August 26, 2008 6:27 AM
Sam wrote:
After looking up the definition of 'acacia', I come to the realization that it must have been a beautiful tree with white or yellow flowers and lovely green symmetrical leaves. It seems only the best in the land was used to build the Ark and the other pieces of worship during this time. This is probably why we see ornate churches with glorious stained-glass windows and huge spires pointing heavenward. But, what is more important, the 'things' we use to worship, or our heart which we are supposed to use to worship. Well, I think we all understand the answer to that one. Jesus was not known for building ornate tributes to His Dad, but rather walked among the poor, the lame, the really sick, and with His heart, honored the Father above. It is nice to have nice things, for sure, but it is nicer to have a nice heart for God. We need roots in our knowledge of God, much like the acacia tree needed roots to keep it alive and blooming in such splendor as it must have been (especially since it was selected by God for His honore). We need to branch out, like the acacia tree did, with arms (limbs) reaching not only skyward toward the Sun and God, but outward, and downward, toward other Christians and those having not yet chosen Christ. Our radiance for God should be like the white and yellow flowers of the acacia tree, brimming with brilliance, reflecting the purity and love which God has given us. Every morning our flowers need to open up like they would have on those trees, soaking in all God gives us, and providing an aroma of love to all others who see us. When you see ANY tree today, I want you to think of the lovely acacia, what it was used for, and how you, like this God-honored tree, can also be used for the works of God. Reply to this
August 26, 2008 6:57 AM
Tony wrote:
Gold is heavy isn't it? The Ark must have been extremely heavy as it was wood and gold. I don't understand why we are told such detail about the ark and the temple. To me it is all wast full. To me it says we have a pride full God that is very demanding and only wants the best. Since God is perfect how can He at that time in history expect the people to be perfect? God is awsume, don't get me wrong, without God we have nothing, no life, no air, nothing. But I just don't see the need for such elaboration. God is worthy of our best, but this was not their best in building the temple, they simply followed directions. Did David have his own thoughts on the temple that he had planned for Solomon to build? No, he prepared the way for Solomon exactly as God had instructed him to. My point? What would the temple look like if the people had done the design? What would it look like today if we did the design? Imagine that you were in the beginning of building your own house for your family, suddenly your are tasked to build a temple for God, in the same amount of space, land wise. Would our temple be pleasing to God?if we had an unlimited budget for both buildings, would we put in the best of everything or would it be good enough? What would our house look like compared to God's? I think it is not so much what it would look like on the outside but what you put in from the heart and why. Jesus tells us not to pray on the street corner so everyone can see us but to go to the closet and do so in private. God is awesome and who can understand Him, not I.
August 26, 2008 6:47 PM
Sam wrote:
Long winded? You calling me Long Winded? Hmmmm.... I was just responding to your 'effort for God' you mentioned, that's all. You want one liners from me? That I can provide. I look to this blog to learn...one liners are hard to dig into...I like to hear what others think, do and say....THAT's how I learn. Reply to this
After looking up the definition of 'acacia', I come to the realization that it must have been a beautiful tree with white or yellow flowers and lovely green symmetrical leaves. It seems only the best in the land was used to build the Ark and the other pieces of worship during this time. This is probably why we see ornate churches with glorious stained-glass windows and huge spires pointing heavenward. But, what is more important, the 'things' we use to worship, or our heart which we are supposed to use to worship. Well, I think we all understand the answer to that one. Jesus was not known for building ornate tributes to His Dad, but rather walked among the poor, the lame, the really sick, and with His heart, honored the Father above. It is nice to have nice things, for sure, but it is nicer to have a nice heart for God. We need roots in our knowledge of God, much like the acacia tree needed roots to keep it alive and blooming in such splendor as it must have been (especially since it was selected by God for His honore). We need to branch out, like the acacia tree did, with arms (limbs) reaching not only skyward toward the Sun and God, but outward, and downward, toward other Christians and those having not yet chosen Christ. Our radiance for God should be like the white and yellow flowers of the acacia tree, brimming with brilliance, reflecting the purity and love which God has given us. Every morning our flowers need to open up like they would have on those trees, soaking in all God gives us, and providing an aroma of love to all others who see us. When you see ANY tree today, I want you to think of the lovely acacia, what it was used for, and how you, like this God-honored tree, can also be used for the works of God.
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We are of the same thought this morning, you just beat me to the post. Have a GREAT day Mac
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Gold is heavy isn't it? The Ark must have been extremely heavy as it was wood and gold. I don't understand why we are told such detail about the ark and the temple. To me it is all wast full. To me it says we have a pride full God that is very demanding and only wants the best. Since God is perfect how can He at that time in history expect the people to be perfect? God is awsume, don't get me wrong, without God we have nothing, no life, no air, nothing. But I just don't see the need for such elaboration. God is worthy of our best, but this was not their best in building the temple, they simply followed directions. Did David have his own thoughts on the temple that he had planned for Solomon to build? No, he prepared the way for Solomon exactly as God had instructed him to. My point? What would the temple look like if the people had done the design? What would it look like today if we did the design? Imagine that you were in the beginning of building your own house for your family, suddenly your are tasked to build a temple for God, in the same amount of space, land wise. Would our temple be pleasing to God?if we had an unlimited budget for both buildings, would we put in the best of everything or would it be good enough? What would our house look like compared to God's? I think it is not so much what it would look like on the outside but what you put in from the heart and why. Jesus tells us not to pray on the street corner so everyone can see us but to go to the closet and do so in private. God is awesome and who can understand Him, not I.
Have a great day all!!
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time and effort into something for God. How much time and effort do we put into something for God?
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Maybe indicative of length/content of blogs?
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thoughts have to be long winded to have merrit?
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Long winded? You calling me Long Winded? Hmmmm.... I was just responding to your 'effort for God' you mentioned, that's all. You want one liners from me? That I can provide. I look to this blog to learn...one liners are hard to dig into...I like to hear what others think, do and say....THAT's how I learn.
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