Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. (Psalm 127:1, 2 ESV)

A timely reminder, as things get busy again. As plans and actions are being discussed for the next “phase” in our family’s adventure together. As the fiscal year is up and running.

This would be a great memory verse. I’ll do that.

You were clarifying something with God on the way to the station right? Well then, this part, I’ll just put this here. You know what it is.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalm 127:3-5 ESV)

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— (Philippians 3:7-9 ESV)

By gain, Paul is referring to the gains in the pursuit of righteousness according to the law. From reading the Old Testament we know that there are a myriad of rules and commands. If salvation is by keeping of the law, then Paul would have had the most to brag about. He would be in the forefront, but still not far from complete. So these gains are really nothing, once compared to the great gift of salvation through Jesus. Through Jesus, the immense burden of keeping the whole law is lifted, and not only that, there is great joy in becoming recipients of God’s grace and love.

So after believing and being secured in God’s family through Jesus, do we stop our pursuit? No. In fact, we should “strain forward” and “press on” towards “the upward call of God”. With a new perspective, as those redeemed, and accepted, and given the grace to become heirs to The King. There should be effort involved, the Christian life is likened to a race and not a walk in the park.

Keep your eyes on Jesus, keep moving forward.

But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1, 2 ESV)

My Creator, and Redeemer, knows my name and calls me his own.. He is with me through the storms and through the fires. He has given up so much just to save me from myself. He says that I am precious in His sight, honored, and loved. So do not fear.

“You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, I am the Lord, and besides me there is no savior. I declared and saved and proclaimed, when there was no strange god among you; and you are my witnesses,” declares the Lord, “and I am God. (Isaiah 43:10-12 ESV)

A witness proclaims what he has seen and heard. He is a champion of truth, to dispel and destroy lies. I am a witness (noun) – I know and believe and am understanding more and more that the Lord is God and that He is Good! I should witness (verb) more.

“I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25 ESV)

I have failed so many times. In spite of all of God’s goodness, and blessings, and grace, I still stupidly, stubbornly, illogicaly, choose my way instead of God’s way. Thank you Lord.. by myself I am terribly hopeless.. You are my hope. You are never changing, ever faithful. I can, and I do, put my trust in You. Amen.

Moses had prepared the tabernacle, then anointed and consecrated it for God. All the preparations has been completed, and the Israelites were now able to worship God in His presence. Then for the next 12 days, the leaders of each tribe brought offerings to the Lord. One tribe per day, bringing the same set of items as a dedication offering.

Yesterday was Resurrection Sunday (of course the timing for today’s reading.) With Jesus’ death, and resurrection, the “ultimate preparation” for all men to be able to come into God’s presence was completed. Tetelestai, Jesus said, It is Finished!

What amazing grace, what an eternal love!

For the next 12 days, just like the tribes of Israel, I want to bring something to God. I don’t know what or how, but I pray God shows me.

For reference, here’s what each tribe brought. (This might make sense sometime in the future.)
• one silver plate whose weight was 130 shekels
• one silver basin of 70 shekels
• both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering
• one golden dish of 10 shekels, full of incense
• one bull from the herd
• one ram
• one male lamb a year old, for a burnt offering
• one male goat for a sin offering
• and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen,
• five rams,
• five male goats,
• and five male lambs a year old

He has done great things. For us. He can do it again, because He is able and mighty.
Have I brought Him glory? Have I given Him praises among the nations?
He restores, thank you Lord that you restore. That you are patient with us, with me.
Restore us Lord, not to worldly fortunes, but to the joy of being in the center of your will, in the center of your work in us and through us.