Exodus 28:29 (KJV) Bearing Our Names

Exodus 28:29 (KJV)

And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually.

 

The Bible says that the saved in the New Testament are the “priests” of this age. Often, we take the priesthood of the believer to mean we have a personal right to come to God on our own behalf. However, I believe it rather implies that we have a responsibility to serve the Lord on behalf of the lost and those who out of the way of the Lord. 

 

The book of Hebrews reveals that Jesus is the “High Priest” of this age. Since the Old Testament tabernacle and priesthood were patterned after heavenly things, I find lessons about our Saviour in the instructions for Aaron’s garments. Specifically, we see that He bears our names on His heart, carrying them before our Heavenly Father.

 

The Bible says He “ever liveth to make intercession for them”[1] and that He is our Advocate.[2] We are never far from His care. He loves us and carries us with Him, so that when He is seated before the Father in heavenly places, we are seated together with Him.[3] Whenever we need defense, He stands before the throne on our behalf.

 

We are in Him, and He in us.[4]

 

#PriesthoodOfTheBeliever #ChristOurHighPriest #NamesOnHisHeart #HeavenlyIntercession #InHim

Bearing Our Names: Our Heavenly Advocate

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[1] Hebrews 7:25 (KJV)

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

[2] 1 John 2:1 (KJV)

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

[3] Ephesians 2:6 (KJV)

And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

[4] John 14:20 (KJV)

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.

• Are you living out your role as a believer-priest, interceding for those who are lost or far from God?
• Lift up someone in prayer today!

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To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6400 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

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Exodus 28:29 (KJV) Bearing Our Names

Exodus 26:1 (KJV) Precision in God’s Design

Exodus 26:1 (KJV)

Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them.

 

I didn’t take the time to count, but it’s obvious while reading this chapter how often the phrase “thou shalt” is repeated. Looking just a bit ahead, I see it repeated in the following chapter.

 

No wonder.

God’s instructions for the tabernacle were precise. As we see in Exodus 25:9 (KJV):

According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

 

Hebrews 8:5 (KJV) further explains the necessity of this precision:

Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.

 

There was nothing legalistic about all these “thou shalts”; they were essential—imperative to the pattern and the message God was giving. Later in God’s Word, we learn that they point us to the Saviour, Jesus Christ.

 

Now we live in a time of religious imprecision. Most Christians today mock the concept of “thou shalts” and “thou shalt nots.”

·       Precision in doctrine is abandoned.

·       Precision in our Bible text is abandoned.

·       Precision in denomination is abandoned.

·      Precision in spiritual practice is abandoned.

 

To call people to precision in their faith today is often labeled legalism. I suppose it’s because we’ve given up on the idea that precision is possible. But if we do not strive for spiritual precision, we miss the mark of Jesus Christ—and that means missing the Saviour and His perfect salvation.

 

Moses never questioned God’s “thou shalts,” nor did the people question Moses when he conveyed them. Here’s the thing: when we come to a place of believing in God’s precision, we find that there is a Bible we can trust, a church that remains unspoiled, a faith that reaches back to Jesus, and a salvation that is sure.

 

We are not legalistic to believe and practice precise Christianity.

 

#BiblicalPrecision #FaithInFocus #FollowingThePattern #ChristOurSaviour #TrueChristianity

Thou Shalt: Precision in God’s Design

 

• How are you currently applying God's "thou shalts" in your life?
• Identify one specific area where you can be more precise in your faith or practice. 

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6400 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Exodus 26:1 (KJV) Precision in God’s Design

Hebrews 13:2 (KJV) Unexpected Encounters

Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)

Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

 

It’s significant that Hebrews begins with a reference to “ministering angels.” Hebrews 1:13-14 (KJV) reads: “But to which of the angels said he at any time, Sit on my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool? Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?”

 

This is one of those passages that can either be dismissed as superstitious or spiritualized, where we assume “angels unawares” are simply people who turn out to be particularly helpful. I’ve read stories of people showing kindness to a stranger, only to later discover that the stranger remembered them in their will.

 

Christianity, for the most part, has been turned into a sort of business—it’s a movement, a club, and in some cases, little more than a political action committee. But the Christianity of the Bible is supernatural; it is otherworldly. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be worth giving one’s life for, as so many millions have done.

 

The supernatural world is, by its nature, unseen. It operates in a realm hidden from the eyes of men. Some who are sensitive and practiced in their faith catch rare glimpses of it. Those who believe the Bible know it is there, but the lost world, religious or not, has no idea that this reality exists around them.

 

One of the best reasons for kindness, graciousness, and hospitality is because we cannot know when such hospitality might mean we are entertaining ministering spirits—angels unawares.

 

#MinisteringAngels #SupernaturalFaith #BiblicalHospitality #AngelsUnawares #KindnessAndGrace

Unexpected Encounters: The Power of Kindness

• Have you ever considered the impact of a simple act of kindness?
• Take a moment to greet a stranger with a smile or a kind word.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6400 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Hebrews 13:2 (KJV) Unexpected Encounters

Hebrews 12:22-23 (KJV) A Better Covenant, A Brighter Hope

Hebrews 12:22-23 (KJV)

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

 

The theme of “better things” runs throughout the book of Hebrews. Jesus is better. The new covenant is better. And so on. Continuing this theme, the heavenly Jerusalem is better than Mount Sinai:

 

•       Sinai was fearful; heavenly Jerusalem is inviting.

•       Sinai was dark and filled with blackness; heavenly Jerusalem shines with the light of God.

•       Sinai was limited, with only Moses allowed to approach; heavenly Jerusalem includes multitudes from various spiritual conditions.

•       Sinai is dead and past; heavenly Jerusalem is living and future.

 

The appeal in Hebrews is to move beyond the Old Mosaic covenant, which holds back those who cling to it. 

 

Spiritual growth, peace, and effectiveness in life come from letting go of Sinai and embracing the heavenly Jerusalem.

 

#HeavenlyJerusalem #BetterCovenant #LightOfGod #SpiritualGrowth #HebrewsTruth

A Better Covenant, A Brighter Hope: The Invitation to Mount Zion

 

• What fears or burdens are holding you back from fully embracing the better things God has for you?
• write down one action you can take this week to embrace the freedom and fullness of the heavenly Jerusalem.

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6400 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Hebrews 12:22-23 (KJV) A Better Covenant, A Brighter Hope

Hebrews 11:8 (KJV) Grace-Paved Paths

Hebrews 11:8 (KJV)

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

 

Everything in fallen human nature leans toward self-justification. We find it hard to accept salvation by faith alone; there’s an innate desire to believe we must do something to contribute to our own righteousness. After all, doesn’t the Bible say, “Faith without works is dead”?[1] Hebrews eleven seems to echo a works-based faith.

 

But Romans 11:6 (KJV)clarifies:

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

 

Both must be true. This resolves the confusion. Salvation is by grace, through faith, not by works.[2] Yet genuine salvation always leads to action. The saved will live out their faith in some way. God leads us through various seasons and circumstances, and the saved follow His leadership by faith.

 

At times, this path requires bold acts of faith, like Moses leading Israel out of Egypt. Other times, it involves events beyond human effort, such as Sarah receiving strength to conceive. Mistakes and sins may happen along the way, as with David and Bathsheba, yet faith continually follows God.

 

#FaithAndWorks #GraceThroughFaith #BiblicalSalvation #LivingByFaith #FollowingGodsLead

Grace-Paved Paths: Following God’s Lead

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[1] James 2:20 (KJV)

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

[2] Ephesians 2:8-9 (KJV)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Not of works, lest any man should boast.

• What bold step of faith is God calling you to take today?
• Reach out to someone who may need support—whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear. 

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6400 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Hebrews 11:8 (KJV) Grace-Paved Paths

Exodus 25:1-2 (KJV) Beyond the Tithe

Exodus 25:1-2 (KJV)

And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring me an offering: of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my offering.

 

God told Moses to teach the people to give.

This was a freewill offering, not the tithe. A man robs God to withhold the tithe. Ten percent of our income goes to the house of God for its maintenance, upkeep, and ministries. But God told Moses to teach the people to give above that.

 

They were to give financially:

-Gold, silver, and brass

 

They were to give materially:

-Skins, wood, oil, and spices

 

They were to give ornamentally:

-Stones and jewels to decorate the priests’ garments

 

They were to give to and for the sanctuary. This was an act of worship and to enable worship. They were to give abundantly. The mercy seat, the ark, the tabernacle, the furniture, and even the priests’ clothing was to be of such a nature that they would require great expense.

 

They were to give though they were, at the time, on a fixed income. In the wilderness, they had only what they brought with them out of Egypt, with no hope for gain until God brought them into their Promised Land.

 

What a picture of cheerful giving! It’s not based on what we believe we can replace but on our faith that God has promises awaiting us. 

 

#FaithfulGiving #CheerfulHeart #WorshipThroughGiving #BiblicalStewardship #GodsPromises

Beyond the Tithe: Worship Through Freewill Offerings

• How can you contribute to your church in a way that goes beyond your usual offerings?
• Start today and  make a difference!

👉 Join our community in studying God’s Word and strengthening your faith.

To my readers:

Thank you! It is a great joy to me to know you read the thoughts and lessons God has given me in His word. I would love to hear from you. Please feel free to leave comments.

For this and, more than 6400 earlier Daily Visits with God, visit https://mckenzie-visit-with-god.blogspot.com. There you will find daily visits going back to 2005.

If you have been blessed by this blog, please subscribe to my feed and share it with others.

For more resources from Pastor Marvin McKenzie visit http://puyallupbaptistchurch.com.

My books, and other resources, are available at:
https://marvinmckenzie.org

Join me at Daily Visits with God Podcast
https://marvinmckenzie.substack.com/

Merch at my Teespring store https://macz.creator-spring.com/
Be a witness with hats, mugs, t-shirts, sweat shirts, and more

Let’s have coffee?
The link to Ko-fi  is an opportunity to support this effort to reach a world of souls with the Word of God. I would appreciate any gift you can give. 

Exodus 25:1-2 (KJV) Beyond the Tithe