Dirty Bible, Clean Heart

"O, let the place of secret prayer become to me the most beloved spot on earth" -Andrew Murray  The Tabernacle described in the book of Exodus shows us a great roadmap into prayer (i.e. God's presence). In addition to this, it also demonstrates the three stages or realms of prayer. The Tabernacle was divided into three main parts: the Outer Court, the Holy Place, and the Holy of Holies. Each of these sections were different both in size and purpose. Let's analyze the diagram below and use it as a visual aid to help us learn.  The outer court is represented by everything within the white linen veil before you get to the actual Tabernacle. The outer court held the altar of sacrifice and laver. Out of the three main sections of the Tabernacle, this was the largest in size. The purpose of the outer court was to hold animal sacrifices as atonement for sins. It was also the place where the priests and levites washed both hands and feet before serving. It made sense ...

"Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?"  -Corrie Ten Boom It is always interesting to see how often we call on God when we are in trouble. When difficulties and the trials of this life arise, we are often drawn towards prayer. It is during these circumstances that our prayers are oftentimes fervent and frequent. The prayer closet becomes our second home. Our tears and present affliction always move the heart of our Heavenly Father. Many times He will answer our prayers causing our hearts to be filled with joy and thanksgiving. Yet if we fast forward the timeline of our lives, a few months or even weeks later we will find ourselves going about our daily routine not giving much thought or time to prayer. Prayer will once again slip into the attic of our home only to be used in the case of an emergency.  The children of Israel were no different. The book of Judges shows us an endless cycle of complacency, trouble, prayer, deliverance, devotion, and once again c...

“Prayer is the only entryway into genuine self-knowledge. It is also the main way we experience deep change—the reordering of our loves. Prayer is how God gives us so many of the unimaginable things he has for us. Indeed, prayer makes it safe for God to give us many of the things we most desire. It is the way we know God , the way we finally treat God as God. Prayer is simply the key to everything we need to do and be in life.” -Timothy Keller Relationships are built on one key ingredient: Time. Think about the most significant relationships in your life. How did you grow close to that individual? How did you learn about their goals and dreams, their likes and dislikes, but most importantly how did you learn who they are? Was it not by spending time with them? Take the marriage relationship for example. Before you and your spouse ever walked down the aisle, you went through a season of dating. This period of time is crucial if the relationship is to go any further. During the datin...