I’ve Seen Enough

May 31, 2020By

Monday Morning Manna

“When the people heard these distressing words, they began to mourn and no one put on any ornaments. For the Lord had said to Moses, “Tell the Israelites, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go with you even for a moment, I might destroy you. Now take off your ornaments and I will decide what to do with you.”                                                                                    Exodus 33:4-5, NIV

Many years have now passed and I’m still upset with Kurt!  Kurt was my roommate my freshman year in college and later it was determined that he and I were related but even still I have unfavorable thoughts about Kurt today.  The story goes that I held a job while simultaneously attending college and due to the income I received I was often able to afford things that the average college student could not. Of my many treasured purchases one of my most favorite was a pair of Air Jordan sneakers.  Specifically, they were the Jordan IX’s that came out in 1993.  They were the ones that were made after Mike led the bulls to their third consecutive championship just prior to him retiring to play baseball later that year. Because the typical college student is strapped for cash it was smart to always lock one’s dorm room so as to ensure that all of your stuff would be there upon your return.  Sometime late one night I entered the room only to find that several of my treasures had been stolen and one of the items were my new J’s.  I was livid to say the least!  Brothers and Sisters, in my opinion there is nothing worse than having something stolen from you!  Had I lost them at least I would have known that it was my fault; had I given them away at least I would have known that I did a great deed and had I torn them at least I would have known what happened to them but to have a thing stolen from you is awful.  Theft is awful because the human mind has to garner its response to the violation.  As you can imagine for the next several weeks I made it my business to look at everyone’s feet that left the dorm in hope that I would find my sneakers.  Second, I put up signs all over campus inquiring about the theft and most of all for at least the rest of that year the thought that someone had victimized me in such a cowardly way never left my psyche.  In time, I grew to forgive Kurt for leaving our room door unlocked but even after over twenty years have passed whenever I see Kurt, the first thing that crosses my mind is that he owes my $125.00.  I say all of this to segway into my thought that once something is stolen the violation can never be erased from the human mind and the overwhelming feeling of victimization tends to remain in the soul often making one distrustful of others.  To that end, my heart pains for the families of George Floyd, Ahmoud Arbery, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice, Breonna Taylor and Trayvon Martin, to name a few.  These are the names of just a few people whose lives were stolen by mere murderers.  I cry for their families and am angered by the events that caused each of them to meet their untimely demise.  Today, a national outcry is occurring across the country by those who may not be related to either of them by blood but all of our souls can certainly relate to the victimization that each of them and their families have had to endure.  The outcry of this moment is being felt in the states of Minnesota, Georgia, California, Tennessee and to some degree even smaller states like Louisiana and Mississippi.  Every red-blooded American should be livid at this total disregard for human life and at the time of this writing many are exhibiting their anger in a plethora of unfruitful ways under the guise of peaceful protest.  Sadly, it’s even more painful to me that politicians at the highest levels as well as, evangelical leaders have remained silent.  The danger in silence is that according to the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “silence equals consent.”   

Regardless, of what your feelings may be about this national disaster my appeal is that the best responses to it are prayer, protest and empathy.  In the verse above the children of Israel have been abundantly blessed by God.  He has brought them out of slavery in Egypt through the leadership of Moses.  If having freed them wasn’t enough, God also provided food for them during their times of hunger and water for them so long as, they were thirsty.  It followed that Moses left the congregation of over 2,000,000 people and went atop of Mt. Sinai to commune with God about what steps needed to be taken next and to receive the Ten Commandments.  While Moses was away rather than glorify God the large congregation opted to build and worship and idol god in the form of a golden calf made from their own personal gold ornaments.   Because of their actions God informed Moses that He was going to allow the children of Israel to no longer enjoy His Divine Protection which led them to immediately remove all of their remaining ornaments and to seek Gods forgiveness. The decision by God to remove His protection drove Moses to pray empathically for his kinsmen in hope that God would rescind His decision.  Isn’t it interesting that Moses didn’t protest, he prayed first and he didn’t turn a blind eye to what he saw instead, he prayed! Moses had no idea why these people would have behaved in such a way nor, did he understand the deepest desires of their soul but he did what he could which was to pray.  I appeal to you my brother and sister to do likewise and pray for the many lives being impacted by the stolen lives of beloved souls.  Though like Moses, you may not understand the situation and you may not have ever experienced victimization and you may not share the same bloodline as those impacted and you may not agree with any of their actions, you can pray for them by name!  To be honest, I hardly doubt that one can boast of being pro-life and remain silent during a life being taken irregardless of how it may have happened.  Additionally, I doubt that one can boast of being anything close to Christian if human tragedy can be viewed as not their business.  Every Christian should be concerned, every American should be angry and every human being should be hurt by the taking of innocent life no matter one’s race, color, gender, sexual and/or religious preference.  Every human being deserves to be treated humanely regardless of what they’ve done and the only one who should ever take life is, He who gave it! I declare that we are a better nation than this and we are a better people.  That said, I encourage empathy and prayer in the wake of everything that is playing itself out on the world stage.  In response to the outbreak of virus and disease we must pray, in response to loss of life, we must pray and in response to an atypical political climate we as the children of God must pray!  It was precisely empathic prayer by Moses that indeed led God to renege on His decision which caused Moses to then ask God to show him His Glory.  The story goes on to report that God told Moses, that no one could see His Glory and live but that He would place Moses in a cliff, put His hands over Moses’ eyes and walk by so, that when He had passed a step or two that He could remove His hand so that Moses could see His back.  If you were Moses in that cliff that day, what you would have seen was Gods back as He moved past which would have been just enough for you to know that God above all is seeable, knowable and touchable.  Saints, I believe that God Himself pains at the senseless loss of the myriad of lives named earlier in this writing as He too hurts anytime anyone anywhere is victimized.  Nonetheless, the Good News is that He can be seen, known, touched and His ears are always open to those who pray.  This week, I beg you to join me in prayer for our world, our country, our faith and every one of our personal relationships! Unfortunately, times like these in the not too distant past have divided us as a nation but my argument is that having seen enough what we ought do now is pray keeping in mind that, “Whenever life gets too difficult for us to stand, we must Kneel!’     

Sincerely,

A. Darrell Barlow, D.Min

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LIVING WATER

May 24, 2020By

“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”                                                                                                           John 7:38, KJV

MONDAY MORNING MANNA

“Living Water”

Some time ago my COO and trusted friend asked me the interrogative question of where on earth did I get the energy I seem to have? Interrogative questions allow you to gather information and clear up confusion as well as, engage in interesting conversations thus asked.  This interrogative question actually answered itself because he already knew the response.      His question nonetheless, was a witness of Gods glory.  Still he asked however, because he seemed awed by my many and multifaceted ministry obligations which seem to some as overwhelming. Specifically, that morning I had preached to soldiers in Hattiesburg then drove two hours to preach to nearly 300 Saints at the church after which he caught me just before I drove another thirty minutes to preach to inmates at a local prison that night. As I think deeply on our brief conversation in the corridor it begs me to consider the awesome ministry of the late Rev. Billy Graham who has to his credit having led over 2,000,000 people to Christ through his ministry that spanned over sixty years. Though, I don’t reckon that I may get the opportunity to reach that many people, I certainly have a deep desire to do so. That’s just it – our desires are within our hearts because they like our dreams, our wishes and our potentialities exist in the Spirit and because we are Spiritual beings they like our Spirits are infinite. This is why Jesus could say “my meat is to do the will of my Father” and why the late Rev. Dennis Kinlaw could say at 80 years old that after all of his preaching which spanned over 60 years as well, that his only wish was that he could preach one more sermon.

Brothers and Sisters when our Spirits are operated completely by the God who rightly owns them, the possibilities for greatness in our lives become limitless. What I mean is that there is a hole in our hearts called the Spirit that is so seated because through it and For His glory, Our God wants to lead us towards passions, plans, places and possibilities that will shock the world.   The old saying is that if you can dream it, you can achieve it and that’s because our dreams are nothing more than down payments on our destinies of which God is the leinholder. Man and Woman of God, there is nothing you can’t do, there’s nothing too big for a believer and nothing, absolutely nothing can stop you from flourishing except YOU! Let’s start today trusting God and sowing more to the Spirit so that God can fill us with the needed energies, passions and purposes to pursue His Divine will for our lives. Namely, better marriages, better finances, better attitudes and better days are all related to a better spiritual walk.  I encourage you to Pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit and to begin to sow into spiritual things in anticipation that God will move you closer to greatness as you walk farther from sin.  Unfortunately, sin and success are mutually exclusive which is to say that there can be no significant success in anyone whose soul unrepentant sin reigns. I can assure you that your possibilities become limitless when your Spirit begins to no longer be blocked by sin and moreover, the overflow that God wishes to flood into your heart is an unlimited supply of good that will flow from your Spirit into your soul and out into society through your body. As the old song says, He wants to Bless you, Let Him Bless you today by quenching your thirst for more with His Living Water!

Dr A. Darrell Barlow

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WEATHER VS. WHETHER

May 17, 2020By

“As the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.” 1 Kings 17:1, KJV

MONDAY MORNING MANNA

Like a lot of students, I have always had difficulty with spelling.  Particularly, the words weather and whether have always given me great trial.  The word weather is primarily used as a noun.   It is the state of the atmosphere in a particular place (e.g., rain, sunshine, snow and so on). On the other hand, the word whether is a coordinating conjunction mostly used to introduce a clause and express a choice between alternatives.  Simply stated the words that follow a coordinating conjunction determine the mood of the moment.  In one Scriptural reference found in Acts 17:11, Paul writes of the Bereans’ that they were noble men who searched the Scriptures to see whether those things he preached about were so.  God never intended certain things to be left up to us but the choice on whether we make it through those things are indeed up to us.  In the text above the Prophet Elijah was called to deliver a message to King Ahab about the weather.  It seems that Gods message to the unholy King was that the weather would be such that no precipitation would fall for three and a half years.  This act of God had a tremendous impact on the entire world at the time as it caused utter pandemonium.  First, with no rain those who farmed would not be able to harvest their crops.  With no crop growth it would follow that no markets would be free to sale goods and over time even the rivers, lakes and ponds that once provided a water source for the community would eventually dry because of the weather.  Naturally, one would think that this would cause utter ruin to the society which it did to most people, except the Prophet Elijah.  Elijah whose name means “Yahweh is God” was one whose life shows us that though God alone controls the weather, should we place our trust in Him our faith can predict whether we will make it through those storms of life ultimately coming out better than we were at their beginning.  Of late, the Covid-19 pandemic has been responsible for worldwide hunger, unemployment, death and utter hopelessness.  While the world anticipates a vaccine to eradicate this virus we can be confident that its end is largely dependent upon whether we will maintain our faith in God even through this.  The story continues that Elijah was told to go to Cherith where there was a brook from which he could drink and that food would be provided for him by a Waitr service involving a Raven to bring him bread and meat each day.  It’s just a blessing to know that in times of trouble God both protects and provides for His children by His Holy Power.  Even after a period of time that the brook dried, still God had a plan for Elijah which involved him going to the town of Sidon where a widow would sustain him.  The widow experiencing a tough time due to the drought herself had made the decision that she’d make the last meal for herself and her only son and then they’d wait to die of starvation.  The Prophet informs the widow that the Word of the Lord was that she should feed him first which the woman did and based on her act of overwhelming faith in the wake of worldwide pandemic it followed that God ensured that her food never ran out.  This woman and Elijah both learned great lessons about faith during that time and I pray that we too have learned much through the Covid-19.  One lesson that I’ve learned is that the Power of God protects and provides for His people no matter what they may face!  We cannot control the end of this virus no more than we can the weather but we can control whether we draw closer to God through this or drift away from Him.  To that end, I encourage every believer to trust in His power today!  His power can be withheld or it can be released.  God withheld his power so King Nebuchadnezzar could throw the Hebrew boys into the fiery furnace but then because they chose to express overwhelming faith in Him God then released His power to save them from peril.  God again held back His power long enough for Daniel to be thrown in the lion’s den but due to Daniels faith God then released His Power to shut the lion’s mouth.  Again, God held back His Power long enough for Paul and Silas to be incarcerated but released it which caused them to walk out unharmed.  Finally and of greatest importance was that one Friday evening God withheld His Power long enough for Jesus’ hands and feet to be pierced with nails, His head and side to be punctured with a Roman spear and His human body to die; however, days later God then released His Power to raise Jesus from death opening the doors of the prison doors of sin that once held us to be flung wide open. With such a Powerful God on our side it should follow that we’ve much to praise Him for even in the wake of this challenging time.       It’s been nothing but the Power of God that has protected us through this virus and His hand has Provided so much so, that we’ve not missed a meal.  In light of all that’s going on let’s decide today whether we will trust that in a short while we too, are going to experience such a release of Gods Power that we will never again question His ability to bless irregardless of the weather.    

In His Service,

ADB

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There’s No Place like Home

May 13, 2020By

Just two weeks ago I had the privilege of being able to be at my mothers house for an entire week. My job had assigned me to work near her home and what a glorious time it was. I opted to take my two girls along with me and they too had a splendid time afterall what kid doesn’t wish to spend time and grannys. I was awestruck by the awesomeness of that experience as I recollect it vividly. Here as I sit in my own home I can’t help but think about all of the cares that come with home ownership. For example at some point this week I must manicure my lawn inclusive of hedge trimming, weed eating and pruning my roses. Additionally, sometime tomorrow I need to wash the clothing, change a few lightbulbs, replace the air filters, and repaint my oldest daughters bathroom. Moreover, looking around I am led to consider the upgrades long overlooked that will soon require my attention and for crying out loud my girls have been begging me for a pool for years now. My home comes complete with utility bills, insurance, the restocking of our pantry and the dreadful mortgage that must be paid every month. Interestingly, however, the week I spent at moms was so enjoyable because it came with none of the aforementioned responsibilities and/or concerns. There I was able to leave my girls while I departed for work each day with no concern at all as to whether they would be fed, nurtured and protected. They and I as well as, my siblings went in and out of mothers pantry with no concern of restocking it. We burned her lights, ran water from her faucets and even washed our clothing without a care in the world because in essence we were all her babies and she our caregiver. That said, isn’t it a blessing that in a few weeks my anticipation is that churches will again reopen for the purpose of worship. All of us anticipate the day when we can return to Our Fathers House where much like at my moms we will be fed, protected, nurtured and loved by the one who gave us life. What’s more is that we can do so without a care in the world for in His house is fulness of joy and He pays all of the bills. As we ponder that day I urge all to consider what the church actually is. It is more than just bricks and mortar with pretty carpet. The church is more than a place where we meet for fellowship and so much more than just somewhere we go out of tradition. The church is the holiest place on the face of the earth and the place in which we actualize the presence, power and persona of the Triune God. Its where He feeds our souls with the Bread of Heaven and the place where our faith is strengthened, our souls are satisfied and our cares are laid upon His shoulders. Let us all begin to prepare ourselves to again return to the church but to do so with a greater degree of understanding that of the things that the church is of most importance is that like mommas house, it is a place that love flows, faith grows and the light of Gods glory glows brighter and brighter!

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Bible Study Notes May 13, 2020

May 13, 2020By

TEXT: Exodus 25:1-40, NLT

SUBJECT: “I’m Ready to Return”

Key Verse: Exodus 26:33, NLT “Hang the inner curtain from clasps, and put the Ark of the Covenant in the room behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.”

Introduction: The Parrot     

REFERENCETEXTTHOUGHT
Acts 2:42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.    Pedagogy
Matthew 16:18And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.  Power
James 5:14Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  Presbytery
Hebrews 10:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.  Picking Up Others
Ephesians 2:19-22Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;    Progeny
1 Peter 2:9-10But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:  Praise
Matthew 28:19-20Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:  Purpose
Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.  Preaching

HEBRW DEFINITIONS: 

Phonetic Spelling: (ham·miš·kān dwelling place)         Transliteration: Hamiskan        MEANINGS: dwelling place

WEDNESDAYS WORD * Though facebook and telephone conference calls are appropriate for the output of the Word of God they are in no way intended to be the best method of ministry.  Their purpose is to reach those who like us, of late have no way to get into the House of Prayer but the Worship experience has never, is not now nor will it ever be best achieved apart from the place where God has placed His Name! “For I have not dwelt in a house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up from Egypt, even to this day, but have moved about in a tent and in a tabernacle “2 Sm 7:6, NKJV).”

Chapter 24

  • Moses, Aaron, Nadab and Abihu along with 70 others go near the mountain
  • Moses alone goes atop the mountain to speak with God
  • Moses offers an offering and sprinkles the blood that remained on the people
  • He read the covenant of chps 21-23 to the people and they agreed to obey
  • Moses and his assistant Joshua then go up again and leave Aaron and Hur to supervise
  • Joshua was told to stay back but Moses went on further and talked with God

Chapter 25:1-40, NLT 

Ten Reasons we ought to be ready to Return to Church

1 The LORD said to Moses,                                                                                                              2 “Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them.

Point 1: The church is the place that Gods Position becomes prevalent because only one with Authority can position stuff Specifically for His use

3 Here is a list of sacred offerings you may accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze;

4 blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth;

5 tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood;

6 olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense;

7 onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece.

8 “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.

9You must build this Tabernacle (ham·miš·kān dwelling place) and its furnishings exactly according to the pattern I will show you.

Though churches today don’t have threads, cloth of goat hair, goatskin leather and certain stones He has commanded that the place itself be for Him alone and its contents then become holy (every table, the carpet, the instruments, the pulpit etc…)

10 “Have the people make an Ark of acacia wood—a sacred chest 45 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

Point 2: The church is the only place on earth specifically set aside for Gods Presence

 11 Overlay it inside and outside with pure gold, and run a molding of gold all around it.

12 Cast four gold rings and attach them to its four feet, two rings on each side.

 13 Make poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

14 Insert the poles into the rings at the sides of the Ark to carry it.

15 These carrying poles must stay inside the rings; never remove them.

Point 3: The church is the place we sense Gods Power (gold is symbolic of power)

16 When the Ark is finished, place inside it the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you.

17 “Then make the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—from pure gold (this covering over the Ark is what is called The Mercy Seat). It must be 45 inches long and 27 inches wide.

Point 4: The church stamps our souls with the Supremacy of Gods Mercy

18Then make two cherubim (Angels) from hammered gold, and place them on the two ends of the atonement cover.

19 Mold the cherubim on each end of the atonement cover, making it all of one piece of gold.

20 The cherubim will face each other and look down on the atonement cover. With their wings spread above it, they will protect it.

Point 5: The church communicated Gods Protection to His people

21Place inside the Ark the stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, which I will give to you. Then put the atonement cover on top of the Ark.

22 I will meet with you there and talk to you from above the atonement cover between the gold cherubim that hover over the Ark of the Covenant. From there I will give you my commands for the people of Israel.

Point 6: The church is the place in which we hear God speak through Preaching

This is different than you listening to a sermon at home because not only in the church do you get an individual message but moreso you get a collective message aimed at informing the entire body of believer how it must respond to meet the needs of the community as a whole              (Heb 10:25)

23“Then make a table of acacia wood, 36 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 27 inches high.

24Overlay it with pure gold and run a gold molding around the edge.

25 Decorate it with a 3-inch border all around, and run a gold molding along the border.

26 Make four gold rings for the table and attach them at the four corners next to the four legs.   27 Attach the rings near the border to hold the poles that are used to carry the table.

 28 Make these poles from acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

 29 Make special containers of pure gold for the table—bowls, ladles, pitchers, and jars—to be used in pouring out liquid offerings.

30 Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times.

31 “Make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. Make the entire lampstand and its decorations of one piece—the base, center stem, lamp cups, buds, and petals.

32 Make it with six branches going out from the center stem, three on each side.

33 Each of the six branches will have three lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.

34 Craft the center stem of the lampstand with four lamp cups shaped like almond blossoms, complete with buds and petals.

35 There will also be an almond bud beneath each pair of branches where the six branches extend from the center stem.

36 The almond buds and branches must all be of one piece with the center stem, and they must be hammered from pure gold.

37 Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward. 38 The lamp snuffers and trays must also be made of pure gold.

39 You will need 75 pounds of pure gold for the lampstand and its accessories.

40 “Be sure that you make everything according to the pattern I have shown you here on the mountain.

Point 7: The church is to be a Perfect place hence, everything within it must be as Perfect as possible

Chapter 26:1-37, NLT 

1 “Make the Tabernacle from ten curtains of finely woven linen. Decorate the curtains with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim.

Point 8: The church is a place of Prominence (it forces us to look up towards the Head)

2 These ten curtains must all be exactly the same size—42 feet long and 6 feet wide.

3 Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, then join the other five into a second long curtain.

4 Put loops of blue yarn along the edge of the last curtain in each set.

5 The fifty loops along the edge of one curtain are to match the fifty loops along the edge of the other curtain.

 6 Then make fifty gold clasps and fasten the long curtains together with the clasps. In this way, the Tabernacle will be made of one continuous piece.

7 “Make eleven curtains of goat-hair cloth to serve as a tent covering for the Tabernacle.

 8 These eleven curtains must all be exactly the same size—45 feet long and 6 feet wide.

9 Join five of these curtains together to make one long curtain, and join the other six into a second long curtain. Allow 3 feet of material from the second set of curtains to hang over the front of the sacred tent.

10 Make fifty loops for one edge of each large curtain.

 11 Then make fifty bronze clasps, and fasten the loops of the long curtains with the clasps. In this way, the tent covering will be made of one continuous piece.

12 The remaining 3 feet of this tent covering will be left to hang over the back of the Tabernacle.

13 Allow 18 inches of remaining material to hang down over each side, so the Tabernacle is completely covered.

14 Complete the tent covering with a protective layer of tanned ram skins and a layer of fine goatskin leather.

15 “For the framework of the Tabernacle, construct frames of acacia wood.

16 Each frame must be 15 feet high and 27 inches wide,

17 with two pegs under each frame. Make all the frames identical.

18 Make twenty of these frames to support the curtains on the south side of the Tabernacle.

19 Also make forty silver bases—two bases under each frame, with the pegs fitting securely into the bases.

20 For the north side of the Tabernacle, make another twenty frames,

21 with their forty silver bases, two bases under each frame.

22 Make six frames for the rear—the west side of the Tabernacle—

23 along with two additional frames to reinforce the rear corners of the Tabernacle.

 24 These corner frames will be matched at the bottom and firmly attached at the top with a single ring, forming a single corner unit. Make both of these corner units the same way.

25 So there will be eight frames at the rear of the Tabernacle, set in sixteen silver bases—two bases under each frame.

26 “Make crossbars of acacia wood to link the frames, five crossbars for the north side of the Tabernacle

27 and five for the south side. Also make five crossbars for the rear of the Tabernacle, which will face west.

28 The middle crossbar, attached halfway up the frames, will run all the way from one end of the Tabernacle to the other.

29 Overlay the frames with gold, and make gold rings to hold the crossbars. Overlay the crossbars with gold as well.

30 “Set up this Tabernacle according to the pattern you were shown on the mountain.

31 “For the inside of the Tabernacle, make a special curtain of finely woven linen. Decorate it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim.

32 Hang this curtain on gold hooks attached to four posts of acacia wood. Overlay the posts with gold, and set them in four silver bases.

Key Verse: 33 Hang the inner curtain from clasps, and put the Ark of the Covenant in the room behind it. This curtain will separate the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place.

Point 9: The church is the Holiest Place on earth we can ever go

34 “Then put the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement—on top of the Ark of the Covenant inside the Most Holy Place.

Point 10: The church is the place where the point of Pardon is reinforced

35 Place the table outside the inner curtain on the north side of the Tabernacle, and place the lampstand across the room on the south side.

36 “Make another curtain for the entrance to the sacred tent. Make it of finely woven linen and embroider it with exquisite designs, using blue, purple, and scarlet thread.

37 Craft five posts from acacia wood. Overlay them with gold, and hang the curtain from them with gold hooks. Cast five bronze bases for the posts.

Prayer List:

Conclusion:

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Bible Study Notes, April 15, 2020

April 15, 2020By

TEXT: Exodus 19:1- 20:26, KJV

SUBJECT: “The Kings Treasure”

Key Verse: Exodus 19:5, KJV “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:”

Introduction:  Holiness, Special, Set Apart                                                                                           

REFERENCETEXTTHOUGHT
Deuteronomy 14:2For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.People
Deuteronomy 26:18And the LORD hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou shouldest keep all his commandments;People
Psalms 135:4For the LORD hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure.Treasure
Ecclesiastes 2:8I gathered me also silver and gold, and the peculiar treasure of kings and of the provinces: I gat me men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments, and that of all sorts.Treasure

HEBRW DEFINITIONS:  Peculiar

Phonetic Spelling: seg-ool-law                Transliteration:  segullah             MEANINGS: property

GREEK DEFINITION:  Peculiar

Phonetic Spelling:  peripoiésis     Transliteration: per-ee-poy’-ay-sis       MEANINGS: purchased possession

Chapter Nineteen

1 In the third month, when the children of Israel were gone forth out of the land of Egypt, the same day came they into the wilderness of Sinai.

2 For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.

  • it’s taken 3 months
  • They will stay here thru Ex, Lev & Nm Chp 9
  • This is where Moses had bush exp

POINT 1: THE KING HAS _____ FOR THE TREASURE

3 And Moses went up unto God, and the Lord called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel;

4 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles’ wings, and brought you unto myself.

  • for the next several chapters God tells them what He wants
  • But not before He reminds them what He did
  • eagles wings/ go thru me first

POINT 2: THE KING _________ HIS TREASURE

5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:

  • covenant includes laws, sacrifices and choices

POINT 3: THE KING _____ WHAT HE DOES WITH HIS TREASURE BASED ON WHAT THE TREASURE DOES

Note: treasure is to be observed such that in retracts glory back to the king

6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.

  • will be special people

POINT 4: THE KING ______ THE VALUE UPON HIS TREASURE

Note: Some of the Kings treasure hasn’t been seen yet

7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him.

8 And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.

9 And the Lord said unto Moses, Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee for ever. And Moses told the words of the people unto the Lord.

10 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes,

11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.

  • prepare to meet God

POINT 5: SOMEBODY HAS TO _________ THE KINGS TREASURE

12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:

13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

14 And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

15 And he said unto the people, Be ready against the third day: come not at your wives.

16 And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled.

17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God; and they stood at the nether part of the mount.

POINT 6: SOMEBODY HAS TO ______ THE KINGS TREASURE

18 And mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly.

19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder, Moses spake, and God answered him by a voice.

20 And the Lord came down upon mount Sinai, on the top of the mount: and the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount; and Moses went up.

21 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the Lord to gaze, and many of them perish.

22 And let the priests also, which come near to the Lord, sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth upon them.

23 And Moses said unto the Lord, The people cannot come up to mount Sinai: for thou chargedst us, saying, Set bounds about the mount, and sanctify it.

POINT 7: THE KING TAKES HIS TREASURE ________!

  • Mt. Sinai vs. Mt. Zion (Heb 8)

24 And the Lord said unto him, Away, get thee down, and thou shalt come up, thou, and Aaron with thee: but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the Lord, lest he break forth upon them.

25 So Moses went down unto the people, and spake unto them.

Chapter Twenty

1 And God spake all these words, saying,

2 I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

8 Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work:

10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates:

11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

13 Thou shalt not kill.

14 Thou shalt not commit adultery.

15 Thou shalt not steal.

16 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

18 And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

20 And Moses said unto the people, Fear not: for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be before your faces, that ye sin not.

21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near unto the thick darkness where God was.

22 And the Lord said unto Moses, Thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel, Ye have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

23 Ye shall not make with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make unto you gods of gold.

24 An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee.

25 And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.

26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.

Prayer List: Deacon Ollie

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April 8, 2020 Bible Study Notes

April 8, 2020By

TEXT: Exodus 17:1-18:27, KJV

SUBJECT: “The Power of Positivity”

Key Verse: Exodus 17:12, KJV “And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?”

Introduction:     

REFERENCETEXTTHOUGHT
Proverbs 18:21Death and life [are] in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.Positive Words
Hebrews 13:5Let your conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.Positive Attitude
Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Positive Outlook
Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind,that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Positive Thoughts
Matthew 15:11Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.Positive Words
Ephesians 4:31-32Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:Positive Words
Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.Positive Words
Philippians 4:8Finally, 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.Positive Thoughts
Ephesians 4:29Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.Positive Words
Proverbs 21:23Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity.Positive Words

HEBRW DEFINITIONS: 

Phonetic Spelling:    (mas-saw)                Transliteration: Massah              MEANINGS: Provocation (unhelpful talk)

Phonetic Spelling:    (mer-ee-baw)          Transliteration: Meribah            MEANINGS: Temptation (unholy thought)

WEDNESDAYS WORD “Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” – Abraham Lincoln

Positive thinking does not necessarily mean avoiding or ignoring the bad things; instead, it involves making the most of the potentially bad situations, trying to see the best in other people, and viewing yourself and your abilities in a positive light.

According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine, positive thinking is linked to a wide range of health benefits including:

  • Longer life span
  • Less stress
  • Lower rates of depression
  • Increased resistance to the common cold
  • Better stress management and coping skills
  • Lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related death
  • Increased physical well-being
  • Better psychological health

One theory is that people who think positively tend to be less affected by stress.

Chapter 17:1-16, KJV 

21 Positive Thoughts  to keep you sane during this Pandemic

1 And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in Rephidim: and there was no water for the people to drink.

In Numbers 33:12-14 it is said, that when the Israelites came from Sin they encamped in Dophkah, and next in Alush, after which they came to Rephidim. Here, therefore, two stations are omitted, probably because nothing of moment took place at either.

It’s possible to be in the will of God and still have to deal with a problem

Thought 1: The same God that just brought us through the water in chp 14, led us to water in chp 15, rained down bread and gave us quail in chp 16 is going to take care of what we need right now.

2 Wherefore the people did chide with Moses, and said, Give us water that we may drink. And Moses said unto them, Why chide ye with me? wherefore do ye tempt the Lord?

When we have a problem it is much easier to blame someone than to think through the problem carefully and spiritually.

Thought 2: What can I do to help somebody else out in this situation?

3 And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore is this that thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?

Regardless of his frustration Moses still had to lead while under the pressure of unfair attack, and he did the right thing in turning to God in prayer.

Thought 3. If the Lord brought us this far, He will take us even further

4 And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me.

Thought 4. When it’s hardest to pray, I need to pray harder

5 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go on before the people, and take with thee of the elders of Israel; and thy rod, wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thine hand, and go.

The same thing that worked last time has not lost its power

Thought 5. I’ve got to keep moving forward

6 Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

God is with us during times of trouble

Thought 6. God is with me

7 And he called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying, Is the Lord among us, or not?

8 Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

Amalek was grandson of Esau (Genesis 36:12), Deuteronomy 25:17-18 says: Remember what Amalek did to you on the way as you were coming out of Egypt, how he met you on the way and attacked your rear ranks, all the stragglers at your rear, when you were tired and weary; and he did not fear God.

9 And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.

Thought 9. I need to look at this from a different perspective

10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

“In their first movement God led them in such a way as to avoid the possibility of war (Exodus 13:17).

11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.

12 But Moses hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.

This amazing passage shows us that life or death for Israel depended on the prayers of one man but sometimes its hard to pray. Though this was Moses’ work to do, it was more than he could do by himself. Moses alone could not win the battle of prayer.

Thought 10: I may need to get some help

13 And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.

Praying Moses did not eliminate what Joshua had to do. The battle was won with prayer, but also through normal instruments – the work of the army, led by Joshua. “Prayer is a downright mockery if it does not lead us into the practical use of means likely to promote the ends for which we pray.”

Thought 11: I’ve got to do my best & trust God to do the rest

14 And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven.

Thought 12: Some issues Ain’t my issues

15 And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi:

Though Moses knew his prayer was important, he wasn’t foolish enough to think that he won the battle. As an act of worship he built an altar and praised the name of Yahweh-Nissi (THE-LORD-IS-MY-BANNER). Nissi describes a flag or a banner. The idea is that God is victorious in battle

Thought 13: God is my banner and He has me covered

16 For he said, Because the Lord hath sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.

Because of God’s strong command to battle against Amalek until they were completely conquered, many see the Amalekites as a picture of our flesh, the unspiritual aspect of man that makes war against the spirit. In this sense, “Amalek” constantly battles against the spirit and must be struggled against until completely conquered (Galatians 5:17).

Chapter Eighteen 1-27, KJV 

1 When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt;

2 Then Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back,

3 And her two sons; of which the name of the one was Gershom; for he said, I have been an alien in a strange land:

Thought 14: It won’t be like this always!

4 And the name of the other was Eliezer; for the God of my father, said he, was mine help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh:

Thought 15: Gods Been good to me

5 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:

Thought 16: God is going to protect my family

6 And he said unto Moses, I thy father in law Jethro am come unto thee, and thy wife, and her two sons with her.

Moses was here re-united with his wife Zipporah and his two sons Gershon and Eliezer. Apparently, Moses sent his family back to Midian at some time, perhaps during the plagues of Egypt.

7 And Moses went out to meet his father in law, and did obeisance, and kissed him; and they asked each other of their welfare; and they came into the tent.

Though he was the leader of a nation, Moses honored Jethro both as his father-in-law and as a legitimate priest of God. His position of leadership did not make Moses proud.

Thought 17: It’s nice to be important but more important ….

8 And Moses told his father in law all that the Lord had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, and all the travail that had come upon them by the way, and how the Lord delivered them.

9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, whom he had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians.

Thought 18:  I need to be happy for others when God blesses them

10 And Jethro said, Blessed be the Lord, who hath delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who hath delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

12 And Jethro, Moses’ father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aaron came, and all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father in law before God.

13 And it came to pass on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people: and the people stood by Moses from the morning unto the evening.

14 And when Moses’ father in law saw all that he did to the people, he said, What is this thing that thou doest to the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand by thee from morning unto even?

15 And Moses said unto his father in law, Because the people come unto me to enquire of God:

16 When they have a matter, they come unto me; and I judge between one and another, and I do make them know the statutes of God, and his laws.

17 And Moses’ father in law said unto him, The thing that thou doest is not good.

Thought 19: This person may have a point

Much to Moses’ credit, he was teachable; when Jethro said the thing that you do is not good, Moses listened to Jethro.

18 Thou wilt surely wear away, both thou, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is too heavy for thee; thou art not able to perform it thyself alone.

19 Hearken now unto my voice, I will give thee counsel, and God shall be with thee: Be thou for the people to God-ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God:

20 And thou shalt teach them ordinances and laws, and shalt shew them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do.

For Moses to effectively lead and delegate, he had to teach the Word of God not only to those who would hear the disputes, but also those who might dispute. If the people knew God’s word for themselves, many disputes could be settled immediately.

21 Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:

22 And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.

Thought 20: Everything is not worth my time!

23 If thou shalt do this thing, and God command thee so, then thou shalt be able to endure, and all this people shall also go to their place in peace.

Jethro was careful to tell Moses that he had to be sure that God commanded this approach, and not Moses.

24 So Moses hearkened to the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said.

Thought 21: Everybody can teach me something

25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

In Moses’ method of administration, some had a higher position than others. Yet God honored the faithful service of the rulers of tens as much as the service of the rulers of thousands. This was good for Moses. He could focus on the most important things and not be overwhelmed and overstressed by many smaller tasks.

26 And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

This means that Moses had to fulfill an essential function of a leader: to develop and implement new leaders.

27 And Moses let his father in law depart; and he went his way into his own land.

Prayer List:

Bro. Walter Harris, Brother of Mother Ruby Grant

Jordan McCoy, son of Bro. Eric McCoy

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April 1, 2020 Bible Study Notes

April 1, 2020By

TEXT: Exodus 16:1-36, KJV

SUBJECT: “Social-Distancing”

Key Verse: Exodus 16:4, KJV “Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

Introduction:     

REFERENCETEXTTHOUGHT
  Colossians 3:13  Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.{Can be} SINFUL
  Lamentations 3:38Is it not from the mouth of the Most High That both good and ill go forth?  SELFISH
  Job 10:1“I loathe my own life; I will give full vent to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.  SATANIC
  James 5:9  Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door.  SATANIC
  Philippians 2:14Do all things without grumbling or disputing;SINFUL
  Numbers 14:27    “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who are grumbling against Me? I have heard the complaints of the sons of Israel, which they are making against Me.  SATANIC
    Acts 6:1Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food.    SOLUTIONAL  
    Numbers 11:1    Now the people became like those who complain of adversity in the hearing of the LORD; and when the LORD heard it, His anger was kindled, and the fire of the LORD burned among them and consumed some of the outskirts of the camp.    SLOWLY KILLS
    Numbers 21:5The people spoke against God and Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this miserable food.”  SICKNESS
    Exodus 16:3    The sons of Israel said to them, “Would that we had died by the LORD’S hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat, when we ate bread to the full; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.”    SICKNESS

HEBRW DEFINITIONS:  Ragan

      Phonetic Spelling:    (raw-gan)               VERB    Transliteration: ragan              MEANINGS: to rebel or criticize

WEDNESDAYS WORD * One of the most selfish, sinful, sicknesses that we can ever contract is the satanic spirit of complaining.  The danger of the complaining spirit is that it slowly kills and is seldom solution-focused.  

In one series of studies, researchers tracked people’s moods before and after hearing a complaint. As predicted, listening to gripes made people feel worse. What’s more, the complainer also felt worse!

Research suggests that making a habit of complaining can “re-wire” the brain so that those particular thinking orientations become ingrained.

Chronic complainers – have a tendency to dwell on problems and focus on setbacks rather than progress.  Research suggests that making a habit of complaining can “re-wire” the brain so that those particular thinking orientations become ingrained.

Venting is expressing emotional dissatisfaction. By showing their anger, frustration, or disappointment, they are soliciting attention from their confidantes.

Instrumental complaint is all about solving problems by focusing on the impact of the problem, the importance of change, and developing what every individual involved can do to create a plan for change.

Chapter 16:1-36, KJV 

1 And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

–wilderness of sin is between Elim (water) and Sinai (mountain)

2 And the whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:

Point 1: Complaining is Contagious

3 And the children of Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger.

Point 2: Complaint and Criticism can cause you to Overreact! [Sometimes we can make the past better than it was]

Forgot about how bad slavery really was

Anticipatory hunger (Leaders let Criticism work for them)

Point 3: Avoid dampening your mood by complaining

Point 4: Complain only in instances where you believe it will affect real and positive change

Point 5: Consider whether some other strategy will work instead of complaining

Point 6: Limit your exposure to complaining by limiting your exposure to complainers

Eight Positive Thoughts to Repeat Everyday until God Removes the Coronavirus

4 Then said the Lord unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.

Thought: God is perfecting and proving my Faith through this!

5 And it shall come to pass, that on the sixth day they shall prepare that which they bring in; and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.

6 And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel, At even, then ye shall know that the Lord hath brought you out from the land of Egypt:

Thought: God is with me (constantly demonstrating His presence)

7 And in the morning, then ye shall see the glory of the Lord; for that he heareth your murmurings against the Lord: and what are we,that ye murmur against us?

Thought: God is in Control                                                                                                                                                       He wants to display His glory

8 And Moses said, This shall be, when the Lord shall give you in the evening flesh to eat, and in the morning bread to the full; for that the Lord heareth your murmurings which ye murmur against him: and what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the Lord.

9 And Moses spake unto Aaron, Say unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, Come near before the Lord: for he hath heard your murmurings.

10 And it came to pass, as Aaron spake unto the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and, behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud.

11 And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying,

12 I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I am the Lord your God.

Thought: God will Provide!

13 And it came to pass, that at even the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round about the host.

Thought: I shall see the goodness of the Lord!                                                                                                               Place Blessings right at your feet/this was occasional

14 And when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground.

Daily provision

(tasted like whatever you wanted according to legend) sesame seed; swept up; stoop down

15 And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat.

16 This is the thing which the Lord hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for every man, according to the number of your persons; take ye every man for them which are in his tents.

Thought: God will bless my family through this

17 And the children of Israel did so, and gathered, some more, some less.

18 And when they did mete it with an omer, he that gathered much had nothing over, and he that gathered little had no lack; they gathered every man according to his eating.

19 And Moses said, Let no man leave of it till the morning.

20 Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.

21 And they gathered it every morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it melted.

22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man: and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

23 And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.

24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.

25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the Lord: today ye shall not find it in the field.

Thought: God wants me to rest!

26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.

27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.

28 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?

29 See, for that the Lord hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

31 And the house of Israel called the name thereof Manna: and it was like coriander seed, white; and the taste of it was like wafers made with honey.

32 And Moses said, This is the thing which the Lord commandeth, Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations; that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.

33 And Moses said unto Aaron, Take a pot, and put an omer full of manna therein, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.

Thought: God is teaching me something new about Him during this time                                                            He wants to be Pedagogical

34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. (40 years)

Thought: If God did it Before, He will do it again!                                                                                                          He wants it to be perpetual

  • Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
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March 25, 2020 Bible Study Notes

March 25, 2020By

TEXT: Exodus 15:22-16:36, KJV

SUBJECT: “Perfect Strength”

Key Verse: Exodus 15:25, KJV “And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them. 

Introduction:                                                                                           

REFERENCE TEXT THOUGHT
Genesis 22:1-2   Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.” He said, “Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” Hearken
Deuteronomy 8:2   “You shall remember all the way which the LORD your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not Humble
Job 7:18 That You examine him every morning And try him every moment? Humble
Job 23:10 “But He knows the way I take; When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold. Spiritually Healthy
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and try me; Test my mind and my heart. Holy
Ecclesiastes 3:18 I said to myself concerning the sons of men, “God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts. Humble
Jeremiah 17:10   “I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds. Hearken
Ezekiel 21:13 “For there is a testing; and what if even the rod which despises will be no more?” declares the Lord GOD Hearken
James 1:3 Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Spiritually Healthy
Revelation 2:10   ‘Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, so that you will be tested, and you will have tribulation for ten days Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life. Spiritually Healthy

HEBRW DEFINITIONS:  Anah

Phonetic Spelling:    (an-ah)                           NOUN    Transliteration: ana                    MEANINGS: to be bowed down

HEBREW DEFINITION:  Nasah

Phonetic Spelling:    (naw-saw)                     NOUN    Transliteration: nasah                 MEANINGS: to prove/Exercise

WEDNESDAYS WORD *God places us through various tests, trials and exercises in order to strengthen our faith so that we will have more than we need, when we need it!

  • Only a few people know when you work out
  • Only a few people know how you work out
  • Only a few people know how strong you really are

Six Faith Building Exercises Every Believer Must Workout to gain Perfect Strength

Chapter 15:22-27, KJV 

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Exercise 1: The Long Way Around

22 ……………………………………………and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Exercise 2: The End of My Rope                                                                                                                                      “God works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11)

23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

Exercise 3: The Big and Bitter

24 And the people murmured (COMPLAINED) against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

Key Verse: And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

Exercise #4: The Bitter to Better

26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the LORD that healeth thee.

Exercise #5: The Healer

27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water,  and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters. {12 Wells and 70 Palm Trees}

Exercise #6: The Overflow

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March 18, 2020 Bible Study Notes

March 18, 2020By 1 Comment

TEXT: Exodus 15:1-27, KJV

SUBJECT: “Worshipping Where You Are!”

Key Verse: Exodus 15:26, KJV “…I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.”

Introduction:  Trust, Confidence, Faith, Worship.                                                                                             

REFERENCE TEXT THOUGHT
John 4:23   But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. Holy/Honest
Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Corporate
1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Personal
Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, Unshaken
Exodus 34:8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. External

HEBRW DEFINITIONS:  Maon

Phonetic Spelling:    (maw-ohnl)                       NOUN    Transliteration: main                    MEANINGS: dwelling

GREEK DEFINITION:  Rapha

Phonetic Spelling:    (raw-faw)                           NOUN    Transliteration: rafa                      MEANINGS: to heal/mend

Chapter 15:1-27, KJV 

Ten Thoughts that Will Help You Worship Where ever you Are

1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the Lord, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

Point 1: Worship Him for bringing you through Overwhelming Circumstances

2 The Lord is my strength and song, and he is become my salvation: he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation; my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Point 2: Worship Him because you’re still holding on to a handed down faith

3 The Lord is a man of war: the Lord is his name.

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his host hath he cast into the sea: his chosen captains also are drowned in the Red sea.

Point 3: Worship Him because though weapons against us are formed and fired they are not fatal

5 The depths have covered them: they sank into the bottom as a stone.

6 Thy right hand, O Lord, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O Lord, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.

8 And with the blast of thy nostrils the waters were gathered together, the floods stood upright as an heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea.

Point 4: Worship Him because what seems Large to us is Little to the Lord!

9 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.

10 Thou didst blow with thy wind, the sea covered them: they sank as lead in the mighty waters.

Point 5: Worship Him because what He’s Doing is far more important that what They are Saying

11 Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Point 6: Worship Him because “There is No Other God but God”

12 Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them.

13 Thou in thy mercy hast led forth the people which thou hast redeemed: thou hast guided them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation

(maw-ohn/ dwelling /maon or main).

Point 7: Worship Him where you are because Worship is the MAIN reason we were created!

14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.

15 Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed; the mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold upon them; all the inhabitants of Canaan shall melt away.

16 Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O Lord, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.

Point 8: Worship Him because He is always up to something when He reminds us that without Him we are nothing!

17 Thou shalt bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, in the place, O Lord, which thou hast made for thee to dwell in, in the Sanctuary, O Lord, which thy hands have established.

Point 9: Worship Him because Worship is about a person far more than it is about a place

18 The Lord shall reign for ever and ever.

19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in with his chariots and with his horsemen into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea upon them; but the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

Point 10: Worship Him for Making Away for you to make it out of this Muddy Puddle

20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

21 And Miriam answered them, Sing ye to the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.

22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah.

24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink?

25 And he cried unto the Lord; and the Lord shewed him a tree, which when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

26 And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that healeth thee.

27 And they came to Elim, where were twelve wells of water,and threescore and ten palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

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