YES FM Spring Share-a-thon

As many of you probably know, I got my start  in radio in 2004 while working a YES FM as an intern.    I worked as a part-time DJ and Administrative Assistant for a while before my family moved from the area, and after we moved back in 2007 I've been volunteering ever since.  I've recently joined the team again (officially), and am so excited to be a part of this ministry.

I grew up in a Catholic home, and while faith was encouraged, a true relationship with Christ was never emphasized.  I was 13 when I had my confirmation, and I was told that I'd received the Holy Spirit and it lived in me when I was anointed with the oil.  But shouldn't I have felt something?

I didn't.

I was 14 when I discovered YES FM.  It was the only station that I got on my walkman when I was in Commons at school.  The first songs that I heard were "Paradigm" by All Together Separate and "Rest" by Skillet.  I know this because I wrote them down on the back of my social studies notebook, which I found not too long ago.

It was on every day since.

Now, 15 years later, my kids are listening.  I remember working at concerts when I was pregnant with Samantha (now 7), and the bands praying over me (and her).    My kids hear songs on the bus to school that I DO NOT think are appropriate for elementary schoolers, but they bus driver doesn't seem to care.    But when we're in the car, or at home, I know they're hearing The Word.

I love and truly appreciate that YES FM is listener supported.  I remember when my dad was going through his treatments for cancer, and we would visit him when possible, the drive home was emotional.  I'd need to hear something to assure me that God was watching over my dad.  There was a corporately owned station that played 'Christian' music.  And while I enjoyed the music to a point, I hated hearing a song that spoke to me, then an advertisement for plastic surgery.  It really hurt the spirit that was filling my car.  I'm glad that YES FM is available on the Tune In radio app (and that I have a phone to play it on).  When I'm traveling outside the area, I can still be encouraged.

So as they - I mean we - are entering Share-a-thon, I'd like to share with you a letter from the Station Manager of YES FM.  And I encourage you - turn the station on and listen to it.   Pray about the youth that you know - whether they are in church or not - and ask God if it is His plan for you to give to a ministry that will help shape the future of the Church.

Dear Friends and Family, 

It is once again the time for our Sharathon at YES FM radio. This is the time that we raise support for the next 6 months of ministry work. Our goal is to raise $100,000 by Monday April 30th. Jesus is working through YES FM to change hearts and lives. When you support us, you are a part of the kingdom advancement to countless people who listen. Here are just a few testimonies we recently received from listeners to YES FM: 

I was locked up at T.O.C.I. and through your radio and positive word for our father and his son. I have came to love the lord and now have only been out for a month and I have still walking in Christ and through his love and forgiving heart. I now know I can be a positive person with out all the drugs and crazyness in my life. Thank you for all the hard time I went through why I was in Toledo with out YES FM I would of never made it through it. 

LOVE THE MUSIC YOU PLAY! You guys make such a difference in the lives of your listeners. My family has been deeply affected by this radio station, my brother and sister have both found Christ through the music of YES FM. Thank you all so much. 

In Luke 10 Jesus sent out 70 disciples, and part of their instruction was, “But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ The Word peace is “Shalom”, which means “completeness, wholeness, welfare and health. It suggests speaking perfect wholeness of blessing to that household. They were to literally bring a word of complete peace and blessing into every aspect of that household.

Well, for 20 years YES FM has been coming into homes, car, phones and workplaces like your speaking words of peace and shalom through word and song. How valuable is that to homes and families today? 

If you would like to help us reach our goal and continue to bring “shalom” into homes then I would ask you to consider making a pledge at yeshome.com. Thank you for you love and support. 

In Him,
Todd Hostetler

Day 23 1 Samuel 29- 2 Samuel 2

2 Samuel 1

²³ Saul and Jonathan—beloved, beautiful! 
      Together in life, together in death. 
   Swifter than plummeting eagles, 
      stronger than proud lions. 
 ^24-25 Women of Israel, weep for Saul. 
      He dressed you in finest cottons and silks, 
      spared no expense in making you elegant. 
   The mighty warriors—fallen, fallen 
      in the middle of the fight! 
      Jonathan—struck down on your hills! 
 ²⁶ O my dear brother Jonathan, 
      I'm crushed by your death. 
   Your friendship was a miracle-wonder, 
      love far exceeding anything I've known— 
      or ever hope to know. 
 ²⁷ The mighty warriors—fallen, fallen. 
      And the arms of war broken to bits.

I've wondered why David was so affected by Samuel's death.  Samuel wanted David killed, had tried everything to kill him. And yet, David mourned deeply for him.  Jonathan, I can understand - they were like brothers... but Samuel?  

Whitney Houston died this weekend.  She was an American Icon.  Her life has been filled with accomplishments, but she clearly had much darkness in her.  People all over the world are mourning her right now, and many are ridiculing her and the choices she's made.

We don't know her, and yet we are all grieving the loss.  While she clearly had been fighting her own personal demons, she had done amazing things and brought joy to many.  And for that she will be missed.

So perhaps that is why David was able to mourn Samuel... while he did little good to David, he did great things for others.  And in his death, those things would cease.    

Day 22 1 Samuel 16-28

1 Samuel 17 ^41-42 As the Philistine paced back and forth, his shield bearer in front of him, he noticed David. He took one look down on him and sneered—a mere youngster, apple-cheeked and peach-fuzzed.
 ⁴³ The Philistine ridiculed David. "Am I a dog that you come after me with a stick?" And he cursed him by his gods.
 ⁴⁴ "Come on," said the Philistine. "I'll make roadkill of you for the buzzards. I'll turn you into a tasty morsel for the field mice."
 ^45-47 David answered, "You come at me with sword and spear and battle-ax. I come at you in the name of God-of-the-Angel-Armies, the God of Israel's troops, whom you curse and mock. This very day God is handing you over to me. I'm about to kill you, cut off your head, and serve up your body and the bodies of your Philistine buddies to the crows and coyotes. The whole earth will know that there's an extraordinary God in Israel. And everyone gathered here will learn that God doesn't save by means of sword or spear. The battle belongs to God—he's handing you to us on a platter!"
 ^48-49 That roused the Philistine, and he started toward David. David took off from the front line, running toward the Philistine. David reached into his pocket for a stone, slung it, and hit the Philistine hard in the forehead, embedding the stone deeply. The Philistine crashed, facedown in the dirt.
 ⁵⁰ That's how David beat the Philistine—with a sling and a stone. He hit him and killed him. No sword for David!

David - a child in the eyes of all around him, defeated the greatest enemy that his people had ever seen. And he did it with a slingshot!  

I've heard many sermons about this particular passage of scripture.  There are Sunday School songs about David.  It's one of those stories that even non-Christians know about.

Like I said, I've probably heard dozens of sermons based David and Goliath.  Have heard explanation over his brother's behaviors, Saul's giving him armor, and how difficult it would be to hit someone dead-on with a stone and sling.  

But the one thing that I take away from it is how God used the tools that David knew how to use.  David didn't attempt to use the sword and armor; he used his sling.  He didn't have to learn something new, he just did what he could.

I think we all assume that we have to become something different than we are to do something good.  We don't have to learn something new to participate.  We all have gifts, we all have talents, and they all can be used of God.

I don't enjoy speaking in large groups - you probably won't see me giving any large presentations any time soon.  However, I like to write, and I don't care how many people read it.

I have a talent that can be used of God, and I'm very thankful for it.  Whatever your talents are, let them be seen, let them be used, and don't let anyone try to change you.

A personal prayer

I'm a wife.  I'm a mom.  I'm a business owner.  

I feel like I'm a bad wife because I don't get to see my husband that often.  He's either working, at school, or sleeping.  We haven't had a meal together in almost a week, and we haven't been able to play our nightly game of Phase 10 in almost 2... so much for that.

I fee like I'm a bad mom because I forgot to give my girls their notes for girl scouts so they could stay over.  I dropped them off after the kids were already at school - it's every week, why do I have to write a note every single week (I know why, I'm just venting).  

I feel like I'm a bad business owner because I'm not a good sales person, or an administrator.  I'm pretty good at doing the job, but closing the deal and getting the payment is tough for me...    

I just need things to be uneventful for a few days... it seems that every little thing is starting to build up, I can feel the crash coming...

I've had people actually tell me they were praying for me not to get a job that I'd interviewed for because they don't want us to move.  OK, so you'd rather I be stressed out and constantly on the go and working 70 hours a week,  just so I don't move?  (It's called Facebook, people, we can still talk to each other.)

I love my life, I just wish a few things would change a bit.  

Sometimes I wish I could go back and change the minor details that have changed our lives so dramatically... Sometimes I wish that I really did have someone in my corner, backing us up and supporting us, helping us through all the difficult decisions we've had to make.  

I've been praying for someone to take that step, to be the mentors that I need in family and in business.  I know people have seen me crying and praying at church.  I've had people tell me that I've been on their hearts.  But no one has actually offered me that guidance that I'm so desperate for.  I don't know who to ask.  

So I pray.  Lord, I ask you again: whoever it is that is meant to impact me, let them know I'm here and I'm ready.  

Day 21 1Samuel 3-15

1 Samuel 12  

 ^13-15 "So here's the king you wanted, the king you asked for. God has let you have your own way, given you a king. If you fear God, worship and obey him, and don't rebel against what he tells you. If both you and your king follow God, no problem. God will be sure to save you. But if you don't obey him and rebel against what he tells you, king or no king, you will fare no better than your fathers.

God created us to be led.  I believe His intention was for us to have leaders, mentors, guidance.  But not necessarily a "Ruler".  I believe that the role of the "Ruler" was what he had intended for himself.  


But His people asked.  And asked. And asked. And asked.  So He gave them one.   When we have God fearing leaders, and we are in tune to what God wants, then these leaders are doing what we want, in essence. Because we all want God's will, His plan to go forth.  


Does this always work - no.  Because of the fall, we don't all always look to Him. We look to us.  


This applies to everything - our homes, our churches, where we work, our government.


Look in you heart, Look to Him, and you will find the right paths to follow.  Join in communal prayer, and your community will discover the right leaders for you.

Day 20 Ruth 1 - 1 Samuel 2

1 Samuel 1The Message (MSG) 

^12-14 It so happened that as she continued in prayer before God, Eli was watching her closely. Hannah was praying in her heart, silently. Her lips moved, but no sound was heard. Eli jumped to the conclusion that she was drunk. He approached her and said, "You're drunk! How long do you plan to keep this up? Sober up, woman!"
 ^15-16 Hannah said, "Oh no, sir—please! I'm a woman hard used. I haven't been drinking. Not a drop of wine or beer. The only thing I've been pouring out is my heart, pouring it out to God. Don't for a minute think I'm a bad woman. It's because I'm so desperately unhappy and in such pain that I've stayed here so long."
 ¹⁷ Eli answered her, "Go in peace. And may the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him."
²⁰ Before the year was out, Hannah had conceived and given birth to a son. She named him Samuel, explaining, "I asked God for him."

Sometimes I think we push aside the people who have been praying for the same things for year after year... We say, "maybe it's just not God's Plan", or "He's heard you, He knows, let it lie."  And there may or may not be benefit to this.  I don't really know.


God is a loving God, He knows our hearts.  He knows what is best for us, better than we know for ourselves.


So why doesn't He just give us what we want, when we ask pray about it?  The timing may not be right.  Other unknown factors may be conflicting with it.  Even if you want it, it's not for you.


But if we are fervent in our prayers, God may be working on all the other factors preventing it.  Including you.

Day 19 Judges 11-21

Judges 13:2-7 The Message (MSG) 

 ^2-5 At that time there was a man named Manoah from Zorah from the tribe of Dan. His wife was barren and childless. The angel of God appeared to her and told her, "I know that you are barren and childless, but you're going to become pregnant and bear a son. But take much care: Drink no wine or beer; eat nothing ritually unclean. You are, in fact, pregnant right now, carrying a son. No razor will touch his head—the boy will be God's Nazirite from the moment of his birth. He will launch the deliverance from Philistine oppression."
 ^6-7 The woman went to her husband and said, "A man of God came to me. He looked like the angel of God—terror laced with glory! I didn't ask him where he was from and he didn't tell me his name, but he told me, 'You're pregnant. You're going to give birth to a son. Don't drink any wine or beer and eat nothing ritually unclean. The boy will be God's Nazirite from the moment of birth to the day of his death.'"

Most people know the story of Samson. His gift was given because of a promise by his parents to the Angle of the Lord.  They up agreed and upheld the promise they made, and raised him to follow the promise.

But he grew to be arrogant of his blessing, and threw it away by tempting Delilah and telling her his secret.  In stead of adhering to God's plan, he created his own.  And he ended up captured, blinded, and in prison.

I think we all need to take heed to the promises that are set out before us.  We've probably not had an audible conversation like Samson's parents did.  I remember, in a time of turmoil, crying out in pain and agony.  And I honestly thought I heard someone say to me, 'It's all going to work out, trust me'.  I looked up, looking for my husband.  But he wasn't there.  I found him in the basement watching TV.  And you know what, soon after that night, things began to improve.

There have been rules and guidelines that have been set out before us, and it is up to us to follow them.  He has a plan for us, as long as we look to Him, and follow the path set forth.  

Day 18 Judges 1-10

Judges 10:15-16The People of Israel said to God: "We've sinned. Do to us whatever you think best, but please, get us out of this!" Then they cleaned house of the foreign gods and worshiped only God. And God took Israel's troubles to heart.

 Even though generations of Israelites turned away from God, He still loved them.  And knew that they would walk away from Him, and that the would return to Him.  


As our Father, He does not coddle us and give us everything that we ask for.  Sometimes we have to learn our lessons.  


As a parent, it's the hardest part.  Not that my kids are bad, but we've all had bad days.  And there are consequences to bad behaviors.  My 5 year old daughter has a bit of a temper, and has a fit once a week.  It's become less frequent because she's finally learning that she gets things taken away when she acts up.  But when she adjusts her attitude, and performs a few kind acts, we give them back.


So as I do with my kids, God does with us.  But when we submit to Him, ask for forgiveness and follow His guidance, He will always take care of us.

Day 17 Joshua 13-24

Joshua 18:3 

So Joshua said to the sons of Israel, “How long will you put off entering to take possession of the land which the LORD, the God of your fathers, has given you?

At this point, the inheritances were being divided amongst the nations.  However, the sons of Israel instead of going forth and collecting their lands.

I think this is something we all do - we have an 'inheritance' from The Lord.  The question is not if we have one, but if we will go and collect it.

I don't know if we all see what He has planned from us at early ages.  I don't think I know what I am intended for, other than to be a good wife and mother.  And perhaps He has other things in store for me.  I don't know yet.

But He does have a plan, and victories for us.  But we all have our battles to fight.  The tribes we sent out by Joshua to their inherited lands, but these were not with out trials.

We all have our own battles to fight - we they make us stronger, put in in the right place for our blessings. Prepares us for His ultimate plan for us. 

Day 16 Joshua 1-12

Joshua 4:23-24 

"Yes, God, your God, dried up the Jordan's waters for you until you had crossed, just as God, your God, did at the Red Sea, which had dried up before us until we had crossed. This was so that everybody on earth would recognize how strong God's rescuing hand is and so that you would hold God in solemn reverence always."

Regardless of the trials in your path, don't forget about the triumphs of your past.

I think that is the hardest thing to realize when we are going through the turbulence of life.  I've heard it said many times "Don't focus on the fact that you've fallen flat on your face 9 times. Focus on the fact that you've gotten up 10!"  Sometimes we need reminders that He took us through things.  Even if we still don't see where the victory was.

He loves you, and will be there to guide you through the trials in your life.  It won't always be easy, but it will make your stronger.

Day 15 Deuteronomy 23-34

Deuteronomy 28

 ^1-6 If you listen obediently to the Voice of God, your God, and heartily obey all his commandments that I command you today, God, your God, will place you on high, high above all the nations of the world. All these blessings will come down on you and spread out beyond you because you have responded to the Voice of God, your God: 

   God's blessing inside the city, 
   God's blessing in the country; 
   God's blessing on your children, 
      the crops of your land, 
      the young of your livestock, 
      the calves of your herds, 
      the lambs of your flocks. 
   God's blessing on your basket and bread bowl; 
   God's blessing in your coming in, 
   God's blessing in your going out.

***

There are many rules laid forth in the book of Deuteronomy that just are not being applied today.  We changed the rules because we didn't like them.  We put our own will above HIS.  


When we take time and truly look into our behaviors - are we doing what we should?  The Bible has strict rules against adultery, murder, theft, lies, etc.  And yet, many of the people who commit such acts often go without punishment by their peers.  


All I can say is that my GOD is a loving and forgiving GOD.  He has put in place a chance for us to receive His love and forgiveness.  However, while we say we love and believe in Him, our actions should reflect that as well.  It's in the Bible, it's in His teachings.  He wants everyone to walk away from the sin they commit, daily ask for forgiveness, and draw closer to Him.  When we do this, we find His blessings for us.

Day 14: Deuteronomy 9-22

Deuteronomy 10:12-18  

^12-13 So now Israel, what do you think God expects from you? Just this: Live in his presence in holy reverence, follow the road he sets out for you, love him, serve God, your God, with everything you have in you, obey the commandments and regulations of God that I'm commanding you today—live a good life. 

 ^14-18 Look around you: Everything you see is God's—the heavens above and beyond, the Earth, and everything on it. But it was your ancestors who God fell in love with; he picked their children—that's you!—out of all the other peoples. That's where we are right now. So cut away the thick calluses from your heart and stop being so willfully hardheaded. God, your God, is the God of all gods, he's the Master of all masters, a God immense and powerful and awesome. He doesn't play favorites, takes no bribes, makes sure orphans and widows are treated fairly, takes loving care of foreigners by seeing that they get food and clothing. 

Sometimes I think we forget that God loves ALL of us - but it doesn't mean we can behave in a manner that is unpleasing and assume "we're all good".  I'm getting sick and tired of people who call themselves Christians that act in a manner that is un-Christ like.

We are called to love Him first - above family (yes, even above family), friends, house, cars, jobs, things - Christ must come first.

W are called to follow his lead.  Did he surround himself with the politicians and the wealthy? No.  His followers were the working men.

We can't buy our way into Heaven - so if you think writing checks alone will get you there, think again.  It is good to give of our blessings, and we should.  But deeds alone do not work.

Our minds and spirits need to be right with Him for our lives to be right.

Cut out all the nonsense in your life - for a week, a month, a year.  And I challenge you to not change!

Day 13 Deuteronomy 1-8

Deuteronomy 6:4-9 

 ⁴ “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! ⁵ You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. ⁶ These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. ⁷ You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. ⁸You shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. ⁹ You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

I think these verses nicely sum up my reading for today.

As I am raising my children, my biggest flaw is how do I raise them 'right'.  I was raised in a home where church wasn't a huge priority, but we did attend our weekly CCD classes every year until Confirmation.  I look at my 3 kids, all with different personalities.  S has such a spirit in her, and it's beautiful to watch her pray and worship at home.  But she refuses to participate at church.  Not even a little bit.  She's 'too shy'.  E just doesn't seem interested in church or Sunday School... but when we ask her to pray, she goes into great detail.  J is still young, but will be the first to say that we need family prayer time.

I've listened to radio programs, I've read a few books.  But I don't want to be talked at, I want a conversation with someone - what worked for you, what do you wish you hadn't done, what would you change.

I'd very much like to see more churches offering weekly/monthly discussion groups that bring young parents and parents with grown children together.  I want to become a better parent, and I want to know how to raise my kids to always love and follow The Lord.

Day 12 Numbers 24-36

Numbers 30 

 ^1-2 Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the People of Israel: "This is what God commands: When a man makes a vow to God or binds himself by an oath to do something, he must not break his word; he must do exactly what he has said.

It seems that today, more promises are broken than kept.  Why is that?  Why can't we commit ourselves to the things that we say we will?  Do we put to much stock in ourselves that we think we can, and then fail?  Why can't we be honest and say "I don't know if I can commit to that, but I'll try".

Why are there broken friendships homes divided, tears between family?

Don't even get me started on Business Ethics... no, let me rant for a moment.  If you're a "hand shake kinda guy", then stick to the promises that you make.  And then when you don't stick to those promises, don't be upset when someone walks away leaving you with nothing...

If you make a promise - KEEP IT!  If you don't think you can keep it - DON'T MAKE IT!

Day 11 Numbers 10-23

Numbers 11:18-23 

^18-20 "Tell the people, Consecrate yourselves. Get ready for tomorrow when you're going to eat meat. You've been whining to God, 'We want meat; give us meat. We had a better life in Egypt.' God has heard your whining and he's going to give you meat. You're going to eat meat. And it's not just for a day that you'll eat meat, and not two days, or five or ten or twenty, but for a whole month. You're going to eat meat until it's coming out your nostrils. You're going to be so sick of meat that you'll throw up at the mere mention of it. And here's why: Because you have rejected God who is right here among you, whining to his face, 'Oh, why did we ever have to leave Egypt?'" 

 ^21-22 Moses said, "I'm standing here surrounded by 600,000 men on foot and you say, 'I'll give them meat, meat every day for a month.' So where's it coming from? Even if all the flocks and herds were butchered, would that be enough? Even if all the fish in the sea were caught, would that be enough?" 

 ²³ God answered Moses, "So, do you think I can't take care of you? You'll see soon enough whether what I say happens for you or not."

I think something that we all struggle with is if God really is listening to our prayers, does He have our best interests in mind?  I can remember on several occasions, when things in our lives were dire, and we finally saw a glimmer of hope, that grew and grew until suddenly - GONE!  I can't tell you how devastating it all was.  My husband had applied for a job that would have moved us out of Ohio.  We were praying over it, and traveled several times over a 4 month period for interviews.  We began looking for an apartment, finding the best Christian school, looking for churches... and then it fell through.  We were devastated.  

We found out a few months later that there were budget cuts and a large number of lay offs.  It was a blessing in disguise, but it didn't feel like it at the time.

It's hard to trust in the things that we can't see.  I encourage you - look to Him for your daily courage.  The dreams you have may be what He has planned for you, it may not.  Trust in Him, he will provide it for you at a time that He sees fit.  Sometimes it will only last a short while, sometimes longer.  But His love for us is everlasting, and He will never let us down.

Day 10 Numbers 1-9

Numbers 5:5-10
^5-10 God spoke to Moses: "Tell the People of Israel, When a man or woman commits any sin, the person has broken trust with God, is guilty, and must confess the sin. Full compensation plus twenty percent must be made to whoever was wronged. If the wronged person has no close relative who can receive the compensation, the compensation belongs to God and must be given to the priest, along with the ram by which atonement is made. All the sacred offerings that the People of Israel bring to a priest belong to the priest. Each person's sacred offerings are his own, but what one gives to the priest stays with the priest."

I think something that is lost in society today is the concept of righting our wrongs.  We'd rather put extra effort into avoiding the people that we hurt, or who have hurt us, than addressing the issues.

What's more, we don't submit our sins to God.  I think that's an important piece to our walks, that most of us forget.

My daughters were in the same Sunday School class, and their teacher told them that when they say something hurtful to a friend, they need to apologize not only to their friend, but also to God.  Now, my kids are all very special, and I love them all very much.  But there is something amazing yet startling about how mature my daughter Samantha is, and how easily she understands certain concepts.  So when she was taught this lesson, she began enforcing it at home.  Every time her brother or sister upset her, or did something wrong, she'd remind them to apologize to (whoever) and also to Jesus.

I think it should be something that we do on a daily basis, wipe the slate clean of the sins we committed during the day (and yes, you did commit some, so did I).  Thank God for your blessings, and ask Him to forgive your sins.  Your relationships will be stronger for it.

Day 9: Leviticus 16-27

Leviticus 16:20-22

When Aaron finishes making atonement for the Holy of Holies, the Tent of Meeting, and the Altar, he will bring up the live goat, lay both hands on the live goat's head, and confess all the iniquities of the People of Israel, all their acts of rebellion, all their sins. He will put all the sins on the goat's head and send it off into the wilderness, led out by a man standing by and ready. The goat will carry all their iniquities to an empty wasteland; the man will let him loose out there in the wilderness.

There's something about knowing that all my sins are taken away, never to return.  One of my favorite Audio A songs is "Ocean Floor".  I know that it's all metaphoric, but there is a peace knowing that when I look at my past - it can stay there.  Is it that easy, no.  Do things resurface, yes.  But when we give them all to HIM, we don't have to worry anymore...

Day 8 Leviticus 1-15

Leviticus 1

The Law of Burnt Offerings

 ¹ Then the LORD called to Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying, ² “Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘When any man of you brings an offering to the LORD, you shall bring your offering of animals from the herd or the flock. ³ If his offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he shall offer it, a male without defect; he shall offer it at the doorway of the tent of meeting, that he may be accepted before the LORD. ⁴ He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, that it may be accepted for him to make atonement on his behalf.

In today's reading, we find the importances of a quality sacrifice and offerings to The Lord:  Your sacrifices should be pure, as perfect as it can be.  It should be with your whole heart that you repent of the sins that you have committed.  And think about it - every time any sin was committed, they's have to have an offering.  So yes, if you told a white lie, you were/are guilty of sin.  Time to repent.  


I'm thankful that I don't have to bring an animal to an alter for a sacrifice (have I mentioned that I was a vegetarian for 5 years - reading about blood and fats and organs is not my favorite thing to do).  I'm thankful that every time I mess up, I can ask for forgiveness and it is given.

Day 7 Exodus 29-30

Exodus 32

The People Make a Gold Calf

 ¹ The people saw that a long time had passed and Moses had not come down from the mountain. So they gathered around Aaron and said, "Moses led us out of Egypt, but we don't know what has happened to him. Make us gods who will lead us."

 ² Aaron said to the people, "Take off the gold earrings that your wives, sons, and daughters are wearing, and bring them to me."³ So all the people took their gold earrings and brought them to Aaron.⁴ He took the gold from the people and formed it with a tool and made a statue of a calf. Then the people said, "Israel, these are your gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!"

 ⁵ When Aaron saw all this, he built an altar before the calf and announced, "Tomorrow there will be a special feast to honor the Lord."⁶ The people got up early the next morning and offered whole burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. They sat down to eat and drink, and then they got up and sinned sexually.

 ⁷ Then the Lord said to Moses, "Go down from this mountain, because your people, the people you brought out of the land of Egypt, have ruined themselves.⁸ They have quickly turned away from the things I commanded them to do. They have made for themselves a calf covered with gold, and they have worshiped it and offered sacrifices to it. They have said, 'Israel, these are your gods who brought you out of Egypt.' "

False Idols = Big Trouble!


When you put your faith in something man made, it's going to fail you.  Human's are imperfect, so anything that we make will be imperfect.  Take computers for instance - have you ever seen the blue screen of death?  You know what I'm talking about.  And you hope that you have everything saved, but when the I.T. guy starts working on it, you've lost EVERYTHING.  


 Or you put material processions ahead of personal relationships - another false idol.  You are not defined by the things that you have, but by the person that you are.  


I think when we all begin to believe in ourselves again, and trust in His love for us, we can begin to put aside the things in our lives that aren't important to us.  I don't know fancy cars, clothes or technology.  I need my family, a place to call home, and my God who loves us dearly.

Day 6: Exodus 16-28

Exodus 16:4-7

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a day’s portion every day, that I may test them, whether or not they will walk in My instruction.  On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather daily.”  So Moses and Aaron said to all the sons of Israel, “At evening you will know that the LORD has brought you out of the land of Egypt;  and in the morning you will see the glory of the LORD, for He hears your grumblings against the LORD; and what are we, that you grumble against us?” 

I can tell you that over the last few years,  I have seen God provide when there was no possible way.  I've seen it many time in my adult life, and I've heard stories and testimonies of how God has provided.  But I have experienced it.


The economy is tough right now, and the last few years have been exceedingly difficult for out family.  And even though it's tough, and sometimes we don't have enough, God has provided a way.  We've never been without food, clothes and a home.  We don't have many luxuries, but we have each other.  There were so many times that I didn't think we'd make it - that we'd lose the house or car because we were late on a payment.  But God provided.

Exodus 20:1-17   The Ten Commandments

 ¹ Then God spoke all these words:

 ² "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt where you were slaves.

 ³ "You must not have any other gods except me.

 ⁴ "You must not make for yourselves an idol that looks like anything in the sky above or on the earth below or in the water below the land.⁵ You must not worship or serve any idol, because I, the Lordyour God, am a jealous God. If you hate me, I will punish your children, and even your grandchildren and great-grandchildren.⁶ But I show kindness to thousands who love me and obey my commands.

 ⁷ "You must not use the name of the Lord your God thoughtlessly; the Lord will punish anyone who misuses his name.

 ⁸ "Remember to keep the Sabbath holy.⁹ Work and get everything done during six days each week,¹⁰but the seventh day is a day of rest to honor the Lord your God. On that day no one may do any work: not you, your son or daughter, your male or female slaves, your animals, or the foreigners living in your cities.¹¹ The reason is that in six days the Lord made everything—the sky, the earth, the sea, and everything in them. On the seventh day he rested. So the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

 ¹² "Honor your father and your mother so that you will live a long time in the land that the Lord your God is going to give you.

 ¹³ "You must not murder anyone.

 ¹⁴ "You must not be guilty of adultery.

 ¹⁵ "You must not steal.

 ¹⁶ "You must not tell lies about your neighbor.

 ¹⁷ "You must not want to take your neighbor's house. You must not want his wife or his male or female slaves, or his ox or his donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

It's sad to think that today, just about EVERY commandment is disobeyed.  Many think "It's ok to fib every once in a while". And "not everyone can get a day off - some people really do have to work everyday".  And I get it - we all fib a bit - sometimes it's harmless of for the benefit of others, but most of the time it's for ourselves.  And yes, some people do have jobs that keep them working on Sunday - hospital staff for instance.  But you could still keep one day of rest and worship on a day off...


It's sad to see the idols that we have.  People, things, habits.  Anything that would prevent us from growing closer to God.  And jealousy, greed, adultery, murder... you can't turn on a radio or TV without hearing about these things.  Unless it directly affects us, we're not phased by it.  Why?


I think we should all take some time and re-evaluate our priorities:
Are we being good, honest people?
Are we living the life that we should/could be?
Are we being the best examples for our children?
Are we thankful for the blessings that we have?