Seven Steps to Intimacy (5)

In the Holy Place of the Tabernacle, we have identified the Table of the Bread of the Presence and the Golden Lampstand. The next item is the Altar of Burning Incense. God instructed Moses on the details for the Altar. 

“Make an altar of acacia wood for burning incense. It is to be square, a cubit long and a cubit wide, and two cubits high–its horns of one piece with it. Overlay the top and all the sides and the horns with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it…Put the altar in front of the curtain that is before the ark of the Testimony–before the atonement cover that is over the Testimony–where I will meet with you.” Ex 30:1-3, 6 (NIV) 

Take inventory of your life right now. What are you offering up to God? How are you allocating your time and your energy? Are you living to bring glory to God in all things?

• “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” Psalms 141:2 (NIV) 
• “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise–the fruit of lips that confess his name.” Heb 13:15 (NIV)
• “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God–this is your spiritual act of worship.” Romans 12:1 (NIV)

As you pray, your prayers rise like burning incense. As you live out your faith in Christ, your life becomes an aroma pleasing to God. As you offer your body to God for His glory, you are expressing worship to God. The Altar of Burning Incense represents your life made by God and for God.

Obedience to God demonstrates your passion to please Him and to honor Him with your life and your lips. Does your conversation honor God? Does your conduct move God’s heart? May God’s smile be your goal today!

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Pastor of Leadership and Pastoral Care