The number 40 symbolizes “testing” in Scripture.  We know this because God “tested” the nation of Israel in the wilderness for 40 years to see whether or not they would follow Him.  Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness echoes those 40 years.  Like Israel, Jesus was tempted by hunger (Ex.16), tempted to put God to the test (Ex.17) and tempted . . .

My pastor concluded a series on the Blessings of Obedience from Deuteronomy 28 recently.  The message was so good that I just HAD to share it!

I am simply going to share the summary list here of the Blessings that come from Obedience to the Lord our God.  But I encourage you to listen to the full message.  It was so encouraging!! . . . .

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your Living Word.  When You speak, things happen.  By Your Word the world was created.  And when I declare Your Word, things happen.  Romans 10:9 says that if I confess with my mouth … I will be saved.  There is power in speaking what I believe.

So, Father, I come into agreement with Your Word.  Your Word says that You forgave all my iniquities, healed all my diseases . . .

Based on this scripture in Romans, I’ve encouraged people to “confess” their healing.  Speak the spiritual truth so that it becomes a physical reality.  Today, I have just noticed for the first time evidence of this in the ministry of Jesus!

The woman with the issue of blood who touched the hem . . .

We can be doubly sure that God wants to bless us and multiply us!

“God desires that we live in divine health.” 

I confidently proclaimed that statement at the last two Healing Room trainings, and both times I was asked to give scripture references.  How sad!  It breaks my heart . . .

These passages about bringing oil for the menorah are a beautiful reminder to shine for Jesus.

In Leviticus here, God is requiring that two things be continually brought by His people for the service of His Tabernacle – His dwelling place.  One of those things is specially . . .

But my attention was drawn to the priest who is up all night stoking the fire.  A whole carcass would take several hours to burn, probably all night.  And the flames would need to be roaring hot in order to reduce it, bones and all, to ashes.  That priest isn’t going to get any sleep!

Since we are priest unto our God . . .

Moses’ burning bush is a foreshadowing of the fire of the Holy Spirit spoken of in the gospels.

It is clear from the context in Matthew that the fire of Holy Spirit is for burning up the chaff in our lives.  The chaff is all the junk in our lives . . .

The return of the Israelites to Jerusalem from exile is a picture of personal salvation.  The first thing the exiles did when they returned was to build an altar and make an offering.  This is akin to inviting Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.  After many discouragements and distractions,