Incense

In a world a lot less sanitized than ours, anything fragrant was highly valued. Small wonder that most world religions, including ancient Israel’s, used incense in worship. Israel’s law had guidelines for making the special incense used in worship (Ex.30:34–38).

Israel’s high priest burned incense daily in the tabernacle. It was burned on an altar of pure gold.

Incense is not mentioned much in the New Testament, although one of the gifts of the magi to the baby Jesus was a form of incense (Matt. 2:11). The book of Revelation speaks of incense in heaven, using it as a symbol: The elders in heaven hold “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” (5:8).

Since the smoke of incense drifts heavenward, it is easy to see how it symbolizes prayer. Some churches still use incense in worship.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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Charles R. Swindoll

The great apostle Paul was just like you and me. He had a love for God blended with feet of clay. Great passion . . . and great weakness. The longer I thought about this blend, the more evidence emerged from Scripture to support it.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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When we’re looking for God to do something big. When we’re waiting to see God bring something new and greater into our lives. Be still. Let the Lord fight the battle for you. Let go and let God.

DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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DAILY DEVOTIONAL

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