++++PURE LIGHT++++ www.galileebreeze.blogspot.com

 In Exodus 26-27 we find Moses passing on GOD'S commandments      about how to make, and how to use, the items used in the tabernacle.  

In Exodus 27:20 He is giving the commandments for "The care of the   Lampstand." 

"And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring to you   PURE OIL of Pressed olives for the light to burn Continually."             ("JESUS is the Same yesterday, today, and forever."  (Hebrews 13:8).

From the Footnote under Exodus 27:20: "The oil to be burned in the lamp was symbolic of the Holy Spirit.  BEATEN olive oil, which was  the Best, was used in the tabernacle.  To obtain the oil,  olives were gently pounded in a bowl and the oil was extracted from the pulp."

I recall reading in a study about olives...that "..harvesting the olives    was accomplished by using poles to beat the limbs of the olive trees...  this caused the olives to fall to the ground,"

JESUS' limbs (arms, legs) head, and body were BEATEN: ("they struck HIM on the head...and they spat on HIM") (Mark 15:19).            "Pilate, wanting to gratify the crowd, delivered JESUS to them, after he had scourged HIM,..to be crucified." (Mark 15:15).

JESUS was Beaten/Whipped---                                                                Footnote for Matthew:27:26--- "A victim to be scourged was stripped  and tied to a whipping post.  Then he was beaten mercilessly with a    whip consisting of several leather thongs, each loaded with jagged pieces of metal or bone and weighted at the end with lead. Fragments  of flesh would be torn from the victims, some of whom did not survive the ordeal."

(JESUS)- "A man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief, HE was wounded for OUR transgressions, HE was crushed for OUR iniquities  ...the Chastisement NECESSARY for OUR peace was upon HIM, and by  HIS stripes We are healed."  (Isaiah 53:3-5).     

The place where JESUS was betrayed, and arrested---was named the Garden of Gethsemane.  "Gethsemane" means "OLIVE PRESS"---       a place where the oil was pressed out of the olives by CRUSHING the olives.

IN (JOHN 8:12) JESUS declares: "I AM THE LIGHT..."

"For GOD WHO said, 'let light shine out of darkness' (Genesis 1:3-4)  HE has shone in our hearts so as (to beam forth) the Light for the illumination of the knowledge of the MAJESTY and GLORY of GOD  (as it is manifest in the PERSON and is revealed) in the FACE of JESUS  CHRIST, the MESSIAH." (2 Corinthians 4:6/Amplified Bible).

So, what is to be our (Ongoing) response to this HIS WORD?

Let us confess our sins quickly, ask GOD for forgiveness, and repent...so that HIS PURE LIGHT shines through us.

JESUS says: "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and GLORIFY your FATHER IN HEAVEN>"            (Matthew 5:16).

AMEN.   

****BECOMING ONE****

JESUS PRAYS FOR ALL BELIEVERS.....                                                                     

"FATHER, the hour has come.  Glorify YOUR SON, that YOUR           SON also  may glorify YOU.  YOU have given HIM authority over         all flesh, that HE shall give eternal life to as many as YOU have         given HIM.

I have manifested (revealed) YOUR NAME to those whom YOU        have given ME out of the world.  They were YOURS, YOU gave them to  ME, and they have heard Your Word.

"Now they have known that all things which YOU have given ME      are from YOU.  For I have given unto them the words which YOU have  given Me, and they have received them, and have known surely that  I came forth from YOU; and they have believed that YOU sent ME.

"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who believe in ME    through their word...that they may be one, as YOU, FATHER, are in ME, and I in YOU, that they also may be one in US, that the world      may believe that YOU sent ME.

"And the glory which YOU gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as WE are ONE. (John 17:1...22).

"I in them, and YOU in ME; ...that they may be made complete in one, that the world may know that YOU HAVE SENT ME, AND        HAVE LOVED THEM AS YOU LOVE ME." (John 17:23).

FATHER, I desire that they also whom YOU gave ME may be with ME where I AM, that they may behold MY glory which YOU have given  ME, for YOU have loved ME before the foundation of the world."        (John 17:24).

In this chapter (John 17) JESUS declares THREE (3) times that we are to be ONE IN HIM.                                                                                      ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------  From the book "Numerics in Scripture" by E. W. Bullinger/Kregel Publications:                                                                                            "All things that are specially complete are stamped with the number three (3),  GOD'S attributes are three (3); Omniscience-(All-Knowing- Psalm 139:1-24).  Omnipresence - ("with us always" (Psalm 139:1-12/Matt. 28:20).   Omnipotence - "I am Almighty" (Genesis 17:1).  THREE Persons in the GODHEAD: FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT. THREE    DENOTES Perfection."

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THE Vital Importance of gathering together:                                         "Then those who Revere (hold in AWE) the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before HIM for those are reverent to HIM  and who meditate on HIS NAME.

"They shall be MINE says the LORD of HOSTS, on the day that I       make them MY special treasures.  And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." (Malachi 3:16-17).

"And let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,      for HE WHO promised is faithful.  

"And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good        works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much more as the  DAY (of JESUS RETURNING) approaches." (Hebrews 10:23-24).

"O Righteous FATHER! The world has not known YOU, but I have known YOU; and these have known that YOU sent ME." (John 17:25).

O!!! That it may BE SO in our lives!!!!!!!!!       

 AMEN.   

"OUR HEAVENLY FATHER'S BEAUTIFUL, INTIMATE LOVE FOR US!!!

**** Please Read This Aloud ****

JESUS CHRIST - HE WHO "...upholds, maintains, guides, and propels the Universe by HIS Mighty Word of power." (Hebrews           1:1-3/Amplified Bible).

HE WHO Creates Beautiful Flowers with such Exquisite designs of     color and shape, And creates the Beautiful Butterflies that love the       flowers so---

May HE breathe on you the very breath that says: "I love You with my everlasting love...". (Jeremiah 31:3)...

"THE ETERNAL GOD Is your Refuge...and underneath are the            Everlasting Arms..."  (Deuteronomy 33:27).

"Who is like you, a people saved by the LORD, the Shield of the LORD."  (Deuteronomy 33:29).

The breath that says "I call you Friend". (John 15:15).

The breath that says: "It is Finished".  (John 19:30).

AS I went outside to give these thoughts back to GOD our Heavenly    Father...I saw a butterfly on the ground, walking--- I very gently picked  it up, and carried it to some beautiful flowers that were growing in the sunshine.

As I sat underneath the White Dogwood tree...exchanging these thoughts with our Heavenly Father...a breeze stirred the White              dogwood tree  -  causing a shower of white petals to Blanket me.

In (Revelation 22:2) "the leaves of the tree of life are for healing          and restoration..."

May this (HIS) word be for Your healing and restoration:

"I have called you by your name, You are Mine..."  (Isaiah 43:1).

"I am called "...a child of God..."  (John 1:12).

" I (Jesus) have called you 'Friend' ".  (John 15:15)

"I love you with My everlasting love..(Jeremiah 31:3).

"...in Me, you may have peace."  (John 16:33).

"JESUS CHRIST is the same yesterday, today, and forever."                  (Hebrews 13:8).

In the paragraph about the Butterfly (above)...The Hand that moved    the butterfly, placing it gently among the flowers in the sOnshine        is our Father God's hand... You are the butterfly...the breeze is the        Holy Spirit, JESUS says in (John 8:12): "I AM the light." 

Now, Please read it Two Times more!!!                                   

 

"SOUNDS OF MERCY, AND GRACE...AND..."

 Once while serving on a Christian Men's Retreat, I heard the Worship Leader singing the song "Amazing Grace".

That song begins with the beautiful and Holy Declaration: "Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me..." As I sang along with that song...the Holy Spirit prompted me to ask:  "Father, what were those Sweet Sounds?"  He answered me, giving to me understanding:  "Those 'Sweet Sounds' were music."...I said..."Music?!?!?".

In the music---the "percussion instruments" were (1) The HAMMER DRIVING the spikes through JESUS' wrists into the wooden cross; and, (2) The "Thump!" as the cross hit the bottom of the hole in the ground.  (That caused a very Painful "jerk" on JESUS' muscles as the cross came to a sudden halt when it hit the bottom of the hole,).

The "String Instruments" were the lashes of the whip that ripped and tore JESUS' back, sides, arms and legs!!!  

The lyrics (words) of the song were the seven (7) statements that JESUS made while HE was on the cross; plus what the thieves said as they hung on their crosses; plus the Roman soldier's Declaration: "Surely that is a Righteous Man."  JESUS' last statement was "It is Finished!!!". (John 19:30). (Please YOU! look for yourself by reading the New Testament to find the other six (6) things JESUS said while on the cross.

***From a footnote below John 19:30: "It is Finished - The Greek tense indicates that the work of redemption has been COMPLETED ONCE AND FOR ALL, AND it's results are ABIDING CONTINUOUSLY."*****

I Must insert another insight here that the HOLY SPIRIT gave to me just now: The sounds are Sweet to HIM---because HE ALREADY KNOWS the Sweet Sounds that we will sing to HIM for eternity in Heaven (because we accepted HIS sacrifice for our sins!).

Some Helpful definitions: 1) Grace = favor, kindness, affection, un-merited favor, un-deserved Blessings. (Zech. 12:10/2 Cor. 12:9).           (2) Mercy = unfailing love, tenderness, pity, love; active desire to remove distress. (Micah 6:8/Hosea 2:13/Romans 9:15).

There are many great Blessings---From Genesis 1:1-3 "In the beginning...Let there be light"...all the way through Rev. 22:20-21 "Surely I am coming quickly...The grace of our LORD JESUS CHRIST be with you all. Amen."

A partial list of "Sounds" of Grace and Mercy: 1) "...thus says the Lord Who created you..."I have called you by your name...you are Mine,"(Isaiah 43:1.  (2) "I have chosen you, adopted you, and accepted you as Mine in JESUS..." (Eph. 1:1-6). (3)  "I will have Mercy on (him/her) (Hosea 2:2-3).  (4) "The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make HIS face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His smile upon you, and give you peace." (Numbers    6:23-26).  (5) "The Eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deu. 33:27).  (6) JESUS says "I am with you always." (Matt. 28:20). (7) "Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You." (Psalm 63:3-4).  (8) "But YOU are Holy, you enthrone Yourself in the praises of Your people." (Psalm 22:3).  (9) "As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people.." (Psalms 125:2). (10) Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is in within me." (Psalm 103:1-2)  (11) "Fear not, for I am with you, I will hold your right hand." (Isaiah 41:1-3). (12) "I know the plans that I have for you...plans for you to give you a future and a hope."  (13) "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, His compassions  fail not...they are new every morning, Great is Your faithfulness..." (Lamentations 3:22-25).  (14) "And Mary will bring forth a Son, and you shall call HIS NAME JESUS, fot HE shall save His people." (Matt. 1:21). (15) "Heaven and earth will pass away, but MY words will by no means pass away." (Mark 13:31).  (16) If you, then being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much More will your Heavenly Father give The HOLY SPIRIT to those who ask HIM."  (Luke 11:13). (17) "...HE, the SPIRIT of TRUTH, will guide you into all truth." (John 16:13).

The above is only a partial list.  You Will have deep, thrilling blessings as you add your OWN list!!!  You can read all of GOD'S WORD this year---only about 30-40 minutes each day!  (Get your OWN plan at www.shilohplace.org

Our Sounds to GOD OUR FATHER, JESUS HIS SON, THE HOLY SPIRIT - are to be GIVING THANKS, PRAISE, and WORSHIP!!!  And our Sounds to others shall be: "I forgive you...Please forgive me...JESUS LOVES YOU...THANK YOU...I BLESS YOU IN JESUS CHRIST'S HOLY NAME!!!!!!!!               

*** REJOICE!!!...IN?...OVER? ****

 "REJOICE IN THE LORD"!!!!! ALWAYS!!!  Again I willl say Rejoice!!!"   (Philippians 4:4).

Definition: Rejoice - Joy, to  be greatly happy; to be excessively Happy!

In "THE MESSAGE BIBLE" this verse (Phil 4:4) says:                         "CELEBRATE GOD ALL DAY, EVERY DAY, I MEAN REVEL IN HIM!"

IN the NEW KING JAMES  BIBLE HE declares it this way:                  :...King David LEAPING and TWIRLING  before the LORD...".        (2 Samuel 6:6 New King James Version).).

Some translations state that "GOD rejoices over US with SINGING       and DANCES with Delight over US "!!!!!!!!

"The LORD your GOD in your midst, the Mighty One, will save; HE    will REJOICE over YOU with gladness, HE will quiet you with HIS  love, HE will rejoice over You with Singing."!!!!!!!! (Zephaniah 3:17).

If we focus on OURSELVES, or focus on our Circumstances--- that can make it more difficult to believe that HE REJOICES OVER US!!!

But many times in GOD'S WORD we are taught/Commanded to focus  on HIM---"but we all...behold the Glory of the LORD, being transformed into the same image from glory to glory...by the Spirit of the LORD." (2 Corinthians 3:18).

As we CONTINUE to focus our thoughts on HIM---we are reminded that HE is the "ONE TRUE GOD" (John 17:3)/ "THE LORD MOST HIGH" (Psalm 47:2) 

When HE looks upon us - HE KNOWS by HIS PERSONAL EXPERIENCE the Most Terrible Price that HE paid for us---and knowing what we will be when "...HE completes HIS good work in us..." (Philippians 1:6)

ONCE FOR ALL TIME AND INTO ETERNITY - HE-THE ONE TRUE GOD SET OUR VALUE TO HIMSELF by paying the HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE for EACH AND EVERY ONE OF US-   by sending HIS SON JESUS to a Tortuous death on the cross---to pay for OUR sins!!!  SO, BECAUSE GOD HIMSELF does NOT change     (Malachi 3:6); AND Because JESUS  CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY, AND FOREVER." (Hebrews 13:8).---

"THE LORD YOUR GOD in your midst will save...(HE) will rejoice over you with gladness...[In HIS LOVE...He will make NO mention of past sins, nor even recall them].  HE will exult over you with singing." 

Several years ago,  when my wife Mary worked in a town (Dahlonega, Ga.) several miles from our home in Cleveland, Ga.---several times each week I would drive to a gym in Dahlonega-to exercise.  On some of those trips I would first stop by to visit Mary at her office .

On a certain day in April, I stopped by to visit Mary.  As I talked with her---I realized that she was experiencing a day which was even more stressful than usual!

My plan for that day was that I would go to the local library to look for a specific book.  But as I prayed and drove toward the library--- Our LORD gave to me understanding---that rather than look for a book---I should sit outside the library, enjoy the warm sunshine and the spring flowers that our LORD had provided for me...so that I could sit there and pray for Mary!!!

{Please allow me to insert here some information that will help make the rest of the story to be more clear:  Whenever we pray for someone OTHER THAN OURSELVES---it is called Intercessory Prayer}.

As  prayed for Mary, I also began to rejoice and thank our LORD for the warm sunshine, the beautiful flowers, And for the FREEDOM to be there and pray...and to praise and thank our LORD that "...HE HIMSELF is our peace..." (Ephesians 2;14); HE HIMSELF "... is our Strength and our Song..." (Exodus 15:2);  "JESUS CHRIST is the SAME yesterday, today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8); and that JESUS is "...with us always..." (Matthew 28:20)

SO, I was rejoicing IN HIM---As i continued this---the HOLY SPIRIT moved me to ask:  "LORD, does this mean that I am to Rejoice IN YOU in an Intercessory manner for Others???  ONLY by HIS grace and by HIS FAITHFULNESS I do now, and I am to continue to "rejoice in the LORD..." in an Intercessory manner for others. HOW GOOD!!! Our HEAVENLY FATHER IS!!!!!!!!!!!!

As I mentioned earlier...Rejoicing can be "to dance and twirl in joy."

Back to Mary: As I talked to Mary later...her stress had eased, and her peace Increased As i rejoiced For her!!!

***(You may find this (following) Amusing---                                        Because i am now age 79, I sometimes have difficulty with my balance=so I do dance and twirl SLOWLY!  Sometimes in the parking lot outside the gym - I lift up my hands and twirl...and people walking nearby call out to me, asking "are you OK?" "Do you need help?"  That gives to me an opening to witness to them about "Rejoicing in the LORD"!!!

GOD REJOICES OVER US!!! HE IS WORTHY FOR US TO REJOICE IN HIM!!!!!!11!

HE     IS     WORTHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

("SARA H") ...Grace!!!

]Sara is a name that we find in the BIBLE.  [Sometimes it is spelled with an "h" (Sarah)].  According to Strong's Bible Concordance, the meaning of the name (Sara) is "Princess"

.

Sara was the wife of Abraham, and the Mother of Isaac ("The Child of Promise"). (Genesis 21:1-7).  Sara was 90 years old!!! when she gave birth to Isaac - (far beyond her Child-bearing years).

At the age of (127), Sara died and was buried - (Genesis 23:19-20). Sara is the only woman in the Bible whose age was recorded at death-A sign of her Great Importance to the early Hebrews.  The writer of Hebrews (In the New Testament) includes Sara as one of the Spiritual Heroines in his roll call of the Faithful. (Hebrews 11:11)- (From Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary).  [I urge you to buy a copy of this Bible Dictionary - it is Filled with helpful information.

Through many years of Bible study and prayer - Our LORD GOD has

given to me understanding that---that like a Tree that has DEEP, STRONG roots ---is more able to stand During, and Through, Storms!!! --- Just So - when we teach our children/grandchildren/ and Great-grandchildren that their parents, grandparents/Great grand- parents had Faith IN, and relationships WITH JESUS CHRIST!!! ---then those "Deep, Strong Roots" give children, grandchildren, and Great -grandchildren more strength and stability During, and

Through the "storms" that they WILL experience in their lives!!! 

HOLY GOD our FATHER has in HIS Infinite, and Intimate love so arranged my life (Psalm 139:16) ---that I am frequently reminded of the Faith of my Physical and Spiritual Family.

MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCES:

Because both of my BIRTH parents died in the year of my 6th birthday...my Adoptive Parents taught me that my Birth Parents were active Followers of JESUS CHRIST; and that my Birth Mother was a Bible Teacher!!!  Thus GOD has enabled me to go through some "life storms", And HE continues to strengthen my faith as I live and Study HIS WORD!!!

A LIST OF MY SPIRITUAL and PHYSICAL FAMILY:

1) Sara - the wife of Abraham - These Two are the 'Mother and Father' of our Faith (see Isaiah 51:2, and Nelson's Illustrated Bible Dictionary).  Abraham and Sara gave birth to Isaac, Isaac fathered Jacob; Jacob was the father of the 12 Tribes of Israel; Judah was the tribe from which JESUS descended.

2) Sara - my Birth Mother (A Bible Teacher).

3) Jennifer Sara- my first Daughter.  Jennifer Sara went to heaven early - (when she was just over 7 weeks old).

Approximately 10 years after our daughter Jennifer went to heaven, our Most Gracious Heavenly Father GOD brought another "Sarah "(Sarah Grace) into our lives --- "Listen" to the beautiful way that our Heavenly Father brought  THIS ("Sarah Grace") into our lives:

On a certain Sunday ---After the Morning Worship Service, our families were standing outside the church building - just talking among ourselves...while my wife (Mary) and I were talking with one of the couples with which we are close friends...one (1) of the three daughters of that couple...spoke to her Father and pointed at me (Barry)...and said: "I must talk to that man"...SO our LORD had this little girl say to me: "Today, I gave my life to JESUS!!!  (That little girl's name is "SARAH GRACE"!!!!!!!!! (She is now an adult).

In the Bible the word for "Grace" has two (2) meanings:

a) "to be merciful, compassionate toward someone, and... 

b) "to give to someone un-merited favor, un-deserved 

      blessings."

SO, GOD our HEAVENLY FATHER, in HIS mercy and compassion, was giving to me HIS UN-MERITED favor and HIS UN-DESERVED blessings through that little girl (SARAH GRACE)!!!

When Katy, our oldest daughter finished school, she worked in an office in Monroe, Ga.  Katy's Friend/mentor at that job was SARA Malcom.  One day while Katy was pregnant with our first grandson (Chandler)...a car drove past a stop sign and collided with Katy's car.  The first person who came to see if Katy was "OK"... was SARA Malcom.

Recently (September 2024), at age 79 I was a patient at Northeast Georgia Medical Center...To undergo two (2) procedures on my (Physical) heart.   While I was in the hospital, the Holy Spirit touched my (Spiritual) heart to remind me that one of my nurses was a special young lady named SARA!!!

Let us all continue to pass on to others - spiritual strength, blessings, and faith to those whom we encounter this side of heaven!!!

GOD says in (Jeremiah 29:11) 'I know the plans I have for you, plans for good to give you hope and a future".

"JESUS CHRIST is the SAME yesterday, today,, and forever."  Hebrews 13:8).

"GOD...in these last days has spoken to us by HIS SON JESUS - WHO became the brightness of HIS glory and the express image of HIS PERSON, and HE upholds, maintains, guides, and propels the universe by HIS mighty Word of Power." (Hebrews 1:3).

ALL GLORY to GOD MOST HIGH!!! (Psalm 47:22).

BEAUTIFUL LEAVES........HOLY!!!!!!!!

O "GOD MOST HIGH"!!! (Lamentations 3:35)

Because YOU "...are Faithful to Your Word and to Your Righteous Character..." (2 Timothy 2:12-13/Amplified Bible.)

Here on earth in the Autumn---You give the leaves of golden yellow, vibrant red, beautiful shades of orange, and Ever-green!!!!!  More shades of beautiful colors than I can name!!!!!

All of the Beautiful Colors are Testimony of YOUR HOLY ARTISTRY and  MAJESTY!!!!!!!

Not Physically visible---is the MOST HOLY BEAUTY---YOUR LOVE for us Your people!!!  The trees with their leaves produce for us Your Loving gift that meets our Most vital immediate need---Oxygen!!!!!!!!

In the spring, we welcome the new leaves; in the summer, we welcome the cooling shade of the leaves; and the music of the summer breezes as they cause the leaves to dance before Our CREATOR!!!

Picture in your mind a tree that is near to your home---HOW MANY??? leaves on that tree???  HOW MANY leaves are there on ALL the trees that you can see from your home???

HOW MANY are there on ALL the trees in your county or region???

HOW MANY LEAVES are there on ALL the trees on ALL the earth????????

GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER has given to me understanding that there are COUNTLESS NUMBERS of leaves........So that we will have Countless numbers of reminders that                                              "HE WILL NEVER LEAVE US NOR FORSAKE US!!!!!!!!! (Joshua 1:5 and Hebrews 13:5).

Of course those who have accepted JESUS CHRIST as our SAVIOR and LORD - will leave earth one day to live with HIM in HIS HOUSE FOREVER!!! (Psalm 23:6).

In (2 Corinthians 1:20) We have GOD'S WORD that HE, JESUS, is the YES and AMEN to every Promise of GOD..."

++++JESUS   -    THE TRUTH++++ (John 14:6) DECLARES "I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS" (Matthew 28:20).

We receive a new "crop" of leaves every year!!!

O LORD OUR GOD May our every breath give YOU Thanks! Praise! Worship! Glory! and Honor!!! (Psalm 23:6).

HALLELUJAH!!!        HALLELUJAH!!!        HALLELUJAH!!!