Today's Reading
Today we read the final verses of Leviticus, containing specific instructions about the gifts we bring to God. Then, as now, many people wanted to get away with giving as little as possible. If only we could develop a heart of true gratitude...I think we would approach Him with open hands rather than clinched fists!
The book of Numbers is about, well, numbers! Everything and everyone counts and Numbers kept track. In the midst of the tallying are a few great, memorable stories from Israel's history. Today we get a subtle glimpse at God's blessing upon Joseph. Do you remember when Jacob called Joseph in to speak a blessing upon him after they were all in Egypt? Jacob crossed his hands when he placed them upon Joseph's sons. Notice that the number of fighting men in Ephraim (younger son) is larger than his brother Manasseh. Now add them up. Together they are second only to Judah!
Mark. The people wanted a king who would free them from Roman tyranny. Jesus came as a King who would free their hearts. A conquering king would have ridden into the city on a war horse. Jesus rode in on a donkey, the action of kings coming in peace. His way was the way of a Servant.
Psalm 46. In all the chaos, "Be still and know..." Ahh, I needed that!
Proverbs. The only way to change what people deeply want is to change their hearts. Put your work and prayers into the Gospel. It is the ONLY HOPE for the USA!
What questions do you have today? What insights can you share? I look forward to them!
Showing posts with label Leviticus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leviticus. Show all posts
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Friday, March 2, 2012
March 2
Today's Reading
Leviticus. In Chapter 26, God's people are given the blessing that follows obedience and the judgment that comes with disobedience. Do you think that the recent economic crisis is at least partly a result of our disobedience to God? What about the drought in the Western U.S.?
Mark. Today's reading takes place as Jesus nears the cross. He knows what is ahead, but his disciples do not. It sounds like He spoke clearly to them about His suffering and they turned right around and asked for places of honor in the kingdom. He used the opportunity to teach them about serving.
Psalms. 10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.
Forget your people and your family far away.
11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord. Those of us who belong to Christ ARE the bride and He is the husband who delights in us! What an awesome thought!
Every good and perfect gift comes from God: Proverbs today affirms it.
It's great to have you along for the journey. Make sure you check the previous day's comments each day. We are having some great input this year! Your thoughts? Your questions?
Leviticus. In Chapter 26, God's people are given the blessing that follows obedience and the judgment that comes with disobedience. Do you think that the recent economic crisis is at least partly a result of our disobedience to God? What about the drought in the Western U.S.?
Mark. Today's reading takes place as Jesus nears the cross. He knows what is ahead, but his disciples do not. It sounds like He spoke clearly to them about His suffering and they turned right around and asked for places of honor in the kingdom. He used the opportunity to teach them about serving.
Psalms. 10 Listen to me, O royal daughter; take to heart what I say.
Forget your people and your family far away.
11 For your royal husband delights in your beauty;
honor him, for he is your lord. Those of us who belong to Christ ARE the bride and He is the husband who delights in us! What an awesome thought!
Every good and perfect gift comes from God: Proverbs today affirms it.
It's great to have you along for the journey. Make sure you check the previous day's comments each day. We are having some great input this year! Your thoughts? Your questions?
Thursday, March 1, 2012
March 1
Today's Passage
Leviticus. What a challenge it was for them to live in a way that reflected God's ultimate purpose for His kingdom. When someone violated God's pattern, the judgment was often swift. As I reflect on the harsh response to someone cursing God, I am reminded how easy it is for God's Name to become nothing more than a lame expression in a culture. It's that way for our culture now. God wanted them to be an example and He didn't want it watered down. Therefore, He quickly removed the first offender.
You know the expression, "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer." God's plan for His people was a system that rewarded hard work but didn't permanently create a class of people who had all the economic advantages.
Mark. Notice the contrast between the way Jesus treated the children and the way He treated the rich young ruler. What do you think of it?
Psalms. Did you ever feel like you were trying to live right? Trying to obey God? But your world came apart anyway? Why did God let it happen? The Psalmist obviously struggled just like we do.
Proverbs. My prayer is to be godly and not a fool.
I love to read your insights and questions. I hope we can hear from you today.
Leviticus. What a challenge it was for them to live in a way that reflected God's ultimate purpose for His kingdom. When someone violated God's pattern, the judgment was often swift. As I reflect on the harsh response to someone cursing God, I am reminded how easy it is for God's Name to become nothing more than a lame expression in a culture. It's that way for our culture now. God wanted them to be an example and He didn't want it watered down. Therefore, He quickly removed the first offender.
You know the expression, "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer." God's plan for His people was a system that rewarded hard work but didn't permanently create a class of people who had all the economic advantages.
Mark. Notice the contrast between the way Jesus treated the children and the way He treated the rich young ruler. What do you think of it?
Psalms. Did you ever feel like you were trying to live right? Trying to obey God? But your world came apart anyway? Why did God let it happen? The Psalmist obviously struggled just like we do.
Proverbs. My prayer is to be godly and not a fool.
I love to read your insights and questions. I hope we can hear from you today.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
February 28
Today's Reading
Leviticus. God designated times for celebration and times for solemnly seeking Him. The celebrations gave them time to reflect on God's goodness and to look forward with faith. They also reminded them of how God was powerful to deliver their people in times past. They were scheduled around the farming industry because this was an agrarian society. What does it say to you and me who, because of labor-saving devices, have come to believe we must squeeze every drop of activity out of every day?Recent conversations on several levels have convinced me that our rapid pace of life is one of the biggest thieves robbing spiritual maturity from us. It is time for us to put an end to mindlessly filling our lives with activity.
Mark. Today's passages offer Jesus' teachings on a variety of subjects. Which one speaks the most to you? I have often been challenged by Jesus' response when the disciples reported that someone outside their group was seeing miracles in Jesus' name. I grew up in a tradition that seriously doubted whether God ever does anything outside our particular denomination. God, forgive us!
Do you think today's Psalm applies to us and our nation today? I do! We have been pummeled for so long with the message of multiculturalism that we have forgotten the things that made us great. It was never the strength of our arms that protected us. It was that so many in this land called upon the Lord and lived His ways.
At the same time, I have repented of a sinful error I have seen in me and in our church. We dreamed big dreams, then cut them down to the size of our own resources. Instead of praying through and waiting for God to provide from His resources, we worked our plans with a prayer for God to bless them. We called the end result "God's work", but they were really our own work because we refused to trust and wait upon God. I never want to live that way again!
Proverbs. This is one that often catches me. I'm a talker. I have received a warning. I read this sitting on a plane one day. I was headed into a meeting in which I would be tempted to talk a lot. God helped me zip my lip!
What are your thoughts for today?
Leviticus. God designated times for celebration and times for solemnly seeking Him. The celebrations gave them time to reflect on God's goodness and to look forward with faith. They also reminded them of how God was powerful to deliver their people in times past. They were scheduled around the farming industry because this was an agrarian society. What does it say to you and me who, because of labor-saving devices, have come to believe we must squeeze every drop of activity out of every day?Recent conversations on several levels have convinced me that our rapid pace of life is one of the biggest thieves robbing spiritual maturity from us. It is time for us to put an end to mindlessly filling our lives with activity.
Mark. Today's passages offer Jesus' teachings on a variety of subjects. Which one speaks the most to you? I have often been challenged by Jesus' response when the disciples reported that someone outside their group was seeing miracles in Jesus' name. I grew up in a tradition that seriously doubted whether God ever does anything outside our particular denomination. God, forgive us!
Do you think today's Psalm applies to us and our nation today? I do! We have been pummeled for so long with the message of multiculturalism that we have forgotten the things that made us great. It was never the strength of our arms that protected us. It was that so many in this land called upon the Lord and lived His ways.
At the same time, I have repented of a sinful error I have seen in me and in our church. We dreamed big dreams, then cut them down to the size of our own resources. Instead of praying through and waiting for God to provide from His resources, we worked our plans with a prayer for God to bless them. We called the end result "God's work", but they were really our own work because we refused to trust and wait upon God. I never want to live that way again!
Proverbs. This is one that often catches me. I'm a talker. I have received a warning. I read this sitting on a plane one day. I was headed into a meeting in which I would be tempted to talk a lot. God helped me zip my lip!
What are your thoughts for today?
Monday, February 27, 2012
February 27
Today's Reading
Leviticus. Today's Scripture contains an instruction I have questions about, especially given Jesus' compassion for the sick, the hurting and the outcasts. It says, "In all future generations, none of your descendants who has any defect will qualify to offer food to his God." The examples it gives are ones that bring me almost to tears. Perhaps, like other recent Leviticus passages, it is an outward law to teach an inward principle: we must present ourselves wholeheartedly to Him when we worship. What do you think?
Mark. Moses and Elijah weren't just two of the most famous people in Israel's history. Moses represented The Law and Elijah The Prophets. The only Scripture they had in Jesus' day was our Old Testament and the Jewish religion was built on The Law and The Prophets. The Mount of Transfiguration was a statement that Jesus was the fulfillment of both The Law and The Prophets.
When they came down from the mountain, Jesus' encounter with the demon in the little boy was a great lesson on dealing with evil spirits. Jesus was specific with His questions. The answers indicate the presence of what some call a "generational spirit." That means the spirit's presence came from the sins of someone else in the child's family. This often is the case when someone in a family has had serious dealings with the occult. The spirit was deeply entrenched and not easily rooted out. But Jesus showed the way!
Psalms today declares God as "the source of all my joy." I am not sure I can always say that, but that's the way I want it to be.
Proverbs. Perhaps it's better to open up and admit hatred than to hide it, but I would think that it should be in the form of confession and repentance.
I hope to hear from you today.
Leviticus. Today's Scripture contains an instruction I have questions about, especially given Jesus' compassion for the sick, the hurting and the outcasts. It says, "In all future generations, none of your descendants who has any defect will qualify to offer food to his God." The examples it gives are ones that bring me almost to tears. Perhaps, like other recent Leviticus passages, it is an outward law to teach an inward principle: we must present ourselves wholeheartedly to Him when we worship. What do you think?
Mark. Moses and Elijah weren't just two of the most famous people in Israel's history. Moses represented The Law and Elijah The Prophets. The only Scripture they had in Jesus' day was our Old Testament and the Jewish religion was built on The Law and The Prophets. The Mount of Transfiguration was a statement that Jesus was the fulfillment of both The Law and The Prophets.
When they came down from the mountain, Jesus' encounter with the demon in the little boy was a great lesson on dealing with evil spirits. Jesus was specific with His questions. The answers indicate the presence of what some call a "generational spirit." That means the spirit's presence came from the sins of someone else in the child's family. This often is the case when someone in a family has had serious dealings with the occult. The spirit was deeply entrenched and not easily rooted out. But Jesus showed the way!
Psalms today declares God as "the source of all my joy." I am not sure I can always say that, but that's the way I want it to be.
Proverbs. Perhaps it's better to open up and admit hatred than to hide it, but I would think that it should be in the form of confession and repentance.
I hope to hear from you today.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
February 26
Today's Reading
Leviticus. You will note that the statues mentioned today all have at least two things in common. First, they are sins against God; violations of His holiness. Second, they are sins against other humans, each destructive in its own way. Consequently, they all break what Jesus described as the Great Commandment ("You shall love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.") and the second greatest one ("You shall love your neighbor as yourself.")
Mark. "If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Today's passage is one important lesson after another, but what a conclusion! I don't know about you, but I have had moments in my life when I was ashamed.
Mark includes the account of Jesus healing a blind man. Did you notice that Jesus took him by the hand outside the village to heal him? Then, Jesus told him to bypass the village on the way home. I noticed that only recently!
Psalms reminds me of Jesus' words from the cross: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" I think that was because the weight of our sins made Jesus fully experience what we experience. Is it that God has forsaken us or that we feel forsaken?
Proverbs. Accepting discipline is a sign of maturity.
Your feedback has been great, including some recently by email and telephone! What do you notice today?
Leviticus. You will note that the statues mentioned today all have at least two things in common. First, they are sins against God; violations of His holiness. Second, they are sins against other humans, each destructive in its own way. Consequently, they all break what Jesus described as the Great Commandment ("You shall love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.") and the second greatest one ("You shall love your neighbor as yourself.")
Mark. "If anyone is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Today's passage is one important lesson after another, but what a conclusion! I don't know about you, but I have had moments in my life when I was ashamed.
Mark includes the account of Jesus healing a blind man. Did you notice that Jesus took him by the hand outside the village to heal him? Then, Jesus told him to bypass the village on the way home. I noticed that only recently!
Psalms reminds me of Jesus' words from the cross: "My God, my God, why have You forsaken me?" I think that was because the weight of our sins made Jesus fully experience what we experience. Is it that God has forsaken us or that we feel forsaken?
Proverbs. Accepting discipline is a sign of maturity.
Your feedback has been great, including some recently by email and telephone! What do you notice today?
Saturday, February 25, 2012
February 25
Today's Reading
Leviticus. When Israel was enslaved to Egypt, they were dealing with the difficulty of the slavery. Their slave status left them as societal outcasts who were seen as "different". It meant that they were not so tempted to worship the gods of the Egyptians. That all changed, however, when they were free from slavery and on their own. They were surrounded by pagan people with a variety of pagan worship acts, including child sacrifice and sexual immorality. Their very freedom exposed them to a great temptation to follow after the false gods. How does this relate to us? To you?
Mark. Today's passage gives an example of Jesus' creativity in ministry. I can't imagine the way He touched the deaf and dumb man. I am amazed at the question he asked the Gentile woman. What do you see?
Today's Psalm is a little hard to understand unless you filter it through the words of Paul in Ephesians..."Our struggle isn't against flesh and blood..." Our real enemies are spiritual.
Proverbs. Our attitude about money trumps the amount of money we have.
Questions? Thoughts?
Leviticus. When Israel was enslaved to Egypt, they were dealing with the difficulty of the slavery. Their slave status left them as societal outcasts who were seen as "different". It meant that they were not so tempted to worship the gods of the Egyptians. That all changed, however, when they were free from slavery and on their own. They were surrounded by pagan people with a variety of pagan worship acts, including child sacrifice and sexual immorality. Their very freedom exposed them to a great temptation to follow after the false gods. How does this relate to us? To you?
Mark. Today's passage gives an example of Jesus' creativity in ministry. I can't imagine the way He touched the deaf and dumb man. I am amazed at the question he asked the Gentile woman. What do you see?
Today's Psalm is a little hard to understand unless you filter it through the words of Paul in Ephesians..."Our struggle isn't against flesh and blood..." Our real enemies are spiritual.
Proverbs. Our attitude about money trumps the amount of money we have.
Questions? Thoughts?
Friday, February 24, 2012
February 24
Today's Reading
Leviticus. Obviously, based on our recent discussion, the section on "bodily discharge" is about health statutes. The description of The Day of Atonement is vivid. The High Priest had to symbolically cleanse himself, then his family. Then he offered sacrifice for the people. This was the only day of the year that someone (only the High Priest) could go behind the veil into the Holy of Holies (or "Most Holy Place") which represented the presence of God. What are your thoughts or questions?
Mark. Much of my early church experience included forms of legalism. Legalism is an attempt to quantify God's Law and make a person right by outward performance. Jesus describes something much different here. Manmade purity by laws only puts people into bondage and serves to protect the sins of the rule-makers.
Psalms. Isn't it amazing how much our hearts long for God in difficult times? Yet we humanly want to avoid difficulty at all costs!
Proverbs. I want to always treasure knowledge. How about you?
I hope to hear from you today!
Leviticus. Obviously, based on our recent discussion, the section on "bodily discharge" is about health statutes. The description of The Day of Atonement is vivid. The High Priest had to symbolically cleanse himself, then his family. Then he offered sacrifice for the people. This was the only day of the year that someone (only the High Priest) could go behind the veil into the Holy of Holies (or "Most Holy Place") which represented the presence of God. What are your thoughts or questions?
Mark. Much of my early church experience included forms of legalism. Legalism is an attempt to quantify God's Law and make a person right by outward performance. Jesus describes something much different here. Manmade purity by laws only puts people into bondage and serves to protect the sins of the rule-makers.
Psalms. Isn't it amazing how much our hearts long for God in difficult times? Yet we humanly want to avoid difficulty at all costs!
Proverbs. I want to always treasure knowledge. How about you?
I hope to hear from you today!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
February 23
Today's Reading
Leviticus. When people were healed from their skin diseases, it was critical to make sure they were really well. Shaving off all their hair made it possible to see outbreaks that otherwise might have been missed. Failure to discover and quarantine people with such diseases could have led to an epidemic.
As I read this passage, I am reminded of a problem several years ago. It turned out that the Yuma High School buildings had developed serious mold. It was big news at the time because it took millions to clean up. Why spend the money? Because of the illness it would have otherwise caused!
Mark today tells about an ordinary day in the life of Jesus. He fed multiplied thousands (5,000 men plus women and children), walked on the water and healed all the people who touched Him. God never asks us to do what He doesn't provide the resources to do. Are you ready to face needs the way Jesus did? I am finding it to be a life of desperate prayer!
Psalm. I really needed the encouragement of this Psalm today.
Proverbs. May all our words be as a life-giving fountain! I have recently grieved over God's people who need to be in unity. Walking in forgiveness is the call of Jesus.
I hope to hear from you today!
Leviticus. When people were healed from their skin diseases, it was critical to make sure they were really well. Shaving off all their hair made it possible to see outbreaks that otherwise might have been missed. Failure to discover and quarantine people with such diseases could have led to an epidemic.
As I read this passage, I am reminded of a problem several years ago. It turned out that the Yuma High School buildings had developed serious mold. It was big news at the time because it took millions to clean up. Why spend the money? Because of the illness it would have otherwise caused!
Mark today tells about an ordinary day in the life of Jesus. He fed multiplied thousands (5,000 men plus women and children), walked on the water and healed all the people who touched Him. God never asks us to do what He doesn't provide the resources to do. Are you ready to face needs the way Jesus did? I am finding it to be a life of desperate prayer!
Psalm. I really needed the encouragement of this Psalm today.
Proverbs. May all our words be as a life-giving fountain! I have recently grieved over God's people who need to be in unity. Walking in forgiveness is the call of Jesus.
I hope to hear from you today!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
February 22
Today's Reading
Leviticus. Leprosy and similar diseases were a constant danger. An outbreak could virtually consume this nation and God gave instructions on what to watch out for. In their system, the priests were the ones to determine if something was a contagious skin disease or not. Lepers became social outcasts. But Jesus had compassion for them. We must similarly care for those our culture has cast away.
Mark. An unbelieving hometown, success coupled with resistance as disciples go on the road, as well as a jealous queen and wimpy king: these all make up the high drama of today's passage. I thought about John's beheading in light of the horrible acts of terror we hear of today. Surely, John saw the death blow coming and yielded himself to the Lord. Would I do the same?
Psalms. When we experience difficulty, God has a purpose in it! We may never understand why we must go through the trials,but we must trust that God is faithful.
Proverbs reminds me to not take sin lightly.
What are these Scriptures saying to you today?
Leviticus. Leprosy and similar diseases were a constant danger. An outbreak could virtually consume this nation and God gave instructions on what to watch out for. In their system, the priests were the ones to determine if something was a contagious skin disease or not. Lepers became social outcasts. But Jesus had compassion for them. We must similarly care for those our culture has cast away.
Mark. An unbelieving hometown, success coupled with resistance as disciples go on the road, as well as a jealous queen and wimpy king: these all make up the high drama of today's passage. I thought about John's beheading in light of the horrible acts of terror we hear of today. Surely, John saw the death blow coming and yielded himself to the Lord. Would I do the same?
Psalms. When we experience difficulty, God has a purpose in it! We may never understand why we must go through the trials,but we must trust that God is faithful.
Proverbs reminds me to not take sin lightly.
What are these Scriptures saying to you today?
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
February 21
Today's Reading
Leviticus. Today's passage contains some of the dietary laws God gave His people to keep them physically healthy. Some research has shown the benefits of these. A great book on the food subject is called The Maker's Diet. Hmmm. I wonder if kosher markets are selling locusts and beans instead of pork and beans.
The laws concerning a woman's impurity after pregnancy seem irrelevant. She and her husband were to abstain during that time. However, I heard a few years back that a medical study was done on Jewish women who observe those regulations today. They have almost zero instances of ovarian cancer.
Can anyone doubt the compassion of Jesus after reading Mark today? I found myself wondering when and where she had heard of the idea of grabbing the hem of his garment. The Gospels record several such instances.
Psalms. Paul wrote in Romans that we should not be conformed to this world. The first time we commit a heinous sin -- something which deeply violates our own conscience -- we can feel exactly like what this passage says. I have been there. Have you? On the other hand, continuing such sins sears our conscience and we lose that pure heart we once had.
I want to always be open to instruction. That's because I believe Proverbs.
Fire away, you guys. I love your insights and ponder your questions.
Leviticus. Today's passage contains some of the dietary laws God gave His people to keep them physically healthy. Some research has shown the benefits of these. A great book on the food subject is called The Maker's Diet. Hmmm. I wonder if kosher markets are selling locusts and beans instead of pork and beans.
The laws concerning a woman's impurity after pregnancy seem irrelevant. She and her husband were to abstain during that time. However, I heard a few years back that a medical study was done on Jewish women who observe those regulations today. They have almost zero instances of ovarian cancer.
Can anyone doubt the compassion of Jesus after reading Mark today? I found myself wondering when and where she had heard of the idea of grabbing the hem of his garment. The Gospels record several such instances.
Psalms. Paul wrote in Romans that we should not be conformed to this world. The first time we commit a heinous sin -- something which deeply violates our own conscience -- we can feel exactly like what this passage says. I have been there. Have you? On the other hand, continuing such sins sears our conscience and we lose that pure heart we once had.
I want to always be open to instruction. That's because I believe Proverbs.
Fire away, you guys. I love your insights and ponder your questions.
Monday, February 20, 2012
February 20
Today's Reading
Leviticus. We don't really know what Aaron's family was like before they left Egypt. We know that Aaron stood with his brother Moses in the presence of Pharaoh. What we do know is that Aaron caved in and built a golden calf while Moses was up on the mountain with God. Now we read that Aaron's sons weren't taking their priestly role seriously. Their drunkenness and disobedience of God's law violated God's holiness and God took action. Our God who loves us so is also a consuming fire. It is a rich privilege to be called to serve Him, but we must not take it lightly.
Mark. What do you think of the storm that Jesus rebuked? How about his actions with the demonized man and the pigs?
I continued to find great hope as I read Psalms today. I have seen the wicked try to destroy the righteous. God's judgment always wins out.
Proverbs reaffirms the Psalms message.
Good stuff! What are your thoughts?
Leviticus. We don't really know what Aaron's family was like before they left Egypt. We know that Aaron stood with his brother Moses in the presence of Pharaoh. What we do know is that Aaron caved in and built a golden calf while Moses was up on the mountain with God. Now we read that Aaron's sons weren't taking their priestly role seriously. Their drunkenness and disobedience of God's law violated God's holiness and God took action. Our God who loves us so is also a consuming fire. It is a rich privilege to be called to serve Him, but we must not take it lightly.
Mark. What do you think of the storm that Jesus rebuked? How about his actions with the demonized man and the pigs?
I continued to find great hope as I read Psalms today. I have seen the wicked try to destroy the righteous. God's judgment always wins out.
Proverbs reaffirms the Psalms message.
Good stuff! What are your thoughts?
Sunday, February 19, 2012
February 19
Today's Reading
Leviticus. The Priests were ordained, including washing (symbolizing the righteousness of Christ), oil (symbol of the Holy Spirit) and blood (symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for sins). Their blood sacrifice is what we read about a couple of days ago. Then they took seven days with the Lord before they began to minister. They prepared and God showed up! It's significant also that God showed His acceptance of what they were doing. I believe this was the first time that the glory of the Lord appeared and it wasn't directly related to Moses being there.
Mark. "24 Then he added, 'Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.'” I think that you and I are trying to "pay close attention" so I trust Him for greater understanding!
Psalms. What difference do you notice between God's treatment of the wicked vs. those who trust in Him and do good?
Proverbs contains a warning that we must not be paralyzed by our current circumstances, but choose right living each day.
Our reading seemed a bit shorter today. I hope it gives you time to ponder. Comments?
Leviticus. The Priests were ordained, including washing (symbolizing the righteousness of Christ), oil (symbol of the Holy Spirit) and blood (symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for sins). Their blood sacrifice is what we read about a couple of days ago. Then they took seven days with the Lord before they began to minister. They prepared and God showed up! It's significant also that God showed His acceptance of what they were doing. I believe this was the first time that the glory of the Lord appeared and it wasn't directly related to Moses being there.
Mark. "24 Then he added, 'Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given and you will receive even more. 25 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.'” I think that you and I are trying to "pay close attention" so I trust Him for greater understanding!
Psalms. What difference do you notice between God's treatment of the wicked vs. those who trust in Him and do good?
Proverbs contains a warning that we must not be paralyzed by our current circumstances, but choose right living each day.
Our reading seemed a bit shorter today. I hope it gives you time to ponder. Comments?
Saturday, February 18, 2012
February 18
Today's Reading
Leviticus. After a brief description of some of the sins requiring an offering, more specifics are given about the use of the offerings among the priests. Yesterday we saw how blood was sprinkled to demonstrate the remission of sins. Today, we see how the priests (the descendants of Aaron) were to treat those offerings when they used them as food. The offerings weren't just left there to rot. They provided meals for the priests who served God and the people.
One thing I found interesting: the priests garments were worn only at the Tabernacle. If any of the sacrificial blood (Lev. 6:27) was dripped on them, they had to be washed. The very blood that represented cleansing from sin actually defiled the holy garment. Hmmmm.
Mark. Jesus called His disciples, then set twelve apart as apostles. They were so busy they couldn't eat. Jesus' family struggled and most didn't believe in Him, the religious leaders argued against Him and the demons ran the other way. What a picture!
My thoughts centered on these verses:
And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, "You are the Son of God!" But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was. (Mark 3:11, 12 NLT)
Cathy and I recently re-read Frank Peretti's Darkness books, which tell a story of the spirit world and how they interact with the physical world. I can imagine how demons got riled up at the presence of Jesus.
This passage in Psalms is very precious to me. The name of my other blog, "Dwell & Cultivate," is taken from a different translation of verse 3. Sometimes it takes many years to turn hard ground to a fertile field. What a privilege, though, to watch God bring life from once futile soil. My life verses are from this passage:
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:3, 6 NASB)
Proverbs. One verse brings comfort and the other one a challenge in today's tough economic times.
What do YOU think today?
Leviticus. After a brief description of some of the sins requiring an offering, more specifics are given about the use of the offerings among the priests. Yesterday we saw how blood was sprinkled to demonstrate the remission of sins. Today, we see how the priests (the descendants of Aaron) were to treat those offerings when they used them as food. The offerings weren't just left there to rot. They provided meals for the priests who served God and the people.
One thing I found interesting: the priests garments were worn only at the Tabernacle. If any of the sacrificial blood (Lev. 6:27) was dripped on them, they had to be washed. The very blood that represented cleansing from sin actually defiled the holy garment. Hmmmm.
Mark. Jesus called His disciples, then set twelve apart as apostles. They were so busy they couldn't eat. Jesus' family struggled and most didn't believe in Him, the religious leaders argued against Him and the demons ran the other way. What a picture!
My thoughts centered on these verses:
And whenever those possessed by evil spirits caught sight of him, the spirits would throw them to the ground in front of him shrieking, "You are the Son of God!" But Jesus sternly commanded the spirits not to reveal who he was. (Mark 3:11, 12 NLT)
Cathy and I recently re-read Frank Peretti's Darkness books, which tell a story of the spirit world and how they interact with the physical world. I can imagine how demons got riled up at the presence of Jesus.
This passage in Psalms is very precious to me. The name of my other blog, "Dwell & Cultivate," is taken from a different translation of verse 3. Sometimes it takes many years to turn hard ground to a fertile field. What a privilege, though, to watch God bring life from once futile soil. My life verses are from this passage:
Trust in the LORD and do good;
Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light
And your judgment as the noonday. (Psalm 37:3, 6 NASB)
Proverbs. One verse brings comfort and the other one a challenge in today's tough economic times.
What do YOU think today?
Friday, February 17, 2012
February 17
Today's Reading
Leviticus. Notice that the blood from sin and guilt offerings was used in the Holy Place, which was the outer room in the Tabernacle (the inner room or "Holy of Holies" was where only the High Priest went and only on the Day of Atonement). This is comparable to the room which Zechariah entered in the Jerusalem Temple when he met the angel that told him that he and Elizabeth would have a son (John the Baptist). The priests entered the Holy Place regularly to bring the sacrifices.
The blood of sin and guilt offerings was sprinkled seven times before the curtain that separated the two rooms. That curtain -- or veil -- was what tore in half from top to bottom as Christ died on the cross. Seven is the number representing completeness in Scripture (7 days = 1 complete week). The seven sprinkles represented a "complete" covering by the blood. (Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission -- Hebrews 9:22). Then a dab of blood was smeared on the horns of the incense altar to "cover" it. Finally, the rest was poured out to run off to a designated place.
Today's Leviticus passage rounds out with a few ways people could become guilty and need a sin or guilt offering. Questions?
Mark. Each of these accounts from Jesus' life and ministry have great significance. However, I love what it tells us about Jesus' call of Levi (Matthew). Matthew followed Jesus, then immediately invited Jesus to his house and threw a big party, bringing all his sinner friends to meet the Master. Now, that's the work of the Gospel!
Did you see that Jesus was followed by "many" disreputable sinners? We have no evidence that they all started acting saintly at the moment they started following Him. In fact, it's likely that some of the, never fully devoted their lives to Him. Still, He welcomed them. What does that say about those we allow to be close to us?
Psalms. We have a worship song we sing that comes from the second stanza (v. 5-9) of today's reading. I was spoken to by the first verse: "Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts." Romans 7 describes the person who has truly received Christ as "I delight to do the law of God in my inner man." What a contrast!
Proverbs. Riches are truly deceitful. The lure to get them, even by sinful means, is great. They don't last, however.
I hope you enjoy today's reading like I did. What are your thoughts?
Leviticus. Notice that the blood from sin and guilt offerings was used in the Holy Place, which was the outer room in the Tabernacle (the inner room or "Holy of Holies" was where only the High Priest went and only on the Day of Atonement). This is comparable to the room which Zechariah entered in the Jerusalem Temple when he met the angel that told him that he and Elizabeth would have a son (John the Baptist). The priests entered the Holy Place regularly to bring the sacrifices.
The blood of sin and guilt offerings was sprinkled seven times before the curtain that separated the two rooms. That curtain -- or veil -- was what tore in half from top to bottom as Christ died on the cross. Seven is the number representing completeness in Scripture (7 days = 1 complete week). The seven sprinkles represented a "complete" covering by the blood. (Without the shedding of blood, there is no remission -- Hebrews 9:22). Then a dab of blood was smeared on the horns of the incense altar to "cover" it. Finally, the rest was poured out to run off to a designated place.
Today's Leviticus passage rounds out with a few ways people could become guilty and need a sin or guilt offering. Questions?
Mark. Each of these accounts from Jesus' life and ministry have great significance. However, I love what it tells us about Jesus' call of Levi (Matthew). Matthew followed Jesus, then immediately invited Jesus to his house and threw a big party, bringing all his sinner friends to meet the Master. Now, that's the work of the Gospel!
Did you see that Jesus was followed by "many" disreputable sinners? We have no evidence that they all started acting saintly at the moment they started following Him. In fact, it's likely that some of the, never fully devoted their lives to Him. Still, He welcomed them. What does that say about those we allow to be close to us?
Psalms. We have a worship song we sing that comes from the second stanza (v. 5-9) of today's reading. I was spoken to by the first verse: "Sin whispers to the wicked, deep within their hearts." Romans 7 describes the person who has truly received Christ as "I delight to do the law of God in my inner man." What a contrast!
Proverbs. Riches are truly deceitful. The lure to get them, even by sinful means, is great. They don't last, however.
I hope you enjoy today's reading like I did. What are your thoughts?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
February 16
Today's Reading
We begin reading the book of Leviticus today. Leviticus was primarily written to clarify God's law of worship and sacrifices. The priestly tribe in the Old Testament was Levi and the name is derived from their family name. Notice the number of different types of offerings and sacrifices. Each had special significance. Each, in its own way pictured the ministry of Jesus. His blood cleanses our sins. He is the bread of life. He is our peace.
Mark. "Good is the enemy of great!" So goes the popular slogan. Jesus shows us today how to choose the very best, even when it means leaving many good things behind. One of the costs of responsibility is that we are often left with choices that will end up disappointing someone. Can you imagine how many people were disappointed when Jesus left their town to go to another?
I love the story of the four friends. What persistence! I have some friends like that and I am ever grateful for them.
Psalms. David seems to have the same insecurities as the rest of us. When trouble comes, it can be easy to immediately believe we're being punished for doing wrong. Often it's just because we live in a broken world. Our spiritual enemies clap their hands with glee when we face troubles. We must cry out to God regularly and constantly.
How many of our movies justify the very behavior Proverbs warns us against in today's passage?
Are you behind? Pick right up with us along the trail! Please write your questions and comments!
We begin reading the book of Leviticus today. Leviticus was primarily written to clarify God's law of worship and sacrifices. The priestly tribe in the Old Testament was Levi and the name is derived from their family name. Notice the number of different types of offerings and sacrifices. Each had special significance. Each, in its own way pictured the ministry of Jesus. His blood cleanses our sins. He is the bread of life. He is our peace.
Mark. "Good is the enemy of great!" So goes the popular slogan. Jesus shows us today how to choose the very best, even when it means leaving many good things behind. One of the costs of responsibility is that we are often left with choices that will end up disappointing someone. Can you imagine how many people were disappointed when Jesus left their town to go to another?
I love the story of the four friends. What persistence! I have some friends like that and I am ever grateful for them.
Psalms. David seems to have the same insecurities as the rest of us. When trouble comes, it can be easy to immediately believe we're being punished for doing wrong. Often it's just because we live in a broken world. Our spiritual enemies clap their hands with glee when we face troubles. We must cry out to God regularly and constantly.
How many of our movies justify the very behavior Proverbs warns us against in today's passage?
Are you behind? Pick right up with us along the trail! Please write your questions and comments!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
February 22, Day 53
Leviticus. Like Israel, our salvation is purely through God's grace and mercy. However, the New Testament (Galatians 6:7-8) tells us that we reap what we plant. Even with this detailed description of what would happen should the people choose disobedience, they turned against God. Much of the rest of the Old Testament is the history which was accurately described in this passage. It's amazing, when you think of it.
Monday, February 21, 2011
February 21, Day 52
Leviticus. What a challenge it was for them to live in a way that reflected God's ultimate purpose for His kingdom. When someone violated God's pattern, the judgment was often swift. As I reflect on the harsh response to someone cursing God, I am reminded how easy it is for God's Name to become nothing more than a lame expression in a culture. It's that way for our culture now. God wanted them to be an example and He didn't want it watered down. Therefore, He quickly removed the first offender.
You know the expression, "The rich get richer and the poor get poorer." God's plan for His people was a system that rewarded hard work but didn't permanently create a class of people who had all the economic advantages.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
February 20, Day 51
Leviticus. God designated times for celebration and times for solemnly seeking Him. The celebrations gave them time to reflect on God's goodness and to look forward with faith. They also reminded them of how God was powerful to deliver their people in times past. They were scheduled around the farming industry because this was an agrarian society. What does it say to you and me who, because of labor-saving devices, have come to believe we must squeeze every drop of activity out of every day?
I was particularly struck by the Day of Atonement. Those who didn't deny themselves (fasting, focusing upon God) would be cut off from the people. Can you imagine the reaction if a church removed someone for playing video games on a fast day? While we live in an era of grace, we miss much of God's best if we gorge ourselves with the things we want day after day.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
February 19, Day 50
Leviticus. You will note that the statues mentioned today all have at least two things in common. First, they are sins against God; violations of His holiness. Second, they are sins against other humans, each destructive in its own way. Consequently, they all break what Jesus described as the Great Commandment ("You shall love God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind.") and the second greatest one ("You shall love your neighbor as yourself.")
As I read these again, I could sort of remember a time when many of the moral commands concerned sins that seemed so foreign to our culture. Now they seem so common. I pray that God will turn us around!
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