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Temples and Sanctuaries

Mar 13
Posted by Pastor Howard White in Devotionals

Psalm 84:1–4

How lovely is your dwelling place,
O LORD of hosts!
2 My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the LORD;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O LORD of hosts,
my King and my God.
4 Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise.

In ancient Israel, the temple was not just one building.  There was an area around the temple itself where people could gather.  This area was the “courts of the LORD.”  People would leave their homes and towns and travel to Jerusalem and go to the temple.  The psalmist is trying to describe the temple as a second home. (more…)

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God is Great

Nov 03
Posted by Pastor Howard White in Devotionals

Psalm 70:4–5

4 Let all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you.
Let those who love your salvation
say evermore, “God is great!”
5 But I am poor and needy;
hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O LORD, do not delay!

Sometimes I will say, “God be praised.”  I don’t know when I first said that or heard that, but it has been a long time.  I don’t really say, “God is great,” but I know that others do.  They say “Allah akbar,” and it scares me.  It is often reported by the media as coming from the lips of Muslim terrorists.  I also heard it during the Arab spring as part of the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, and in those places it was spoken by freedom loving people.  I guess it all depends on the context. (more…)

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Power and the Cross

Oct 05
Posted by Pastor Howard White in Devotionals

John 11:45–48

45 Many of the Jews therefore, who had come with Mary and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what he had done. 47 So the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the council, and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy both our holy place and our nation.”

These four verses are the first part of a section that is described in my Bible as “the plot to kill Jesus.”  The section continues on for the rest of chapter 11 of John’s gospel.  What these first verses make clear is that Jesus was a threat to the status quo.  The Pharisees and the council were concerned about what the Romans would do because of Jesus’ popularity and the people believing in him. (more…)

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The Cross

Apr 19
Posted by Pastor Howard White in Devotionals

1 Corinthians 1:18

18 For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

There are many “decorative” crosses that I own and have hanging on my walls.  Each has its own special meaning, sometimes based on who gave the cross to me.  Two hang side by side in my office.  One is a traditional crucifix showing a suffering Jesus hanging on the cross.  The other is called Christus Rex, which means Christ the King.  It shows Jesus with a crown on his head.  The crucifix reminds me of what really happened on the cross, that Jesus suffered and died.  The other reminds me of the impact on my life, that Jesus is my king and lord. (more…)

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Thorns and Crosses

Mar 31
Posted by Pastor Howard White in Devotionals

2 Corinthians 12:7

even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.

 Mark 8:34

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

These two passages are often confused.  People sometimes interchange their meanings.  The “thorn in the flesh” is something that happens to us.  The cross is something we choose.  Both a “thorn in the flesh” and a “cross” are painful, but  that is their main similarity. (more…)

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Taking Faith Seriously

Oct 26
Posted by Pastor Howard White in Devotionals

1 Peter 5:6–11

6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. 7Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 8Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. 9Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. 10And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. 11To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.

This message from Peter talks about the sufferings of the early Christians.  Earlier in the chapter he mentions that he was a witness to the sufferings of Jesus.  Peter also gave up his life for his faith.  How many of us are suffering because of our Christian faith? (more…)

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