Mirta P.’s Journal

We need to remain humble under all circumstances, and keep a level head - sober judgement. We cannot afford to let pride influence our actions... pride comes before the fall. I mean, we can speak with authority, but we don't have to fall prey to arrogance. After all, we are part of the same body, each carrying out a vital function, and all dependent upon each other, always giving God the glory first and foremost.

It is not by works that salvation is attained, there's no magic ritual, or processes that we have to go through in order to have our name inscribed in the Book of Life. We have a tendency to over think and complicate everything, always looking over the fence to see what color is the grass on the other side, or we think that we can "help" God with our actions. Grace is a gift, it is redemption. Grace comes from the One who can give it, and we accept it or reject it. Thank God, and praise for His "amazing grace that saved a wretch like me, i once was lost but now i'm found, was blind but now i see".

This is a litmus test for assurance of our salvation. Yes, it is that simple, if we confes with our lips that Jesus has absolute sovereignty over our lives and that indeed God YHWH raised Him from the dead, WE ARE SAVED. There's no reason to doubt any longer. Do not allow the enemy and his minions to sow seeds of doubt in our minds, rebuke him with the Word. This is a great one to combat doubt.

The image of God as the potter and we are the clay, resulting in vessels, is presented in several places in Scripture. Imagine that we are like cups in God's cupboard. Some cups are for drinking coffee every morning. Some are for drinking tea in the afternoon. Some are wonderful big mugs for hot chocolate. Some are dainty and beautiful for special company

this chapter speaks to me as to the nature of the relationship with God - what it ought to be. The phrase "all who were willing..." is used several times in this chapters. The people were presented with an opportunity and they willingly accepted to participate. God presents us with opportunities to participate in His plans everyday, and those who are willing to give of themselves are blessed and 'filled with skill to do all kinds of work"!

This is a very difficult passage to understand; there is so much going on! What impresses me the most is that we get a glimpse into the character of god. He sees the israelites for what they truly are, 'a stiff-necked people', He sees their sin, idolatry, and STILL is willing to cover them with his protection and guidance. Twice in the chapter God says to Moses "Now go...", again showing a glimpse of His character; He does not act on His anger, He does not quickly fly into a rage and wipe them out. He explains what He will do, 'destroy them', yet hears Moses' plea for the people, then provides an opportunity for redemption and forgiveness. He doesn't just blot everyone out, only those who sinned against Him will be punished. the character of God as I see it in this chapter, loving, patient, merciful, and just.

Neither Moses, nor Bezalel, nor Oholiab, could take credit for the work that was accomplished. God was the One who chose, the One who appointed, the One who filled with His Spirit to fulfill His plan, his objective, His mission and vision. Today I'm convinced that it is God who appoints, who imparts and who will ultimately reveal His will and His plans for us. And when He does, we will be filled "with the Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge and with all kinds of skills -" to fulfill His purpose.