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Exodus 12:7 - The sign on your door.

Good (snowy) morning.  

As I write this, the reality of the beginning of winter is upon us.  There is much to be concerned about.  But I want you to be encouraged by God's faithfulness and steadfast love for His saints.  

Blessings,

Jeff

Doors and blessings.  The Egyptians carved blessings on the frame of temple doors in a very interesting way.  Starting in the middle of lintel, the blessing was written forwards and backwards. For example, doGruositaergwoHHowgreatisourGod.  The idea was a continuous double blessing on the person going through the door.  I learned that from a Great Courses lecture on Egypt.  At Passover, God tells the Hebrews to do the same thing only with the blood of the lamb.    Later, in Deuteronomy 6:9, God tells the Hebrews, You shall write them (the words of the Law) on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.  He graciously gave them a constant reminder as they left house or town of their duties to God and man.  And when they returned to house or town, a prompt to ask "Did you fulfill your duties to God and man?"

Friends, God knew that the Hebrews were prone to forget, so He gave visual reminders.  In the same way, He knows that we are prone to forget.  But instead of visual reminders on doorposts, He gave the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and write these things on our hearts. Bless the Lord, O my soul.

Instruction - Listen to the Spirit as "you go out and come in".  As God has blessed you, be a blessing to everyone you meet.  

Thanksgiving - the invisible, infinite Holy One of Israel who knows our frame, that we are dust.  Words are reminder of our duties, not images.  The omnipotent God who helps us in our weakness.

Confession - Quenching the Spirit.  Walking by sight and not by faith.

Petition - The saints in Salem would be attuned to what the Spirit says to them through your Word today.

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