God granted artistic ability to the craftsman who planned the beautiful design of God’s tent of worship, the Tabernacle.
Exodus 31:3-4 (MEV)
I have filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of craftsmanship to devise artistic works.
The Hebrew word for devise can also be translated plan.
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans that I have for you, says the Lord.
Your are God’s plan, His artistic work.
Psalm 33:11 (MSG)
God’s plan for the world stands up,
all his designs are made to last.
It’s simple: no one (not even you) has a plan better than God’s.
Here’s some wisdom on plans and thoughts from the book of Proverbs–good, bad and best.
Proverbs 12:5 (NIRV)
The plans of godly people are right.
Proverbs 15:26
He [The Lord] also hates hearts that make evil plans.
Proverbs 19:21
A person may have many plans in their heart.
But the Lord’s purpose wins out in the end.
Do you have a plan? Do you follow it?
The Hebrew word machashabah or machashebeth is used 56 times in the Old Testament. It may be translated in English as plan, thought, device, design, intentions, invention, plots, purpose, scheme or way.
The word doesn’t define the plan as good or bad. Godly wisdom inspires good plans. Our enemy loves to whisper bad plans in our ears.
Plan wisely, my friend.
It’s shoebox time!
Samaritan’s Purse, an international Christian relief organization, collects and distributes thousands of shoeboxes in its Operation Christmas Child program.
It’s easy: pack a shoebox with hygiene items, school supplies, toys, craft projects, clothes and $9 to help with shipping (check Samaritan’s Purse website for details).
“Shoebox gifts are a way to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.”
Pack your box with prayer.
Almighty God, use my box (and all the others) to bring joy into the hands and heart of a needy child. Use these gifts to encourage and empower believers with limited resources. Use them to share Your love with those who doubt, those who feel forgotten and those who have never heard Your Word. Shelter this box with your love and send it on its way with Your power, in Jesus’ name.
Today is the day after Hallowed Eve. It is All Saints’ Day, sometimes called All Hallows’ Day or Hallowmas. It celebrates the spiritual connection between the hallowed folks who have gone before and those of us still living:
Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.
Honor those dear saints with your hallowed steps.
Study of the Hebrew and Greek words for “holy” show us that people, places and times can be hallowed–that is, set apart and devoted to God.
Lord God,
Hallow our children–set them apart to love You with all their
hearts, souls, minds and strength.
Hallow our land– set it apart to serve You in full obedience.
Hallow this time– set it apart to fulfill Your eternal plan.
In Your hallowed name we pray.
Exodus 19:5-6 (ESV)
Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.
Wouldn’t you like to be part of a holy nation, to live among people who serve God with all their hearts? It all starts with obeying God’s voice.
Psalm 89:5 (NIV)
The heavens praise your wonders, Lord,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.
The heavenly host praising God–I want to be part of that hallowed choir! 
We’re coming up on Hallowe’en, Hallows’ Evening. What does the word “hallow” bring to your mind?
Indeed, you’ll find “hallowed” in the Bible.
In Old Testament Hebrew: qadosh, translated sacred, holy, separate, exalted (think people, the priests; places, the tabernacle, the nation, the throne; beings, angels; time, the Sabbath; and, of course, God).
In New Testament Greek: from the word hagios, meaning dedicated to God, purified, free from sin and guilt, sacred, set apart (things, an offering; people, those who believe; God).
It’s a good week for hallowed thinking.
