The Glory of God

Scripture

Exodus 14: 17-18, 31

And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will charge in after the Israelites. My great glory will be displayed through Pharaoh and his troops, his chariots, and his charioteers. When my glory is displayed through them, all Egypt will see my glory and know that I am the LORD!”

When the people of Israel saw the mighty power that the LORD had unleashed against the Egyptians, they were filled with awe before him. They put their faith in the LORD and in his servant Moses. 

Observation

1. God delivered the children of Israel to make his glory known.

God did want to relieve their suffering, he did want to deliver them out of slavery, and he did want to make them into a great nation.  That all is true but it was not God's greatest motivation.

His greatest motivation was to make his glory known.

2. When we see God's glory we will worship him truly.

They were filled with awe.  When we see Jesus as he truly is, we will fall down in worship.

3. When God's glory is revealed, it will draw men unto him.

They knew he was lord and they put their faith in him.  They went beyond head knowledge of God to experiential knowledge of God.  When people experience the glory of God firsthand, they will place their faith in him.

Application

1. My greatest motivation must be the glory of God.

I get mixed up and start worry about my glory, my reputation, and my kingdom.  It must be about his glory, the expansion of his kingdom, and his reputation. My motives need to be purified.

2. My obedience will declare his glory.

Moses had to act in faith.  God gave him commands and Moses had to obey those commands.  I declare God's glory through obedience. Sometimes I want to glorify God through great exploits not simple obedience.

Prayer

Change my heart, purify my motives.  May the glory of God be my motivation.  May Jesus be lifted up that all men may be drawn to you.

Moving Mountains

Scripture

Matthew 21:18-22

In the morning, as Jesus was returning to Jerusalem, he was hungry, 19 and he noticed a fig tree beside the road. He went over to see if there were any figs, but there were only leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” And immediately the fig tree withered up. 20 The disciples were amazed when they saw this and asked, “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” 21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”

Observation

Jesus response to the fig tree always seems a little over the top to me.  I am not even sure figs were in season but what I do know is the lesson is on faith.  It does not teach on faith in faith but on having faith.  The existence of faith in you is enough, the faith of a mustard seed, though small can move mountains.

1. Have faith in God.

Again not faith in faith or faith in myself but trust God to keep his promises.

2. Grow in my relationship with Him.

The more I know Him, the more I will trust him.  Faith grows by experience.  When I experience God keeping his word to me, it builds my trust in him.

3. Doubt is questioning God's character.

When I doubt his word, I doubt his being.  God's promises are backed by all the honor of his name.  

Application

1. God is sovereign so even when people are making decisions on my future, I can trust God to get me to the right place.  No man can act outside of God's sovereignity.

2. Having a need is the first step of receiving a miracle.

Needing a miracle positions me into receiving a miracle.  Times of great need are times of great opportunity.

Prayer

I do trust you can rest in the fact that you can move mountains.  I will not be consumed by worry or anxiety but will experience the peace of God.

Building Block 1 to Financial Health

Building block #1 Giving

What are the benefits of giving?

A. You will experience an increase in intimacy

Matthew 6:21 "for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

B. You will experience an increase in heaven

Matthew 6:20 "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroy and where thieves do not break in nor steal."

Philippians 4:17 "not because I desired a gift, but I desire fruit that accumulates to your account."

C. You will experience an increase on earth

Proverbs 11:24-25 "There is one who scatters, yet increases; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will be watered also himself."

Building Block 2 to Financial Health

Building Block #2 Working

Three reasons to work hard

A. You follow the example of Jesus.

John 5:17 "In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working." 

B. Working provides for your needs

Psalm 128:2 "You will eat the fruit of your labor; blessings and prosperity will be yours."

Proverbs 12:11

"Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense."

Proverbs 14:23 "All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty."

C. God rewards hard work.

1 Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

Hebrews 6:10 "God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them."

Building Block 3 to Financial Health

Building block #3 Saving

A. It is wisdom to save for the future

Proverbs 21:20 The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.

Proverbs 21:5 The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.

1 Corinthians 16:2 On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with your income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will have to be made.

Proverbs 27:12 The prudent see danger and take refuge,but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.

Proverbs 30:24-25 Four things on earth are small, yet they are extremely wise: Ants are creatures of little strength, yet they store up their food in the summer;

B. A plan for saving

Save $1000.00

Pay off all consumer debt

3-6 month emergency fund

Save for retirement

Save for college

Pay off house

Save and give

Building Block 4 to Financial Health

Building block #4 Planning

A. The Bible teaches to plan for the future

Proverbs 13:16 A wise man thinks ahead; a fool doesn’t, and even brags about it!

Luke 14:28-30 “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?”

Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, you sluggard;  consider its ways and be wise!  It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

Proverbs 16: 9 In their hearts humans plan their course,  but the LORD establishes their steps.

Proverbs 27:23 Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and attend to your herds.

Proverbs 14:29 He who is impulsive exalts folly

B. Tips for planning

1. Know how to understand your monthly statement and read it every month.

2. Turn in your quarterly report on time

3. Know want funds are personal and what is work, then keep them separate.

4. Keep your receipts and keep good records.

How to get promoted

Scripture 

Matthew 20: 26-28

But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Observation

A servant was a hired worker that maintained the master's household and a slave was someone who was forced into service.  They were at the bottom of Jewish society, but with Jesus down is up.  

1. Among us it should be different.

Workers should have a different attitude than everyone else.  We have a calling not a  profession.  

2. Don't seek promotion but demotion.

We seek to lower ourselves not seek to get "promoted in the organization."  We choose servanthood and slavery, people who have no rights or privileges.

2. Leadership is servanthood.

I do not believe God looks for leaders.  Moses and David were never a leader of men before their calling.  I believe God looks for servants that He can work through.  

Application

1. Have a servant's attitude.

I work in an organization so I do not control my position, ministry, or location.

I can chooses my attitude towards my ministry, my leadership, and life.

2. Don't seek position.

Seek ways to serve people.  Seek ways to lower myself.  God is sovereign and will take care of what ministry I am in, where I reside, and what title I have.

3. Do my best where I am with what I have.

Everyday do what I can do.  Don't focus on what I can't do, what I don't have, or the lack of authority or power that is given to me.  Find a need and fill it, do what I can everyday.

Prayer

Father this is hard for me. I want to exalt myself and have others acknowledge and promote me.  I need your help to do the opposite.  I want to lower myself, trust in you, and be obedient where I am.  May there be less of me and more of you, none of me and all of you.

Reward

Scripture

Matthew 19:29-30

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life. 30 But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. [*] ”

And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for My name’s sake shall receive a hundred times as much and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.”

Observation

1. God may ask us to give up that which is most important to us.

It is easy for me to say that God is first but to be separated from my children, grandchildren, and parents is a totally different thing.  Am I willing to sacrifice everything for Jesus and the gospel?

2. There is a promise that accompanies the sacrifice.

I will receive a hundred times as much reward.  This is a faith deal because the sacrifice comes first.  I have to give up before I can get.

3. The value system of the kingdom of God is different than the world's.

The last shall be first and the first shall be last.  Those who receive recognition on the earth have received their reward.  I want to receive recognition in heaven.

Application

1. This verse gives me hope.

I have left family, home, and ministry.  It has been hard but I do believe in the promise.

2. All of God's promises are backed by all the honor of his name.

I can act on his promises because I trust his character.

Prayer

Take care of my family while I am gone.  I place them in your hands.  I trust you.

Trust Him

Scripture

Exodus 6:6-8

“Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the LORD . I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. 7 I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. 8 I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the LORD !’”

Observation

God uses the personal pronoun "I" 10 times in 3 verses. Why?

1. He is stressing to the Israelites what He is going to do.

2. Moses could not rescue them and they could not deliver themselves.  They were completely dependant on God.

3. They had to learn to trust God's word.

At this point that is all they had.  The plagues had not taken place yet.

4. They had to learn to act on God's word.

Moses had to go.  He resisted and tried to get out of it but faith is an action verb. 

Application

1. I believe God is sovereign.

He is in complete control.

2. I can trust him.

I have to trust right now that God is in control.

3. I have to act in faith.

Not words only but action.  

Prayer

You know the decision that is being made.  I trust you with it.

The Pleasures of Living

Scripture

Psalms 16:11

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. 

You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Observation

1. God will reveal to me the path of life.

Not just how to life but the purpose and meaning behind life.

2. Walking the pathway of God includes experiencing God's presence.

I experience joy because I experience His presence.

3. The place of pleasure is in his presence.

The pathway of joy is not in more possessions, accomplishments, or fame.  God's pathway is God's presence.  Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life.  It is all in him.

Application

1. My relationship with Jesus has to be my number one priority.

2. Experiencing joy and fullness in life is dependant upon knowing and experiencing Jesus.

2. No other pathway of life can lead to fulfillment.

Prayer

Everything I want and need is found in you.  So I ask for you today.  May I experience you in a deeper and real way.

The Protector

Scripture

Genesis 35:5

As they set out, a terror from God spread over the people in all the towns of that area, so no one attacked Jacob’s family.

Observation

1. God is my protector.

The Bible refers to Jesus as my hiding place and refuge.  He is where I go for safety. Here he protected Jacob as they travelled, God placed a fear into the people of Jacob so they would not attack.

2. I can trust Jesus.

It one thing to read of God's protection in history, it is another to believe for God's protection today.  It is one thing to believe he protected Jacob as he travelled, it is another to believe He will protect Cathy and I as we travel into dangerous places.

Application

1. Faith without action is dead.

I have to act on my beliefs, which means we will go to dangerous and difficult places believing Jesus will protect us.  

2. Model faith to others.

How can we send people to live in places I am not willing to visit?

How can I expect others to demonstrate more faith than me?

Leaders set examples and I have to lead by example.

Prayer

I ask that you build my faith.  I ask that I trust you no matter where I go or what happens. 

Finding Rest

Scripture

Matthew 11: 28-30

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

Observation

1. Go to Jesus

2. Who?

All who are weary and carry heavy burdens

3. Why?

Jesus will give me rest.

4. Let Jesus teach me

5. Why?

Jesus is humble and gentle

6. The results?

I will find rest for my soul

7. Why?

Jesus' yoke is easy to bear and his burden is light.

Application

1. When I am overwhelmed I am to:

A. Go to Jesus

B. Allow him to teach me

C. Believe in his character

D. Allow him to carry my burdens

E. Be his co-worker not try to do everything on my own.

Prayer

I need you.  I need your presence.  I need you to teach me.  I need your help.  I need you today.

Encounter with God

Scripture

Genesis 22: 21-24

So the gifts were sent on ahead, while Jacob himself spent that night in the camp. 22 During the night Jacob got up and took his two wives, his two servant wives, and his eleven sons and crossed the Jabbok River with them. 23 After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. 24 This left Jacob all alone in the camp, and a man came and wrestled with him until the dawn began to break.

Observation

1. During a crisis Jacob got alone with God.   He sent his family and possessions ahead of 

him.  That night he wrestled with God.

Application

1. I need times where I shut myself in with God.  

I am away from people, media, and things.  I want to position myself where I can meet with God.  I cannot force God's hand and make him meet with me but I can position myself.

2. My encounter with God might not go as I expect.  

The angel was in control of the encounter not Jacob.  The anger would not reveal his name.  The angel injured Jacob's hip and he walked with a limp the rest of his life.

3. An encounter with God will transform me.

I will not leave the same.  Jacob left with a new name, identity, and with a limp, dependance.

Prayer

Father, I need to meet with you.  I desire an encounter with you.  I want a new identity even if it comes with a limp.

Finding Significance

Scripture 

Matthew 10:37-39

37 “If you love your father or mother more than you love me, you are not worthy of being mine; or if you love your son or daughter more than me, you are not worthy of being mine. 38 If you refuse to take up your cross and follow me, you are not worthy of being mine. 39 If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it.

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it. 

Observation

This is a difficult passage but I have to be careful not to explain it away or dumb it down to say what I want it to say.

1. This verse calls me to take up m cross and to lose my life.

2. For me this includes separation from my grandchildren, kids, and parents.

3 it is not good for them that I am away, they pay a price for my calling.

4. Jesus said If I put my wants and desires first, I am not worthy of him. Why?

5. The answer is the cross. Jesus chose the cross not the life he wanted.

6. I now have to carry my cross.

7. Jesus promises if I do this that I will find life, purpose, meaning, significance.

Application

I believe that if I try to hold onto that which I love, I will lose them.   But If I let them go, release to God what is most dear to me, I will find true life.

I chose to carry my cross.

Prayer

I chose you, Jesus.  You are the life, true life can only be found in you.  I believe that.  Enable me to experience it.

Gaining Wisdom

Scripture

Proverbs 3-13-15

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. 14 For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. 15 Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.

Happy is the man who finds wisdom, And the man who gains understanding; For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, And her gain than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies, And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her. 

Observation

1. Wisdom is the quality or state of being wise; knowledge of what is true or right coupled with just judgment as to action

2. Obtaining wisdom is more valuable than obtaining precious jewels.

Wisdom is to know what to do, how to do it, and why to do it.

Application

Pursue wisdom by:

1. Reading history and learning from others.

2. Have a mentor someone to learn from

3. Journal and learn from my activities

4. Study God's Word, the true source of wisdom

Prayer

Father give me the spirit of wisdom and revelation

Finding Comfort

Scripture

Psalm 11:4

But the LORD is in his holy Temple; the LORD still rules from heaven. He watches everyone closely, examining every person on earth.

Observation

This verse can cause fear or comfort.

1. It could cause fear if we are living in disobedience.

I do not want God to see what I am doing.  I do not want God to examine my heart, mind, and motives.

2. It could cause comfort if I am living in danger.

No matter where I am or what is happening to me, God is watching over me.  He sees me and is concerned about me.  All the power and forces of heaven can come to my defense.

Application

I choose to take comfort.  I know I am not perfect and I desire for God to examine and purify me.  I also need to know that he is on the look out over my life.  He guards and protects me from the enemy.  I am always in his sights.

Prayer

Thank you for looking out for me.  Thank you that you eye is always on me.  It makes me feel safe.  It gives me comfort.

Honor

Scripture

Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. 10 Then he will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.

Honor the LORD with your wealth and with The firstfruits of all your produce; 10 then your barns will be filled with plenty,  and your vats will be bursting with wine.

Observation

1. Giving is a manner of honor not legalism.

I give because I desire to bring honor to Jesus.  It more than obedience of even meeting a need, it is an act of worship.

2. I am to give God my first fruits.

The tithe is first not out of what is left over.  I give God my tithe out of honor and because all of it belongs to him.  The tithe goes first.

3. I am to give God my best.

I do not give him my leftovers, half effort, or half hearted.  I give to God first and I give God my best.

Application

1. Tithe

2. Make giving an act of worship not just service.

3. Give God my best effort every day.

Prayer

I give you my all, you are first in my life. I desire to bring you glory and honor.

Guide to Health

Scripture 

Proverbs 3: 7-8

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8 Then you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones. 

Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. 8 It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Observation

1. Do not become impressed with myself, my wisdom, or accomplishments.

2. Fear God

3. Turn from evil

The results will be:

1. Healing to my body, flesh

2. Refreshment and strength to my bones

application

1. Pride can make me physically ill.

Pride is a spiritual cancer that destroys body, soul, and spirit.

2. The opposite of pride is the fear of God.

If I have a proper fear of God I will not exalt myself.

3. When I fear God I will turn away from evil.

Respect and an awesome of God will lead to obedience.

4. True whole health comes from a right relationship with Jesus.

Healing, strength, and refreshment comes from the fear of God.

Prayer

May I have a proper respect and awe of You.  May I truly worship you as king of kings and lord of lords.  May I fear your might, be in awe of your majesty, and worship your glory.

Healing

Scripture

Matthew 8:17

This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, “He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.” 

Isaiah 53:4-5

 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.  But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Observation

1. Jesus provided for my healing at the cross, by his wounds I am healed.

2. This healing includes the spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions.

3. Healing is the privilege of all believers.

Application

1. Believe for my healing

2. Pray in faith for the healing of others.

3. Believe that the power of the cross brings healing to the whole man.

Prayer

Increase my faith, may I believe in the power of the blood of Jesus.  May I trust you for my personal healing and for the healing of others.

My Provider

Scripture

Genesis 22: 8 & 14

“God will provide a sheep for the burnt offering, my son,” Abraham answered. And they both walked on together.

Abraham named the place Yahweh- Yireh (which means “the LORD will provide”). To this day, people still use that name as a proverb: “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”

Observation

God is Jehovah Jireh my provider.

1. Abraham had faith that God would provide.

He did not know how God would provide, he did not know in advance how the provision would happen.  He did believe that God would come through.

2. God provided a ram in place of Isaac.

3. God provided Jesus in place of me.

4. God will supply all my needs according to his riches in glory.

Application

1. Trust Jesus as my provider.

He provided for my salvation at the cross,  I can trust he will provide for me in the future.

2. God promised to not withhold any good thing from me.

His will is always best because He is love.  I can trust him.

Prayer

Father, build my trust in you.  Forgive me for the times I have not trusted you.  Forgive me for the times I trusted myself or others over you.  Forgive me for the times I doubted and questioned your goodness.  The cross settles it, I know you love me.  I know you will always provide for me.  You are a good and faithful father.

Receiving Answers to Prayer

Scripture

Matthew 7:7-8, 11

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him.

Observation

1. One of the purposes of prayer is to receive answers of prayer.

We are to grow in our relationship with Jesus as we pray and we are to grow in our character as we pray but those are not the only reasons to pray.  Jesus taught that he desires to answer our request, to give us the desires of our hearts.  

2. Jesus promises that if I persist in prayer that I will receive, find, and doors will be opened to me.  This is a sure thing, this promise is backed by all the honor of His name.

3. My father only gives good gifts.

He will not give me a snake or a stone.  He will not give me something that will harm me or disappoint me.  His gifts are always good because He is good.

Application

1. Be persistent in prayer.

2. Pray my dreams and desires

3. Pray in faith, believing I will receive what I ask for.

Prayer

Forgive me for my doubts and times of discouragement.  Enable to persist in prayer and to pray in faith.  I believe in your character.  I believe you will give me good gifts.

Against All Odds

Scripture

Genesis 15:5-6

Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!” 6 And Abram believed the LORD , and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.

5And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be.” 6 And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Observation

Genesis is quoted four times in the NT (Rom. 4:3, 22; Gal. 3:6; James 2:23). Faith in God is something that everyone in the Bible was expected to exercise. It entails trust in or confident reliance on God (see notes on John 1:12–13; Heb. 11:1), based on the truthfulness of his words, and it will lead to obeying his commands. A person’s faith or lack of it is most apparent in crises such as Abram was facing. He believed God would give him a son despite many years of childlessness. counted … as righteousness. “Righteousness” is the fundamental OT virtue characterized by a godly life lived in conformity with the law. It is the righteous who enjoy God’s favor. Here the narrator underlines the significance of faith, in that before Abram has proved himself righteous by his deeds, he is counted (that is, regarded) as righteous because of his faith.

Application

1. I am made right with God through faith not works.

2. My life reveals my beliefs.

I can say I am a Christian and can say I trust God but my actions reveal what I really believe.

3. Faith is revealed during a crisis.

Abraham believed against overwhelming odds. He and Sarah were too old have kids and they had faced years of dissappointment.  There was no physical way for them to bear children but they believed the word of God over their circumstances.

4. I place my trust in the honor of His name.

God keeps his promises.  He is a God of His Word.

Prayer

Build my faith this morning.  May I trust in your word and in your character.

Morning Expectations

Scripture 

Psalm 5:3

Listen to my voice in the morning, LORD . Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.

O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;  in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

Observation

1. Bring my requests to God in the morning.

2. Worship in the morning

3. Spend the rest of the day in expectation, watching what God will do.

Application

1. Be disciplined to get up early

2. Spend morning hours in God's presence

3. Pray in faith with expectations

Prayer

Give me the personal discipline to rise early in the morning.  Give me such a desire for your presence that I spend that time with you.

Be an Altar Builder

Scripture

Then Noah built an altar to the LORD.  Genesis 8:20

Observation

1. I want to be an altar builder.

Noah’s first recorded act on emerging from the ark is to build an altar to the LORD (v. 20). On it he presents whole-burnt offerings, using some of the clean animals and birds. While this is undoubtedly intended to express gratitude for divine deliverance, it is also an act of atonement. This is a normal aspect of burnt offerings (see Lev. 1:3–17, esp. v. 4) and is supported by the mention of the pleasing aroma (Gen. 8:21; cf. Lev. 1:9, 13, 17). The Hebrew term for “pleasing,” nikhoakh, conveys the idea of rest and tranquility. It is related to the name “Noah” (Hb. noakh) and is probably used here in order to remind the reader of Lamech’s remarks in Gen. 5:29. It also has the sense of “soothing.” The burnt offering soothes God’s anger at human sin, so although human nature has not been changed by the flood, God’s attitude has changed.

Application

1. Build a daily altar.

Abide daily extravagantly and be connected to him throughout the day.

2. Praise God for the atonement.

I have been changed. I am a new creation in Jesus.  He atoned for my sins.  I am grateful that I live in this covenant not the old.

3. A changed man should live a changed life.

Since I am a new creation, I should act like one.  My life should reflect the work of the cross.

Prayer

Thank you for the cross. Thank you that you have forgiven my sins and made me a new creation.  I am not the man I once was, I am in Christ.  May I live a life that honors you and is pleasing to you.