Month: <span>June 2013</span>

Published June 28, 2013

Bezalel: A Man in God’s Plan

by Marilyn Ehle

daily devotional online‘Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have chosen Bezalel…and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills…” Exodus 31:1-6

How many sermons have you heard about Bezalel?? Although the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem is one of the world’s most famous art schools, few outside the Hebrew tradition have heard about this man for whom it is named. A man specially chosen by God to oversee much of the design of the incredibly beautiful tabernacle.

God calls Moses to the top of a mountain and gives him detailed instructions for a place of worship as well as directives on how people should live to glorify this One who was bringing them from slavery to freedom.  These people needed a place to assure them of God’s continuing presence and so this tent of meeting would be made in such a way that it could be transported from place to place during their sojourn.

While generations have rightly honored the names of Moses, Aaron, Miriam and Joshua, how interesting that God not only chooses but empowers an ordinary man to “make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze…” An ordinary man with extraordinary skills. A man who would wander through the desert like the rest of the Israelites but one who would always look at what his hands had created and know that God chose him and filled him with the Holy Spirit to faithfully accomplish a great work.

What do you create on a daily basis? Meals? Music? Houses? Plumbing systems? Do some of your creations get dusty with use or need repair? Do people ignore or devalue your creations? Do you wonder if your name is included in any list of Creative Geniuses?

Take heart! God chooses, empowers and gives skills to ordinary people to accomplish His plan to re-create the world so His beauty can be seen.

Father, thank you for the variety of people you use to mirror your likeness. Help me recognize and appreciate them as well as explore the gifts you have given me.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/06/28/me_bezalel-a-man-in-gods-plan/

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Thoughts by All thoughts by Marilyn Ehle Thoughts by Women

Published June 24, 2013

Leaving a Margin

by Gail Rodgers

“The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down” (Proverbs 14:1)

She confided that life just seemed to be fraying around the edges, especially in her home.  As we talked it was clear that the frenzied pace she kept was taking a toll on her home. “I love to be busy”, she said. Yet the fruit of that busyness was not the fruit she desired for her home and family.

When we live at a pace that continually drains us we end up taking it out on those closest to us. Complaining, frustration and lack of patience can surface all too often. As women we can actually be tearing down relationships by our own hand and not even be aware we are doing so. A wise woman will take note of her reactions and make a choice to be a builder.

If your quiet time with God has slipped by the wayside of your life it won’t be long before you notice the tell-tale reactions of complaining, negativity and frustration in your life and relationships.

Ask God to help you keep some margin in your life so you are not running to the max all the time. Learn to choose your time investments carefully.

Ask God to come in a fresh way into your life to help you make time with Him a priority. Choose to make some changes in your schedule so God can make some changes in your heart. Invite His Holy Spirit to be the change agent in your life today. Ask for what the Bible calls the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22) It’s “The Great Exchange.” He will help you build your relationships. You can depend on God to be your source for all your needs.

  •     Exchange your weakness for His strength.
  •     Exchange your unsatisfied heart for His joy.
  •     Exchange your annoyance with His love.
  •     Exchange your anxiety with His peace.
  •     Exchange your impatience for His patience.
  •     Exchange your complaining for His contentment.
  •     Exchange your harsh attitude for His gentleness.

Father in Heaven, Today I ask that You would forgive me for foolishly reacting in ways that can tear my relationships down. Fill me afresh today with the fruit of Your Holy Spirit. May I be a wise woman filled with the wisdom and revelation that Your Spirit offers me. Help me to choose my activities carefully and to leave some margin in my life for rest. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

You can comment on this devotional online at:
https://thoughts-about-god.com/blog/2013/06/24/gr_leaving-a-margin/

Thoughts by All thoughts by Gail Rodgers Thoughts by Women