
"Oh, Father, would that I be one who enters to meet with You in the Most Holy Place. I know that to enter there means that my heart's desire must be for You, and You alone. This You have been teaching me. Though it was a temporal crisis that prompted this coming to You in this way, I now realize that the need that I have is for You. All else fades because it is covered by You. May I always yearn and search for You. May I display Your awesome resurrection power through my earthly sufferings. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Beth asks this question and I want you to consider it with me: "Can you live with the mediocrity of life in the outer court when you have been invited to dwell in the excellence of the innermost place?" If you dare enter, you will never be the same. Nor will anyone around you."
And I will say to Beth, YES!!!! I want more than anything to dwell constantly in the innermost place. And yes, I know that I will never be the same! From the start of this blog to now, it is amazing how God is filling out His Word to me. The picture is getting clearer and clearer!
Here is part of Beth's poem with the last verse bringing me to my feet in exultation saying "YES!!!" May you too know the joy of her sentiment.
Heaven
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