Bible in a Year Blog

Leviticus 27:14-Numbers 1:54 + Mark 11:1-26 + Psalm 46:1-11 + Proverbs 10:23
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Old Testament – Today we wrap up Leviticus and transition into Numbers!  Congratulations on staying the course through the book of Leviticus!  Have you Learned to Love Leviticus this past month??  🙂  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 27 by Bob Deffinbaugh titled “The Value of a Vow” is at bible.org at this link.   Numbers is an amazing book! I encourage you to reflect on words “Obedience” and “Disobedience” as we read through the book of Numbers. We’ll read much about both of these words in this book. And – I think as we read about both Moses’ and the Israelites Obedience and Disobedience, we will see many parallels in our own lives today. We have an opportunity with the book of Numbers to reflect upon where we have been both Obedient and Disobedient to God in our lives. We also have the opportunity to reflect upon the fruits and blessings of Obedience and the consequences of Disobedience – in Moses’, the Israelites, and our lives today. I hope you are ready to experience the book of Numbers!

~The Book of Numbers~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: This book deals with the journey of Israel from Mt. Sinai to the edge of Canaan and the Israelites’ preparation to enter the Promised Land. Because of sin and unbelief, however, they were not allowed by God to claim their inheritance but were condemned to wander in the wilderness for forty years. After the forty years they slowly made their way back to Canaan – this time ready to obey God’s commands. After winning some important battles to the east of the Jordan River, the Israelites prepared for the entrance into the land itself.
Theme: The book shows the continual faithfulness of God and the unbelievable sin of man. Israel rejected God but God remained true to his word, in leading the people through the wilderness and providing for their needs. In the New Testament the Christian life is likened to a wandering in the wilderness with the promise of a heavenly Canaan before us. (Above commentary is from “The One Year Bible Companion” pp. 2-3) Excellent commentary on the Book of Numbers is at this link.

Bible Project: Here is a great brief overview of the book of Numbers!

Today in Numbers chapter 1 verse 1 we read: “The LORD spoke to Moses in the Tent of Meeting in the Desert of Sinai on the first day of the second month of the second year after the Israelites came out of Egypt.” You’ll definitely notice as we read through the book of Numbers that God speaks to Moses, and through Moses to Israel. This fact is stated over 150 times and in more than 20 different ways in the book of Numbers – all the way from this first verse above until the very last verse of Numbers in chapter 36 verse 13 – “These are the commands and regulations the LORD gave through Moses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” The Israelites were dependent on Moses at that time to hear from God. How do you hear from God in your life today? Do you believe that you are hearing from God as you read the Bible? Do you believe that you can hear from God during times of prayer? Do you believe that today you can hear from God through your faith in Jesus and in your participation in the body of Christ, the church? Are you hearing from God today? Do you want to hear from God today?

New Testament – Today in Mark chapter 11 we read about Jesus’ Triumphal entry in Jerusalem!  This entry is an important transition point in Jesus’ ministry, in large part because it is the last week of Jesus’ life, which inaugurates Passion Week.  But also because Jesus’ ministry will now be focused in the confines of Jerusalem, the Holy City.  Jesus’ triumphal entry is a deliberate Messianic action and the clue to its understanding is found in Zechariah chapter 9 verse 9: “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” Hosanna in the highest!  (Hosanna is a Hebrew expression meaning “Save!” which became an exclamation of praise).  Commentary on Mark chapter 11 readings for today by Bob Deffinbaugh titled “The Triumphal Tragedy” is at bible.org at this link. 

Today we read in verse 17: “Jesus taught them, “The Scriptures declare, `My Temple will be called a place of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.””

Below is a great image for Mark 11:25 in today’s readings:

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 46, which is an incredible Psalm! This Psalm represents a song of hope celebrating the certain triumph of God’s kingdom – even in the midst of times of severe trouble. This Psalm served as the inspiration for Martin Luther’s famous Hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” Just after 9/11 I saw emails and posts on the internet floating around with the entirety of this Psalm. I would encourage you to keep this Psalm in your “back-pocket” as a Psalm to meditate upon whenever you personally might be going through times of severe trouble – or whenever our world might be going through times of severe trouble. Near the end of Psalm 46 in verse 10 we read a tiny little verse that I think is the key to this Psalm – “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you are going through a time of trouble in your life right now, will you take some time to meditate upon Psalm 46 and in particular verse 10? 

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 10 verse 23 we read: “Doing wrong is fun for a fool, while wise conduct is a pleasure to the wise.” This is one of those convicting Proverbs for me, as I have found myself on both sides of this coin. In my past, I’ve had fun in doing wrong. And in recent years I have found wise conduct to be a pleasure. As I’ve walked along the Way of following Jesus, I do know that I’m spending more time than ever enjoying wise conduct – thanks to the grace of God. However, this Proverb still makes me really examine how I am living my life today. Have I really stopped finding pleasure in doing wrong? Are there still some subtle ways perhaps that I am having fun doing wrong? Am I still acting foolishly at times? How about you? How does this Proverb speak to you? Have you found yourself on both sides of this coin? What does wise conduct look like to you in your life today? Will you seek to live a life of wise conduct? I believe we cannot live this life of wise conduct solely on our strength. Will you pray unceasingly to God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit to give you the grace and strength to live a life of wise conduct?

Worship Video: Based on my Psalm 46 reflections above, here’s Steve Green in 1987 singing an incredible acapella version of Martin Luther’s “A Mighty Fortress is our God:”

Is God your mighty fortress? Click here and be strengthened!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Be still, and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will be still today. Pray that you will seek God in the stillness. Pray that you will know without a doubt that Jesus is God.

Comments from You & Question of the Day – Back to Psalm 46 verse 10 – “Be still, and know that I am God.”  What does it mean to you to “Be still, and know that I am God?” Do you believe that being still during times of trouble can draw you closer to God? Will you be still today before God? In this stillness will you seek to know that He is indeed God? Even in the midst of whatever might be troubling you, will you seek to know that I AM is your God?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 27:14-34
In reading this last chapter of Leviticus about redeeming things, people, and livestock that has been dedicated to the Lord is cost you the value of the item plus 20% which is somewhat in line with the rate of interest of some credit cards. Very interesting.
There is a Proverb that is brought to my mind when reading this chapter: Proverbs 20:25 It is dangerous to make a rash promise to God before counting the cost.
Numbers 1:1-54
When God called this census it wasn’t as if He needed to know the number of fighting men. The results of the census needed to be known by Israel herself. She had to know that in her midst there were over half-a-million men who were able to fight, fit for duty. Israel needed also to be in some sort of order because the God that delivered them is a God of order and not one of confusion.
Mark 11:1-26
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to me is a sad event because I know that my face could easily fit into the crowd. My voice could easily have shouted Hosanna. I’m sad because I realize that just like the crowd who welcomed Jesus I could turn against Jesus and cry out, “Crucify Him!” because my idea of deliverance just wouldn’t match up with God’s plan.
The cursing of the Fig Tree and the Cleansing of the Temple were two different actions of the same event, judgment of Israel, specifically Jerusalem and her religious leaders. The Fig Tree represented Israel and the Temple is where Israel went to worship.
Isaiah 29:13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men.
This is not something that happened 2,000 years ago. We are in danger of being accused of the same thing today.
Romans 11: 17 If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root, 18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
How are our Houses of Worship?
Psalm 46
O, if I would only remember when things seem to be falling apart all around me that,
God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble.
O, to remember that and call on Him instead of picking up the telephone and calling on the arm of flesh that cannot help me.
Proverbs 10:23
Doing wrong may be fun for a fool, but the fool fails to consider the chain of events that he/she sets off in his/her own life and the life of others.
Sin is only pleasurable for a season and woe unto you when that season runs out.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Caryn:

Mike – that is the cheesiest picture of “hearing” I have ever seen! Thanks for the laugh!
Thanks for all the pics. Last night at our church home group I displayed OYB on our PC screen so that people could see the pics relating to the Tabernacle, as that was our topic for the evening. Was very helpful.
Caryn

======= Emily:

Forty years in wilderness is an amazing lesson for man who can go awry. How can one expect the blessings of God when at the same time one forgets God and His commandments? God’s miracles and man’s faith in God is a two way process.
Emily

======= Luch:

I hope that Beryl is doing well from her cancer surgery that someone mentioned she was going through earlier this week.
We have found great comfort in Psalm 46:5 that says in the NASB “God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; GOD WILL HELP HER WHEN MORNING DAWNS.” Isn’t that wonderful!!! For many who suffer mornings can be rough. The thought of getting up to face a new day with all its challenges but being vulnerable due to some illness or issue like cancer as we are experiencing, this verse offers a lot of hope and help. Lord, for today I pray that all those OYB readers who are suffering in one way or other will experience YOU as the one who is in their midst, and that they will not be moved, and most of all, help each one when ‘morning dawns’.
Luch

======= Stef:

hi everyone, beryl is home from hospital, surgery went well and they hope to have removed all the cancer.she is so thankful for all your prayers,me too!thanks for the messages of love and hope.
God bless,
Stef.

======= Kristie:

In answer to your question about listening and hearing God. I am learning more and more the reality of the Bible as being what speaks to me. As I pray I am moved from the heart to pray for cerrtain things, but frankly I can’t always trust my “impressions.” I still wonder about this…but in the meantime, when I look back on times in my life when I didn’t take the Bible at it’s word, like not really forgiving, but holding onto anger…or anything in the Bible that I compromised…well, I was wrong and I would have saved myself alot of pain and anquish if I had just followed it instead of thinking my situation was the exception.
When I do have “impressions” it is because I am recalling something I read in Scripture that I need to follow!
Kristie

======= Bob:

I’ve never been one to “hear” God. I can never tell if I’m just talking to myself or what, because it all sounds the same, whether or not I’m in prayer, or thinking about my day while stuck in traffic on the freeway. However, I can look back on my life, especially the last few years, and see where God has openned doors , closed others, and given be big ol’ clues on where he wants me to go.
Bob

======= Ramona:

Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (Psalms 46:10 KJVR)
For me it has always been when my mind and heart were still that God was able to speak into my life. Let me back up and rephrase, it is when my mind and heart are still that I can hear that still small voice of God speaking into my life. I have wailed and cried out to God, shaken my little puny fist at God, but it was always at the point of exhaustion, when I had tired myself out then and only then can I hear from God.
Paul writes about many voices and all of them have significance, but it is in the quietness of spirt that the voice of God is discerned in the midst of national tumult. Mike speaks of the time of 9/11. I remember that day but not for the panic but for how calm I was walking around in New York City that day. As fear and panic swept through my work place, this great peace and calm invaded every fiber of my being. I work in a College that had just put the incoming freshman in a newly built dorm where the wiring for landline phone service had not been completed. Cell phones were not working, except for those who had one particular carrier. Panicked parents jammed the lines at school, but I remained calm. I knew that day there was a God and I knew that He was still seated on His thrown.
Ramona

======= Rob:

Hi Mike and OYB-friends,
I would like to share some thoughts and experiences on psalm 46:11 from our reading today.
Be still and know that I [am] God.
I will be exalted among the heathen
I will be exalted in the earth
(KJV)
I found myself fascinated by the phrase “be still”. This is what Bible.org has to say about it:
“tn Heb “do nothing/be quiet (see 1 Sam 15:16) and know.” This statement may be addressed to the hostile nations, indicating they should cease their efforts to destroy God’s people, or to Judah, indicating they should rest secure in God’s protection. Since the psalm is an expression of Judah’s trust and confidence, it is more likely that the words are directed to the nations, who are actively promoting chaos and are in need of a rebuke.
My Dutch bible (New Bible Translation) translates “tn Heb“ as “Cease fighting” The George Lamsa translation translates the same word as “Repent”. This gives me at least the following translations from the original Hebrew:
• Be still
• Be quit
• Do nothing
• Cease fighting
• Repent
Usually when I get myself into trouble (that is: away from God), it is the result of my “inner nations” that are “are actively promoting chaos and are in need of a rebuke.” All kinds of worries, desires, thoughts make up my “inner nations”. I then find it very helpful to do ALL that is suggested by the several translations:
First I refocus (re-pent) my attention to God, I stop fighting/struggling and just do nothing, and then try to be as quit as I can, offering the inner earthquakes, the tumbling and shaking mountains and the crashing and foaming waves to God. This usually brings me to my inner special, holy dwelling place of the sovereign One. That is where I truly realize God is exalted of the nations and the earth.
All this is just my experience and limited understanding.
All the best,
Rob

======= Pat:

Good morning one and all!
I would like to say a few words about the fig tree (Mark 11:12-14, 20-26, Matthew 21:18-22). I’ve heard people, even ministers, say that Jesus cursed the fig tree just so that He could teach a lesson from it. That is NOT what the Scripture says at all. Jesus cursed the fig tree because (1) He was hungry and (2) He became frustrated and even angry when there was no fruit on the tree to meet His daily human need at that exact moment. This shows us the human side of Christ and it also shows us that Christ knows what we endure being humans! He had the same daily needs that we have; He suffered the same pangs that we suffer; He knows what it is like to become frustrated when our daily needs are not being met. These scriptures have always been a great source of comfort to me. Our Lord is not a mystical creature in some far away place. Our Lord has walked on this earth in our shoes and He has experienced what we experience. He has even reacted with the same human emotions that we display during times of frustration, anger and fear.
Yes, Jesus used that fig tree to teach a lesson but not until the next day! Matter of fact, He used that withered tree to teach us two lessons! Lesson one – We should talk over our needs with the Lord and believe that the Lord will meet our needs! Jesus could have ordered figs to grow on that tree at that very moment but He did not. He went on traveling until another source of food was located. Even though we become frustrated, we have to keep on the road Christ has paved for us until our need is met. It may not be met in the way we expect, or at the time we want it met, but it will be met! Lesson two – We need to try to understand the hasty actions of other people and forgive them, and we need to ask for forgiveness when we act hastily in a negative way. These are two powerful lessons!
God Bless!
Pat

======= Laverne:

ROB – Thanks for the share –
—————————
I have not learned to love Leviticus I do have a new appreciation for the book.
—————————
I believe and know that God is still speaking to me today in the same way that Able’s testimony/blood still speaks to all of us.
—————————
I believe this piece of scripture Psalm 46;10-11 literally means to be STILL. I think God is telling us to STOP LOOK & LISTEN it’s like when we were in grade school. If you don’t stop you will get in the way, if you’re not looking you will miss God’s grace and important response and if you don’t listen you will not know how to proceed and when….He is my refuge and strength and I must know at all times He is with me.
_________
Fig Tree (PAT) – isn’t it also true that the normal order of growth in fig trees was fruit preceded the leaves? … That tree presented itself as a false picture, it took up space and nourishment but bore no fruit…
This parable helpos me to continue to grow in the word, at church and during prayer in my life. I pray I am NOT that Fig tree at a time in my life when I was. I was going to church but not growing I decided to switch churches. Now I go and grow, which is the normal order of growth…Amen!
Laverne

======= Pat:

Laverne, the Scripture says the following:
Mark 11:13 “When he reached it, he found nothing but leaves, because it was not the season for figs”. Matthew 21:19 says, “Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves.”
Both of these Scriptures, especially Mark, indicates that there was nothing wrong with the tree, it was just not the season for the fruit to be ripe on the tree.
As I said, this is a great comfort to me because I know that my Lord and Savior understands my human weaknesses because he experienced them himself. It is also a great comfort to me that the next day – not immediately thereafter, not even that night, but the next day after he had eaten and was rested – he used that withered tree to teach us the lessons of dedicated prayer and forgiveness. When we are disappointed, frustrated, scared, worried or angry, we need to take time to cool down and rethink the situation, and then deal it prayerfully while rendering forgiveness and asking for forgiveness.
God Bless,
Pat

======= Laverne:

Pat, I hear you it is a wonderful thing to find exactly what you need in the word when you need it for you or a friend.
Laverne

======= Angie:

for me, i’m not a very patient person so sitting still is NOT a strong point for me. even when i know i need to be. even more so during times of trouble. during the times of trouble, i want the issue resolved NOW. not later. i’m just that way. its just the way i was made i guess. but someone very special in my life who is no longer a part of it now but maybe in sometime in the future, who knows, has taught me patience. and i know god is also teaching me patience as well. to sit still and wait. so yes, it is bringing me closer to god a little. sometimes it makes me a bit angry cuz i want it now. but i know i can’t have it now!!!!! again, with the patience thing!!!!! which then brings me back to god. big circle here!!!!!
psalms stood out to me. cuz i’ve had a lot of times of trouble the last past year, and someone very dear and special to me in the past. i’m turning to god now to help me deal with all this cuz i know i can no longer do it on my own. and i know it time, he will ease my troubles. so again, i’m trying to sit still and be patient.
Angie

======= Lisa:

Psalm 46:10
Be still, and know that I am God:
The bible says to meditate on His word day and night. So with each daily reading I try to take a nugget that stands out so that I may meditate on that word, verse, etc. So Psalm 46:10 is a good one.
As we grow spiritually in the Word – we must come to the conclusion that we must put “faith in practice” as my pastor would say.
At this point, I admit that I stand in the way of God when I need Him to answer a prayer. I pray and still try to answer my own prayers because my faith was displaced; and the situations I prayed to our Father about kept repeating themselves. Finally, I said I must put my faith into practice. Once I put my faith into practice by not answering and/or solving my own prayers in my own familiar way, I knew I had the peace of God. With His peace you will learn patience. I use to think I had the “patience of Job” until I did a scriptural based search on the word patience; and wow, did I understand with my heart what Job experienced in chapter 42, verse 5 where he says I HEARD with my ears, but now my eyes have SEEN!!
To conclude, I took an excerpt from the John Gill Exposition of the Whole Bible on Psalm 46:10:
“ … but that they should not be fearful, nor fretful and impatient, or restless and tumultuous; but be quiet and easy, resigned to the will of God, and live in an assured expectation of the appearance of divine Providence in their layout. And “know”; own and acknowledge that he is God, a sovereign Being that does whatsoever he pleases; that he is unchangeable in his nature, purposes, promises, and covenant; that he is omnipotent, able to help them and deliver them at the last extremity; that he is omniscient, knows their persons, cases, and troubles, and how and where to hide them till the storm is over; that he is the all wise God, and does all things after the counsel of his own will, and makes all things work together for good to them; and that he is faithful to his word and promise, …”
Trust God in ALL your ways and lean not to your own understanding.
Until the next time put your “faith in practice”.
Lisa 

======== Art:

What great comments today! One of my very favorite stories from the OT is that of 2Chronicals 20. There is so much in that chapter to meditate upon, and I would miss very much if I only read it and meditated upon it on the one day that we pass through during our year’s study. Same with Ps 46.
I thank those who provide their insights to these pages, bits and pieces that enrich my understanding and bring me ever closer to the true Word of God!
Part of the truth of Psalm 46:10 is revealed, I think, in its opposite — so terribly prevalent in our culture and many of our busy lives today.
I.e., Satan wants us to be so busy with worldly stuff that we don’t take the time to ‘be still’… for if we did, we would know God and Satan’s plans to distract us and waste our time would be foiled.
The truth of this was also made plain to me on a backpacking trip I took in the wilds of Wyoming two years ago during which time I saw no one for four days. God was SO CLOSE in the silence and the stillness. The utter peace of that stillness and knowledge of God stuck with me quite palpably for almost a year. It is so hard to renew it amidst the distractions of daily life. We must *work* at the discipline of being still.
Art

======== Elizabeth:

Hello,
First, I must admit that I’m glad to be finished with Leviticus for now. I did enjoy the commentaries–especially Deffinbaugh’s connection of the Old Testament feasts to New Testament realities, but all said and done, Leviticus is a lot of work! My husband and I repeatedly talked about how you have to dig deep to get juice out of Leviticus because if you just stay on the surface with a quick read, it becomes drudgery.
I am looking forward to Numbers, though we have to get through that census first! ; )
I’m thanking God this morning for the usefulness of His psalms. Right after I read Psalm 46 this morning, our nine-year old came into the bedroom downcast because of two bad dreams she had last night. After listening to her dreams, I was able to read her to Psalm 46. We listened to Steve Green’s “A Mighty Fortress” (what a stirring rendition) and then looked up the lyrics to Luther’s hymn and sang them together. Despite the antiquated (though gorgeous) language, we were able to get ahold of some great and greatly useful truths—God is our fortress, Satan may try to scare us, but ultimately God’s rule will prevail. We talked about how He is the ultimate bulwark (wall of defense, or part of ship’s sides above water–had to look this one up!) a defense that never fails.
Praise Him for His faithfulness to help us out this morning. His Word is everlasting, useful and true. His mercies fresh every morning,
Elizabeth

======= Nick:

at first, I did not take Proverbs 10:23 personally, but your explanation helped illustrate how this verse relates to all of us. Surely this verse also refers to the subtle ways that sin can enter our everyday lives. It is bad enough that we have our tongues to contend with, James clarified that, but then there are those foolish little activities that may seem OK or not so bad, but do contribute to drawing us away from God. Cold drafts entering through the holes in our armor.
Nick

========= Lily:

This is my 2nd year reading the Bible with One Year Bible Blog. Mike, you are right. Though I do not love Leviticus yet, I have started to warm up to it and learn more from it the second time around. There is always something to learn from the old rituals and covenants. God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. The greatest thing though is that Christ is the ultimate offering for the redemption of our sins. Thanks be to God.
Psalm 46: 1-11
I have to learn to be still in the presence of God. My daily meditation reading today is calling me to look for God’s presence in every situation. This means to be still and experience God’s presence. This is a challenge.
God bless.
Lily

======== Steve:

Psalm 46:10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Each day our mind processes about fifty thousand thoughts; we’re exposed to advertising messages, lured by various distractions in one form or another throughout the entire day. It’s a wonder that were even capable of turning it all off and going to sleep at night. I’ve known people that don’t like silence; they want background noise such as the radio on constantly because contemplative thoughts are perceived as an invasion.
When Jesus slept through the storm and the disciples were terrified the boat would break up and sink, He calmed the storm, yelling “Peace, Be Still” and immediately it was calm and peaceful. I was thinking that the storm is similar to a turbulent mind troubled by the current crisis in our life. Psalm 46:10 doesn’t tell us to know God, it says to Know that I am God and there is a big difference. Knowing that He is God, is knowing that He is in sovereign control of our lives every step of the way. When we realize that we can’t calm the storm on our own, were acknowledging that we are finite and that He alone is infinite.
Our peace does not come from lack of troubles; it comes from the one true living God, the creator of the universe, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and, we are stilled by Him like a small child is comforted in the safety of mother’s arms.
Steve

======= Bob:

PSALM 46: What do we do when we are anxious? Try to relax and genuinely trust God for the outcome of Life’s Trials. Meditate on His attributes.
Ever wonder who the Bible translators were? Apparently Shakespeare may have had his turn in Psalm 46 during the King James Version (1610). He was 46 years old and if you count 46 words down you get “shake” and 46 words from the bottom up is “spear”.
Numbers: Have you ever been given a number by God? I was given this one: 157.73 and I think it is Money. If anyone has an idea?
Mark 11: I think it is important to note the importance of how the power of prayer and genuine forgiveness are intertwined.
Proverbs 10:23 Wisdom comes from experience, maturity, age, self examination common sense. At times we all fall short of these and foolishly default to evil.
I will be away for a couple of weeks but I hope to keep up my reading. We will all experience times where it is easy to slide out of our one year reading discipline. May God grant us all the desire to remain in His Word.
Bob

======= Annie:

Be still and know that I AM God-means to me that no matter what life brings be it trouble or jubilee I can wholly trust in Him and know that I don’t have to do it on my own. He fights for me and beside me. In my sin He is gently leading me out. In my praise He is my praise. I know I can rest in Him when I lay it at His feet. He holds everything in His hand.
Annie

======== Robert:

Numbers 1
Three years ago our church did a weekend study on Hearing God. The program was developed at Southland Church, Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada. We had a whole spectrum of people that were at different levels of relationship with God and I could see many struggling with hearing the Holy Spirit open up scripture for them. Over the years I have found this to be a learning process that takes patience and awareness. Not for everyone! Even though the teaching at this seminar was excellent, my Christian buddy didn’t get a thing out of it. He is a very black and white type of guy and when this abstract is introduced to him he wasn’t able to understand. That may be harsh but even though he tried…..nothing. I felt sad for him because he really was missing out on a dimension of Christianity that is very rich and meaningful. It made me feel very blessed to have this aspect or gift from God.
Psalm 46
Steve, I like what you said about God, “He is in sovereign control of our lives “. If we are anxious about anything we should relax into his peace and genuinely trust him for the outcome of life’s trials. I think I will just listen to Steve Greens, “A Mighty Fortress is our God” and just meditate and exalt all of God’s attributes. Thanks.
Robert

======= Dee:

In Leviticus 27:28,29, However, anything specially set apart for the Lord–whether a person, an animal, or family property–must never be sold or bought back. Anything devoted in this way has been set apart as holy, as it belongs to the Lord. I understand that, such as clean animals, but not first born animals because they already are the Lords, the unclean animals, we can recompense to ourselves after ceremony and offerings to the Lord and buy back unclean, person(s) I suppose that is slaves which will also fall under family property and I know when you have land and homes it is set them apart for the Lord and blessed as in previous chapters. What I don’t get is the next verse..No person specially set apart for destruction may be bought back. Such a person may be put to death. Can anyone elaborate on that one?
Mark 11:1-26..I too am saddened by the yet count down of Passion Week and the triumphant entry of our Lord. I guess because we know what is to come and it grieves us, however, I am like Ramona..I don’t know if I would be any different from the others back then. I would like to say I would be as strong as His lady followers, His mom, Mary Magdelene and Salome were and stuck by Him through and through but who is to say what our mind would have fathomed because we are all mere mortals with minimal comprehension into the mindset of Christ.
Psalm 46:1-11 I love, love, love Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God. I believe that being still is a waiting process with you and God. Establishing the fruits of the spirit, especially the book ends as I like to call them Love being the first one, and the last one being Self Control..without these two beginning the fruits and ending them the whole parrelel of the fruits of the Spirit would fall apart. We have to realize that His thoughts are not our thoughts, His Ways not our ways..His timing is not contingent with our timing..But His sweet soft spoken words ring true..Be Still and Know I AM GOD!!! Awesome..
Proverbs 10:23
One foolish thing I think is silly and some parents go along with it for their kids, is foolish pranks kids do especially around “halloween”. Egging someones home, toilet paper the yard, dumping trash in yards, ringing elderlys doors and running away..I am still a youthful mother and wife and have two youth in my home so I haven’t come to the teen years where kids are really influenced in that sector. However my sister is, and it really shocks me that she lets her teenage boys do any of the ones above. To me that ties in with , “Doing wrong is fun for a fool” Now I don’t think God wants you to lose your sense of humor, because our laughter comes from the Lord, however when we do wrong at the expense of another, then we are playing with fire..
God Bless and Be a Blessing to someone today!!
~~Dee

======= John:

Psalm 46
It was composed in response to a terrifying event in the life of Good King Jehoshaphat. We read all about it in 2 Chronicles 20: the Moabites and the Ammonites and the Meunites-had made a treaty to attack and plunder their nation.
The king prayed, and God reponded through the prophet Jahaziel:
“Listen, King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says to you; ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours but the Lord’s.”
The next day he and his army went out to meet their enemy with the choir leading the way still singing God’s praises. And, as they crested the hill and looked down on the enemy camp, all they saw were dead bodies. It looked as if a great battle had already taken place-and it had. You see, in the night, God had confused the enemy soldiers so much that they had attacked each other and not one warrior in that vast army had remained alive. Well, this inspired Jehoshaphat’s music minister to write the 46th Psalm.
======================================================
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
God is – God exists
God is our refuge – place of safety
God is our strength – when we take refuge in God – He is our strength.
God is ever-present – He will never forsake His chosen people, then or now.
======================================================
2 Therefore we will not fear,…
Do not fear, no matter what. Why? Because God is always with us and is our refuge and strength.
======================================================
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
This is troublesome. There is no major river around Jerusalem. Until you look at the New Jerusalem in Revalation 22:
1Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2down the middle of the great street of the city.
God sees everything as a done deal. So while Jerusalem is referred to here as with a river, it is because God sees it as the end product of His plan. God will defend it and deliver the Holy City of God.
======================================================
7 The LORD Almighty is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Selah
Do not fear – the Lord Almighty – creator of the Universe is with us. This same God is also the God of Jacob (meaning cheat or swindler). So the same all powerful transcendant God is also the personal God of unworthy sinners. This verse tells us how much of a “personal” yet powerful God we have as our Lord.
======================================================
10 “Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
“Be Still” carries the idea of God saying to us, “When you face a terrifying situation, lay down your arms. Put down your ‘sword and shield.’ Step aside and acknowledge that I am the one and only victorious God.”
How can we be still during tough times – every natural instinct in our bodies tells us we need to DO SOMETHING. The answer is we have something a non-believer doesn’t have: WE KNOW that “God is” and he is fully capable of handling everything.
In the end God will receive all the praise and glory from everyone.
John

======= John:

Proverbs 10:23
“A fool finds pleasure in evil conduct,
but a man of understanding delights in wisdom.”
A fool amuses himself by getting into trouble; it’s his favorite sport. A man of understanding gets his pleasure in conducting himself wisely.
MacDonald, W., & Farstad, A. 1997, c1995. Believer’s Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments . Thomas Nelson: Nashville
John

======= John:

Donkey
We touched on it in Matthew, but maybe it bears repeating here in Mark. The arrival of Jerusalem on a donkey is certainly foretold in prophecy.
Remember,(from O.T. study in OYB) a donkey was an unclean animal, and as such its firstborn could not be offered up to the Lord. So the firstborn must have neck broken, or be redeemed with a lamb. (Ex. 13:13)
Not the first time Jesus was associated with the “unclean” in his ministry.
The redeemer rode on an animal who was considered by God not good enough as an offering – just as we ourselves are not good enough on our own.
Jesus rode on an animal not ridden on before. Just as mankind (in general) had, up to this point, not let the redeemer take control of our path (lives).
It was a humble entry. Although the donkey was used often by leaders in the past, this was a time of horses and chariots for triumphal parades.
[Maybe I am making too much of this – just thinking out loud – but sometimes have wondered – “why did God use a Donkey in his plan?” why not some other type of entry? Hence the above thoughts.]
John

======= John:

Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth.”
Notice the change of the psalmist from referring to God and then in vs. 9 using the pronoun “he”, to God declaring “I will” in vs. 10.
“Be still” in the Hebrew (orek) implies a forebearance or self-restraint (of patience). NASB says “Cease Striving”. Stop everything and “wait”, “be patient” – for God will handle everything, because He is God.
I shudder to think of the things that will happen to bring this about. As much as I want the Lord to “not tarry”; I also want him to wait so that more can be saved.
The concept in vs. 10 is carried from Psalms to Isaiah and on to Paul’s writings:
Isaiah 45:22-23
“Turn to me and be saved,
all you ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is no other.
By myself I have sworn,
my mouth has uttered in all integrity
a word that will not be revoked:
Before me every knee will bow;
by me every tongue will swear.”
Romans 14:11
It is written:
” ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will confess to God.’”
Philippians 2:10-11
“that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.”
John

======= Vance:

I read the following statement from the article, “Learning to Love Leviticus” By: Bob Deffinbaugh , Th.M.
“In the Mark 9 passage cited above, I believe that the key to the interpretation to this text is to be found in understanding the role salt played in some of the Old Testament sacrifices, such as found in Leviticus 2:13.”
See reference from Leviticus below:
Leviticus 2
13
And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt; you shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.
~~~
I have never completely understood what “salt” means in the Bible, or what is the “covenant of salt”.
Below are some study insights from http://www.studylight.org
American Tract Society Bible Dictionary
Salt is also the symbol of perpetuity and incorruption. Thus they said of a covenant, “It is a covenant of salt for ever before the Lord,” Numbers 18:19 2 Chronicles 13:5.
Easton Bible Dictionary
All meat-offerings were seasoned with salt (Leviticus 2:13). To eat salt with one is to partake of his hospitality, to derive subsistence from him; and hence he who did so was bound to look after his host’s interests (Ezra 4:14, “We have maintenance from the king’s palace;” A.V. marg., “We are salted with the salt of the palace;” RSV, “We eat the salt of the palace”).
A “covenant of salt” (Numbers 18:19; 2Chr 13:5) was a covenant of perpetual obligation. New-born children were rubbed with salt (Ezekiel 16:4). Disciples are likened unto salt, with reference to its cleansing and preserving uses (Matthew 5:13).
Holman Bible Dictionary
COVENANT OF SALT
Salt was often utilized in covenant making probably as symbolic of that which preserves and prevents decay. The hope was that the covenant thus enacted would endure (Numbers 18:19; 2 Chronicles 13:5). Salt was an essential element of the cereal offerings made to God (Leviticus 2:13).
~~~
So what have I learned?
a. SALT REPRESENTS PERPETUITY AND INCORRUPTION
The hope was that the covenant enacted with salt would endure.
b. SALT WAS A SPIRITUAL / COMMUNAL GLUE CONNECTING GOD WITH COMMUNITY: eating salt with someone is to partake of his hospitality and to derive subsistence from him. This, then, bound the partaker of the hospitality to look after his host’s interests.
c. SALT HAS CLEANSING AND PRESERVING USES:
Disciples of the Lord Jesus are to be cleansing and preserving agents
~~~
From this, I am receiving comfort from salt as representing GOD’S CLEANSING AND PRESERVING POWER.
Perhaps a second lesson as a result of this is to see HOW EVERYTHING AROUND ME IN THIS LIFE can be used as a symbol to reveal so me something of the Lord.
MAY I – MY WE – HAVE SPIRITUAL EYES to see how all of life teaches me how to teach others about the Lord Jesus. He used all of life as parables, and we can do this too.
Vance

Leviticus 25:47-27:13 + Mark 10:32-52 + Psalm 45:1-17 + Proverbs 10:22
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 25 we finish up reading about the Year of Jubilee.  I don’t know what it is about the Year of Jubilee, but for some reason I really like the concept of it!  I actually read a commentary that said there is no evidence that the Year of Jubilee was actually ever carried out, which made me a bit sad.  However, that same commentary suggested that the Year of Jubilee was ultimately fulfilled through the life of Jesus, as Jesus himself quotes this very Year-of-Jubilee-ic 🙂 sounding verse from Isaiah in Luke chapter 4 verses 18-21: ““The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him, and he began by saying to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.””  Whaddya think?  Think the concept of the Year of Jubilee was indeed fulfilled in the life of Jesus?  I do.  And we don’t need to count down 50 years from now until the next Year of Jubilee.  The Year of Jubilee is available to each of one of us today!  I came across this beautiful piece of artwork below called “Year of Jubilee” – see anything in this artwork that might be pointing toward Jesus?

Leviticus chapter 26 is a great look at the blessings of obedience and punishments for disobedience.  As I read through the punishments for disobedience my mind instantly went to where, later in the Bible, Israel would indeed walk down the path of disobedience – and ultimately be punished with the destruction of Jerusalem and the exile into Babylon.  For those going through the One Year Bible for more than the first time, I am sure you probably recognized this as well.  What is interesting to keep in mind that these words of God were written by Moses nearly 1,000 years before the Babylonian exile.  This reminded me again of how powerful God’s Word truly is – and how true it really is.  And it reminded me that even in our modern times, the Bible is still truth, and the teachings of Jesus are still relevant now 2,000 years later…  Truth is truth.  We may be inconsistent, but God is not.  Are you walking in the path of obedience in your relationship with God?  Are you walking in Truth?

Verses 44 & 45 in this chapter stood out to me as a reminder that even though God punishes disobedience, he leaves room for repentance and he allows for a remnant to carry on the covenant: ““But despite all this, I will not utterly reject or despise them while they are in exile in the land of their enemies. I will not cancel my covenant with them by wiping them out. I, the LORD, am their God. I will remember my ancient covenant with their ancestors, whom I brought out of Egypt while all the nations watched. I, the LORD, am their God.”  And verses 12 & 13 in this chapter are awesome: “I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people. I, the LORD, am your God, who brought you from the land of Egypt so you would no longer be slaves. I have lifted the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk free with your heads held high.”  Do you believe that God walks among us today?  Is God your God?  And are you His?  Has the yoke of slavery from sin been lifted from your neck?  Are you walking free today with your head held high?

New Testament –  In Mark chapter 10 verse 33 today we read Jesus’ third and last prediction of his death to the disciples in Mark’s Gospel.  You’ll note the two previous predictions are at Mark 8:31 & 9:31.  Crucifixion is not explicitly stated by Jesus in this verse, but it is implied in that he states he will be handed over to the Romans.  The Romans in this era killed non-Romans via crucifixion.

Verse 45 I think is such an important verse in the Bible for us to really meditate upon and understand, as this verse summarizes Jesus’ ministry and purpose so succinctly and powerfully: “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus was not your typical “King – who lords it over the people beneath him”.  He did not come to be served.  But to serve.  And he gave his life as a ransom for our sins.  Via crucifixion.  For some reason in this Lenten / pre-Easter season I am thinking more and more about Jesus’ Passion and what he did for each of us on the cross.  It’s really really humbling to think about.  But so good I think for each of us to reflect upon the ransom that was paid for us by Jesus.  The Suffering Servant.  The King.  The Savior of the World.

In today’s readings we read about Jesus healing Bartimaeus, who was blind.  You’ll notice that Bartimaeus seems to have a very “expectant” faith!  He expects that Jesus will heal him.  But, it’s not expectation alone that demonstrates his faith in Jesus – Bartimaeus verbalizes that Jesus is the Messiah, when he calls him “Son of David!” in verse 48.  It was known that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David, and Bartimaeus clearly believed.  Is there anything today you can learn from Bartimaeus and his expectant faith? 

Psalms – Psalm 45 is very likely a song of praise to King David on his wedding day.  Interestingly, after the Babylonian exile, this Psalm was applied to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, the promised Son of David.  I can see how some verses in this Psalm could apply to both the current king of the day and the true king yet to come.  Verse 7 is a good example: “You love what is right and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you, pouring out the oil of joy on you more than on anyone else.”  Below is Mary’s (Martha’s sister) anointing of Jesus from the Gospel of John chapter 12 verses 1-8.   

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 22 is short but powerful!  “The blessing of the LORD makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.”  I love that thought – we should have no sorrow with the blessings God gives!  God does not add the sorrow.  We might…  but, with God’s blessings should come joy and thanksgiving and praise!  What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with?  Will you take a moment to be joyful in these blessings, and thank and praise God for them?

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark reminded me of the fantastic song “True Love” by Phil Wickham. Here’s a great live version of the song. Make sure you watch past the short opening interview and worship to this powerful song:

Do you know your True Love? Click here for Love Eternal!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will not seek to be served in this life, but will instead seek to serve. Pray that you will have a servant’s heart. Pray that you will serve like Jesus served.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

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======= Ramona:

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
I’m trying to see the difference between a resident foreigner “owning” an Israeli (fifty years) and a fellow Israeli (seven years), why the huge discrepancy? Is it because one should have went to a fellow country men first before selling oneself to a foreigner living in the country? This little dilemma is one I will think about.
We know through reading of the Prophets, especially Jeremiah and Ezekiel and the historical books of Ezra and Nehemiah that Israel never in acted the Sabbath rests nor the Jubilee year and because they didn’t, they went into captivity to Babylon for 70 years which represented the total Sabbath year rests, plus the Jubilee years. God commanded the rests; however Israel didn’t take them voluntarily, but she still took them involuntarily. What God has commanded will come to pass even when we rebel and don’t cooperate.
Blessings and curses, is it God blessing and cursing us, or is it the effect of a cause, obeying or disobeying a command. I believe when we obey God, there is a natural sequence of events, or causes, that happen because of our obedience. When we disobey God the same thing happens except those consequences are not beneficial to our well being and prosperity. In previous posts I noted that God told Israel that the land he was giving them had “vomited” out its original inhabitants because of their “sin” and if they sinned, it would vomit them out also. (Leviticus 18:25,28; 20:22). Blessings and curses are natural occurrences of our obedience or disobedience to the Word of God effecting our own bodies, those of our households, community and nation, as well as the land we stand on.
Mark 10:32-52
Again Jesus teaches them about His death, but they just don’t get it. If I were around, would I have gotten it? Probably not. I think it is near impossible to “get it” when you have your own agenda going on in your head. We project our own desires onto the God’s agenda, mudding the waters of righteousness. But even though we mess with the purpose and call of God, we can never change, defeat or hinder God’s plans.
Blind Bartimaeus is another blind man that saw that Jesus was the son of David, the Bread of Life, born in the House of Bread, Bethlehem (which means House of Bread), but called a Nazarene. If Jesus was the son of David, then Jesus was the promised Messiah. And a man with no sight saw what people who supposedly had vision couldn’t see.
May all those who visit this sight have their spiritual eyes and ears opened and see past the natural limitations of seeing and hearing. Amen
Psalm 45:1-17
What I noticed when I looked at this Psalm was not the content of the Psalms but the directive to the choir director. This Psalm was to be sung and the music used was not composed for this Psalm but was taken from a love song called Lilies. I wonder if that shocked the folks of the day.
Proverbs 10:22
When the Lord blesses you not only are you a person of wealth, which doesn’t mean you have a lot of money, your new position of affluence and prosperity doesn’t come with headaches. I think it’s time for me to reexamine what true “riches” are.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mark:

Leviticus 26:11 “I’ll set up my residence in your neighborhood; I won’t avoid or shun you; 12I’ll stroll through your streets. I’ll be your God; you’ll be my people. 13I am GOD, your personal God who rescued you from Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians. I ripped off the harness of your slavery so that you can move about freely.
Egypt is often used in scripture as a symbol or type of Satan and his domain. So verse 13 could take on a special meaning for today’s church, i.e. that God is the one who has delivered us from lifestyles (nature) devoted to sin – “ripping off” (I love the picture this evokes) the harness of our slavery, allowing us to move about freely. Reminds me of the gentle words spoken by Jesus when He invites: “Come unto me all you who are weary and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me; for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Mark 10:45 That is what the Son of Man has done: He came to serve, not to be served–and then to give away his life in exchange for many who are held hostage.”
Hello, the gospel in the Torah is echoed here in the words of Christ!
Psalm 45:10 “Now listen, daughter, don’t miss a word:
forget your country, put your home behind you.
11 Be here–the king is wild for you.
Since he’s your lord, adore him.
As the Bride of Christ, we can revel in the love that our King, our bride-groom has for us — He is wild for us!! We can forget about our origins, no matter how sordid. We have a new citizenship, a new home and a new allegiance. Adore Him!
Proverbs 10:22 GOD’s blessing makes life rich;
NOTHING we do can improve on God.
Period.
Mark

======= Andrew:

Wow! OYB keeps up a relentless pace. Yesterday a tough discussion on the death penalty. Today we get to imagine a Year of Jubilee!
What would that be like for us? All our mortgages cancelled, all our credit card accounts back to zero, all our employment contracts ended? Everyone back to square one with his ‘original’ land (whatever that is) and his herds and flocks (savings). Today a big party and tomorrow everyone to the marketplace to make new deals for the next 50 years. Hard to imagine.
But I do believe Jesus came to fulfill something like that. A new era, a new deal, a new relationship between man and God, a life of freedom as citizens of His Kingdom, a life empowered by the Spirit of God (Eph 1:19). So the Jubilee should be a walking-on-the-water party!
Re Mike’s question about the picture:
It is not altogether clear to me. I suppose the people are looking for the first rays of the dawn on the first day of the Year of Jubilee, the day they are set free. Is that person reaching up to try to catch the first rays? What is that in beyond the people? Water, strangely coloured by the orange dawn? Maybe that is the place for the walking-on-the-water party!
Sorry if that seems facetious or irreverent. It is meant to be more of a challenging question. Maybe I am running ahead in the OYB programme. We still have to get through quite some Torah and we are still in the Gospels and not yet in Acts. But I do have questions about why we as believers are not booming with more of the power of the Spirit, why are we not manifesting a bright new life, why we are not celebrating a perpetual Year of Jubilee?
Andrew

======= Ramona:

Andrew,
I was kinda of think’n the same thing but from a different perspective. I read and reread the Leviticus reading four times this morning and will probably do the same thing during the day. My question to God was, “Is this command, thus the consequences and blessings for us, or is this, was this, specifically for Israel?” If today’s believers can tap into this, why haven’t we and what consequences of our failure are being brought into the lives of our children?”
Lots to think and pray about.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Andrew,
“But I do have questions about why we as believers are not booming with more of the power of the Spirit, why are we not manifesting a bright new life, why we are not celebrating a perpetual Year of Jubilee?”
Being a born again Christian for about two years now, I look around the Christians I know, and I have observed this:
I have noticed some 60 – 90 year old people that have walked with the Lord for a LONG time. They absolutely glow, their manner is so gentle, their beliefs so firm, their love of Christ so deep, the Holy Spirit seems to just shine through their skin.
Back in my Christian infancy, I asked them what they believed, how they acted out that belief, how they handled adversity, etc.?
Going to sound like a broken record, but the bottom line is they were faithful in reading the “Word”, prayer, worship, obediance, and the discipline of applying what they learned from all the above, (and throw in a little fasting:). I asked, “because I wanted what they had.”
I have experianced in my brief walk with Christ, some of the blessings of God through the Holy Spirit. It always happens when I am faithful in my prayer, Bible Study, my worship, my desire to do God’s will; not my will, and my resistance to temptation (especially regarding sins from my past life). The blessings are manifested in addictions being removed, opportunities to witness and share the “Word”, financial blessings, handling of situatons different than I would have in the past, and a perceived difference in me by others (especially non-believers), etc.
My prayer is that I can stay in that state of reverence and obediance in a more consistent manner. I believe this will increase the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in my life and be pleasing to God.
Conversely, if I do not do the things pleasing to God, and I am haphazard in the areas listed above, I believe my growth in Christianity gets “stunted” or “stuck”. Perhaps then the task of the Holy Spirit becomes one of teaching, correcting, disciplining, and molding me, rather than just being a pure conduit for the flow of God’s blessings.
[Note: the last sentence is one of pure conjecture on my part.]
John

======= Andrew:

Hi Ramona,
Any further thoughts on consequences of the Leviticus passage for us today?
And what general principles do we have for determining which of the Law applies to us and which was specific for the Israelites, but is not intended for us now?
Thanks,
Andrew

======== John:

Ramona,
I’ll bite, even though I get the distinct feeling this was a rhetorical question.
Leviticus 26:46
These are the decrees, the laws and the regulations that the LORD established on Mount Sinai between himself and the Israelites through Moses.
Chapter 26 is about the Blessings and Curses of the LAW (repeated again in Deut???) as it applies to the Sons of Israel (Hebrew translation for Israelites – i.e. twelve tribes).
For us, as you and I have both stated the “Curse” of the Law was nailed to the Cross, and the Law is now written in our hearts. As the “spiritual seed” of Abraham, I believe when we are obediant and faithful to God’s internal commands, the blessings of God will flow to us. They are not related to the covenant promises to Israel, but nonetheless they are blessings in our lives.
When we are disobediant, the curses no longer apply, but God will discipline consistent and habitual disobediance. Hopefully we, as Christians, will be so convicted by the Holy Spirit over our disobediance that we will repent, confess our sins, and return to fellowship with God.
If the curse of the law was nailed to the cross for the “spiritutal seed” of Abraham, and the curses above apply to the nation of Israel, then:
I do not believe anything is passed down to children due to our habitual transgressions. I think this will come up later during the Bible Study, so I leave it at that for now.
John

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
The year of Jubilee seems to be a release for the children of Israel from the consequences of “bad” choices. Children would not be penalized for bad financial choices their parents made. The God of restoration provided His people, His servants with a means to restore what they had lost through bad choices or unforeseen circumstances. However all of this restoration, at least in their lifetime was contingent on them “obeying.” Their obedience would insure the weather would fit the “seasons” for sowing and reaping. Their obedience in keeping the Sabbath rests for the land insured that the land would keep them.
Is this meant for us today? Can believers, should believers expect the same thing? First, I’m not so sure these promises are for anybody outside of Israel; however, each and everyone who calls themselves a Christian has had to face there own deliverance from the bondage of sin into the land of freedom, liberty from the cords of sin. With freedom comes responsibility: responsibility to walk in that freedom comes by way of walking in obedience. Obedience and/or submission to God is not perceived as being free by many believers, including Christians. In truth, we want the “freedom” to do what we want; but not the “freedom” to receive the consequences of our failed choices. Consequences, our consequences, we would prefer someone else other than us to either remove them from us or accept them and claim, “It’s may fault for letting you be free.”
Because I’ve read through to the end and been on this journey several times, I know how this story will end, the people could not obey the Law, but Jesus came to complete or fulfill the Law. He came to do what no one else could do. Jesus is the one who removed our consequences.
I am struggling with some of the things I am seeing in our youth. Choices, bad ones, they are making because of the choices their parents have made. Parents breaking faith with their God and the children rejecting that God and crying out “Hypocrites!” This is not a new model, Israel did it back in the “day.” Yet the Jesus I serve is the Jubilee restoring the “land” of the forefathers back to “In the beginning …”
Andrew B asked me what I saw in today’s passage but not in those words. What I see is the promise of Jubilee. Whether I am experiencing it now or fail to see signs of it in the future, today’s reading tells me it is already here. I don’t know if it is for us, I don’t know if the land is still “vomiting” out its inhabitants (See: Leviticus 18:24-29), but if is or if it ain’t it is still commanded that God’s people, not the elected officials or the king or queen, to Obey.
If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

========= Micah Girl:

I am seeking to embrace Lent this year, although it’s not really from my tradition. I am taking up a discipline of time which I have just attempted to articulate on my blog. Basically, I am meditating on, looking at, and being intentional about how I use my time so that God can make me more useful to Him.
Micah Girl

======= Jayne:

This Lent, I just want to grow in my faith and continue reading the bible and learn!
Jayne

======= Stacey:

I love the idea of Jubilee. But it is so disappointing to realize God’s people never really took Him up on His offer of restoration. I feel the same sadness over those who believe in God, but never do take up His offer of salvation in Jesus Christ and the awesome Jubilee power of the Holy Spirit.
God is very big and very faithful. He really just has asked for one big thing from us all whether Israelites or present day Christians. My favorite verse about the blessing and cursing of generations is found in Exodus 20:1 And God spoke all these words:
2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
And from Jesus: John 14: 15″If you love me, obey my commandments. 16And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor, who will never leave you. 17He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world at large cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you do, because he lives with you now and later will be in you. 18No, I will not abandon you as orphans–I will come to you. 19In just a little while the world will not see me again, but you will. For I will live again, and you will, too. 20When I am raised to life again, you will know that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. 21Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them, and I will love them. And I will reveal myself to each one of them.”
John 14:23Jesus replied, “All those who love me will do what I say. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and live with them. 24Anyone who doesn’t love me will not do what I say. And remember, my words are not my own. This message is from the Father who sent me. 25I am telling you these things now while I am still with you. 26But when the Father sends the Counselor as my representative–and by the Counselor I mean the Holy Spirit–he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I myself have told you.
New life, restoration and the beautiful walk of the beloved in the Holy Spirit. That my friends is Jubilee!
Stacey

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 27: 1-8
Yesterday, March 2nd, I read something that caught my attention, I made a mental note of it but I forgot to mention it when I wrote my comments.
1GOD spoke to Moses. He said, 2″Speak to the People of Israel. Tell them: If anyone wants to vow the value of a person to the service of GOD, 3set the value of a man between the ages of twenty and sixty at fifty shekels of silver, according to the Sanctuary shekel. 4For a woman the valuation is thirty shekels. 5If the person is between the ages of five and twenty, set the value at twenty shekels for a male and ten shekels for a female. 6If the person is between one month and five years, set the value at five shekels of silver for a boy and three shekels of silver for a girl. 7If the person is over sixty, set the value at fifteen shekels for a man and ten shekels for a woman. 8If anyone is too poor to pay the stated amount, he is to present the person to the priest, who will then set the value for him according to what the person making the vow can afford.
In the 3rd verse it states that a man is valued @ fifty shekels of silver (NLT) if they are vowed in the service of God. I immediately thought of Judas who negotiated the price of 30 pieces of silver for “turning in” Jesus, the value of a woman. A man and a religious body who never even realize the magnitude of their transaction undervalued Jesus who did indeed make a vow in the service of God, to be crucified to pay for our sins. God’s will and plan overrides all our plans and schemes. His will gets down despite wither our misplaced good or even bad intentions. God rocks and rules.
Ramona

======= Laura:

Question regarding Lent: I attended an Ash Wednesday service for the first time. I was a very glad that I did. Our service was very different than usual. Our pastor told us that we wouldn’t have to give up anything for Lent, but to add a few things. One of those things, is that we accept our babtisim and Christ’s forgiveness.
The service started out with a silent prayer and than a greeting that went as follows: “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you” and we responded, “And also with you”. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless God’s Holy name”. Our response: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all God’s benefits”. Paster: “Who forgives all your sins and heals all your infimities”. People: “Who redeems your life from the grave and crowns you with mercy and loving-kindness”. Response: “Bless the lord who forgives all our sins. God’s mercy endures forever”.
We than sang some hymns, heard scripture, had another responsive reading. Thanksgiving over the ashes was discussed, “The Lord be with you and also with you”
Than there was the imposition of ashes. We were asked to come forward, kneel at the altar to receive the ashes on our foreheads. Afterwards there was a Psalm of confession said in unison.
One of the things that was different about this service was that we had an exchange of forgiveness. We had the opportunity to share exchanges of forgiveness with several people around us. We said “Forgive me my sister/brother” and we were to respond with “May God forgive us both” After that we sang Psalm 51: CREATE IN ME A CLEAN HEART. “Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a right spirit within me. And cast me not from your presence, O Lord, Take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore me, the joy of my salvation, And renew a right spirit within me”.
After that we did communion, lite prayer candles,during this time if we wanted to we had an opportunity to give a prayer request. The rest of the service was very beautiful and proceeded as follows:
THE LIGHTING OF PRAYER CANDLES
The flame rising up to heaven represents our prayers ascending to God and empowering our acts of obedience. The sap of the Frankincense tree and other aromatic substances have been used in honor of God and have been associated with the worship of God since God commanded Moses to burn incense to Him in the tabernacle in the wilderness (Exodus 30). The use of incense in worship continued through New Testament times, the magi offered frankincense to the Christ Child in honor of His High Priestly role, and its use has continued in the worship of the New Testament Christian church to the present day. Incense today represents our fragrant offering to God, the prayers of the saints worship of God in Heaven. Today we light candles to show how the prayer of the saints raise like incense and are ever before the throne of God.
THE EXCHANGE OF FORGIVENSS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE LENTEN SEASON:
Another ancient and traditional Christian practice is the asking and exchanging of forgiveness one with another on the evening preceding the first day of Lent. The Lenten season of preparation with its associated disciplines of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and renewed service to Christ and His church is almost as old as the Church itself, and early Christians recognized the importance of beginning the season in unity and reconcilliation, Thus the practice of the exchange of forgiveness was initiated, in which, during the final evening service before Lent, believers go to each other (if possible, to all in attendance, if not practical and exchange the words, “Forgive me, my brother(sister)! to which the other responds, “May God forgive us both!” This beautiful act of fellowship was truly a healing and restoring experience. As the body of Christ it enables us to begin the journey towards the celebration of the Resurrection together.
THE IMPOSITION OF ASHES
The imposition of ashes on our foreheads in the form of a cross is a reminder of our mark of discipleship. Submitting to the imposition reminds us that we are to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus, even as He sets His face toward Jerusalem. In our humble obedience to walk with Him through the time of preparation, we kneel for the imposition and again accept the mark of Jesus own sufferings on our own lives. The ashes are a sign of deep grief and repentance. (Daniel 9:3, Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) Historically those grieving the loss of a loved one or the deep grief of recognizing their own sins would sit in sackcloth and ashes. It is a sign of our need to repentance and a reminder or our own mortality. The traditional word of imposition are, “From dust thou art and to dust thou shalt return” and “repent and believe the good news”. Yet, the sign doesn’t end there; the mark of the cross reminds us that though we are dust, Jesus loved us enough to die for us and will walk with us to the victory of Easter and Life Abundant (John 10:10)!
GREETINGS & HAND SHAKE BLESSINGS
The sign of the fish (an acronym for Christians showing they believed Jesus to be the Son of God and our Savior)was a common way to greet people during times of persecution. Other Christians would recognize the sign and hopefully, it would appear a mindless act to non-believers. Similarly to encourage each other, Christians couldn’t always openly speak words of comfort and hope. Instead they furtively did a handshake blessing by crossing their fingers as they shook hands. This signified the blessing. “May Christ have victory in your life”.
I hope this wasn’t too long and you enjoyed my sharing of information about our Ash Wednesday service. Blessings…..
Laura

========= Sandy:

Hi, everyone. This is my first post to any site ever! Did anyone see the cross glowing in the picture of Jubilee? That is what I’m aiming toward, and the only place of rest or celebration for us Christians. Jubilee is an interesting subject, one which gives me great joy as I see God as a God who celebrates!
I have found this OYB study site as a great addition to my study and quiet times. I read in ESV (I’m an NASB person, but they don’t do OYB and ESV is the closest) and then check out Matthew Henry’s thoughts, and then the blog. I like the pictures! Thanks.
Sandy

======= Birdie:

Yes, Sandy I saw the glowing cross. Beautiful!
For Ash Wednesday this year our pastor did something a bit different, too. First of all he had the imposition of ashes given by children because he said ashes represents our sin and the priest or pastor should not be the one to do it. I’m not sure I follow his reasoning on that one. Then after the imposition of ashes, he had part of the baptism service and as part of that we went forward and washed our ashes away, as if Jesus was washing our sins away in the baptismal waters. It was different!
Birdie

======= Cheryl:

I attend an Episcopal church. We have start by having a pancake supper on Shrove (Fat) Tuesday. We put away the Alleluia Banner and burn the palms left over from last years Palm sunday service. The ashes from the burned palms are used during Ash Wednesday service. This is a deeply moving service. It is a good way to evangelize when people come up to you all day and tell you that there is dirt on your forehead,:) We have a simple supper every wednesday evening during lent of soup and bread. This is a big difference from the hardy meals we have on wednesdays the rest of the year. I have given things up in the past but not this year. My son is in Iraq and I am praying so hard for him that I did not give up anything this year. On Palm Sunday we gather in the parking lot and process into the church singing Hosanna and waving our palms. Some years we even have a donkey to march around the church yard. Holy week has some kind of a service every day. I especially love the Maundy Thursday service-we actually take turns in a footwashing ceremony for each other by candlelight. Good Friday service is also moving-the entire altar is stripped and made bare. Some member of the church stays in the church to pray for an hour( members sign up for what hour they want) all the way until sunrise easter morning service. This is the great vigil-I have not yet done this but I plan to at some point. Even though we are a Christian church we also have passover meal on Good Friday with the unleavened bread and the bitter herbs and the jewish readings. This meal is by candlelight. This is also a beautiful service and is very helpful for teaching our children. Every Friday during Lent we (can) walk the stations of the cross-we have the stations plaques up on the pillars in the church. We have sunrise service and regular 1030 service on Easter and the Alleluia banner returns and the altar is dressed again! There are many Passion plays around my city but I’ve never been to one. We did have a special showing of Mel Gibson’s movie for our church the year it came out-there is no way to decribe that experience! During Lent we traditionally do not have weddings or baptisms but always have baptisms on Easter sunday. We have a 3-4 foot wooden cross covered with chicken wire. Everyone brings flowers to church and the children go up front and “flower”the cross. The ugly cross becomes beautiful as the children put their flowers on it. The chidren are given “mite” boxes to fill with pennies and other change during Lent and they bring their boxes up during the offering. We have alot of traditions and ceremonies but nothing can compare to the sacrifice Jesus made for us. I tell my children when they complain about having to go to church so much during Holy week that He gave so much for us, the least we can do is remember His death and celebrate His resurrection and where better than by going to church and by prayer and Bible readings. I may not be the best person, I know I am a sinner, I probably could be a better wife and mother, but I KNOW my children have heard the message of salvation all their lives and even at 17, my twin daughters are bringing all their friends to church with us, youth services and Sunday school. Now if the Holy Spirit could just save my brother-in-law that would be a great thing….His name is Chris-please pray for him.
Cheryl

======= Pam:

In reading the Psalm today, it was so joyful! I see it as the mariage feast of the Lamb – We are His bride!
The image of “Ester” from the movie “One Night With the King” came to mind.
What a glorious day it will be to be the bride of Christ!
Pam

======= Gina:

I don’t practice Lent like I used to. It’s a totally different concept to me now. Before I was saved, Lent was the time to give up swearing, chocolate and Taco Bell. Now Lent is a time of repentance and reflection of all the Jesus went through so that I could have a place in eternity with Him. I will do little fasts throughout this time for different reasons. I also try to be more aware of what I CAN do for someome else instead of what I should “give up”.
Regarding the “expectant” faith of Bartimaeus – I heard a sermon on the radio today about Hebrews 11 – the “faith” chapter. The concept of this sermon was the same…to be expectant in our faith whether it’s for healing or forgivness…whatever it is, expect God to do it as long as it’s according to His will! Just thought that was very cool!
What are 3 things in your life today that God has blessed you with?
Off the top of my head, I would say my family, my friends and my health. Now I could break each thing down and I could also make a list a mile long….but those are the 3 things that came to mind first. And although I am struggling with some areas of my health for now, I will continue to praise Him through this and have that “expectant” faith…that child-like faith. I trust Him completely.
Gina

======= Jenny:

I love how Jesus is so humble and loves the humble, to be a servant is almost against our nature, it takes God’s power. Some ppl are naturally more inclined to serve of course. Reminds me of a great song by one of my fave bands Kutless called Not What You See:
“I am not what you see, oh no. Not much more than a slave I wish to be. I am not what you see, not much more a slave I should be. Nothing more, a slave I will be.
How could I ever think to be more than the one who created me! I watched him do all that He said, His words were “Be a servant to all”. “
When I read about Bartimaeus, all I could think of is how much I wish I lived in those days! Imagine that! Of course I do get eternity with Him which is so awesome, too awesome to imagine!
Honestly, I’m not even sure exactly what Lent is, forgive my ignorance, is it rooted in Catholicism? I know ppl give stuff up for a certain time, but mostly I hear nonbelievers talk about how they give up sex (premarital), drinking, foods, it bothers me. God doesn’t care about those traditions, if its outward, its useless and will not be blessed. If there is something ‘bad’ I need to give up for Lent or whatever, how about I give it up all together. I have no pre-Easter traditions, but rather I meditate on Christ’s death and sacrifice often throughout the yr. I love Good Friday service so much! It’s just such a special day for me each year.
Of course I can think of many blessings, but the ones that come to my mind first, what I’m most grateful for: Jesus’ atonement for my sins!, I have been forgiven and called a daughter of the King, I have the promise of the spirit and Christ dwelling in me all my earthly days, and I have a glorious eternity after my body dies!!! I cant think of anything more wonderful, because there is nothing better!!!
Jenny

======= Angie:

actually, to be honest, i was brought up as a lutheran and still believe in that religion. so i never gave anything up for lent like the catholics did, (most of my friends here are catholic). we always went to church sunday morning and then had a big family easter dinner and always had the easter baskets. after i moved out on my own, we quit going to church easter mornings. we still kept up the family easter dinner though. and there was MANY times we would have been in florida to see my grandparents during easter since it always fell on spring break and usually on my birthday. or very near my birthday. now, i have the family dinner and i know this sounds really pathetic and uncalled for, but i swear, i do not have the time to get up and go to church easter morning when i need to be home here getting things ready to go and am cooking a huge dinner. but as i’m getting ready for my guest to arrive and getting myself ready, i do reflect/meditate why we do celebrate easter. and i always loved palm sunday. in church, we would all get a palm leaf, and the service was always so pretty and so meaningful to me.
proverbs stood out to me. blessings. i’m very blessed to still have the family that i have left which is so not very many now, cuz we disowned them for many different reasons. i’m very blessed to have the friends that i do that love and care about me. and also for the job i got at the end of the janurary. i REALLY needed a job and i was blessed with getting one when i needed one.
Angie

======= Skip:

During the homily at mass this morning our priest was talking about how we people see and judge others by what we see on the outside, but that Gods sees what is in our hearts. One of the stories he used to demonstrate how we don’t see who or what a person really is is the story of Bartimaeus and that it took a blind man to see who Jesus really was. I mean here’s Bartimaues, blind, sitting there, probably with his hand out begging. He was dependent on the good hearted people passing by for his survival. Yet when Jesus walked by it was only Bartimaus who saw who He was as he shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Bartimaus saw the son of God while everyone else was blind to whom Jesus really was. I had never thought of that before today. I find it amazing now that I read it and heard Father Simi say it that it took a blind man to see who Jesus really was while the rest of Jerusalem was blind to Him!
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Lisa:

Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it.”
As I mulled over the comment posted by John who cited from the Believer’s Bible Commentary the following: “… ‘How does this reconcile with the fact that the most godly people pass through times of deep sorrow? …’”, my spirit could not quite catch what was said in lieu of the context of the message. From my understanding and from how the scripture reads, I see that one thing has nothing to do with the other as stated in the commentary; but maybe I just lack understanding.
So I furthered my research and will share a commentary that reflects how I think the scripture is being relayed.
The New John Gill Exposition of the Entire Bible on Proverbs 10:22:
The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich…
In the diligent use of means; see (Proverbs 10:4) ; riches are from the Lord, and should be acknowledged as such, and not attributed to the industry, diligence, sagacity, and merit of men; but should be looked upon as had through the blessing of the Lord upon the labours of men; and when they come this way they come as a blessing, and with one: it may be understood of being made rich in a spiritual sense; it is the blessing, good will, and favour of God, that makes men rich in Christ; that bestows upon them his unsearchable riches; that enriches them with all spiritual blessings in him; that makes them rich in faith and in good works, and with the riches of grace and of glory; and he addeth no sorrow with it;
no sorrow goes along with the blessing, but what is a blessing itself, as one observes; riches enjoyed through the blessing of God are not attended with that sorrow in getting, keeping, and losing them, as the riches of wicked men unlawfully gotten are; see (1 Timothy 6:9,10) ; for as the good man comes by them easily, without any anxious care and sinful solicitude, he seeking the kingdom of God and his righteousness, all these things are added to him, over and above, without much thought about them, or expectation of them, (Matthew 6:33) ; so it is with great delight, pleasure, and cheerfulness, he enjoys them, and readily communicates them to others; while the wicked man is full of anxiety, distress, and sorrow; see (Ecclesiastes 5:12,13,18) (6:2) . This is eminently true of spiritual riches; there is no sorrow attending them; the fruit and effect of them are peace, joy, and comfort.
You can find the above quote from the following site.
http://www.searchgodsword.org/com/geb/view.cgi?book=pr&chapter=10&verse=22
Lisa 

======= Elizabeth:

Hello All,
I love the thought of Jubilee as well–the idea of starting fresh and starting others fresh…recognizing that the land (really everything) is the Lord’s…good concepts to dwell upon and certainly fulfilled in Christ.
My husband (Briggs–you’ll see him post occasionally) had time for Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on the year of Jubilee this morning and really enjoyed it. We are both turning into Deffinbaugh groupies! ; )
One general theme impressed me from today’s reading: our condition, i.e., our “state of the union” if you will–is entirely dependent upon Him and not upon our outward circumstances. This is how rich people can be miserably poor, how people can be surrounded by strong walls, yet tremble in fear inwardly. Our outward condition is but one piece of a much bigger equation. It is God who makes the difference. Thus we get verses like this (reflecting the negative)
“And as for those of you who are left, I will send faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. The sound of a driven leaf shall put them to flight, and they shall flee as one flees from the sword, and they shall fall when none pursues.” Leviticus 26:36
or like this: (reflecting the positive)
“I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid.” -Leviticus 26:6
For me this also ties into the idea of Proverbs 10:22
“The blessing of the LORD makes rich, and he adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22
It is His divine hand over our lives that makes the difference…not any efforts to secure riches, safety or peace by our own hands or the hands of others.
Just thinking,
Elizabeth

======= Nick:

‘Prediction’ is a good word to use, as it relates to the prophetic aspect of Jesus informing his disciples that He would be betrayed to religious authorities, who would condemn Him to death, and then given to Gentiles to be abused and killed.(Mark 10:33,34)
After considering how much control Christ had over the situation, whereas He had the power to call the crucifixion off at any moment – though not to imply that He ever would have. Just to note that He had that authority; He is the King. Can that relate to His obedience?(Philippians 2:8)
Jesus was walking so straight, and loving us so much – what He faced must have been so clear in His mind. Jesus foretelling His death was an ‘announcement’; “He must be killed and after three days rise again.”(Mark 8:31)
Just as it was first foretold in the Old Testament, it was necessary that Christ should intervene for the purpose of saving men – the cross being His destination, and salvation being His purpose. Christ was to suffer, die on the cross, rise from the dead and ascend to heaven – which He did!
This was a message more important than the all of the front page headlines combined – that quickly turn yellow. Even more important than John the Baptist shouting “Behold the Lamb of God!” Little did they understand at the time, that announcement by Christ – the son of man was going to Jerusalem, then to suffer, die and rise again – would be one of the greatest announcements ever heard by men.
Nick

======= Jeanne:

In today’s readings (Mark 10:32-52), I was struck by the fact that in verses 36 and 51, Jesus asks the exact same thing: “‘What do you want me to do for you?’” Indeed, as verse 45 says, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve”. This is an example repeated to us so that we might learn and follow.
Jeanne

======= Bobbie:

Pro. 10:22
The blessings of the Lord makes a person rich, and he adds no sorrow in it. For me riches is not only money but it includes our relationship to our family and to others most especially our relation to the Lord.It includes also our health,peace of mind and many others. Thnks God that He always gives me peace that is priceless.
Bobbie

======== Jennifer:

The Lord said to Moses I am your God and will walk among you. That verse struck me because I believe that he resides within my soul and that we hears me and touches me through the Spirit, but I never really think about God walking among us…
Then as he continues he explains how again to be his holy people and what will happen if Isreal rebells.
Our choices are what separate us from God.
I pray that I am like the tree planted near the flowing stream, that my leaves never wither, that I produce fruit in season and always prosper.
Jennifer

======= Steve:

Leviticus 25:47-27:13
As the book of Leviticus comes to a close, it describes the rewards of obedience (leading to blessings) and the fate of disobedience (leading to burdens and misery), each day we come to the fork in the road and must decide which path to take. Leviticus goes into great detail describing the two paths and Jesus simplifies everything for us by describing the path of blessings in (Mark 12:30-31) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself”. There is no commandment greater than these.” I love the way Jesus simplifies everything in just a few words yet leaves nothing out.
As we study the scriptures, we understand that God’s laws are immutable; they are just as real as the laws of gravity. Today I choose the path of obedience, I choose to simplify my life and lay my agenda at His feet.
Steve

======= Frederick:

Mark 10:47-48
47 When he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48 Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
I am also impressed by Bartimaeus’s spiritual awakening. Although he was blind, yet his spiritual eyes were able to see the real identity of Jesus. As in another occasion when Jesus acknowledged Peter’s recognition of Jesus as the son of God, it was a blessing from the Heavenly Father.
Frederick

======= James:

Ramona, I like what you have stated in “We project our own desires onto the God’s agenda, mudding the waters of righteousness. But even though we mess with the purpose and call of God, we can never change, defeat or hinder God’s plans”.
I have personally experienced this:
“But if you will not listen to me and will not do all these commandments, 15 if you spurn my statutes, and if your soul abhors my rules, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant, 16 then I will do this to you: I will visit you with panic, with wasting disease and fever that consume the eyes and make the heart ache.
. . . visit you with panic. I get it now. God will do what it takes to teach us that we need to turn back to His righteous ways.
James

======= Jill:

As long as we are here on this earth We will never reach perfection. To a certain extent we become bound or enslaved by our sin without realizing it! Even though we recognize it, we want to change but we keep falling back. That’s the humanness in us. It can be anything, even resentment, anger, fear, jealousy. Etc. this is just satan trying to destroy Gods work and the Holy Spirit living in us.
Mark 10:45. I love this verse! we are here to serve! We may not feel like it but that is Gods desire we become like Jesus. A good song Laura Daigle song ” how can it be” sums it up.
Jill

======== Jane:

I am just blown away this am reading mark 10:45. Just reading how Bartimaeous said! “Son of David have mercy on me”” and Jesus said to the people surrounding “Call him””
Those words are huge and impactful on our lives. All we have to do is call on him! And believe in the Son.
God show me how I can trust you when I’m faced with Giants whether relationships or physical health or job or whatever it may be. Let me hear those words “call him”
Jesus is calling you! Blessings
Jane

======= Jeff:

The scripture that came to me today was when Jesus asked the question to his disciples can you Can you drink the cup I drink or be baptized with the baptism I am baptized with. Answering this question for me would have been hard. Because Jesus is so worthy. I am not sure I would have answered it the same way. However the disciples responded that they could. And then Jesus goes on to answer their other question, which was those seats who sit next to god are already prepared. I think when the disciples answered yes, they also answered their own question, that their seats are already prepared for them because they can drink the same cup and be baptized with the same water. And so that questions today is still relevant and if we believe and say yes, are seats are prepared. Awesome!
Jeff

======== Nancy:

I noticed when blind Bartimaes got up to go to Jesus for his healing he threw his cloak aside. This cloak was likely used to keep him warm at night. He believed he would be healed & would pick it up later even tho he had carelessly tossed it away.
Nancy

======= Dee:

Good morning everyone! I got out of Leviticus a little on line of Mike’s in: Lev 26:12 and 13, I will walk among you;I will be your God, and you will be my people. I am the Lord your God,who brought you out of the land of Egypt so you would no longer be their slaves. I broke the yoke of slavery from your neck so you can walk with your heads held high. I believe we are free indeed, but it makes me wander like Mike commented, how many still wear the yoke? How many are convicted in their heart and lied to by the enemy saying they are bound when they are already free people! Also, how many are in bondage that just need to reach their hands up and cry Abba, Father! Forgive me, Cleanse me , Free me from all this garbage in my life and lift these chains Oh Lord!! It gives us something to think about. I also agree with Ramona from yesterdays comments, about not feeling good about slaves even in bible, even in later years, however it was there and I believe just like with slavery, and polygamy, and intermarital relations, God frowned on all of it, however, that didn’t stop the blessings on Gods people if they humbled themselves to Him and come back into His Blessing and Covenent. Because His Covenent was always their for His people, it is our reluctance, and ignorance and lack of common sense and wisdom(from yesterdays readings in Proverbs 10:20-21)that cause us to stumble the way we do.
The book of Mark, every time I hear and read the leading up to our Saviors punishment and death for us, I am saddened. I am saddened not just because he had to do it, because it was out of His humanly thoughts, remember He said, Whatsoever ye say, Father, Have Your Will Be Done! Not My Will but Yours! It saddens me because in our humanly realm, we so do not understand Christs thoughts, or feelings, and even in that day with all of His “close” friends near by, they didn’t understand Him! How that must have felt, to (1) know you have to get betrayed by one of your own, and (2) blind followers paving the way and not even knowing it. The other 11 were blind to Gods plan, they were told once, twice, and three times the charm and Nothing! They had power, and fame, and Kingdom righfulship in their mind, or at least two of them did, the other 9 only wish they had thought of it first. How sad! Lord, I pray that You can use us, little ole us to bring forth Your kingdom, Your blessings and Your honor. May we never leave Your thoughts, or Will that You lay out for us. In Your Name We Pray! Amen..
Be Blessed!!
~~Dee

Leviticus 24:1-25:46 + Mark 10:13-31 + Psalm 44:9-26 + Proverbs 10:20-21
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – We begin month 3 of our One Year Bible readings today!  Whoo-hoo!  Congratulations!  Today in Leviticus chapter 24 we read the well known law of retaliation from verses 19 & 20: “Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted– fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Whatever anyone does to hurt another person must be paid back in kind.”  I’ve read commentaries that say that this law of retaliation was actually compassionate for its time – in that it limited what one person could to another person in a very lawless age.  If you lost an eye, you could take an eye – but you could not kill in return, for example.  So, I see the logic behind saying that the law of retaliation limited punishments…. but, I also think we would do well to remember Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount where he quotes from Leviticus 24 verse 20 in Matthew chapter 5 verse 38 & 39: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”  Jesus teaches that there is a higher law of love that is better than the law of retaliation. Commentary on Leviticus chapter 24 titled “The Lamp, the Loaves and The Loudmouth” 🙂 is at Bible.org at this link.  Commentary on Leviticus chapter 25 is at this link and at this link.

Well, I learned something new!  This is pretty awesome – the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia is so named because this statement from Leviticus chapter 25 verse 10 is written on the bell: “Proclaim Liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.”  (which you won’t be able to see well in this photo below – I believe the inscription is around the top of the bell, where you’ll see 2 lines near the top and can make out the word “Proclaim.”) 

In Leviticus 25 verses 9 & 10 today we read: “Then on the Day of Atonement of the fiftieth year, blow the trumpets loud and long throughout the land. This year will be set apart as holy, a time to proclaim release for all who live there. It will be a jubilee year for you, when each of you returns to the lands that belonged to your ancestors and rejoins your clan.”

New Testament – Today in Mark chapter 10 we read about the Rich Man.  I have heard plenty of sermons on this passage of scripture and read a bunch of commentaries.  The message is probably not that every Christian needs to sell all they have, give to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven.  However… this could be the message for some of us.  Basically, the message is more along the lines of what in your life are you holding on so tight to, that you need to let go of?  What are you worshiping?  What are you letting stand in the way of your relationship with Jesus?  And what must you let go of?  What’s your “camel” that’s holding you back?  It might be money or material possessions.  It could be an addiction.  It could be status.  It could be anger.  It could be lust.  I don’t know what it is for you – that’s between you and Jesus.  But, can you let your “camel” go, so that you won’t be like this camel here trying to get through the eye of a needle…  🙂

Psalms – Every time I read Psalm 44 verse 23 it reminds me of one of the amazing aspects of the Psalms – that the Psalms are people like us speaking to God – and in all sorts of emotional ways: “Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep? Get up! Do not reject us forever.” This type of verse reminds me that it’s okay for us to not always talk to God in our “church voice.”  It’s okay to get a little bit passionate in our prayers to God.  I think God would prefer us to be real with him – where we are right now or at any given moment – rather than try to put on any special facades for God.  If ever you feel like you are at a loss for words for what you might want to say to God – how you might be needing to pray to God – surf through the Psalms…  you’ll very likely find voice for what you are trying to say. 

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verses 20 & 21 are interesting – they are both about the words that come out of the mouths of the godly – “sterling silver” & “good advice”.  I pray that each one of us would grow more and more in our relationship with the God, so that our words are indeed like sterling silver and that we give good advice.

Worship Video: My Leviticus reflections above, and particularly that eye photo, reminded me of the song “Open the Eyes of My Heart.”  Here’s Michael W. Smith’s live version.

Are the eyes of your heart opened? Click here and open your eyes!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Jesus said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.” Mark 10:14-16 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will have faith like a child. Pray that you will always bless and serve and teach children in your life.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  What is your take on the Rich Man / Rich Young Ruler?  Why do you think Jesus said he should sell all he had and give to the poor?  Are there areas in your life where Jesus has asked you to give up something?  Maybe something material or maybe something more like an addiction or obsession, etc.?  Have you obeyed Jesus in this regard?  Was it a blessing to obey Jesus?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 24:1-25:46
“Command the people of Israel to provide you with pure olive oil for the lampstand, …” Just noticed that there is a big difference here from when the people voluntarily offered (Exodus 25: 2) whatever was on their heart to give back in Exodus. I don’t have time to look up the Hebrew word that this English word, “Command,” sites on but when I have time I will look it up.
I think it would also be interesting to chart out what type and under what circumstances God asks for a “freewill” offering as opposed to ones that are commanded.
Mike I’m not sure that the “Just Punishment” section is really about retaliation as much as it is about the priests matting out just and righteous punishment. If Leviticus was written as guidelines for the priests, then the entire book needs to be looked at from that perspective. The problem lay folks have is that we can run off on a tangent (your favorite word) when we have information without training. Information is great when we become partners with our Doctors, Lawyers, Accountants, etc, however, when we try to do their job and usurp their “authority” in dealing with them because we have information, then we get into trouble. Either we need to change professionals, if they are unaware or ignorant of the basics and new information that comes out daily, or we need to support them with the information they have.
One of the things I have taken note of in chapter 25 in dealing with the Sabbath Year (seven), the Year of Jubilee (50) and the return of property, that is not in walled cities, to the original owners is that this is suppose to be a celebratory event. However, in order to be ecstatic about this if you are not the party being released, one must practice love for your neighbor as a lifestyle! There is also a type or element of restoration and redemption from sin as one would be rescued from either bad choices or environmental circumstances that would have caused selling oneself into slavery, or selling off the family home. Looking at the Hebrew or Greek root of the work translated “sin” you would see that it means “to miss the mark.” So one can be aiming for the bulls eye but miss the mark, which is what sin really is. In a careful reading of the first few chapters of Leviticus you will see that the sacrifices first mentioned are for “unintentional” sins.
Because we are so adverse to the word “sin” we shy away from it not realizing that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and it is not big sins or little sins that merit the death penalty, it is SIN (singular) PERIOD, intentional and unintentional. Although the penalty for sin, big, little or medium, is death the gift of God is life, eternal life.
Mark 10:13-31
“Good Teacher/Master …” begins the Rich Young Man begins his address to Jesus. There is more to his statement to Jesus then meets the eye. By calling Jesus good he was stating that Jesus had “worked out his salvation/redemption” and he, the Rich Young Man was looking to join him. In Judaism (I hope there are Jewish scholars on this Blog to either confirm or refute what I’m about to state), especially in Hasidim, redemption is worked out be “good works,” so by calling Jesus “Good” he was either validating that Jesus, like him, was a good guy (Only one greater than you can validate someone lesser—now that can be a whole discussion See Hebrews 7:7)) or he was seeking validation himself. If this man was seeking to validate Jesus, thus placing himself above God, then Jesus’ remarks to him, at least for me, carry greater weight and conviction then I’ve ever thought about. Yes, I know that he ran to Jesus, yes I know that he bowed down, but I also know that we participate in “false” humility all the time to “justify ourselves.” And if we are justifying ourselves, we are not doing it for ourselves we are doing it for those around us so that they know how great and wonderful we are. We are already thinking that we are great (large and in charge) and we want others to know that we are.
I really have to rethink the entire dynamic of this little scene, even the conversation Jesus has with his thoroughly confused disciples afterwards. And if you notice the commandments that Jesus gave to him were the ones dealing with outwardly behavior toward man, those were the ones this guy kept; however what wasn’t mentioned were the commandments that dealt with the “heart.” The first four commandments can be outwardly demonstrated; however inwardly, in the heart without anyone knowing them, you can break them. Jesus didn’t mention those four, I wonder why? (The question is rhetorical)
Psalm 44:9-26
Although the writer is speaking in the plural, we and us, this Psalm seems to really speaking about the Messiah. Only the Messiah, the sinless one, can make with any kind of certainty, the bold statements of being without sin.
17 All this has happened despite our loyalty to you.
We have not violated your covenant.
18 Our hearts have not deserted you.
We have not strayed from your path
Hmmm!
Proverbs 10:20-21
There are a lot of fools out here in the world because Common Sense, is not so common. The question for is, “Do I lack some of this uncommon Common Sense?”
21 …but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mark:

… easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye…
Mark 10:26 That set the disciples back on their heels. “Then who has any chance at all?” they asked.
27Jesus was blunt: “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off by yourself. Every chance in the world if you let God do it.”
In the vernacular of AA’s 12 steps: “Let go and let God!” As my faith grows, I see more clearly how my salvation has very little to do with me, but is almost entirely about God! I really love Ephesians 2:8,9, which tells me that I am saved by grace (God’s gift) through faith (life-changing belief) and that the very faith I use to receive God’s grace hppens to be a gift from God as well – not of works (any amount of self-effort) so that I have not even a speck of room to boast.
Jesus, you are more than I need, more than enough!!
Mark

======= Ann:

This is something I have always wanted to know:
Law of retaliation.
‘Turn the other cheek.’ Did Jesus refute God’s words; ‘an eye for an eye; or was the ‘law of retaliation’ misinterpretated?
Ann.

======= Becky:

A worthwhile commentary on this question, this seeming conradiction: Pink writes that the law of retaliation was for the use and guidance of magistrates– not for ordinary people to take the law into their own hands. This whole issue is one that has often puzzled me. Jesus said to turn the other cheek, but when Jesus was struck during the phony trial, He rebuked them, asking why they were hitting him for speaking the truth. So, it seems that there should be different responses for different situations, and we need wisdom to guide us.Sometimes it’s right to confront evil, especially to protect others. Read the sermon and let me know what you think!
Becky

========= Anka:

My take on eye for eye,during the time this law was given,the world system was pretty brutal.If people thought it ok to sacrifice their children to a god,then I don’t think that they would have spared a person who struck them or given a chance for any explanation.God gave Israel laws to set them apart from other nations and to bring about justice.An eye for an eye not a life for an eye.
Jesus was arrested and tortured by the very people he came to save.He could have struck them all dead but he didn’t.He also however asked his disciples to equip themselves after his departure,he also told them to have swords(see Luke 22:36)which my thinking is was for their self defence.When he was arrested he however rebuked Peter for using the sword to defend Him saying it was the Father’s will that He be arrested.
My conclusion,God’s laws were given to protect and guide us here on earth also to reveal Himself to us…Jesus did not come to abolish the law but to fulfil it as well as explain it because alot was added to God’s law by the time Jesus came as is the case today.Today we have the Holy Spirit to guide us as to what to do in situations we face in life as well as explain God’s word to us since He is our teacher.
………………………………………………………………………
29Jesus said, Truly I tell you, there is no one who has given up and left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands for My sake and for the Gospel’s
30Who will not receive a hundred times as much now in this time–houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions–and in the age to come, eternal life.
31But many [who are now] first will be last [then], and many [who are now] last will be first [then].
I have read this passage often yet never saw that along with receiving family and houses in return for giving up everything for Jesus,we will also receive PERSECUTIONS in this age.God is love and nothing can change that,if we get sick,loose loved ones,face financial distress,God is still Love.When our prayers go unanswered and our troubles never seem to end,God is still Love.I have to admit I may not be able to thank God when I’m walking through the Valley but I can still call out through my tears,”I’ll worship You alone Lord with all that I have”.He gives us joy,He gives us gifts but never guarantees a smooth ride through life.
There are times in our lives He is silent,there are times in our lives He seems uncaring…but He’s always by us guiding our steps and His nature is Love,His ways,thoughts,much higher than ours.
God bless you all
Anka

========= John:

Ann,
I agree with Becky. God does not want man taking revenge. However, here and in the NT, society in its structure can judge and take a life. (My opinion in reading of Scripture).
We are to turn the other cheek and forgive – but it does not say that we cannot have the person arrested and let a societal system decide judgment. In that sense God desires order over anarchy. However, He never wants us taking the matter into our own hands.
======================================================
Spiritually?????
“But he prescribes immediate death because this sentence is designed to teach a truth. The truth is that a man who curses God, who rejects God, has denied himself the very basis of life. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God,” {cf, Matt 4:4}. And if a professed believer denies God, he has denied the basis of his life, the only way he can live. So God makes it obvious, makes it clear. He says that the man has lost the right to live, has denied himself that right. And his life was taken away so that the truth might be vividly demonstrated to all.
Thus we know that this is what happens to us, spiritually. We don’t need to point the finger at this young man, do we? How often do we do this very thing! We get angry with God and we shake our fists at him, just as Martha did with Jesus. She blamed the whole thing on him, and we do it, too. We say, “It’s your fault! Get lost, God, I don’t need you anymore.” And when we take that attitude, God says, our life is ended. Our spiritual life is stopped right there. We are not lost. This doesn’t mean that we have lost our salvation; it means that his supply of life to us to live by day by day is ended — until we see what is wrong — and his grace restores us. Then we can begin again.” – Ray Stedman
John

======== Katie:

Mark 10:26 The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, “Who then can be saved?”
27Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”
These verses really are a blessing straight from Jesus to me. There is no way in the world I should be allowed into the kingdom of Heaven, I have way too many “camels” holding me back! : ) (Every once in a while I seem to even climb on another camel to prevent my entering the presence of God! )
But Jesus is awesome, because although it is IMPOSSIBLE for me to be saved, through His mercy and grace, “all things are possible with God”
Hallelujah!
Katie

======== Gina:

A bit of a continuation from yesterday…Lev 24:15-16 – “If anyone curses his God, he will be held responsible; anyone who blasphemes the name of the LORD must be put to death.” After reading all the comments from yesterday, it seems we have all had an issue with cussing and swearing at one point in our lives…I know I was right there not that long ago! – and thank goodness they don’t stone us for cursing now…we’d all be dead already! My husband couldn’t believe the things that came out of my mouth! But like you said Jenny, I tried to change this on my own for many years….even gave it up for Lent each year….I usually lasted about 4 hours or so….I just couldn’t do it. (Notice I say “I” couldn’t do it!) After I got saved, I didn’t even ask God to take that away…it was literlly the first thing that went! I just realized one day (as did my husband) that I just didn’t swear like that anymore! Now do I slip up from time to time? Of course…but again like you said Jenny, the conviction is right there and I know that when I do it, it is definitely NOT pleasing to God! I will be praying for all of us in this area that God will help us clean up our speech! Anyone want to join in that prayer with me? Maybe we can check back in a month or so to see how we all are doing….just a thought…
Thanks for the info on the Liberty Bell! I had no idea! That is really cool!
Ok Can we have a Year of Jubilee now!!! One that will make all our debt go away??? LOL!!!
In Mark today with the rich man, I don’t think Jesus was telling him to “sell” everything he owned to make him poor…I think Jesus was showing this man that his heart was not quite right. I think we tend to get like the Pharisees…all righteous in the good things we do…and forget that the bible says that none of us are good….I know there are areas in my life that I have not totally surrendered to Jesus….like a saftey net to the world….afraid to give it all…I might miss something or lose something. Again, in my head I know this is not true, but in my heart there is fear! It’s always about the heart with Jesus – never our heads or our outward appearance…Jesus sees our hearts. Probably the biggest thing in my life that Jesus asked me to give up was the relationship I was in while separated from my husband. I KNEW Jesus was calling me to run fast from that relationship and go back to my husband! The choice came down to this 1) will I choose Jesus or 2) will I choose self. At that time I bet I felt exactly like the rich man…asking God “you want me to do what???” then going at God full force with my excuses…”but God, I love this man”, “God, I know it’s wrong but you can forgive me, right?” “God please don’t make me go back” etc…. Well, here I am almost 6 years later…and you ask “was it a blessing to obey Jesus?” – It has been MORE than a blessing! It was thee best decision I’ve ever made! God is soooo faithful and He has blessed our marriage more than I can ever say! The trust is back, the love is back and only God was able to do that! Ok – I’m done with my tangent…hehehehe….but maybe this will help someone out there who is reading this to trust Jesus and not go down the same road I did…I pray that is does. 
Psalms – yes I agree that we need to be ourselves when we talk to Jesus…we can’t fool Him, He knows everything anyway. So why try to lie to Him – even the tone of our voice could be lying to God – we just have to be real with Him – He doesn’t want us all fake, tell Him like it is…remember He sees our hearts anyway – no use hiding it from Him!
On a side note…if you feel lead…would you all please say a prayer for me today. I’m having a minor outpatient procedure at the hospital and I’m very nervous about it. Thanks so much!!!
Gina

======== Mae:

I love Mark 10:14 “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children”. ~ Wonderful! Beautiful! I love the innocence of children! Jaden is 4 years now, he knows now what’s wrong or right. Slowly I start to teach him about sins and how God doesn’t like it when we lie and that God wants us to be kind to all people, even when people aren’t kind to us. Jaden does lie from time to time, you know little kids lies “Jaden, did you take a cookie from the cookiejar?”, “No mommy, Spiderman did”. But still, it’s a lie and he does know he’s not suppose to lie. So now we decided to slowly teach Jaden that God sees what we do and that God doesn’t want us to lie. It’s not easy, because we don’t want to make God some sort of boogyman, you know what I mean? So we tell Jaden that God loves us sooooooooooooooo much and that He really wants us to do the right things.
I also love Mark 10:15 “I tell you the truth, anyone who doesn’t receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it”. ~ With the innocence of a child we have to accept the Kingdom of God. See it and experience it. I love to experience this all throughout the eyes of a child. My Pastor tells me this every time “Don’t think too deep … take it as a child would take it”. For me this really works!
Are there areas in your life where Jesus has asked you to give up something? Maybe something material or maybe something more like an addiction or obsession, etc.? ~ Yes, Jesus asked me to give up our vacation to Bali this year. Instead we entered this European Childrens Organisation (I’m sure I told you all about this) and we’re going to take care of a child, out of a poor family from the UK. It feels good! You know, it doesn’t really feel like “giving something up”. The thought of having that child in our house and taking her places, it makes my heart warm. It’s a true blessing!
Mae

======== Angie:

Mae, even though we didn’t get talk on the phone today cuz of some sort crazy messed up phone lines or whatever, i want to tell you now and here that i think its absolutely WONDERFUL what you and rene are doing this summer by taking that little girl in! when i first read that you were doing that, it also warmed my heart. and it made me think about christmas, i get that same feeling at christmas time but what about the rest of the year? why should we only have that feeling one time a year? its crazy! but there is still a HUGE part of me that is still selfish and i just don’t want to give things up at this time of my life. i’ve put off traveling the last 10 years cuz of my husband and his kids. i thought at the time it was worth it but i look back and wished i had done it anyhow if i knew things would have turned out the way the they have. but i can’t change that. i’ve put so much of me aside that i want to think about me. so i guess this is where the camel comes in huh? and its hard to let go. and i’m trying. i’m trying not to be so selfish. so maybe when i do start traveling next year, that i can do something like mae is doing. but thats still a little over a year away and i know i will grow so much more and will be less selfish. but for once in my life, i just want to be a little selfish. and yet i know thats wrong. so thats one thing i really need to work on too. i just felt like i had come such a longs ways so far, but i see myself as though i haven’t. and yes, there is something (someone) i need to let go of, my head tells me to let go, but my heart is telling me not to cuz i honestly do love him. so i guess if i’m never allowed in the kingdom of heaven cuz of this, then i guess so be it. cuz i just can’t see myself ever letting go of him.
i loved psalms again. i’m always real with god. maybe a little too real at times. and yes, i do feel like at times i’m at a loss for words. but i always seem to find them.
Angie

======== Jenny:

I love how Jesus just loves children so much. they are so precious, God has a special place in His heart for them, tho i know He means we should become like them. As a child, i had faith, i never questioned it. then i grew up n the world hardened me, and i fell into rebellion. Children have an innocence and a genuine trust. children have to be taught not to believe in God. I believe unrepentant people who harm children, by destroying their faith or doing something despicable to them, these people have a special place reserved for them in the lower parts.
Yes, the rich young ruler professed to have kept the commandments from his youth (i highly doubt that) but one commandment, tho shall not have any other gods besides Me, sounds like he broke that by having money be his god. he trusted in his riches. we all have something we cling to that God tells us to put away. For me, one of my gods when i was a teen was music and musicians. as i came back to Christ, God told me, put these idols away! my god was also myself. i didnt want to submit, i wanted to do my thing, tho deep down i was so empty and i knew it. whatever we put before Christ, no matter what, money, loved ones, relationships, our family, it all has to be second. If say, i put a boyfriend before Him (unintentionally) God will lovingly rebuke me first. if i dont heed this, He will chasten me. When i get caught up in things i know i shouldnt, He tells me i need to lay these things aside. Though I have eternal life, we still struggle. God pretty much took away everything and everyone i had til I had nothing left, it was a very lonely place til I learned to love Him with all my heart, He filled the void. all He allowed to be taken from me, He replaced with something much better!!
I wonder, wat did the rich young ruler do. He walked away sad we know. He must have went home and thought it over….
Honestly when I talk to God, i do reverence Him, but i am totally honest. God wants us to be, He knows my heart anyway. sometimes i have my pity parties, God this isnt fair! Why??
If i am mad, sad, etc i tell Him…He wants to communicate with us. He listens to me, He lets me finish, then He reveals wat He has to say to me. But do I always let Him finish? not always. I know I need to improve my listening to God skills, i need to wait on Him more.
Jenny

======= Laverne:

Our minister of music taught us this cute song sung by children:even though we are adults, we love singing it. It goes like this “Jubilee oh Jubilee alleluia we’ve been set free. Jubilee oh Jubilee sing a song of victory” This song really puts the congregation in such an angelic mood and is a wonderful song to begin praise service….The main theme I like about the jubilee is a CLEAN SLATE.
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The Book of Psalm – has increasingly become one of my most favorite books of the bible. I am learning many words from the pastor, choir and ministers come directly from this book..
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Umm the rich man claimed he kept all the but what he forgot or was confused about was one simple rule its not about his works but his heart. He had a heart filled with the love of things…(Look at verse 20 – “all these I have kept since I was a boy”)Also the rich man had no clue of his sin or guilt.This meant he would continue sinning while walking in the midst of the Gospel.
Laverne

======== Lisa:

Our “camels” are basically our desire for control-our lack of faith. Can you see Jesus trying to drag a camel(undecided one) through the eye of a needle (One door and only One)when he said “hot or cold or I’ll spit you out.” We want it both ways, and chaos reigns, the seas are rough. We must trust in the One who says “Peace be still” and even the wind and the seas obey. Why do we so deceive ourselves?
Lisa

======== Nick:

There is an ancient law that relates to the ‘law of retaliation’. In Genesis 9:6, God said to Noah and his sons, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man.” As a reference, we could refer to that as the ‘law of bloodshed’. From there, we could refer back to Genesis 4:10, where God asked Cain, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground.”
Nick

======== Romayne:

What struck me when listening to the Levitical laws was that as a society in general, we tend to hold to most of these today either legally or sinfully in the sense that revenge is still a dish served up hot for many people who think nothing of it. However, when it comes to the sin of homosexuality, suddenly everybody is against the Law, i.e. they accept 99% of it as being wise or moral, but not this particular one – I find that interesting. I think it’s again a case of selective reasoning where scripture is concerned, yet if you’re going to pick and choose those parts of scripture to hold to, you may as well dump the lot. That’s not to say that we practice all of the Law any longer because we don’t, being under Grace, however, the essence of it still holds forever, because Jesus said nothing would pass away from the Law before He returned.
Blessings,
Romayne

========= Julie:

Today is my 43rd B-day and I feel so blessed that I’ve found this blog. I have never made it through the entire bible – but feel confident that I will with the help of Jesus and this site.
The comments regarding what are we holding onto is addressed in a wonderful bible study by Beth Moore called, “Breaking Free” that I highly recommend.
Julie

========== Patty:

i guess, the law was just about justice and what’s fair. I need to reread it though didn’t get all of it in a first sitting. I got the rich young ruler, the issue wasn’t his ‘stuff’ it was his heart/ he loved things and his way of life more than God. I can understand this. this is hard if you have been given alot of stuff, and you don’t understand the goodness of God. You think He’s hard and just wants you to be miserable. It’s easy when you have nothing, because you only stand to gain. but when you wealthy sometimes you ‘lose’ and have to pick up sufferings you didn’t have before. Although ‘what does it profit a man’ usually ease makes you wicked and you end up losing everything anyway. so it’s a better trade off to give wht you have for God.
Patty

======= Steve:

Mark 10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
After reading some commentaries on this verse I learned that this is probably the only man in the bible that kneeled before Jesus that went away worst than he came. Riches truly are a blessing and a curse. The story of this man approaching Jesus is told in the Gospel of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Matthew describes him as a young man, Mark calls him a rich man and Luke describes him as being a ruler.
So if we put all three accounts of this man together we find that he is the perfect picture of success by worldly standards, he’s rich, young and powerful. That’s a combination that’s hard to give up for anyone but he was missing something, he was bankrupt and needy on the inside. It’s not uncommon for someone who has everything, youth, riches and power to also be the most miserable of all, keenly aware of their own emptiness.
Jesus didn’t disagree with him when he told Jesus that he was a good man who kept the laws and was moral and religious. So we add that to his resume and he really looks good but he is missing the one thing that is required of us, we are to have no other gods, we are to put nothing before God. How different if would have been for him had he not been hung up on all the glitter he was blessed with.
Steve

======== Jennifer:

What struck me today is Aaron tending the light in the Temple. In modern terms I think we all have the same responsiblity and I hope I have the same reverance for the act. I must tend my light and let it spread so that all can feel and see the light of God. How well Christ has said the 1st will be last and last will be first. Love God, love others, and serve.
Another area of this Leviticus chapter that hit me is the idea that we stop harvesting on the 7th year–how can we you might ask–God will provide. This is so important that when we are asked to stop and go or do that we know that God will provide.
Jennifer

========= Frederick:

Leviticus 24:5-9
5 “Take the finest flour and bake twelve loaves of bread, using two-tenths of an ephah for each loaf. 6 Arrange them in two stacks, six in each stack, on the table of pure gold before the LORD. 7 By each stack put some pure incense as a memorial portion to represent the bread and to be a food offering presented to the LORD. 8 This bread is to be set out before the LORD regularly, Sabbath after Sabbath, on behalf of the Israelites, as a lasting covenant. 9 It belongs to Aaron and his sons, who are to eat it in the sanctuary area, because it is a most holy part of their perpetual share of the food offerings presented to the LORD.”
I remember about the story in 1 Samuel when David fled from Saul and ate the bread in the temple. Were the breads that David and his companions ate the kind of breads that God commanded Moses and Aaron to prepare in the temple?
1 Samuel 21:3-6
3 Now then, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread, or whatever you can find.”
4 But the priest answered David, “I don’t have any ordinary bread on hand; however, there is some consecrated bread here—provided the men have kept themselves from women.”
5 David replied, “Indeed women have been kept from us, as usual whenever[b] I set out. The men’s bodies are holy even on missions that are not holy. How much more so today!” 6 So the priest gave him the consecrated bread, since there was no bread there except the bread of the Presence that had been removed from before the LORD and replaced by hot bread on the day it was taken away.
Frederick

========= Bob:

The 50th jubilee year really intrigues me! Imagine giving your property back to the original owners. Ouch…… Or is that the wrong attitude? Even though I don’t think this concept was ever practiced, it is a great reminder of the trust we might endeavor to place on our God to take care of us. Would we, could we love our neighbor to that degree? Imagine you being the recipient? How would you handle that? Even though John was of the secular world and even thought he was more popular than Jesus, he saw the concept.
Bob

========= Frank:

I had learned previously that there was a gate in Jerusalem called the Eye of the Needle. The camel had to go through it stooped down and it also had to have its baggage removed prior to going through the gate. This may be a wrong interpretation but I have found a site in Biblical Hebrew that also explains another path that it could be. Here is an excerpt:
Mangled Greek maybe?
There are some differences in the transmitted Greek. The needle in Matthew and Mark is a rafic. In Luke it is a belone. But both are synonyms for needles used in sewing, but Luke’s is more likely to be used by a surgeon than a seamstress.
Another possible solution comes from the possibility of a Greek misprint. The suggestion is that the Greek word kamilos (‘camel’) should really be kamêlos, meaning ‘cable, rope’, as some late New Testament manuscripts1 actually have here. Hence it is easier to thread a needle with a rope rather than a strand of cotton than for a rich man to enter the kingdom. A neat but unnecessary solution!
A variation on all of the above is that the needle was a 6 inch carpet needle and the rope was made of camel hair- but this is again clutching at straws or camel hair, and is an unnecessary emendation.
Frank

========= Jeff:

Today is the first time I really felt convicted. When I read Jesus’ saying: “it is harder for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.” And in earlier verses when the rich man asked what he must do to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven and Jesus told him to go sell all that he had and give to the poor.
Sadly, I must admit: I don’t think I can do that.
Sadly,
Jeff

========= Jack:

When living in Israel, I wondered about Mark 10:25. My pastor, Dr. Robert Lindsey, was a Greek and Hebrew scholar, and we would discuss such difficult to understand passages of Scripture. In Greek it doesn’t make sense but when translated into Hebrew, it is a Hebrew Talmudic saying. In Jerusalem, there is a gate called appropriately enough “eye of the needle”, and it was the passageway for camels to pass through in ancient times when the main gates were closed after dark. The camel could not pass through this “needle” unless all of its baggage was removed from its back and it crawled on its knees. Now this is a complete myth, but my pastor knew that the image created by Yeshua was to show His Talmidim (followers) that they had to surrender everything to G-D and follow Him! The L-RD will provide and care for us.
Jack

========= Robert:

Ramona have you ever come across anything that suggest the year of the jubilee (50) was ever practiced? I also like your thoughts on the word “good”. I would of just skimmed by that thinking it was like a nice salutation.
Psalms 44, 48 and 88
These 3 in particular lament the past and show us a place where there may not be any answers. That is what I feel during Covid but I also know many others feel this too. It says in my commentary, “Prayers and faith in God have not produced any results. Is God asleep?” No, I have to look at the bigger picture and remember nothing can separate me from the love of Christ. (Romans 8:36). I especially like to read these aloud when I feel darkness is my closest friend 
Robert

======== Dee:

Leviticus 24:3b *Aaron must keep the lamps burning continually. This is a permanent law for you and it should be kept from generation to generation. Are we keeping our light shining for Jesus! Are we teaching others, our family, children and children’s children about the gospel and redeeming grace? Are we anchoring on to the Word of God and letting that Lamp unto my Feet and Light unto my path guide the way for the Way, the Truth, and the Life?
Mark 10:17-25 was preached on recently at our church, and this thought was sprung or mentioned by one of our beautiful men of God. Through research and inquiry, there actually is an “eye of a needle” in Israel, it was like a narrow archway to enter through. If any scholars or philosophers are on here and want to elaborate please do, because I didn’t take detailed notes, just remembering vividly. The archway or needle so to speak, made the masters camels have to kneal down and squeeze through their so to speak. Another thought and notion that comes to mind and was referenced at church is, Are we getting on our knees enough? Are we humbling ourselves before God and giving Him the glory and honor He deserves? Like Mike said above and really what Jesus was saying was its not what you have that will send you to Hell, its how you care about it, where your thoughts are at, what you place as of high importance..is it Christ, the Son of the Living God, or materials, food, clothing, manna. God provides it all. But that’s just it, God would have given that young man all that he had and more! If he just submitted to God. God gives us blessings and things so we can use them for His kingdom..feed the hungry, clothe the poor, provide the Gospel to the ends of the earth, pray for the destitute, broken hearted, nurture the widows and orphans. How is your love walk these days??
Proverbs 10:20-21, esp verse 21, but fools are destroyed by their lack of common sense..parrelel to Hosea 4:6, my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Get knowledge, Get wisdom,get truth, the truth of Christ and of His Word will Make You Free!! God bless, cast cares unto the Lord!!
~~Dee

Leviticus 22:17-23:44 + Mark 9:30-10:12 + Psalm 44:1-8 + Proverbs 10:19
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 23 we read about the Appointed Festivals!  The NIV Study Bible has a great chart summarizing the Old Testament Feasts and Other Sacred Days, which is significantly paraphrased below with just Name & Purpose:

1. Sabbath – Rest for people and animals
2. Sabbath Year – Rest for land.
3. Year of Jubilee – Help for poor; stabilize society.
4. Passover – Remember Israel’s deliverance from Egypt.
5. Unleavened Bread – Remember how the Lord brought the Israelites out of Egypt in haste.
6. Firstfruits – Recognize the Lord’s bounty in the land.
7. Weeks (Pentecost or Harvest) – Show joy and thankfulness for the Lord’s blessing of harvest.
8. Trumpets (Rosh Hashanah-New Year’s Day) – Present Israel before the Lord for his favor.
9. Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) – Atone for the sins of priests and people and purify the Holy Place.
10. Tabernacles (Booths or Ingathering) – Memorialize the journey from Egypt to Canaan; give thanks for the productivity of Canaan.
11. Sacred Assembly – Commemorate the closing of the cycle of feasts.
12. Purim – Remind the Israelites of their national deliverance in the time of Esther.
13. Hanukkah (Feast of Dedication or Festival of Lights) – Commemorated the purification of the temple and altar in the Maccabean period.
14.  New moons were also often special feast days.
(Above is from Zondervan’s “NIV Study Bible” pp. 176-177) Below is a Jewish calendar, which includes many of the feasts and sacred days listed above:

Bible.org’s commentary on Leviticus chapter 23 titled “The Lord’s Appointed Times” is at this link.

New Testament – Mark chapter 9 verses 33-35 always stand out to me and I personally always need to be reminded of Jesus’ teaching here in the last sentence: “Jesus asked them, “What were you discussing out on the road?”  But they didn’t answer, because they had been arguing about which of them was the greatest. He sat down and called the twelve disciples over to him. Then he said, “Anyone who wants to be the first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”  How are you doing on this last sentence?  Are you taking last place?  Are you the servant of everyone else?  Do you think this last sentence applies to Jesus’ life?  Do you think we should model how Jesus lived his life?

I came across an artistic image I liked a lot, below, which applies to verses 36 & 37… except of course that the child is wearing very modern day clothes – keep in mind it is art! 🙂 –  “Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes my Father who sent me.”

Psalms – Psalm 44 verse 3 is a wise statement about where the Israelites and our true strength and victory in life comes from! “They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them.”

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 19 today teaches us: “Don’t talk too much, for it fosters sin. Be sensible and turn off the flow!” This is a wonderful reminder that we should listen at least twice as much as we talk!  That’s why we have 2 ears and one mouth…  🙂

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Matthew reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “Nobody:”

Are you a Nobody? Click here to live for Nobody but Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will never strive to be first. Pray that you will strive to be the servant of all, as Jesus was the servant of all.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day:  Based on Psalm 44:3 above – as you look back on your life and at the good things that have happened to you, do you think that these things occurred because of your own power or work alone?  Or, do you think it is possible that God’s hand was blessing your life through all of those good things – even if maybe you did not notice God was there at the time?  Can you think of some instances in your life that when you look back on them you realize that God was absolutely there and blessing what was taking place?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 22:17-23:44
I haven’t counted how many times in Leviticus that God declares His Holiness to His people, but whatever the number may be it is a lot. God want’s His people to know that He isn’t any ole stone or wood God that He is the God over everything. I’m not sure if it is stated somewhere in the text of the Old Testament, maybe in the Prophets, or maybe I just heard this and somewhere within my spirit it spoke truth, but I believe we become what we worship.
If that statement is true then we are transformed by the attributes and the character of that which we direct our adoration and reverence too while in worship. If that is the case then we can see why God spends so much time revealing who He is and what He will and will not accept in worship and in sacrifices and offerings.
We can also picture God as a stern taskmaster full of doom and gloom, yet there are at the least nine plus festivals throughout the year celebrating this most awesome God. In the ‘hood some might say that God knows how to throw a party and sometimes the parties are one entire weeklong.
Although not listed here, there is a celebration that Jews participate in, at lest the Hassidic and Orthodox Jews do, that celebrates the reading of the Torah. Mike, just like we are doing, they use a plan that goes through the entire Torah in one-year and when they finish, the police shut the streets down in Crown Heights Brooklyn (One of the Hassidic enclaves in Brooklyn) and the men dance in the streets passing the Torah, which is in a special case (it is a scroll), to each other and kissing it. It is a sight to see and one cane become envious seeing the joy that is in the eyes of these religious Jews over the Mosaic Law that they study all their lives.
Wouldn’t it be great for us to have a non-New Years celebration of the reading of the entire Word of God old and new? It would give new meaning to the old Motown song, “Dancing in the Streets.”
Twice in today’s reading God opens up His ordinances and the blessings that come along with following His commands, to those who are not his people, “Give Aaron and his sons and all the Israelites these instructions, which apply to those who are Israelites by birth as well as to the foreigners living among you.” (22:18) In the 22nd verse of chapter 23 foreigners are included with the poor as benefactors of the grain deliberately left in the field. God has always allowed for those who were not His people to benefit from the “crumbs” from those who were and are His people as we read Saturday in the Gospel reading (Mark 7:28) What a mighty God we serve!!
What I really like about today’s reading is that it shows how our God is a God who loves parties. He want’s His people to not only reverence and obey Him He wants them to have a good time in doing it. There are lots of “feasts” and sacred assemblies, food and more food. God wants us to celebrate Him and who we are in Him. So Christian, please don’t walk around with a long face, shout Hallelujah from time to time because we serve a God that enjoys our enjoyment of all the things He has done for us.
Mark 9:30-10:12
Jesus turns the disciples understanding of greatness and leadership upside down by explaining that to be great, and he doesn’t rebuke them for wanting to be great, is to serve one another: greatness through servant-hood.
Just because someone is not part of the “us four and no more” group doesn’t mean they are not doing the work of the Gospel. We live in a society of “gang affiliations” Our gangs may not be the Bloods and the Crips, but they are the church’s we attend, the companies we work for, the folks we “hang” with, the neighborhoods or sub-divisions we call home. But Jesus says that is all incidentals because our afflictions should be based on those lifting up the name of Jesus.
Jesus pulls the marriage relationship out of the comparison arena, our comparing longevity, or lack there of, based on the yardstick used by the rest of society. Jesus pulls marriage back to, “In the Beginning …” and God’s original plan, which should be our yardstick. Even though the question about marriage was to be a trap, Jesus gave them more then what they bargained for. The more information one is given, the more one will be held responsible for the information they receive, so in trying to trap they became entrapped by new information.
Psalm 44:1-8
A couple of years ago I told a good friend that he needed to be careful about how much credit he took for his achievements and while we were talking an image of a baby in a car seat that was equipped with a toy steering wheel came to me. Although the baby may think he is driving a car because he has in front of him something that appears to be the car’s actually steering mechanism, yet none of his actions are causing the car to move. We are in danger of being like that baby who thinks all of his actions are directly causing the car to take him to grandma’s house. This Psalm gives us a reality check.
Proverbs 10:19
This is a warning about the fish story, the one that got away, taken to every area of our lives.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Jennifer:

Ramona, I too was struck by how much God wants us to celebrate with him and sometimes I get too serious about studying and meditating and don’t realize the pure joy of knowing Christ and God. Come to me as little children and enjoy being with me. I was thinking of the song “I am a friend of God.”
Jennifer

======= Mark:

Psalm 44:3 We didn’t fight for this land; we didn’t work for it–it was a gift! You gave it, smiling as you gave it, delighting as you gave it.
This verse struck me – reminding me of Paul’s picture of we Gentiles being grafted into the spiritual Israel.
Thank God for his unspeakable gift!!
Mark

======= Stacey:

With regards to Ps 44:3 “They did not conquer the land with their swords; it was not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them.”
It is so good to remember to look to the Lord for His smile and His favor in life. This Psalm shows the fulfillment of the Aaronic blessing said over the people time and time again. Remember that these were the same people called hard hearted and rebellious. In the midst of all of their rebellion and sin, God told Aaron to bless them with this blessing from Numbers 6:22 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Instruct Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: May the LORD bless you and protect you.May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you.May the LORD show you his favor and give you his peace.’
27This is how Aaron and his sons will designate the Israelites as my people,and I myself will bless them.”
I am thinking this morning about how important it is for us to pray for blessing for our families and communities. Even though those around us may seem hard hearted and rebellious, will you take up the challenge to pray this blessing over them daily as I am committed now to do? For I want to see victory in my family and my community. I want very much to see the changes manifested when God shows them favor and smiles upon them.
Stacey

======= Richard:

I believe in the relationship of prayer and living. For years I thought that I was the master of my own destiny and that all that happened to me was…well because of me. Is that not how we are trained these days? Take control of your life! I got so distorted in my thinking that I blamed all the bad in my life at the foot of my Lord. “How could you allow this to happen! Just leave me alone!” It was at this time I noticed that through his grace he granted me this request. He left me alone… My life was a mess and mistakes were many. All my low points in life were the result of answered prayers. He let me walk alone and man did I fall! Needless to say, even when bad things happen I no longer ask Him to leave me alone, but beg him to pick me up! Human pride is sometimes unavoidable when interacting with other humans…but it has no place in a relationship with Christ Jesus.
Your in Christ
Richard

======= Micah Girl:

I am looking for a lenten discipline to take up…perhaps a special prayer time like the Divine Hours or some kind of special Lectio Divina. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Micah Girl

======= Cory:

Micah Girl,
I’ll ditto the Divine Hour suggestion. There is a volume that focuses on Lent, and my friend even found it at Barnes & Noble.
Cory

======= Anka:

Hi Micah,what do you mean by lenten disciple?
Bless you,
Anka

======= Micah Girl:

Anka–
By Lenten discipline I mean something that I start doing for the 40 days of Lent like a special kind of prayer or specific bible readings, rather than something I give up for 40 days, like chocolate.
Micah Girl

======== Katie:

I can totally see that God has made things work good for me, where I had no power at all in them. Even recently, I was walking in a way that could have really hurt me and made bad things happen to myself and people I love. But when I repented, immediately the Lord turned things around, and the same negative things have turned into a blessing and God is being glorified.
Like your question, “God is absolutely there” and is taking care. I know I’m talking a little bit it circles…(some things just don’t need to be shared…:) )…. but I want to give praise and glory to Jesus for His love, faithfulness, mercy and grace!
…not their own strength that gave them victory. It was by your mighty power that they succeeded; it was because you favored them and smiled on them…Psalm 44:3b
amen, hallelujah!
Katie

======= Gina:

Lev 22:32 stood out for me this morning….”Do not profane my holy name. I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the LORD, who makes you holy.” – Sometimes we can get carried away with our use of God’s name…it’s so “normal” in today’s socitety to say “Oh my God” and not even bat an eye! But really, to me, that is using God’s name flippantly…with total disregard and disrespect for who He is and His holiness.
Seeing the disciples argue just makes me realize that they were just men also. Sometimes I tend to want to put the 12 on a sort of pedistal…like Jesus chose them because they were all spiritual and sutff…but so many times we see them acting just like we do! Yet Jesus chose them anyway! That’s grace!
Looking back on my life, I know, without a doubt that God had His hand all over it! There are so many things that can only be explained by the power and grace of God especially when my husband and I were separated for 2 years. All the “roadblocks” that kept delaying our divorce were definitely from God! And I praise Him now for that because we got to tear up our divorce papers before it happened!! God brought us back together and made us one flesh again – those verses in Mark about divorce are special to me because when I was beginning my search for God, it was the same time we were separated. I knew after reading those verses and some others that God was saying NO to divorce and YES to getting back with my husband!! God worked it all out perfectly! We are better than we ever were – Praise be to God!
The verse in Proverbs is very true! The sin of exageration!! It’s so easy to take a little story and make it much bigger either to make yourself look better or someone else look bad!! Gossip – this reminds me of gossip also! Ooooo it can be so easy to want to share something we know is not edifying – and we can try to justify it by saying “well it’s the truth!” I always try to ask myself “would I say this exact thing in the same tone of voice or manner if all people involved were standing here with me??” Most likely the answer is NO! So it’s better to just keep my mouth shut!!! :0)
Gina

======= Angie:

as for me, i’m trying very hard to slow down on my swearing and using gods name in vain. but with having worked in a factory for over 11 years, i have a factory mouth. and i’ve realized, its not only disrespectful to god, but to myself. what kind of person am i showing to people when i say F word all the time? not a very classy one for that matter. i know when i get really angry, i throw out the F word quite frequently. like the other day, i wrote to a very dear friend of mine and said it quite often cuz i was so angry, (and had every right to be over my stepson and husband), but never, EVER, have i went back and apologized for all the swearing i did. until the other night. and she told me she really appreciated it. just little things like that i’m noticing about myself and the changes. i still swear, i always have. even my first word was sh…(you fill in the last two letters). but i’m trying to change that. and its hard. but instead of saying god (in vain), i’m trying to say, gosh instead, or oh my goodness. i’m still working on it. and where i work at now, i really have to be careful of the choice words i say to the customers since i no longer work in a factory. i’m dealing with the public now. so i am trying to say, gosh, or darn, and that kind of thing. or keep it to myself!!!!!!!! lol!
i know what you mean gina by when you say that god had a hand in everything that happens. my dad tells me, god has a plan for all of us, we just follow it. he gives us the directions and we follow. that all things happen for a reason and we learn from it all. sometimes we don’t get the answers we want right away or we say, why didnt’ we think of that before and why did i have to struggle with it then and not now? cuz i feel that god wanted us to think for ourselves then he helped us when we went to him. the more i let him in, the more he helps me it seems like. sometimes i still wonder why he let the things happend that has happened and maybe i’ll never know. me and my husband almost got a divorce also almost 6 years ago. but it never came about. now, we’re doing better with our marriage. its still not the greatest but its better. i’m happier than i was 6 years ago thats for sure!!!!! and just everything in general too, all the rotten things that have happened, happened for a reason. talking in circles i think here, but i’m starting to understand a few things now and make better sense out of it all. and i look back now and realize what a blessing it is to have god in my life and know that i am very lucky and fortunate person. sometimes i think my life is crap and i start to look around or i hear things about other people who have it much worst than i do and start realizing how lucky i am. and i can’t just pick one or two instances because all of them have been a blessing. and all of them have been from god.
proverbs stuck out to me today. i’m learning to keep my mouth shut, (very hard for me to do when i’m so opinionated and a big mouth) but i’m learning to listen more. to people around me and also god. so far, its working but i still need a lot of work!!!!
Angie

======== Mae:

Mark 9:50 “Salt is good for seasoning. But if it loses its flavor, how do you make it salty again? You must have the qualities of salt among yourselves and live in peace with each other.” ~ I had to read this verse a couple of times before I really realized what it was about. Thought it was a headscratcher LOL Basicly it sais I have to flavor my relationships, so it won’t loose it’s flavor. Keeping the relationships flavored, means I have to maintain my relationships, in order to live in peace with everybody. If I stop maintaining, I stop the relationship … Just like the relationship I have with God. Without maintanance (going to 3 services a week, joining the coffeehouse on Saturdaynight, having my biblestudies, preaching the Gospel on the streets) I will drift away from God. I need to stay awake in this, especially with the attacks from the enemy. I need to feel God’s power, I need to feel the Holy Spirit, that makes me strong! It brings me to another verse that stood out for me Psalm 44:6 “Only by your power can we push back our enemies; only in your name can we trample our foes”. I love to feel His power! It makes me strong! I can feel eternity in myself, it’s just so awesome to have a strong relationship with the Lord!!!!
God has absolutely been there all of my life. Jesus Christ knocked on my door plenty of times before I finally let Him save me. Ever since I became a Christian I can feel He has a plan for me. I can see clearly He has something special in mind for me and my family. And this plan was always there! When I look back on my life I can see God’s work, but also satan who kept me away from Him. My sins stood in the way from God. The good things in my life were defenitly not only my work, God really blessed my life through all of those good things. Satan still attacks me a lot, but my faith in God makes me strong, and that’s my power working, if I hadn’t been that strong, satan would pull me away from God. God makes me strong, my faith in Him makes me feel I can overcome anything! I’m not afraid anymore!!!
Mae

====== Jenny:

Jesus’ analogy of salt is awesome. salt is used for flavoring and as a preservative alot in those days. we who are His are called to be the salt of the world. we are to full of life and zest for his name’s sake. we are also called to be called to be godly and be a preservative in our society. some ppl just hate christians, we are supposedly a bunch of hypocrites and haters, so they think. but look at the world, Christians built most the hospitals, orphanages, christians step up and care when people are in need (not all, but in general). of course then are many kind non-christians who do have godly characteristics, bcos we were all made in His likeness.
Jesus was the ultimate servant! he was lowly, a many of many sorrows. He was our example! he took pity on the poor, He loved to heal (still does, but referring to His life on earth) and He was humble. Like that picture of Him washing the disciples feet the night before His crucifixion. He even washed judas iscariot’s feet knowing he was about to betray Him. When he did betray Him, Jesus still called Judas His friend.
I’ve never been married so i cant comment too much on the divorce issue. marriage sounds like its very hard, maybe the single life is for me =)
Regarding Prov. I’ve never regretted biting my tongue!! i can talk alot and sometimes i wish i could muzzle myself, lol. But i love to listen to others more, if my friend calls and walks to talk non stop for an hour, i love to listen. I’m happy to sit back and let others talk, and when you give them that chance, they do. some ppl are terribly shy so i feel like i gotta keep talking, but I much rather hear what others say. i think my favorite thing in the world is to overhear people talking about the Lord. like if i’m at a restaurant and the ppl next to me are talking about the Lord, i just want to sit and listen. It delights God’s heart so much when he overhears us talking about Him!
God has always had His hand on my life, like everyone else commented about. even the bad things, God was preparing me, for divine appointment and then to grow me. it may have been VERY painful at the time…in fact I’ve had more pain in my life then good, not that i’m a sad person (some of you know i had a very tough week) but i think we learn from the pain. There’s poem i love, not sure who its by:
“I walked a mile with Pleasure, she chattered all the way; But left me none the wiser, for all she had to say……
I walked a mile with Sorrow, and ne’er a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned from her, when Sorrow walked with me!”
Its so true, we learn though our pain. But i long for the rivers of joy…I love The Valley Song by Jars of Clay, “I will sing of your mercy that leads me through valleys of sorrow to rivers of joy”.
thats a GREAT song to listen to when your hurting.
I love Psalms, it is NEVER our strength, our faith, its HIS strength, His power. After we come to Him, we need to empty ourselves. We have nothing to boast of in ourselves, not our faith, not our strength, no way. My family who knows the hard life i had often say: your so strong, you overcame so much. your so full of perseverance!
NOOOO! wrong! I am NOT strong, i am weak and only by god’s love and mercy does he see me through! To be blunt, without Christ, I wouldnt pulled the trigger on myself by now! I’m fragile, weak…once about 8 yrs ago i was clutching a bottle of prescription pills, should i down them? I just prayed GOD, HELP ME! I CANT DO THIS. DONT LET ME GO, PLEASE, I CANT HOLD ON ANYMORE, SO DONT LET GO OF ME! He told me, I will never let you go! Its not MY grip on Christ that saves me, its His grip on me! When i let go, He doesnt!
Jenny

======= Laverne:

I never understood this piece of scripture until my church had its 3 yr anniversary last year. My pastor asked me to be the Armor Bearer of the Bishop of our Sister & Brother church out of state. I was a nervous wreck. I read I Timothy I believe, and then did a search. Then I met with my pastor and she explained what I needed to do for the Bishops. At first I thought is this all she thinks of me? Why can’t I do something important. So many analogies ran through my head. “In order to be first the next time around I had to be last, this time”. Our Bishops were entrusted to me this was important. I realized the honor in being an armor bearer. So if I need to take last place I am fine with that.
—————————
God hand has definitely been ALL over my life. I would not be alive had it not been for my Lord. I would not have been able to say this in 1990, I was too busy running the streets. Now I know all those time without my knowledge, I could have dodged a bullet, an argument, or oncoming traffic, but I know God was saving me even when I was too stupid to save myself. My constant prayer in this life is that I can make it as LONG as God continues to head my life and keep His hands on me. Ang, Mae and Jenny I love your prayers and I agree…
—————————
The verse that stood out the most to me today was Mark 9:
” 30They left that place and passed through Galilee. Jesus did not want anyone to know where they were, 31because he was teaching his disciples. He said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days he will rise.” 32But they did not understand what he meant and were afraid to ask him about it”
– The disciples in this scene remind me of me. Many times in my conversations with Jesus I am afraid to ask, so I don’t. It’s not that I fear the answer or that I fear my Lord, its because I am afraid to have & the thing, and like the disciples afterwards I am sorry.
Laverne

======= Skip:

I think that not only the good things that have occurred to me but I believe that everything that has occurred to me was made possible by the hand of God and the blessings that He chose to bestow upon me. As I look back over my life I can see why certain events happened in my life that prepared me for where I am today. If it hadn’t been for those events I wouldn’t be who I am or be doing what I’m doing; and most of all being happier than I’ve ever been. I attribute it all to God and His blessings. I have been truly blessed in all ways. I have a wonderful family and many wonderful friends. I have a great job that I love, a house that is almost mine that is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I have transportation to get me where I want to go. I have the freedom to read and write whatever I want and I have the freedom to worship God in whatever way I want. I thank God every single day for all the blessings that He has given me. I don’t deserve them and I don’t take advantage of them because I also know that He can take them away anytime He pleases. Thank you my dear Lord and God for all the blessings that you’ve given me and show me where and how to share them with other people.
God gives us two ears and one mouth for a reason. I love the picture of the basset hound! :-{D It is so true. We all need to learn how to listen twice and much as we talk. My dad taught me about this with a bit of rewording. He taught me that when our mouths are open, our ears are closed. I find that so true. When we are talking or especially interrupting, we are not listening. We all need to listen much more.
Yours in Christ
Skip

======= Heather:

Thanks so much for the calendar information!
Heather

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
I followed the link over to the article on Jewish feasts this morning (Curtis’s “the Lord’s Appointed Times) Interesting reading. He makes a case that the OT celebrations line up thematically with the message of the NT and suggests that we consider incorporating them (not under the law, but as a way of recalling to mind the tenants of our faith and teaching our children these).
I don’t know if I’m rushing out to celebrate the Jewish holidays this year, but I will mull this over some more. Especially since Passover is close to Easter this year… It may be nice to celebrate this feast with our children–to connect it to the Last Supper & our deliverance through Christ from slavery to sin. All in all, the article was good food for thought.
I particularly liked his point that many aspects of these holidays are sensory and object lessons that communicate spiritual truths in tangible ways—especially to children.
Curtis also helped me to understand the Jewish calendar a little better:
“The Jewish Calendar, however, is based on the relative motion of both the moon and the sun. It is, therefore, called a luni-solar calendar. Since it is based on the moon, the first of every month coincides with a new moon and the fifteenth of every month coincides with a full moon. In other words, each month is defined by the phases of the moon. The Jewish Calendar keeps the months and their respective seasons together by the insertion of leap months. This means that most years have twelve months, but some have thirteen. The whole system has a nineteen-year cycle. It is more accurate than our solar calendar, but it’s more difficult to follow. The Jewish calendar does not mark the first day of spring, summer, fall, or winter. The primary markers in the Jewish Calendar are the holidays.” -Donald Curtis
Elizabeth

======= Briggs:

Looking back on my life I see clearly that the Lord has blessed me in spite of the decisions and courses of action that I have chosen.
Before I accepted the Lord I lived a very foolish life, utterly lost, reveling in ignorance and self-destruction. Not mean-spirited or even necessarily selfish, sometimes I think decidedly selfless, but just utterly ignorant and unbound. Almost as if I were convulsing in the throes of death and urging it on, yet completely deceived at that present time of the death that I was welcoming, encouraging and proliferating. Why would the Lord reach in at His peril and pull me out of this? Why me and not others?
After accepting the Lord and since then slowly but increasingly seeking His will for my life, I still make many mistakes in judgment but He is ever faithful and lovingly corrects me and prospers me in spite of my continued ignorance and lack of faith; mostly with good intent and yet still sometimes not.
Briggs

======= Sheena:

I look back at all of the good things that have happened to me, and I definitely see God doing them. For a long time I didn’t recognize that it was God, but lately I’ve begun to see him working as he works, which is really cool, and helps me when I get impatient or don’t get the answer I want.
Sheena

======= Steve:

Leviticus 22:17-23:44
The link Mike provided “The Lord’s Appointed Times” is a wonderful article written by Donald E. Curtis. It’s about Leviticus chapter 23, The Appointed Festivals. In the article Donald breakdown the festivals and explains the Holidays as both of Commemoration and Expectation. I appreciated how he pointed out how they’re interwoven through the past, the present and the future of our calendar and the Jewish calendar. The summer festivals are the past (Old Testament) and the winter festivals are future (New Testament) as in the events described in prophecy such as the book of Revelation. I must admit, when I read Leviticus 22:17-23:44 before I read this article, I didn’t get nearly as much out of it until Donald’s article which increased my understanding of the Festivals.
I’ve gone through the bible on my own and using reading plans but going through the bible here at One Year Bible Blog is outstanding thanks to Mike’s faithfulness, diligence and just plain hard work. Thanks again Mike for the insight and connections you provide each and every day that help us connect the dots.
Steve

======= Frederick:

Leviticus 23:15-16
15 “‘From the day after the Sabbath, the day you brought the sheaf of the wave offering, count off seven full weeks. 16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord.
The impression I get from these verses is that our God is a God of both work and partying. Our God laid down festivals to the Israelite to celebrate, e.g. Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread in the first month. He also allowed time for the Israelite to work (7 full weeks). Then, God ask them to enjoy the festival with Him again (e.g. Festival of Weeks).
Frederick

======= Cathy:

Psalm 44:3 was so powerful. We cannot even count all the blessings we have on our everyday life. Nothing is done because our personal power or knowledge. God is so powerful. Just look at the breath we have everyday. He is merciful, merciful…. I feel it everyday and time..
Have a blessing day.
Cathy

======= Bob:

I try to follow the Christian year order that many churches will also practice to various degrees. It gives yearly order to our formation with Christ incarnate in his ministry death, burial, resurrection and coming again through Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week, Easter and Pentecost. Unfortunately, I don’t think we are as “festive” as the Levitical People but we can become a counter cultural witness and have opportunity to draw closer to Jesus at these times through the year.
I like how Ramona caught the ordinances and blessings God allowed for those “others”.
Bob

======= Carol:

Oh yes, it is only due to God, His patience, love and His protective hand that I am here today. He is my all ‘n all and I owe everything to His kind mercies!!
Mark 9:35….. very convicting!! Also convicting, bringing our best to God … not our leftovers, not an afterthought, but the firstfruits and the best!
Carol

======= Liz:

When I read in Leviticus about the sin and guilt offerings that God required for unintentional sin, it makes me ponder what he must think of intentional sin. Pride in your sin is a very egregious affront to a holy God. If there was/is no grace other than sacrifice (now Jesus’ sacrifice) for “unintentional” sin, the wages of intentional sin and pride is destruction (death) without repentance. I think the grace movement may be leading people to a false understanding of a just God.
Liz

======= Janet:

Thank you for the encouragement to keep going , as it takes me a good hour to put aside in the morning , if I leave the reading until evening ,I probably would get behind , I always feel so encouraged by this blog and my day would not be the same if I did not start of with this total time in gods word . Thank you and God Bless all who put the one year bible together.
Janet

======= Mick:

What has stood out to me in the readings of Leviticus is that God wants our best not second best. I am convicted in that I try to figure out how I am going to have time to read God’s word and time to go to church- when instead of trying how to fit God into my life and schedule. This thought and process is totally wrong. It should be how am I going to fit my life into my God. Leviticus shows me that life of God’s people was fit into their God and only and always the best was given to Him. I pray that I can have the same passion and love for God, and give him my first bests.
Mick

======= Marcia:

It’s awesome to see the wisdom and care of God through the law. While the law could never save humans, it shows such involvement, care and shepherding by God to His people. I’m reminded how much we need direction from God, while we are not bound by law and we don’t earn anything in relationship to God, He still give us His counsel because we are “like sheep” and so prone to wander. We too are called to remember and to specific actions that help us worship, obey and witness to Christ…for His glory and our benefit. What an awesome God we serve!
Marcia

======= Robert:

Festivals
I agree with you Ramona that God loves a party. During Covid, I have really noticed how much I miss them too. Our church had a monthly potluck usually with a theme and it was a wonderful way to get to talk to your friends. There was always worship, music and prayer. In many ways I wished our Gentile Churches would celebrate more of the Old Testament feasts and other sacred days that Mike mentions.
In his commentary Donald Curtis says, “The Lord communicates His truth in diverse ways. The holy days tell and show the great truths of God’s salvation, His love, and His plans. “
I particularly liked when he talked about how a Sunday was a day of rest and how it is described by Laura Ingalls Wilder in her series Little House on the Prairie. I remember growing up in the 1950s and doing some of these things but now……I think we have lost it.
In Donald’s conclusion, “Should the Church of Jesus Christ celebrate these things? Four times in Leviticus 23 we are told, “It is to be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwelling places.” Of course, the command is addressed to the Jews. On the other hand, these appointed times testify over and over again about the past and future work of our Lord. Should we not make room for the principal ones like Passover, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles? These speak of three major doctrines of our faith: the Death of Jesus for our sins, His return, and His coming Kingdom. Think how clearly these holidays speak of these truths, because they are free from the secular clamor that surrounds Christmas and Easter. Besides, as I said above, the Feast of Tabernacles appears to be the big international holiday of the Millennial Kingdom.”
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT – God brought Israelites out of slavery, listed some rules, and they said “Yes Lord”. Now they are to obey – not always knowing “why”. Do we as believing Christians do the same? It is tough and we probably falter as much or more as the Israelites ended up doing as told in the Bible.
NT – Been thinking: Jesus has now told them twice about impending death and resurrection. Disciples did not get it – maybe because Jewish faith believed in resurrection of bodies at the end of days. Coming back after three days was strange idea to those guys.
40% of Americans do not believe in hell – 20% of Christian subgroups do not believe in hell. Everyone likes the idea of heaven, but some not so much hell.
Girl in pageant was asked position on same sex marriage. She replied, ‘I am a Christian and a follower of Jesus Christ – he said: “one man, one woman, United as one, for one lifetime.’ When people have an issue with that -it is not with me, their issue is with Jesus Christ..
Mitch

======== Dee:

Before I get get started Amen, Amen! Ramona. God does love a party and He loves to show out in His love and admiration and adornment for His children. I love to have get togethers in His name. Just last night, I had a womens bible study review based on a book by Elizabeth George, A Woman’s High Calling. Ten Essentials to Godly Living. I get so excited about these get togethers. The food is nice and fellowship. However the annointing in the place is unbelievable. We had 5 precious ladies come to this and I just tell you that it is a party and a rejoicing time in heaven I believe when you are being diligent to God’s work, you are serving others so to speak with the Word and opening your home to new and old believers. Wow!! I laughed at todays Proverbs 10:19: Too much talk leads to sin, Be sensible and keep your mouth shut. In our study book in Chapter 3 from last nights get together, it talks about slander and malicious talk and that speech of that nature comes straight from Satan. It gave 4 steps to avoid too much talk that I thought I would share with you guys. It is the 4 T’s to live by: Time: don’t waste or have too much idle time, keep too busy so that way you won’t run to the phone or neighbors and tattle or be a busy body. Telephone: keep off the phone as much as possible, in fact Elizabeth George says to keep a daily time to return calls, she chooses 11:30-12 and 5:00-5:30, that way most people are doing lunch, and getting home or preparing dinner so they are short for talk anyway. Talk: when you do talk to people, keep it short and sweet, that way you won’t invite in “other” topics of gossip or slander into the conversation. and last one is: Tarry: which means, don’t be so sudden to answer or respond back to someone, it’s ok to say, “Let me think or pray on it awhile and I will get back to you”. 4 T’s, Time, Telephone, Talk and Tarry. Keep those and it will help all of us to be not slanderous and foolish people! Amen!! God Bless you guys, take care!
Dee

Leviticus 19:1-20:21 + Mark 8:11-38 + Psalm 42:1-11 + Proverbs 10:17
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 19 we read about holiness!  What a tiny but powerful little word – holy.  This chapter is of interest to me in that I continue to struggle with the call to holiness in my life.  I understand grace.  I get grace.  I’m good at receiving grace…  🙂  But holiness?  Well, that’s a bit trickier for me personally.  I guess where I am at these days in my walk with the Lord is really trying to balance grace and holiness.  I know we are saved through grace, not works – but, I also believe there is a call to holiness in our lives once we have received that gift of grace.   You know I love Bob Deffinbaugh’s writings over at bible.org.  I think Bob’s writings on Leviticus chapter 19 titled “How to Spell Holy” at this link is up there with some of his best stuff.  Please check out this link, and make sure you scroll down to read about Bob’s take on “perversions of holiness” – 1. stained glass holiness 2. positional holiness 3. equating holiness with the miraculous 4. isolational holiness 5. holiness by redefinition.  Great stuff!

You’ll notice lately that I’ve been punting over to Bob on many of the Leviticus chapters.   I’m honestly not finding as much time as I’d like to spend on study & prep as I’d like lately. But, I also think Bob’s writings on Leviticus are powerful – and so here he is on Leviticus chapter 20 at this link.  Actually, one quick powerful note on Leviticus 19:18 – “Never seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”  Jesus quoted the underlined portion of this Leviticus verse as we see in Matthew 22:36-40: “”Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, ” `You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”

New Testament – The last few verses in Mark’s readings today are some of the most powerful verses that each of us should really reflect upon in our lives today! I wish I reflected on these verses more often.  Check out chapter 8 verses 34 through 38 and spend a few moments really reflecting on these verses and on how they speak to how you are living your life today: “Then Jesus called his disciples and the crowds to come over and listen. “If any of you wants to be my follower,” he told them, “you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul? If a person is ashamed of me and my message in these adulterous and sinful days, I, the Son of Man, will be ashamed of that person when I return in the glory of my Father with the holy angels.”

These are incredible verses above!  I think the first obvious question these verses open up to us is simply this – do you want to be a follower of Jesus?   If the answer is yes, then the instructions that follow are simple and yet not always so easy in our fallen world:  1.  give up your own selfish ambition.  2. shoulder your cross.  3.  follow Jesus.  How are you doing on these 3 points in your life today?   And what a profound truth there is in that we will find true life if we give up our life for Jesus – the Good News.  I actually have been thinking about this point quite a bit lately.  And my thoughts have revolved around “my identity” – and where I get my identity from.  I think so often I get my identity from my work or my ministry or my friends or my social life – the problem in all of this is that you’ll keep seeing the word “my” in my identity.  And I’m realizing more and more that my identity should be in Jesus alone.  Jesus should be the identity.  The reality.  I think that I am really searching for true life in all the wrong places – in my work, in my friends, etc.  And true true life is really only found in one place – Jesus.  How about you?  What is providing your identity in your life today?  Do you think it is possible that your identity could simply be found in Jesus?  Do you want this to be the case?   I think each of us will do well to not be ashamed of Jesus and the Good News in these adulterous and sinful days…  Below is an interesting diagram showing Christian levels of commitment, suggesting that verses Mark 8:34-38 are the “conviction” stage highlighted below.  Which stage of commitment do you think you are at today?

Psalms – Today we read Psalm 42 verse 1, which is one of my favorite verses in the Bible! “As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God.”  That is so right on.  Lately these days I have been longing for God more than ever – and I love that.  I am thankful for that.  There have been seasons in my life – which can certainly be called “dry” seasons – where I have not longed for God.  Where I have not longed for the true Living Water.  I just love the picture this Psalm verse paints in my mind – a deer in the wilderness is fleeing from hunters.  It is literally dying of thirst as it runs.  It is tired.  It is weary.  It is running from death.  And it needs water.  It pants for streams of water.  Like this deer, I pray that I long for God in the same way.  As I flee from sin.  As I am tired.  As I am weary.  As I run from death.  I need God.  I long for God.   How about you?  Do you long for God these days as a deer longs for water?  Are you consistently drinking from the true Living Water?

Proverbs – Proverbs 10 verse 17 is a wonderful reminder to allow God to change us, transform us and correct us along the Way: “People who accept correction are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore it will lead others astray.”  The second part of that Proverb is powerful too – if we don’t accept correction, we’ll not only be off the pathway, but we will be leading others astray too…  that’s a scary thought.  If you don’t accept correction, you’ll be bringing others down with you!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Tear off the Roof” by Brandon Lake:

Has Jesus torn off the roof for you? Click here!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:7-8 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that the deep within you will call out to the Deep that is God today. Pray that God’s waves and breakers of Living Water will sweep over you today and forevermore.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day: Based on Proverbs 10:17 today, do you accept correction in your life?  Do you accept correction from God?  Do you accept correction from others in your life?  Do you think that if you don’t accept correction in your life that you will lead others astray?  Can you think of an instance in your life where you ignored correction and it ended up being bad for not only you, but others around you?  Can you think of an instance in your life where you heeded correction and it ended up being good for not only you, but others around you?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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======= Ramona:

Leviticus 19:1-20:21
I click on the links to read Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on both the 19th and 20th chapter of Leviticus and I like Mike, love his writing and the spirit in which he writes so lovingly and plainly.
I believe Mike has asked the question before in one of his comments but I don’t remember the date or the passage but perhaps it was at the beginning of Leviticus. I know that holiness is not just rituals, clothing and practices; holiness is a lifestyle, a way of thinking and being. For holiness to be achieved one must allow God in to direct your life because without the presence of God all you will have is the appearance of godliness but holiness will be far from you.
In the 20th chapter we find this, 7 So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I, the LORD, am your God. 8 Keep all my laws and obey them, for I am the LORD, who makes you holy.
What we have read in these two chapters are for a people to do in setting themselves “apart” from those around them, but it is God who makes us holy. There is nothing in and of ourselves that makes us holy. We are required to prepare ourselves by lifestyle choices, by changing the way we think and redefining our relationships with our neighbors and friends under the guidelines God has set, but then it is God that comes into our lives and imparts holiness.
There is also something in this 20th chapter that has caused me great trouble, not the edicts but the “problem,” and that is “devoting children to the god of Molech as a burnt offering.” What troubles me is we believe we don’t do this to our children because we don’t actually place our children on a sacrificial alter and light the fire, literally; however, we, as a nation, do this to our children figuratively and symbolically. When a child is sacrificed to Molech, it is for the benefit of the adult doing the sacrificing to insure their prosperity for future endeavors.
When children are neglected because parents feel they are a drain on their resources or because it is inconvenient or costly to invest their time, talent and resources into these little ones, who did not ask to be born, we are in effect placing these little ones on Molech’s alter. We sacrifice the children on the alters of our personal pleasures, lust and desires.
A good friend reminded me about a year ago that it was an alter of Molech and an alter of Chemosh that King Solomon built to honor his many foreign wives (1 Kings 11:7). Both were gods of Lot’s descendents conceived from incest. Chemosh required “sex” upon his alter with temple prostitutes, male and female, and Molech required child sacrifices. It seems that indiscriminant sex outside of the bonds of marriage produce a society that will sacrifice its children for the furtherance of its own pleasure and lusts. Placed in this context one can see that God honors the “marriage bed” and requires the two parties that have become one to be responsible for the children sexual intercourse produces unlike the other gods. Placed in this context one can see why Leviticus 19 and 20 are so very important.
Mark 8:11-38
27 Jesus and his disciples left Galilee and went up to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. As they were walking along, he asked them, “Who do people say I am?”
“Who do people say I am?” That is the most important question. What matters is not what someone else thinks but what you think. I believe one must follow Jesus out of a personal commitment and belief, “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:6) You can’t come on your church’s faith, you can’t come on your mom’s, dads, grandmas or grandpa’s faith, God doesn’t have grand kids.
My desire for everyone who comes to this site that they receive a revelation of who Jesus is, Amen
Psalm 42:1-11
Do I “pant” for God like a deer who has traveled miles to reach the watering hole? Or do I just stick my tongue in just enough to keep my lips from getting chapped? Is my desire for God so strong that I know that I know if I don’t drink deeply I will die from thirst? Am I trying to quench my thirst on the soft drinks of life that contain sugar, caffeine and phosphates but no God? How I want to desire God as that deer desiring the water that will sustain it to live another day.
Proverbs 10:17
Do I have a teachable spirit? Teach-ability is the only way one will be able to receive correction. Am I on that pathway of life or am I leading others into the microwave oven to be zapped?
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Rob:

mike, i love what you say about mark – this is the key pivot in the gospel as it divides quite well into two. up until peters confession of jesus as Christ it has been about the fact that the Christ has come – ‘the kingdom if God is among you… 1v15′. but now Jesus turns the story and says that the Christ must die. This is something Peter cannot grasp – possibly because like us he hasn’t grasped the die-to-live, last-shall-be-first, upside-down nature of the kingdom.
Ironicall the first guy in the gospel to achieve a synthesis of these two halves (incarnated God and dying God) is the centurtion at the cross, who looks at Jesus’ corpse and says ‘truly this may was the son of god’. as i meditate on this, i am reminded of the cross i need to bear myself.
rob

======= Luch:

I loved Leviticus 19:32 “Show your fear of God by standing up in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I am the LORD.” The point is that a mark of genuine holiness beyond just the ‘practices/disciplines’ of holiness is to respect the elderly, to treat them in a ‘godly’ way. To not see them as an interruption to our lives but to see them as people who really matter to God. One of my sons works in a home for ‘seniors’ and he gets to be “Jesus” to these people who sometime think the world has forgotten them.
Two of the best books on HOliness that i have read are The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges (Navpress) and R.C. sproul’s The Holiness of God. These two very helpful ‘classics’ are readable to every generation.
Luch

======= Micah Girl:

These 2 verses really hit me today in Leviticus 19–
15 ” ‘Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the great, but judge your neighbor fairly.
People often lean so far “right” or “left” politically that they favor the rich or favor the poor. We are called on to judge fairly, regardless of position!
17 ” ‘Do not hate your brother in your heart. Rebuke your neighbor frankly so you will not share in his guilt.
This is a challenge. Rather than holding onto a grudge or a judgment against someone, we are supposed to rebuke the person frankly and face the conflict honestly, otherwise we share in their guilt. Wow.
Micah Girl

======= Gina:

I can’t wait to read “How to spell Holy” from the link you gave! Holines is something I struggle with lately also.”Be Holy because I am Holy” – In the place I am right now in my walk with God, I don’t “feel” like I can be Holy enough. Does that make sense? I also think I’m still having a bit of an issue with the Grace thing. I get it in my head, but can’t seem to get out of the “I have to do something to get something” mode. Grace is FREE…the price has been paid…I get it all in my head, but for some reason it’s stuck there. I refuse to give up though – my freedom is in Jesus and it’s coming! Jesus won’t leave us the way we are, He keeps changing us so I know my victory is coming soon!
“What is providing your identity in your life today? Do you think it is possible that your identity could simply be found in Jesus? Do you want this to be the case?
…..I think for me that this changes – not that it should – but sometimes my identity is in Jesus, but sometimes I get off track and it does come from other stuff. Like the readings from yesterday about squandering our money – I have for many years found my identity in the things I had. I think Mae mentioned lots of brand names of clothing that pretty much covered it! I too had to have the newest, latest styles … and I love shoes! hahahahahaha! But now, because of some of those actions, my husband is in a job that keeps him away from home all but 4 days out of each month – we need his salary (and mine) to pay our debt…FOOLISH! We have and are taking drastic measures in our life right now to change this. We both want Jesus to be our identity – not our jobs, or how much stuff or money we have. Just Jesus – – So yes, I believe our identity can be simply found in Jesus alone.
What stood out for me in Mark is where the disciples are kind of freaking out because they forgot the bread…how quickly they forgot who they are with!! Jesus has to remind them of what he did before with the loaves and fish…I know I do the same thing at times! I forget just how BIG our God is and I go into panic mode! What a great reminder that I God is always in control and I am safe as long as I have Him in me!
About correction – well, I hate being corrected but since I’ve been saved, I’ve learned that it is such a good thing! Correction from God is good – He always deals with me personally before He “goes public” (haha) – I’m thankful for that! There are many times in my life that I ignored correction – however, I’m learning to listen to Him more and heed His correction. It’s so much easier to do life the way Jesus wants us to – so much easier!
Gina

======= Angie:

i’m like you gina, i hate being corrected. but i know theres sometimes that i need to be. but along with trying to be more open, i’m starting to listen all the way around. not just one area.
again, i loved psalms. it did however really bother me though how it said picture the deer running from the hunters, trying to escape death. one, i’m an animal rights activist. i truly love animals and am a vegetrian now. i can’t stand the thought of an animal being hunted and also killed. but this reminds me of me. i have dreams where i’m being chased and have no where to go, just like the deer. i’m also tired and scared, and weary. but knowing now that god is there for me, and to protect me, i don’t have them dreams of being chased like i once did. and boy do i know bout being in “dry” seasons. i’ve gotten so angry at god that for a while i shut him completely out. i was wrong for doing that and i feel bad about it.
Angie

======= Mae:

I love what you wrote Gina – He always deals with me personally before He “goes public” … I know exactly what you mean!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Praise the Lord for that, eh?
Mark was very powerful today!
Verse 8:33 stood out for me “Jesus turned around and looked at his disciples, then reprimanded Peter. “Get away from me, satan!” he said. “You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” ~ I mean … wow, when was the last time Jesus called you satan??? Yikes … This tells me to trust 100% in Jesus Christ. Follow His path and instructions! Don’t get scared, don’t get insecure, those are signs that satan is trying to run you over. Verse 34 “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me”. ~ Pretty amazing and so clear … I have to memorize this verse. You know, I do know it all … I KNOW IT. But at times it seems so easy to be caught up in work and spending too much time with unsaved friends. Now I’m thinking of it, it’s like I’m a baby save in it’s play-pen with God watching over me, once in a while He’s checking if I can handle myself outside of the play-pen … but what do I do? Running towards the coffeetable, grab everything I get my hands on, run around the house, see if I can reach the candyjar which I can hardly reach, but yes … I get it and BAMMMMMMM it falls right on my head and it hurts like crazy. And then overwhelmed in pain and guilt I look around if God is there to put me back in my play-pen, where it’s save. Sometimes it feels that I get too much at once; the enemy attacks me and on every point he does. Work, my relatives and friends … in every corner there’s an attack and sometimes it’s too hard to handle. And sometimes I look for Him too late to put me back in my play-pen. I must stop to look around, I must turn from my selfish ways, take up the cross and follow Him!
“If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it”. (verse 35)
Today I’m on cloud 9 … I’m smiling all day long and it seems like I slept with a hanger in my mouth. My dad was saved last night … Praise the Lord!!! He’s so good!!!!!! In a matter of 6 weeks time, my husband and my parents got saved. I’m so happy!!! For myself LOL AND for them! My father has Parkinson’s Disease and I know God will help my dad. He’s going to do wonderful things for my dad, I’m soooo sure!!!
Mae

======= Jenny:

I loved Psalms today, it really spoke to me. I am so weary and i just long for Him. He’s all that matters. I’m desperately wanting to be with Him! To know Him more, to just dwell with Him.
As for identity, all I can think of in the question, who am I? I’ am God’s child. Made by Him and made for Him. Anything else I pursue is eternally worthless. Christ is in me and I belong to Him. My heart my soul my will, take it all. I have nothing but Christ and He is everything I need and more. Though i sorrow and am exhausted, my hope is in Him alone. God my king, save me from my troubled heart!
Jenny

======= Katie:

I am in the process of “accepting correction” right now – from the Holy Spirit… I know that if I don’t accept it, I would be in the process of leading other astray. and that’s one of the things I want LEAST in my whole life.
thank you Lord for leading me in Your ways!
and thank you,writer of the blog, for your insight! God bless you today!
Katie

======= Aaron:

What wonderful message today. It actually took me to Malachi 3:2-4, being put through the refiners fire… I am learning that what God is doing in our lives is a process… being the the impatient one I am, it is difficult for me to wait on the Lord, but I am learning and the rewards are great.
Thanks for posting this
God Bless
Aaron

======= Karen:

I would just emphasize that He said, ‘I am the Lord, I am God.’ I think we would do well to listen to Him.
Karen

======= Margaret:

I really related today to the drawing of “Levels of Commitment”. I had not seen it before and realized that I’m not at the top of the drawing where I hope one day to be. I’m still a “work in progress”.
Margaret

======= Anna:

First I would like to thank you for a wonderful job giving points of reflection on every day readings.
Today’s reading on Leviticus made me think how God selected his people. He asked them to change many things to follow him, and they did. They were not perfect but they learned to turn away from traditional ways of doing things like making sacrifices to idols. Now I know why God selected them even though they were not perfect, they were obedient
Anna

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Everyone,
One thing I love about David’s psalms is that through them I can sense his heart for God AND his own struggles to reconcile that love/faith with his turbulent emotions:
“Sorrow floods my heart,
when I remember
leading the worshipers
to your house. I can still
hear them shout
their joyful praises.
Why am I discouraged?
Why am I restless?
I trust you!
-Psalm 40:4-5
It’s odd how you can trust God in your head and yet struggle with fear and discouragement. I think He delights when we bring our whole self to Him and lay it before Him–fears, worries, trust, faith, hopes. So glad He is big enough for all that ; )
About correction. Actually, I think I am fairly “correctable,” but I struggle with the opposite. I struggle with being over-sensitive to correction or influence by the approval/opinion of men. I am prone to second-guess myself and over-analyze while struggling for excellence.
I imagine most people are of one ilk or the other—they either can’t see their weaknesses and mistakes even when they are bludgeoned over the head with them OR they are sensitive to the point where they must be careful to keep their eyes on the approval of God and the grace of Christ, not on the approval of man or some kind of self-perfection.
I like simplicity of the Contemporary English Version here (though it misses the implications of leading others astray):
“Accept correction,
and you will find life;
reject correction,
and you will miss the road.”
Proverbs 10:17
“Missing the road” is a great metaphor because it teases out the long-term reality of a stubborn spirit. When we miss the road, not only are we NOT on the right road, but we are cruising down the wrong one. It is a bad decision that progressively opens the door to further wrong decisions….
Elizabeth

======= Melanie:

I am being consumed by my daily hurts. Why do I forget God and let the cares of the world consume me? How can I change? I am not a young Christian but I have let life’s disappointments take me down. My soul does thirst for God…but not enough.
Melanie

======= Raeann:

Melanie this verse may help you.
16 And these are they likewise which are sown on stony ground; who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness;
17 And have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time: afterward, when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended.
Raeann

======= Jessica:

This is a link to a great poem that really speaks of what it means to die to ourselves…. http://www.allaboutfollowingjesus.org/living-sacrifice.htm
Dee, Your explanation of what it means to take up your cross was great. I remember when I first fell in love with Jesus I was rebuked by family and friends, and how it was a heavy pain to carry, but how wonderfully and faithfully He came along and gave me strength, filling my life with love and hope. He wants us to carry our cross, but He will help us when we are weary.
How awesome is He who loves us!
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
Blessings,
Jessica

======= Esther:

What does it mean to take up our cross?
Esther

======= Dee:

Esther, to take up our cross, is to physically get on board with Jesus, be His disciple, walk in His shoes, so to speak on earth. What did Jesus do, well he preached the gospel to all who would listen, he healed the sick, fed all who were hungry, prayed without ceasing, faced persecution, died a sinners death and rose and defeated death on a cross. Are we going to have to face that kind of ending. Most likely, no. but I do believe when we truly get committed and on the board with Jesus, you may and will face persecution from family, friends, and such and you have to mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually, take up that cross, and follow our Lord. It sometimes is tough to be rejected and such, but the end result is beautiful! God will open up the windows of heaven and pour you out an abundant blessing that you can’t contain. So take Jesus with you. Jesus said that “if you are my disciple, you must leave mother, father, sister, brother, and follow me” Luke 14:25-27. Matthew 16:25 says, For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. I hope this helps Esther, God Bless!!
Dee

======= Jennifer:

Just die and you will live. Leviticus tells us how we die to our inner self – Love your neighbor as yourself, and then Christ calls, take up your cross and follow me.
I have heard these verses, believed and felt that I was, but everyday I understand more and more how dieing gives life.
Jennifer

======= Steve:

Proverbs 10:17
Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray.
The thought of leading others astray because we have ignored correction is a haunting thought. Yes, I believe this is true, we can ignore correction that comes from the Lord and build our model of reality but we will lead others astray and it will surely collapse when the Lord test it. We are rebellious by nature so discipline and listening to correction is not our natural default setting. We can look at discipline and correction a lot of different ways but it always seems to come back to the same place, the reality that we must relinquish our desire to run the show and submit ourselves to the authority of God. Until He is running the show, we are in error, the blind leading the blind.
Steve

======= Neil:

I’m talking about my own context which is in Australia, and I live in an urban area. Around me I see that as Christians we don’t like to administer correction because that would seem judgemental. Is that because the linkages in our Christian life are loose? Are our relationships with brothers and sisters in Christ developing above an interest in sports or meteorology? Correction used wisely is a life saving tool. When someone has given me correction, I have gone away and thought about it and it shows that someone cares about you, that they are willing to help you. I have to say that the 2nd part about influencing others and our responsibility for that was an eye opener.
God bless
Neil

======= Elizabeth:

Holiness is not about what or what we do…It is all about Him…
When you love and meditate on Him His, Holiness comes so sweetly and we stand in His Holiness…
One of our favorite book is written by Bob Sorge
“Power of the Blood” You will be overwhelm with His Presence and will better understand no only the power in His blood, but His Holiness!
Elizabeth

======= Duane:

I know that sometimes we get frustrated because we are looking for purpose and meaning so that we will have some type of identity. But God knows who you are, and when we accept him and his salvation then we find our identity in him. As we do our jobs and as we exist in this life, we live to bring glory and honor to his name. Jesus wants us to make a difference in other people’s lives. As we walk close to the Lord, performing our jobs without complaining and demonstrating love to all, this will cause others to ask what is it that makes us so happy and different from the rest. This then becomes our opportunity to witness for our savior.In James we find these words, ” Dont’s just be a hearer of the word, but be a doer’”
Duane

======= Joe:

Duane, so well said. As my pastor said just last weekend, the worlds says you have to earn your worth, the lord says I am your worth. The Lord is the king and I am so happy to know that my worth is because of the king.
Joe

======== Bob:

Psalm 42: What do you do when your mind is there but your heart isn’t? There is a gap between your head and your heart. Here David is literaly in a fight with himself. How do you “wait on the Lord”? They who wait, he will renew their strength. Honestly, how would you do this? Vs 7 – you position yourself under the waterfall of Grace and wait. Walk in obedience, ask God to break your heart and to restore the joy of Salvation. Make God your treasure.
Bob

======= Jill:

I have a question for you Mike. You talk about where your identity is? We lay down our life for him. Where does family come in? Do we obsess over how much we see our family if I grew up in a large family and did lots of family things. Because that’s what we did! Do we give that expectation up ? It’s a diff generation. What about seeing our grandchildren. Where does honoring our parents come in here?
Jill

======= Chris:

How many times have I read about the martyrs, and wondered: “Would I be able to remain steadfast in professing Jesus if I were being burned at the steak? Fed to the lions? Or beheaded because I confessed Jesus as my Lord and savior? And then,
Jesus said it to Peter in Mark 8:33: “Get thee behind me, Satan: For thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.”
Ouch! That’s me. And then I read on to see how in Mark 8:35 If I want to save my life, I can be sure I will lose it.
OKay, I get it now. But I must constantly remind myself that this could happen at any time, so I better not flatter myself saying how much I love Jesus if I am not willing to go the full length. What a horrible thing to get there and only to be rejected because I rejected Jesus.
Talk is cheap. I’m going to try to be more aware and committed.
God’s love and blessings,
Chris

======= Jane:

Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me. By day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me — a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:7-8 NIV. I love this verse. I love the song with “deep calls to deep” it really makes me examine my Christian Faith and walk. How far are we willing to go? Are we willing to take up our cross and follow him whatever the case may be? He’s calling you and he’s calling me. Nothing can come before him. He will do whatever it takes for us to align up with him. Gods way Is the Highway! Jump on!
Jane

======= Judie:

This would have been a good day to feature the hymn: Holy, Holy, Holy. It would be nice from time to time to include some of the old traditional hymns for the song that goes along with the scripture. I do like some of the new worship songs, but many times, the words do not come through clearly enough for me to understand what they are singing.
Judie

======= Pat:

I’m sorry Mike I tried the Chronological Bible study but was just not pleased with it. I need Scripture from the New Testament and Psalms daily to fulfill me spiritually so starting today I’m returning to this One Year Bible study.
Pat

======= Jeffrey:

Mike,
Regarding correction, there have been a few times in my life when I know God was trying to correct me and get me to heed what he wanted me to do – not what I wanted to do. Sin is insidious and the devil is deceptive. We can go astray easily if we are not careful. It takes an open heart to receive correction for what it really is: love.
Jeffrey

======= Mitch:

OT – Root of Holy in Hebrew is “other”. So…
Be “other” because I, the Lord your God is (ultimate) other.
Be different from the Canaanites in what you eat, what you do, in your relationships, so that they will know you are “other” and you can tell the world “why”.
Look at all God’s commands and realize they are meant for the Israelites to flourish. In Mind, body, and soul. These were explicitly for Israelites, and unless repeated in NT (ex. Moral laws) not meant for current day Christians.
Punishments are severe because they are newly forming as a nation of people – and Need to realize – God views sin very seriously.
NT – Was just thinking of leaven and Pharisees’ bread. When Jesus asked if the disciples got it – was the lesson Jesus is the bread of life, bread is bountiful, and created by Him. On the other hand – Pharisees have existing bread that is infused with yeast (sin) – it gets puffed up but is not created by them just gets enlarged by spreading sin. Or something like that????
Why did it take two applications (tries) to heal the blind man? Did Jesus mess up (make a mistake). IMO think this is a picture of seeing (faith) is usually a process and not done in an instant. Or something like that?
Feel more positive about picking up your cross comment. People in that day in that location would get that “picking up your cross” means Jesus’ ministry was deadly serious. As those executed were made by Romans to carry their cross to place of execution. Israelites had seen it first hand in that the Romans had placed crucified men on crosses up and down the roads surrounding Jerusalem.
MItch

======= Dee:

Hi guys!
I love the way that the scriptures throughout old and new testament coorelate so well. Just like in Leviticus and Mark it talks about holiness. Our level of holiness through God with the responsiveness and willingness of our self to “get” out of the way and allow Gods Way to carry out the diving purpose we have in our lives. And then in Mark the last verse about following Jesus and when he returns he and his holy angels of God will come for those who seek Him, that is awesome! Holy, Holy, Holy!! Love that old bible hymnal.. Also, I loved Mark 8 verse 17 and 18: “Jesus knew what they were saying, so he said, “Why are you arguing about having no bread? Don’t you know or understand even yet? Are your hearts too hard to take it in? ‘You have eyes-can’t you see? You have ears-can’t you hear? Don’t you remember anything at all?”
–Doesn’t that sound typical of us, as humans..here the disciples had Jesus, the Living Son of God right there in their midst and they didn’t register in their head the miracles that just always “showed up” in their lives..God says that His Ways are not our ways, His Thoughts not our thoughts..we can’t even imagine or fathom the possibilities that God and the windows of Heaven will open up if we just believe! Put our hope and trust in Him, the author and finisher of our faith. Wow!! God is Good!! God bless.
Dee

======= John:

Satan
Since Satan is mentioned in Mark 8:33 I thought I would bring up a few things.
From the “Barna Group”
“Six out of ten Americans (59%) reject the existence of Satan, indicating that the devil, or Satan, is merely a symbol of evil. Catholics are much more likely than Protestants to hold this view – 75% compared to 55% – although a majority of both groups concur that Satan is symbolic.”
In Mark 8:33 I will grant that it can be argued that Satan is a real entity or that the concept is one of a “nebulous evil force”. I will also grant that nationally I am in the minority in my view of Satan as a “real entity”. It always seems strange to me when a person believes in God, and angels, yet Satan isn’t real.
As an unbeliever, I tried to prove the Bible wrong, and after quite a bit of time, I couldn’t prove my hypothesis. I understand that people have different views of the Bible and that some will spiritualize, allegorize, metaphorize, etc. the Bible. I believe the Bible is straightforward, and when I disagree with such a person mentioned above: The only point I want to make is that while we may disagree about interpretation, let us be real clear on what the Bible “says” on the issue.
So what does the bible say on “Satan”.
Old Testament
Satan is mentioned in Genesis, Job, and Zechariah. There is controversy over Genesis and I admit that different views on Satan can be argued in Genesis. So for now I would like to mention Job and Zechariah.
In Chapter of Job:
Let us play the analogy game –
“God is real”, “Job is real”, and “Satan is “______”.
“Classical Torah scholarship has not doubted Job’s existence.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Job_(person)
Christians that believe Job is real cite:
Ezek 14:14, 14:20 and James 5:11.
In Zech 3:
“the angel of the Lord is real”, “Joshua is real”, “Satan is “______”.
As stated before, I believe references in O.T. to THE angel of the Lord represent Christ. I would submit vs.4 as proof (at least in this instance).
Zech 3:4
“…Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put rich garments on you.”
Joshua here in Zech. has been referring to the High Priest in place in Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian Captivity. A real person.
Even if the chapter is a “good vs. evil” story, and I think it is such a story. Where Angel represents Good, Joshua represents Israel, and Satan represents Evil. IMO the characters that represent these roles are all “real”.
New Testament
While there are quite a few places in N.T. that Satan can be regarded as an “entity” or as evil that is just a “nebulous force”, the important thing is that it could be considered either one.
So where does it seem clear that it can only be one of those choices.
“…consider the emphasis on Satan within the whole of the Sacred Text, the importance placed on the fact of his existence by both biblical writers and the Son of God Himself, and the critical role he has played in the necessity of God’s great plan of salvation for mankind.”
Matt 12:26
“If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then can his kingdom stand?”
How does a nebulous force cast out a nebulous force? Notice himself (Gk. Heautou)is a personal pronoun – not “itself”.
Luke 22:31
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat.”
How does a nebulous force ask or better translated “demand” anything?
1John 3:8
“He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning…”
How does a nebulous force sin? It is evil and just IS. Sinning is an action taken by an entity, not some passive state of being in the wrong.
Matt 13:39
“and the enemy who sows them is the devil….”
Jesus is explaining the parable. He is explaining what the symbolism represents – the real person or thing.
Good place to stop. With a clear example by our Savior.
I realize that these examples and many others will not change the minds of those who believe Evil is a nebulous force. But for those of you who haven’t made up your mind, are not sure, or are new to Chrisitianity; I implore you, do not believe me,nor an article I post, nor a liberal theologian, nor spiritual books. Instead:
Go to the primary source. Go to the “Word” and do a word study on Satan, Devil, evil one, tempter, etc. Pray about what you read, reflect on it, and make up your own minds.
What does the Bible say, not how it applies in your life or based on pre-conceived notions.
John

======= Ann:

John, if you present all these arguments about satan and in the end you say, “I implore you, do not believe me…” sounds so contradictory isn’t it?
Reading your postings obvivously looks that you’re trying to convince people but thought you weren’t convincing anyway?
Ann

======= John:

Ann,
I have no idea if I was convincing or not regarding my post on Satan :).
I am thouroughly convinced that Satan is a “REAL ENTITY”, but in the end it does not matter what I think.
The purpose of the post was to get people to think, and explore the issue on their own.
I think too many times Christians get enamored with a book, an article, or a persuasive person’s argument on a theological point (issue, doctrine, etc.). They subsequently just adopt that point without really thinking about it, praying about it, or consulting the “Word” about it. That is the same as the “house built on sand” from Matthew’s gospel.
What I was imploring was not to believe written or spoken versions on either side of the issue: “real entity” vs. nebulous force”. Conservative or Liberal.
By extension, the imploring continues down to:
“Go to the primary source. Go to the “Word” and do a word study on Satan, Devil, evil one, tempter, etc. Pray about what you read, reflect on it, and make up your own minds.”
I listed four verses in the New Testament, there are many more to look at and consider.
Build your “house on a bedrock” of study, prayer , and reflection – that ONE does on his or her own.
[BTW think of this decision matrix:
“If you beleive the Devil is a “real entity” and you are right, you can be prepeared for spiritual warfare.”
“If you are wrong, it ends up being a non-event.”
If you believe Satan just represents a “nebulous force”, and you are right – then you can just go thru life knowing that evil just “is”, and it may or may not touch you.
If you are wrong, you will be woefully unprepared for spiritual warfare and the resultant attacks on your faith. Your testimony will be a shambles, and real harm may come to you, yours, and your church.]
John

Leviticus 16:29-18:30 + Mark 7:24-8:10 + Psalm 41:1-13 + Proverbs 10:15-16
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today we finish up Leviticus chapter 16 with a very simple but powerful statement in verse 34 – “Moses followed all these instructions that the LORD had given to him.”  Moses followed all of the instructions…  That sounds so simple, but think about really how amazing it is.  Moses did not veer to the left or the right.  He stayed on the narrow path.  He followed the instructions.  The Sermon on the Mount in Matthews 5-7 is a nice summary of some instructions to us from Jesus.  Can what was said of Moses be said of us today?  Are we following all of the instructions Jesus has given us?  Don’t beat yourself up over this if the answer is no.  Not one of us is perfect this side of heaven – except for Jesus.  Moses was not perfect either. But, I think we can hopefully learn something from Moses’ obedience to God’s instructions.  I do believe that each of us today can walk along the narrow path to follow Jesus in faith, follow his teachings in faith, and become more and more like Him as we go.  Even if we trip or stumble along the Way, if we continue in our faith in Jesus and who he truly is, we will indeed become more like Him as we follow Him.  How well are you doing at following Jesus’ instructions in your life today?

Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org’s commentary on Leviticus chapter 17, “The Preciousness of Blood,” is at this link.   A quote from Bob from this link – “The Israelite of old learned from Leviticus, as nowhere else up to that point in time, the preciousness of blood to God. How much greater value does blood take on for the New Testament saint, whose blessings are all a result of the shed blood of Jesus Christ. As Harrison summarizes the matter, “The blood is the life of the flesh (Lev. 17:11), and it is through the atoning blood of Christ that the believer receives redemption (I Pet. 1:18-19), forgiveness (Eph. 1:7), justification (Rom. 5:9), spiritual peace (Col. 1:20), and sanctification (Heb. 13:12).”

Leviticus 18 is primarily a chapter about forbidden sexual practices.  However – before we get to those – I think verses 1-5 are incredibly powerful as God reminds the Israelites that he is their God – and that he has set them apart from the pagans surrounding them – and that his laws must be obeyed by the Israelites – “Then the LORD said to Moses, “Say this to your people, the Israelites: I, the LORD, am your God. So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all my regulations and be careful to keep my laws, for I, the LORD, am your God. If you obey my laws and regulations, you will find life through them. I am the LORD.”  As I read this I see the compassionate nature of God throughout history.  The laws were so much better than the pagan ways of the nations surrounding Israel.  The laws were better.  More compassionate than immorality to be sure.  Check out again Bob Deffinbaugh on Leviticus chapter 18 verses 1-5 titled “Obedience—The Obligation of Being Owned” at this link.  And below is one of my favorite obedience cartoons… 🙂

For the rest of Leviticus chapter 18 I’m going to punt once again over to Bob Deffinbaugh at bible.org at this link.   Here’s a quote from Bob at this link – “Leviticus 18:6-29 has a very simple structure and message. Its intent is to define the boundaries of godly human sexual relationships. There are three of them, which I call the inner, middle, and outer boundaries of godly sexuality. Verses 6 through 18 define the “inner boundary,” prohibiting sexual relationships with close relatives. Verses 19 and 20 define the “middle boundary,” which limits sexual relations within marriage and prohibits them outside marriage. Verses 21 through 23 define the “outer boundary” of unnatural sexual relations. Verses 24 through 29 tell us about God’s judgment upon a nation that crosses these boundaries. They clearly tell us that God’s judgment for sexual sin is all nations, not just the covenant nation of Israel.”

New Testament – Mark chapter 7 opens up with a gentile woman begging Jesus to release her daughter from the control of a demon.  Verses 27 through 29 are a fascinating look at Jesus’ ministry –  “Jesus told her, “First I should help my own family, the Jews. It isn’t right to take food from the children and throw it to the dogs.” She replied, “That’s true, Lord, but even the dogs under the table are given some crumbs from the children’s plates.” “Good answer!” he said. “And because you have answered so well, I have healed your daughter.”  Here we see that Jesus’ ministry was initially to the Jews, but here he heals a gentile woman’s daughter because of her humility and faith.  And of course as we get to the Great Commission at the end of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus’ ministry is clearly for “all nations”.  In fact, Mark’s Gospel is a good indicator of how Jesus’ ministry quickly expanded beyond the Jews as Mark likely wrote this Gospel in Rome and to a primarily Roman gentile believer audience.

Today in chapter 7 verses 32 through 34 we read – “A deaf man with a speech impediment was brought to him, and the people begged Jesus to lay his hands on the man to heal him. Jesus led him to a private place away from the crowd. He put his fingers into the man’s ears. Then, spitting onto his own fingers, he touched the man’s tongue with the spittle. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and commanded, “Be opened!” Instantly the man could hear perfectly and speak plainly!” I love this image below based on these verses… please meditate on this image for a few moments…  What do you think is going through this man’s mind at this moment?  What is he experiencing?

Psalms – Today we read in Psalm 41 verse 1 – “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble.” For some reason this verse really opens up my heart. Something about the word “weak.” Maybe this verse really speaks to me because I myself feel weak at times. And yet, I am so blessed in so many ways. And I realize that there are so many others out there in this world who may not have the blessings that I have, and who are struggling through an extremely tough cycle of weakness. And I wonder – what am I doing to help those who are weak? Do I really have regard for the weak? Do you? What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak? Are we investing time or finances into the weak? Are we praying for the weak? Are we loving the weak?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 16 is powerful stuff! “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.”  This is so true.  I know there have been times in my life in the past where I was not walking with the Lord and I absolutely squandered my money on sin – and my life was certainly not enhanced in the process. For some reason this verse also makes me think about how sometimes we pursue big salaries and big jobs or careers so that we can spend big bucks on a lavish lifestyle.  And I wonder… at the end of the day what that game buys us?  I don’t think much.  I have been thinking more and more lately about how much wisdom there is in living a simple godly life.  Maybe take a job that pays less…. but where you work less… you are less stressed… but you can do things like spend more time with God, your family, your friends, and serving others….  where you can read more good books… exercise more…. sleep a full 8 hours a night….  enjoy each day and not be so worried all the time about the future…    Sure – with a job that pays less you won’t be able to be out and about on the town each night living the “high life”.  But is this really living?  Really?    In my own life, I do think about how much “earnings” do I really need – and if maybe…. perhaps…. somehow less is actually more?

Worship Video:  Our readings reminded me of the Jon Reddick song “God, Turn It Around” sung live here with Matt Maher:

Has God turned it around for you? Click here and be turned around!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on three verses of Scripture today: “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.” Psalm 41:1-3 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will have regard for the weak. Pray that God will protect you and preserve you. Pray for the weak. Pray that they would be made strong in the LORD.

Comments from You & Question of the Day – Based on these Proverbs reflections above, do you think living with less can somehow actually add more to our lives?  Is there value in living a simple life?  What are some simple life habits that you are practicing these days?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
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======= Ramona:

Leviticus 16:29-18:30
By now I think my surprise by what I uncover in the scriptures should be muted, but it isn’t. I am amazed when questions recently asked and or scripture answers ones asked long ago. I seem to never get over how answers fall into place if one just keeps seeking, knocking and asking. Yet the question asked has long since floated out of my memory no longer stored at the forefront of my mind.
This passage in chapter 17 answers my forgotten question,
3 If any Israelite sacrifices a bull or a lamb or a goat anywhere inside or outside the camp 4 and does not bring it to the entrance of the Tabernacle to present it as an offering to the LORD, that person will be guilty of a capital offense. Such a person has shed blood and must be cut off from the community. 5 This rule will stop the Israelites from sacrificing animals in the open fields. It will cause them to bring their sacrifices to the priest at the entrance of the Tabernacle, so he can present them to the LORD as peace offerings.
I have always wondered why Israel’s first King, Saul, had the kingdom taken away from him over a sacrifice he made while he waited for the prophet Samuel to come to him. It was the prophet who was to offer up the sacrifice, however, Saul saw his fighting men desert him while waiting. I had acknowledged that there was probably something Saul did in a long list of don’t dos, but I wasn’t quit sure which one or ones he had violated, and today I find it.
1 Samuel 13
11 …Saul replied, “I saw my men scattering from me, and you didn’t arrive when you said you would, and the Philistines are at Micmash ready for battle. 12 So I said, `The Philistines are ready to march against us, and I haven’t even asked for the LORD’s help!’ So I felt obliged to offer the burnt offering myself before you came.”
13 “How foolish!” Samuel exclaimed. “You have disobeyed the command of the LORD your God. Had you obeyed, the LORD would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your dynasty must end, for the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart. The LORD has already chosen him to be king over his people, for you have not obeyed the LORD’s command.”
Sorry, but I’m just too excited to focus on anything else.
I don’t have much else to say about this particular passage that hasn’t been covered by either me or someone on the site; however, there is something very interesting that caught my eye, the Sabbath. When we were in Exodus we had a discussion on our designated day of rest, Saturday or Sunday, and should we adhere to the whatever day was the true Sabbath.
In verses 29 through 31 of chapter 16, the Sabbath is presented as a designated day and not an actual set day of the week. I’m not sure how many days the Jewish Religious and or Secular calendar has (Some Mid-Eastern Religious Calendars have 360 days), but my birthday is celebrated in the same month, November, and the same day, the 15th, however, the day of the week is never the same from year to year.
God gives Moses a command to celebrate the Day of Atonement on a set date in a specific month and He calls it a Sabbath day. That day then could fall on the first day of the week, the middle day or on the last day of the week from year to year.
“On the appointed day in early autumn, you must spend the day fasting and not do any work. This is a permanent law for you, and it applies to those who are Israelites by birth, as well as to the foreigners living among you. On this day, atonement will be made for you, and you will be cleansed from all your sins in the LORD’s presence. It will be a Sabbath day of total rest, and you will spend the day in fasting. This is a permanent law for you. (Leviticus 16:29-31 NLT)
In the Message, it reads like this:
“This is standard practice for you, a perpetual ordinance. On the tenth day of the seventh month, both the citizen and the foreigner living with you are to enter into a solemn fast and refrain from all work, because on this day atonement will be made for you, to cleanse you. In the presence of GOD you will be made clean of all your sins. It is a Sabbath of all Sabbaths. You must fast. It is a perpetual ordinance. (Leviticus 16:29-31 MSG)
Mark 7:25-8:10
I absolutely love the story of the Syrophoenician woman; I just absolutely love her. Here is a woman who is not a child of the Covenant, she is not entitled to the benefits of relationship with the Father, yet she accepts what many would consider an insult, in fact it was an insult to be called a dog by a Jew. Yet she passed the test because she wanted what was best for her daughter, to be released from the oppression of a demon spirit. No matter the insult, she was not asking for full privilege, she was happy to accept the crumbs because the crumbs were better than nothing. Her perseverance in the face of an insult, which was a test, gave her access to the whole cake. She is a model for everyone who calls on the name of the Lord to never give up, never give in, and never give out.
Previously we saw in chapter five of Mark that a whole town would have preferred a man so full of demons to remain in bondage then to have there precious pigs destroyed. Boy, what a reversal. The townsfolk were offended because of a miracle, but this woman took accepted an offense to get a miracle. What would I do?
Psalm 41:1-13
As you read and study the Bible you come to realize how inadequate our English words really are. You discover things like, there are over fifteen Hebrew words translated “poor” in English and you learn that they do not have the same connotation that we assume when we hear the word poor. This is particularly true in the first verse of this Psalm.
Since the consideration given to the poor evokes blessings on the one doing the considering, it is good to know that this poor is not the one meaning lack of resources. Well it does but that is not the full meaning. It is the poor that is low, weak, thin, possibly one who is depressed and maybe, “Poor in spirit.”
1 Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor.
The LORD rescues them in times of trouble.
Either way, am I kind to the poor? Do I recognize that being nice is not equivalent to being kind? Hmmm!
Proverbs 10:15-16
15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their calamity.
This weight and power of this verse can so easily be passed by. This verse sounds like a given, yet do we stop and think if there is true safety in having a fortress made of wealth, when scripture states that the name of the Lord is a strong tower? So we make think in passing that wealth gives protection, and it does, we may fail to see how flimsy it is because it can be here today and gone tomorrow.
And what about the second part, “the poverty of the poor …” Their calamity is not in being poor but it is the poverty that makes them destitute. Again poverty and poor are not one and the same. One can be poor yet not have even a shadow of poverty; in fact one can be in a state of richness. I believe the poverty spoken about here is being without God, excluded from His fellowship.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Mark:

Psalm 41:12 You know me inside and out, you hold me together, you never fail to stand me tall in your presence so I can look you in the eye. Mike, this verse reminds me of your picture illustrating Jesus healing the deaf-mute. I noticed the eyes of the man kneeling there, looking into the face of the gracious healer, trying to fathom: “What kind of love is this that reaches out and embraces me?”
Indeed!!
Mark

======= Sally:

I also think it was Proverbs that stood out, especially in light of the commentary. “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.” Before we walked with the Lord, we had a lot of financial issues (which we are still paying for) and we made more money….but since we have come back to the Lord and honored Him with our Tithe – somehow, we always make it without having to penny pinch too much…He has taught us to live with less and not notice. He is good.
Sally

======= Micah Girl:

Simplicity has been my goal for this year, and already my life seems clearer and more focused. Rather than filling up every hour with commitments from the moment I wake up I have been reading the bible and exercising. I am next going to be working on extended prayer time which has been eluding me. The materialism of our culture is constantly urging me to work more, spend more, and sacrifice for stuff rather than people. I am going to continue to keep as my priorities (thought not perfectly) God & people.
Micah Girl

======= Pat:

I have made simplicity my goal for this year. I use to work long hours and didn’t have time for anything. I was miserable. I spent time with God in prayer and boy did he give me a nice part time job and I make more on this job than on the one I spent hours working. He really has blessed me. I have time for my personal life. I was more concerened about having time for things like church and spending more time with family and he just has really blessed me. Isn’t that just like our God????
Pat

======= Ann:

In reading Leviticus, It reveals how precise and exact our God is to things and though it might not make sense to us, it draws my attention to how awesome God is. He covers every minute detail and leaves nothing undone. This should speak to us about how thorough God is in seeing to it that we are taken care of. It also makes me Grateful and thankful that Jesus fulfilled all this through His dying on the cross and accounting for all sin and became the Supreme Sacrifice and escape goat that we not have the consequences of our sins fall on us but, our sin fell instead on Him who died and rose again just for us so we might be set free from all these year to year sacrifices for sins and being unclean.
It should make every person with deep respect to God for all that He has done for us and all he asks is simple obedience to Him. He already prepared, and provided all, A-L-L- for us and Just wants us to simply Believe and accept.
Why we make it so complex is because of the finite ways that we as yet are growing daily out of and as the Holy Spirit of God does what Philippians 1:6 says we are being conformed in to the image of His dear Son.
May every one as we approach Easter in another month, begin to meditate on these things that God gave for us to be having continual fellowship with Him as If they had never sinned. Now we must learn to let Him change us within through our prayers, reading of His Word and letting His Holy Spirit work in our lives.
Ann

======= Laverne:

Its interesting to see how the Holy Spirit works in my life. Our Ash Wednesday sermon came from Matthew 28: 19-20 the sermon was titled “From Believer To Disciple”. Our Rev. challenged us to choose a day of the wek and spend ONLY $1.00, so that we might see how some people all over the globe are living. Now one of our comments you’re asking is based on the same principle. Well aw’ritey!! I totally believe that if we can learn to live on less then God will bless us with more..That is not the reason I am doing it but for the greater good of being diciplined.
Laverne

======= Angie:

i just want to thank mae for opening my heart to all this. i’ve had a really, really rough year last year and i don’t know what i would have not done without her, even though she probably thought at some times i was a total pysco path and i probably am. but she is such an encouragement. i see how happy and at peace she is and i want that same feeling. someday i know i will have it too. slowly. as i tell her, baby steps. all in good time. i’ve never met someone quite like her in my life before. i’ve always had people judge me and its always hurt like, well, you know. but not mae. and she made me realize that not only she doesn’t judge, but she taught me that neither does god, and that he is always there for me even when i get so flippin angry at him and try to close him out, which i did for a long time. but since i opened my heart and asked for forgiveness, i feel like for once in my life, my prayers are finally being answered. and i’m starting to feel some peace in my life. i’m seeing a whole new light. i’ve been “stalking” this page for a month or two now and decided i was ready to join it and to learn more.
i absolutely believe that living less can actually add more to our lives. i was working in a factory making close to 13 dollars an hour. i hated it there. one huge reason i took a volunteer layoff. then my unemployment started running out and i had to get another job. i work less hours, and make less money but for once, i’m happy. we still do the things we normally do but for some reason, i’m happier. i’m here in town, only 1 minute from home instead of a 30 minute drive. and the people are so much nicer and the job is a whole lot less stressful. i AM less stressed, (just ask mae!!!! lol), i’m able to work on my art more and read more, go to the movies in the afternoon and to the coffeehouse without obnoxious teenagers and its quieter and i’m happier. i don’t like crowds. they make me nervous. so my hours work out great for me. and again, i’m happy. me and my husband are getting along much better now also. which is a huge plus.
i guess simple life habits is reading this everyday, and trying to take my vitamins everyday which is a huge chore for me since taking pills is hard for me. i have a hard time swallowing them so i just decide not do to take them. even though they make me feel better and i have more energy. and trying to keep my big mouth shut when i get angry. trying to control my temper. and trust me, i have a nasty bad temper.
psalms 41 verse 1 stood out to me. i guess i just love the chapter of psalms. it has always calmed my nerves and i feel like god really understands how i feel and that he is talking to me. (is that weird of me to think that?) that here he is telling me that he is there in my time of troubles. cuz when i’m in trouble and feel like i have no where to go and no one to go to, i feel weak and vunerable. but yet hes there and then i feel better.
Angie

======= Mae:

Sweetie, you don’t have to thank me, you know that, right? But I’m glad you did ha ha ha ha ha You know what, the Lord really helped me, He gave me the directions. He wanted you to be in His Kingdom and that’s why He helped me! You know how much I love you, right? Well girl, He loves you even more … I know, I know … it seems impossible since I love you to the moon and back, but really … God loves you even more, He loves you eternally!!! I’m so happy you asked God for forgiveness, that’s what we need, right? I’m proud of you! I’m proud of who you are and what you do! Babysteps are just fine, I mean … that’s really what you are right? A baby? Just like I am LOL I was saved only 5,5 months ago, I’m a baby!!!! I love you so much, my silly silly girl!!!!!
And you know, it’s not weird of you to think that God really understands you, because He DOES understand you! He lives in your heart, so He knows what’s going on in there! I’m happy to hear that He talks to you … now you can experience that you’re never alone!
I’m so happy you posted a comment … you really made my day and warmth my heart!
Again: I love you!!!!
I absolutely love the question of the day: Based on these Proverbs reflections above, do you think living with less can somehow actually add more to our lives? Is there value in living a simple life? ~ I used to be one of those girls (women? LOL) who thought that materialistic things could ease my heart. I wanted it BIG, I wanted it EXPENSIVE. So the world could see that I was a manager, I had money, I was a respected woman. UGH, how sad … I wanted expensive brands, because I thought so less of the ‘regular’ brands. I’ve always been casual and not bling bling, but the Jeans HAD to be Diesel, my shirt HAD to be DKNY, my shoes HAD to be Jimmy Choo, my purse HAD to be Bjorn Borg. Things have changed a while ago when I started to realize I missed something in my heart. Expensive clothes, expensive furniture and my shopaholic behaviour didn’t help me fill up that aching gap in my heart. So two years ago I gave my husband all my cards and told him not to give it back to me any time soon. Even if I was threathning him with the big D-word LOL It was a life-changing experience for me, I know, it sounds sad, but it did change my life a lot. The first months were pure torture for me … honestly! It was so painful that I wanted to steel!!! I just needed to HAVE the new DKNY cologne! One morning I looked in the mirror and was ashamed of the person I saw in it … ‘I needed to HAVE things’. That was absolutely NOT how I was raised by my parents. A little while after that moment we were at the point that we almost got bankrupt and I had to take a job, ANY job. I cried my eyes out, because taking any job, meant: no matter what your resume sais … you just get a job! So I applied for just any job … I didn’t care: cleaning offices … if I had to, I would! This was actually the time when I got saved. At that time Jesus was knocking at my door, not only knocking, He kept asking me how long I thought I could be this stubborn. Me being a Christian changed a lot in me, it makes me the person I want to be! Happy … satisfied … patient … friendly … I don’t care what other people think of me, I care what God thinks of me. Of course I still love DKNY, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany’s … come on, I’m a woman!!!! But I’ve come to peace with it that I don’t NEED it! The beauty of it all is that Rene will be promoted soon and I know we’ll be able to afford all those things again. With him promoted and me having a great job … but I don’t need it! I buy what I like, I buy what I really need … not what I think I need. We don’t life in a new and expensive neighborhood, but we don’t care, we’re happy here. When we first moved here, I just saw this as an in-between-house, just till we’d find something better. But we love the house and I don’t care what other people think anymore. This year we won’t go to Bali for a vacation, this year we’ll be taking care of a little girl from the United Kingdom. It’s this European Children Foundation we entered. We’ll take care of a child that lives in a poor family and they can’t afford to go on vacation or go places for a day. This makes me happy, the thought of making a child happy makes me happy! A simple life furfills my life more than walking around like a psycho-shopper!!! Ha ha ha ha!!!!!!!!!
Mae

======= Steve:

I’ve been attending church for about a year and was baptised last summer, but I have been struggling with keeping the faith burning in my heart since Christmas.
I don’t understand the commentary on the OT readings today surrounding sexual relations and the church attitude in general. The commentary says that v. 19 & 20 forbid sexual relations outside marriage. Reading from the NIV, v. 19 forbids sexual relations during a womans monthly period, v. 20 forbids sexual relations with another mans wife. (I’m doing this from memory, as I can’t comment and read the verses on my mobile device at the same time, so they might be the other way around!). So neither of those verses actually say, “Don’t have sexual relations outside marriage. V. 19 links back to yesterday’s readings on blood, v. 20 links back essentially to the 10 commandments of don’t commit adultery. The last 2 verses are pretty clear on forbiding male homosexuality and bestiality. The preceding ones seem to deal with incest. Those two deal with the ceremonially unclean and adultery. I can’t see where you get the sexual relations outside marriage from? In fact throughout the entire bible from what I have read (I did read the YOB from March last year) the only references are to sexual immorality.
Can anyone point me to the actual verse that says not to have sexual relations outside marriage? I must admit this is only a small question out of the many I have had whilst reading through the Bible, I don’t want to offend anyone, but find its questions like these that I have trouble getting answers to and that start sowing the seeds of losing faith because I hear what people say, and just can’t seem to find the black and white words to confir that in the Bible. End of comment for today, my thumbs ache after typing all that on a Blackberry sized keyboard!
Thanks
Steve

======= Kim:

In reference to your question about sexual relations outside of marriage. One of the commandments specifically says “thou shalt not commit adultery”. In addition to that from the old testament, Jesus speaks to adultery as even the thought of lusting after another woman if a man was married. These are no inferences. It is really quite clear that there are to be no sexual relations outside of marriage.
you asked for the specific versus about sexual relationships outside of marriage, here they are..
Mathew 5:38; Mathew 10:11,12,19; Mathew 19:5.
Kim

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Everyone,
Steve–many blessings on your decision to follow Christ! I can tell you that when I became a Christian at 23, it was not as if all of my questions were neatly resolved and I instantly followed God in every way. I still had gobs of questions and there were many areas of my life I did not yield to Him.
I believe that a true conversion experience is a complex life-changing event (especially if you come to Christ as an adult). Your decision may happen in a day, but the working out of your faith, your growth in Him has just begun! It’s a marathon–a process that will continue until we die and are perfected in Him.
I still remember when I first became a Christian (16 years ago now), I was struck by the fact that I had to rethink the way I looked at the world in every significant way. This was definitely a process. In some ways, I kept trying to reconcile my old “self” with the new. The Lord was faithful to shape me and reveal things to me bit by bit. It would have been too much if He gave it to me all at once!
some of the more difficult areas of Christianity and the Bible, I had to submit up to God again and again. Some answers were easier and quicker than others. Some very sloooow; they came only after a number of years and sometimes after I had stopped asking that particular question! I moved on and was asking a new questions then He sometimes answered my old ones ; ). I think He has a sense of humor like that.
My experience is also that we have to be careful with the spirit in which we approach the Word. We can read things into the text or out of them–depending upon the condition of our hearts and willingess to see. Remember that the Pharisees knew their scriptures well.
My best advice (and this was advice given to me) would be to keep your yes on Jesus. Keep Him front and center and keep your communication with Him fresh and real. Cling to Him. Pray to Him when you read His word and ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart and eyes.
If you approach Him and His word with thirst and honesty, I know that He will give you peace about your question and many others that will come along.
You are on the right track with asking questions–seeking answers and help from others. Also, learn how to “dig” through the Word with a concordance or cross-reference. A subject-themed concordance (like a “Life Application” handbook) was very helpful to me when I first became a Christian. It helped me think through areas I had questions about and put the scripture in context.
My second piece of advice would be to find a strong and trustworthy Christian mentor. Someone a bit older than you who is steady in their faith. They don’t have to be a “friend” but God will use that relationship and they will become a truer friend over time than many “friends” you would choose. You can learn so much from a solid brother or sister in Christ. Also, they can pray for you and be a sounding board for you as you navigate through difficulties.
Finally, here are some more scriptures for you to consider. I pulled them from my old “Handbook of Bible Application” ; ) My experience is that wisdom has a gentle voice that speaks quietly but definitively over time.
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“Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body[a] in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that in this matter no one should wrong his brother or take advantage of him. The Lord will punish men for all such sins, as we have already told you and warned you. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 4:1-8
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Here is the passage Kim mentioned:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell. –Matthew 5:27-30
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And one more…
“The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also. Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit.
Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
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I find the word choice in that last passage compelling…we are to FLEE from sexual immorality–pretty strong words there! I also like that passage because it points out the positive goal in all of this–it’s that we are to HONOR God with our bodies. It’s part of being different and set apart.
When I struggled with this issue, I thought of it more in terms of abstract “do’s” and “don’ts” I didn’t understand why God would request such a thing of me–it seemed legalistic. But, it is more about God wanting the very best for us–sexual sin gets us into a heap of trouble–it’s not the VERY best, and it doesn’t glorify Him.
I hope all this blathering helps some–it’s just an honest response from a fellow pilgrim. I’ll make a point to pray for you, brother : )
Elizabeth

======= Kary:

Mike,
just a point about how living simply does not necessarily mean earning less. My father started a company and when he did he thought how his priorities should be God first, family second, and self last. He took the number of hours in a week, and counted backwards how much time for God (church, study, prayer, etc) then for his family, then for sleep, etc and found he could only spend 40 hours a week at work. He then started with those times for the Lord and family as a commitment. He then trusted God to take care of all the things in his business that he couldn’t do in those hours he was not there. Almost any entrepreneur will tell you that you cannot start a serious company in only 40 hours a week but my dad just gave that to the Lord.
I can attest to the fact that he was home every night at exactly 6pm to be with us his family and he never brought work home to compete and let me tell you that often took great faith on his part that the Lord would help, especially in tough times. The Lord then gave his company tremendous success, I mean it even went public and continued to grow, as it was God who really brought the increase as my dad was faithful to God. Even after going public while serving as CEO & Chairman (though my dad rarely used the title Chairman – he used to tell me God was Chairman of his company) my dad still kept to 40 hours a week except for the occasional business trip. I mention this because the “earnings” from this became absolutely tremendous and my dad was able to start a foundation that today (and I hesitate to say this but) gives money away annually in the 7 figures to a lot of “weak” people and to help evangelize the world for Christ. Can you imagine what impact that simplicity has had? Especially while never robbing us the family or God of either’s respective time.
I say all this to make the case that you can be simple and actually make more “earnings,” just it has to be God’s way, through God providing, and that earning more might even be a worthwhile goal as God then can use you through those earnings in a very powerful way to expand and serve the Kingdom of God mightily doing His will to take care of the weak. To further the goal of being simple the temptation may be to “make less” but in my opinion that misses it as I have seen people making less and still not able to live simply. Instead trust the Lord and then “commit all you do to the Lord and He will bring it to pass” (Psalm 37:5).
I find that once you give to someone who is weak and unable to care for themself you instantly want to be able to give more. Earning less may actually rob us of this great opportunity to serve the Lord especially when we, who God has given the ability to earn more, can. We just need to do it within the bounds of putting the Lord first and our family second. I know giving money away is not the only thing but there is so much need out there for it (so many people around the world need financial help, or need services (medical, justice, etc) that can only be provided with financial resources – and there are so many great ministries, yet alone not to mention giving to evangelism) and I believe we can do so much with God in such a huge way almost unimaginable to us, all the while keeping our priorities right. My dad would point to Proverbs 3:9-10 as a way to live simply and then be able to provide for the Kingdom in ways you never dreamed.
Kary

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Again,
Kary, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed and was strengthened by your father’s story.
What a great illustration of putting God first. I think so many men struggle with this (and women too, but especially men in their work). I think women often put their family first, but not their husbands or God.
Anyway…I did not have parents who modeled faith to me. I am strengthened by stories like your father’s because they model how it should be.
God Bless!
Kary

======= Arielle:

Kary
Thank you so much for sharing a part of your life with us. It made me think am I putting my GOD first every time. There are days when worries and other life situation take precedance and I forget to put my GOD first.
Your story has inspired me and I am definitely looking to make that change
Arielle

======= Kary:

Thank you Elizabeth and Arielle. I felt compelled to share as I feel I was so amazingly blessed by this element of my life (my mom was (is) just like that too growing up for us) that I try as much as possible to allow it to bless others in some way even if just by sharing it others are encouraged and inspired. I believe my parent’s reward in Heaven will be huge as much for this aspect of their life as for anything else, if not more. It really kept me from getting into all the trouble that all (and I mean all) of my friends got into growing up. My parents weren’t only my parents to me they became my mentors and my best friends, and this helps me tremendously now with my own wife and kids.
Kary

======= Steve:

Is there value in living a simple life? What are some simple life habits that you are practicing these days?
I know a little bit about the less is more lifestyle. It was October 22, 2007 when our home was hit by a sudden wildfire firestorm. It was the perfect storm, 70 mile per hour gusting Santa Ana winds, everything was dry after a semi drought season when some PG&E electrical lines started sparking from the buffeting high winds against some untrimmed palm trees, starting a wildfire that was headed our way. We grabbed a few pictures and evacuated, our entire city was evacuated as this firestorm approached us. Four days later the authorities started allowing people back into the city so we could return to our homes. Our home was gone, absolutely nothing taller than a few inches remained. As I walked across the ashes, the soles of my shoes began to melt from the heat still beneath the gray ash. We suddenly had become minimalist with nothing but the clothes on our back and a few pictures.
The next year was extremely difficult for us, not knowing if we had enough insurance to comply with all the new code improvements and fire dept access requirements and so forth. It was the not knowing that seemed to hold us hostage, we were suddenly in the desert, wandering in hope of the promise land. Afraid to spend the insurance money from the contents portion of our insurance coverage, we lived thrifty and got by with the minimum. Here’s the interesting part, in a sense we were free, no longer tethered to all our stuff. I know that sounds crazy but we began to see possessions differently, they were not as important as they used to be.
Just so you know, we ended up fine, we didn’t rebuilt on the same property from the fire, instead two years later we bought another home, taking advantage of the 2008 financial meltdown that cause real estate prices to drop significantly. Yes, our new home is even better. This wildfire had changed everything, it shook us up, down and sideways but we came out of it better off in many ways, especially in my personal relationship with the Lord. The lesson we learned is never again be entangled in our possessions, everything belongs to God.
Steve

======= Frederick:

Mark 7:32-34
I refer to Mike’s comments on Jesus’ healing of the deaf and mute. I can think of the spiritual deafness and muteness in some of us. Do we able to hear and understand from God? Do our tongues speak of God’s words? I am afraid, some of us need the spiritual healing of Jesus on our spiritual deafness and muteness.
Frederick

======= Duane:

As I reflect back on the day I was saved, I remember praying to God to heal me of all my insecurties. Believe there were many. But my number #1 prayer request was for deliverance from studdering.I prayed for God to heal me for about three months. One day while I was praying, the holy sprit whisper to me,”Duane when was the last time you studder?” Wow, I didn’t even know when it happen but what a revelation it was. Yes, I also struggle with wanting more. I feel like I could have made better decisions when I was younger and now I’m trying to make up for those mistakes. I’m striving to be the best I can be but I want it to be according to God’s will. This is where its hard, distingishing my will to God’s.
Duane

======= Cheryl:

I recently heard a Rabbi speak about worshipping and living for God versus worshipping a false god. Back in the days of the Israelites in Leviticus times, the nations around them worshipped many false gods. One popular false god was Baal. The Rabbi said that the worship of Baal included perverse sexual practices, perverse practices with bodily fluids, etc. according to any carnal desire or living according to the flesh. The Rabbi said God’s laws given to the Israelites were to help them rise above their carnal desires and live “clean” lives as a worship to God and not a worship of flesh. This set the Israelites apart from the nations around them and also helped them live by the Spirit.
This really helped me understand more Leviticus and all the laws of God. Then when Jesus came, He also preached living by the Spirit, examining our hearts and motives and not giving into every desire of the flesh.
Cheryl

======= Jim:

Hi I have been struggling and trying so hard in the last ten years to find the career that pays more. And I have similar thoughts. Is more really less. Currently my employer is working on wellness and the top two issues are stress and morbidity. Indicators that more can be less. Thanks for your posts, I am really happy to know that my thoughts are very similar to yours on work.
Jim

======= Cathy:

Hello, I too have been striving so hard to find a high paid career in vain. But finally, decided to work on my own from home. Currently, even if I haven’t seen the outcome yet, I believe, it helps me better manage my relationship with God, taking care of my children, husband and better organized my business with less stress.
Thank you and may God bless you all.
Cathy

======= Joyce:

Mike,
I feel very blessed to have come across your blog.
Reading your questions and comments, and the comments of others, gives me the accountability to follow along, to read the Scripture each day. Thank you!
In today’s reading, Leviticus 16:29-18:30, I can feel the Lord’s compassion. Like a compassionate father, He gave detailed instructions to His children: about keeping the Sabbath, prohibitions against eating blood, and forbidden sexual practices – all for His children’s own good.
Thank God for His compassion toward us!
Mike, thank you for serving Him through this blog!
Sincerely,
Joyce

======= Rita:

When I quit my stressful job, I was a bit worried then I prayed and I reminded myself that The Lord provides and He told us not to worry and since He is faithful, I found a job where I don’t make as much money but where I have more time for God, my friends, my family, and myself. I take my time with my Bible study, I exercise everyday, I am happier and Jesus helped to see that less is more. I don’t go out as much but I am way happier. I don’t do a job I hate to buy things I don’t need, not anymore. Thank you Jesus!
Rita

======= Robert:

Mark 7:24-30
Faith of the Syrophoenician (Gentile) Woman
Some one said they liked her wit, nerve and pluck. I don’t often get into a place where I am “upset” with the Lord but I think it shows here that I am allowed to speak frankly with him. I can tell him how I really feel, think and want from him. I like that.
Mark 8: 1-10
Jesus feeds the 4000
Take away thought: God created a world where there is more than enough for all if we will share.
Robert

======= Nancy:

Ramona, are you saying as Christians we are to follow this ordinance? Or just making note of it. I believe we should daily examine ourselves to see if we have fallen short in any way. To confess & continue on. I am working on my language at the moment. Not substituting other words for swear words.
I appreciate the insights you post here. Iron sharpens iron. Proverbs 27.17.
Nancy

======= Dee:

I thank you Ramona for pointing out about the Sabbath. That is really interesting. It rather reminds me of Fasting. Do it on a day that may not necessarily be the same day each month or “season” of your life, but do it for refreshing and renewing of mind, body, and spirit! I love it. What I thought was interesting was in Leviticus when they were talking about sexual sin and what not to do in order to not sin, and Abraham and Sarah came into my mind. They were half siblings of one another. Sharing same moms, and it made me realize how progressed the laws had become from just a few chapters span in the Bible. However, I know that there weren’t as many people on the earth and “closer” family members had to produce the kin and offspring on the earth and the Lord God blessed it. I think that is the whole message in a nutshell! Do as the Lord God commandeth you to do and you will reap a harvest in due season if you don’t faint or be weary. He blessed the seed of Abraham, he continually wanted to bless the Israelites too, however, he had to set some boundaries before they become like the pagan’s and live riotous lifes. Also, about living the simple life, Mike, I think by some of us on the bible lesson(blog) are doing the first “right” steps at that and it is reading and studying the Word of God each day. That to me, is the first simple and “well” thing I could be doing. However, my spouse and me simplified our lives this past year when I got let go from my teaching job for not enough enrollment, they had to do some cuts, and I can tell you, it was hard on my flesh at first, giving up a salary, having my pride knocked down a bit, but it has humbled me and awakened a renewed fresh awareness of an ever present God! I am encouraged now with security, peace, stability, and with Gods help, living out Proverbs 31 in being a woman after Gods own heart (by the way if any ladies want a good book, Elizabeth George, A Woman After Gods Own Heart, excellent read!!) God bless, take care, each and every one of you, know that God loves YOU and He is on the throne!!
Dee

======= David:

It is a good reminder to live simply. However, simply does not mean poorly. In ther era of consumerism and materialism, simple living is against the world tide concept.
“This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:21
Nothing wrong with being rich, having riches as the Lord bless. But to guard against the bondage of greed and self-sufficience. Blinded to the needs of the needy. To build faulty confidence and self-worth in riches than on God alone. To store up treasure on earth rather than heaven, because that is where your heart will be.
David

======= Bowen:

i have been thinking lately about how much wisdom there is in living a simple, godly life… maybe taking a job with less pay! Mike u hit a homerun with that one…. what a tremendous thought, lets actually get off the roller coaster the world tells us to get on, and get on the one that could lead to us more happiness and truw joy…. wooooo Glory…. what a tremendous thought!
Bowen

======= James:

“What in our life really demonstrates that we have regard for the weak?”
Go to a meeting of Adult Children of Alcoholics and you will find a lot of co-dependent nurses and doctors who choose professions of helping only because being around weakness helps them feel better. 15% of Americans, in fact, have clinical personality disorders where their only pleasures are controlling others and the jobs they most seek are (in order) councilor, K-12 teacher, law enforcement, religious leader, and company executive. This is why all of our actions (esp helping the weak) must be based on loving God first and waiting on His instruction and not feeling good (what most people say motivates them to do good) just as Satan’s first attempt to temp Christ was to be useful to the weak by turning stones into bread to feed the hungry.
Speaking of cash, Rainer rates (in my words) people’s chances of getting into heaven as U5 to U1 and C1 to C5 and he has found the best predictor of spiritual failure is cash and little else. Mother Teresa was poorly regarded when she suggested a multi-story hospital be built without an elevator (she said just to trust God) and had to leave her church to prove living so simply could be successful before being invited back. When missionaries are asked what they most need, a common response today is, “Just don’t send money – that only makes us weaker!”
Be careful what you pray for, generally the worst thing we can get is what we ask for (we’re so much better at knowing what we want rather than what we need)… at the very least when we ask for Him to make something happen (like healing a friend) He will say, “OK, go do it and I’ll be with you all the way.” When the homeless stop me for money, I’m more likely to hand out cards with the phone numbers and addresses of the two dozen closest social services and explain which might be the best for obtaining a free bed, food, a job, and training… and several have tracked me down to tell me that I had saved their lives with just some knowledge of what to do.
IMHO, the best way to demonstrate regard for the weak is how we deal with the speck in their lives to help recognize and deal with the log that’s in our own. Kurt Lewin, founder of social psychology, said, “You cannot understand a system unless you change it.” Likewise, to know one’s self, one also must change his or herself. How has changing yourself brought about your own improved self-awareness? What is your personal soul encouragement routine and what is your spiritual growth plan? How have you done selling it to the weak to make them as strong (or even stronger) than yourself (to teach them how to fish instead of only giving them fish)?
James

Leviticus 15:1-16:28 + Mark 7:1-23 + Psalm 40:11-17 + Proverbs 10:13-14
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 15 we read about bodily discharges…  Anyone want to be the guest blogger on this chapter today?  🙂  I am thinking today is a good day to share with you some of Bible.org’s essays on the topic of sex.  (though sex is only mentioned briefly in this chapter, still seems appropriate)  Check out Bob Deffinbaugh’s “Sex and the Spiritual Christian” at this link. (it’s not based on this chapter but 1 Corinthians 7)   Daniel Wallace with bible.org has comments on Biblical views of sex at this link.  And then Bob Deffinbaugh again at bible.org has commentary on the relationship between spirituality and sexuality at this link. 

In Leviticus chapter 16 we read about the Day of Atonement.  Ever wonder where the term “scapegoat” came from?  Now you know!  This chapter.  Check out verses 20-23 about the scapegoat – “When Aaron has finished making atonement for the Most Holy Place, the Tabernacle, and the altar, he must bring the living goat forward. He is to lay both of his hands on the goat’s head and confess over it all the sins and rebellion of the Israelites. In this way, he will lay the people’s sins on the head of the goat; then he will send it out into the wilderness, led by a man chosen for this task. After the man sets it free in the wilderness, the goat will carry all the people’s sins upon itself into a desolate land.” There was also the other goat which was sacrificed.  I read a commentary that said that both of these 2 goats foreshadowed Jesus’ death – that Jesus was both sacrificed for atonement for our sins and Jesus is our permanent scapegoat.

In verse 34 we read – “This is a permanent law for you, to make atonement for the Israelites once each year.” You’ll notice the “once a year” wording in this verse. Contrast this with Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice discussed in Hebrews chapter 10 verses 12 – 14 – “But when this priest (Jesus) had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” For further study on Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice, please read Hebrews chapters 10 and 9. Bible.org’s commentary on Leviticus chapter 16 & “The Day of Atonement” is at this link. 

New Testament – How very interesting that today’s readings in Mark are about “Clean and Unclean” – based on all of our Leviticus readings recently about this subject.  Today we read about Jesus confronting the Pharisees about their “own traditions”.  I read in NIV Study Bible and OYB Companion commentaries that after the Babylonian exile (we’ll read about this late this year in the One Year Bible), Jewish rabbis began to make meticulous rules and regulations governing the daily life of people.  And that these rules were added to God’s law and essentially elevated to the same sacred status by the Pharisees.  In 200 A.D. these traditions of the elders were put into writing in the Mishnah. I think what Jesus gets at here in this chapter is that the Pharisees were allowing the “rules & regs” to overshadow the spirit of God’s law.  They were not honoring their parents because of the practice of Corban – giving $ to the temple.  Which is a good thing… but at the expense of a great thing of caring for your parents?   I know we all could probably go round and round on what is the greatest good – how should we spend our time and our money and our lives.  I like that Jesus basically takes us to the heart.  What is the heart of the matter?  No matter what the matter is – taking care of your parents, giving to your church, following God’s laws, receiving God’s grace – what is the heart of the matter?   One thing that I have been so blessed to learn over the past few years is that the condition of our hearts matters.  Immensely.  The motives of why we do something – anything – matters.  Immensely.  We are called in Proverbs to “guard our hearts, for it is the wellspring of life.”   If we do not care for the state of our hearts, we can become very regimented or insensitive in our thinking and doing.  We might even get to the point in verse 8 of this chapter where Jesus quotes from Isaiah – “`These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far away.”  How is the state of your heart today?  Is it close to God?

Jesus continues to speak about the importance of what is in our hearts in verses 20-23 today –  “It is the thought-life that defiles you. For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, eagerness for lustful pleasure, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you and make you unacceptable to God.”  I think this takes us back again to the Sermon on the Mount – where Jesus teaches us in one example that yes, it is wrong to commit adultery.  But, if you commit adultery in your heart, it is just as wrong.  Because if you commit adultery in the heart, you have essentially defiled your own heart.  And from the heart could come the actual act of committing adultery – which would then shatter several lives.  But it all starts in the heart….   So – the good news?  Jesus can heal our hearts!  Jesus is in the business of heart-healing!  Maybe in your life, you might need to refocus a little bit less on some external actions and start focusing on the state of your heart?   Maybe by focusing on what’s going no inside your heart, the external actions will ultimately change?   Maybe allow Jesus to heal your heart – and then your external life will be healed as well?  I’m not sure you can go about this the other way – trying to work from the outside back in…  I think you may need to start on the inside first and work your way out.  But don’t do this alone – let Jesus walk this healing path with you.

Psalms – Today Psalm 40 verse 16 stood out to me for it’s pure joy and praise – “But may all who search for you be filled with joy and gladness. May those who love your salvation repeatedly shout, “The LORD is great!””  Does this verse resonate with you today?  Have you searched for God in your life?  Are you filled with joy and gladness because of that search?  Do you love God’s salvation?  Do you shout praises to God for all he has done for you? 

Maybe if verse 16 does not resonate for you today, hopefully verse 17 can encourage you – “As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord is thinking about me right now. You are my helper and my savior. Do not delay, O my God.”  Do you believe that Jesus is thinking about you right now?  Do you believe that Jesus is your helper and your savior?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 14 today is a great teaching to literally treasure knowledge.  Do you treasure knowledge?

Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of the song “Be Thou My Vision.” Here’s a great live version by Shane & Shane:

Who or what is your vision? Click here for your eternal vision!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on four verses of Scripture today: “He (Jesus) went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.'” Mark 7:20-23 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your heart is clean. Clean of all evil thoughts, sexual immorality and folly.

Comments from You & Questions of the Day –  Back to my reflections above on Jesus’ “once for all” sacrifice in the OT section above.  Do you believe that Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all”? Do you believe that Jesus is your High Priest who has made Atonement for your sins? Do you believe that Jesus as your High Priest sits at the right hand of God? If so, how might fully realizing this change how you live? How you pray? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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======= Ramona:

Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Although off topic for today’s reading, but not off topic for the book, I am writing about something that has been on my heart regarding the book of Leviticus. There are a lot of things in this book that we have not grasped the meaning so we wrestle with trying to understand what we are reading about, what is clean and unclean, animal, social practices, etc. Some of it, no, must of what we read doesn’t make sense to our logical minds so we try to place the regulations and cleansing ritual into a form that makes sense to us. WE explain away things as being something for way back then because they didn’t have … But is that the correct thing to do? I don’t know but what I do know is this,
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3)
And knowing all means all, which means no one is left out, so there is no one who hasn’t sinned, except Jesus.
The consequence for sin is death! “For the wages of sin is death,” (Romans 6:23).
However there was a sacrificial system put in place both in the Old and New Testament to deal with the sin and death problem. The system put in place by the death of Jesus Christ ushered in the New just as when the testator’s death ushers in the distribution of the wealth left after the death of the will maker. There is no distinction made by God for sin, sin is sin. {10 For whosoever keeps the Law [as a] whole but stumbles and offends in one [single instance] has become guilty of [breaking] all of it (James 2:10 Amp)}We are the ones that make up levels of sin and different degrees of sin. And if all have sinned no one is innocent. That death sentenced is stayed and freedom is obtained, we discover, when we finish reading that twenty-third verse of the sixth chapter of Romans, “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Jesus Christ had not come in the Old Testament so they were under the Law, which was more than the Ten Commandments, which pointed to Christ. That Law was provided to keep them in Fellowship with God, it was not put into place to restore Relationship with God because they were still God’s chosen people. Sin cannot abide with God and since we all sin, which by the way in both the Greek and Hebrew means to “miss the mark” as in a bulls eye we have all missed the mark even as we aim for the center!
Remember the word used in the NLT in the first five chapters of Leviticus when describing the reason or situations for the sacrifice, the text states, Then the Lord said to Moses, “Give the Israelites the following instructions for dealing with those who sin unintentionally … (Lev 4:1-2a) Sin, intentional and unintentional, creates a ripple effect amongst those who are sinned against. If someone carelessly spills coffee on you, the cost for you to have your clothes cleaned is greater than the cost of that cup of coffee, except if you’ve gotten the coffee from Starbucks or my school’s café. That is why the Law provides for restitution.
The sacrificial system of daily sacrifices that were mandatory and the ones required for intentional and unintentional sin reminded the Israelites daily, 24/7, that they were surrounded by sin in a sinful world. A world brought into a sinful state by the fall of man back in the garden. The system of sacrifices in the Old Testament and the sacrifice of Jesus is God bringing us back to the “In the beginning … state that man had been in before the fall as long as man submitted to the terms of the covenant. Failure didn’t break Israel’s relationship with God; they were still His people just as failure doesn’t break the True Believers’ relationship with God today. However failure will break Fellowship and the means and methods to restore Fellowship was and is provided for in both the Old and New Covenant.
Leviticus 15:1-16:28
Chapter 15, dealing with sexual practices, may also be an exercise in “self-control,” one of the fruit of the spirit. I don’t even know if this is a connection but all day I kept thinking about Proverbs 25:28,
He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. [Prov. 16:32.] (AMP). Adhering to the ceremonial cleanliness laws certainly would have a woman’s husband practicing a great deal of restraint.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Sammy:

It is my personal opinion that Chapter 15 of Leviticus is referring to neither the “good” or “evils” of sex. I could go so far as to say I don’t believe it is referring to sex at all. It is speaking of common sense cleanliness. These people were not privileged to live in an age as we do where the means of taking care of “discharges” can be met by the Hygiene aisles at the local pharmacy…ie., incontinence and personal hygiene/sanitary items. Further, the convenience of washing machines, dryers and Tide can make the bed clean should an “accident” happen. Although this is an important chapter, let’s be careful not to make it something other than what it is. Chapter 17, however, is definitely going into the do’s and don’ts of sex and has very important issues which should be addressed. Just a thought!
Sammy

======= Betty:

I totally agree with Sammy’s comment above. When growing up I heard time and time again from my parents when questioning something in the Bible, “When the Word of God makes perfect sense, seek no other sense!” We do sometimes try to add thoughts when God was making a clear, simple principle!!
Regarding the Scapegoat – what a beautiful picture of Jesus! I have always been awed by that thought. Our Savior – Messiah was ALSO our scapegoat. He took the blame laid on Himself and carried it away. The symbolism of the scapegoat gives me an even greater picture of His love than even the name Savior or Messiah! Because as a human I can grasp the concept of the scapegoat where I can’t always fully comprehend all the meaning behind “Savior” or “Messiah.” It is an “earthy” picture, an object lesson of sorts, picturing our Jesus as the scapegoat that took my sins away! How great is His love!
Betty

======= Mark:

Every other sacrifice in Leviticus applies to just one person. The scapegoat was efficacious for all the sin, rebellion and iniquities for the children of Israel. Yes, a beautiful picture of Christ, the second Adam, who gave his life as a ransom for many.
Mark 7:20-23 Ouch!! Sometimes I pride myself in what I avoid – but again I am reminded that it is what goes out of my mouth (and life) that defiles me. How blessed I am that Jesus bore that away from the camp as well!!
Psalm 40:16 “But all who are hunting for you– oh, let them sing and be happy. Let those who know what you’re all about tell the world you’re great and not quitting.”
Have I mentioned that God is great lately? ;-o)
Keep walking with God, keep walking through his Word!
Mark

======= Ed:

How wonderful God is!!! He is so great that we must constantly be reminded that nothing we do makes us holy. He alone is the source of our holiness… As someone has said, “Holiness is not something placed on the outside and forced inward; rather, it is something place on the inside [by God] and works its way outward.”
What great readings today that contrast this very idea that what man could not do in the flesh; God can do in the spirit!
Ed

========= Anka:

Lev16:21 “He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—all their sins—and put them on the goat’s head”.Hmmm the priest sure had his work cut out for him….confessing ALL Israel’s sins…wonder if the goat just stood there quietly,guess not.Jesus has made prayer and intercession so much easier,not to mention having access to God by faith( not cleansing rituals and sacrifices)
But may all who seek you
rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
“The LORD be exalted!”
Truly we have cause to exalt God for his mercy!
Anka

====== Roslyn:

Daniel Wallace’s philosophical, psychological, theological/biblical treatise on love and sex/sexuality is a “must” to read. I’m glad that someone has finally tried to put together a holistic view on love and sex and its signifciance in strengthening the committted relationship between two individuals.
Sometimes Christians when talking about sex (and other issues) merely quote scripture to support their arguments without taking into consideration
the psychological aspects of our humanity. As human beings, we are all these in one: physical, intellectual/cognitive, socio-emotional, moral, spiritual.
It’s when we separate or dichotomize our nature that we end up having problems with our own selves just as when we separate ourselves or out of synch in our relationship with God.
A beautiful sexual relationship between two committed people strengthens the emotional bond and brings about spiritual unity. Indeed this is symbolized by the triangle with Christ at its apex as diagrammed by Daniel in his concluding paragpraph.
This was exactly the kind of marriage that I had with the beauty and splendor of sex, emotionally strong, spiritually grounded/rooted though unfortunately it only lasted seven years, but I can proudly say to this day —-they were the most beautiful years of my life!!!
Roslyn

======= Micah Girl:

What a blessing, Roslyn, that you experienced : – )
Micah Girl

======= Laura:

Rosyln, great synopsis on Daniel Wallace’s article and I am glad that you experienced a happy and Godly marriage for 7 years. It’s unfortunate that it only lasted for so brief a period of time. I hope that you will find that joy in your life again. It’s great that we can have joy and peace in our life because of Christ when people often fail us.
God alone, as Ed says is our source of holiness. I don’t think I could of said that better myself. Good day and God bless.
Laura

======= Mae:

Psalm 40 is awesome!!! Just AWESOME!!!
Verse 16 kept echoing in my head “But may all who search for you
be filled with joy and gladness in you.
May those who love your salvation
repeatedly shout, “The Lord is great!”
You know .. it’s 7.30am and THIS is the best way to start my day! I have a huge smile on my face “The Lord is great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”.
Does this verse resonate with you today? Have you searched for God in your life? Are you filled with joy and gladness because of that search? Do you love God’s salvation? Do you shout praises to God for all he has done for you? ~ I have searched for God in my life, absolutely! And yes, I’m filled with joy and gladness because of that! I know He’s with me all the time, He lives in my heart and that’s my faith and freedom! He has done so much for me! I just can’t stop smiling today … just because I had the time to start out with doing todays readings and saw verse 16 of Psalm 40. FYI, I’m listerening to U2 now … “40” …
I will sing, sing a new song
I will sing, sing a new song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I really need to go. We have a special guest today, my little cousine from 2 years old. She’s so cute … but a hand full, eh? LOL
Have a wonderful day everybody!
Remember: THE LORD IS GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mae

======= Sunshine:

Psalms 40 is truly awesome!! I sing in my car every day with the except of this week of the sore throat about how awesome God is..:) Yeah!! Air 1 is what I listen to and it makes my day 
Jesus is our High Priest.
I believe that Jesus is our High Priest that sits at the right hand of God. This has changed me by the way that I have a little boy and I want him to know who Jesus is and where he came from. He is always asking me questions. We have had a lot of death in our family so I explain to him where Heaven is and he understands, I personally think that is wonderful for a 3 year old.
Sunshine

======= Jenny:

Wow, the I love Ps 40. that is sooo my prayer right now!
“Lord, don’t hold back your tender mercies from me. Let your unfailing love and faithfulness always protect me. For troubles surround me—too many to count! My sins pile up so high I can’t see my way out. They outnumber the hairs on my head. I have lost all courage.
“Please, Lord, rescue me! Come quickly, Lord, and help me….As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay!”
i’m just praying this one!
I love in Mark how Jesus talks about the heart: It is what comes from inside that defiles you.
so much we try to blame outer things on our sin, like the ease of access to sinful things. which certainly doesnt help! but wen it comes down to it, all these evil things are already in our heart, and thats still not an excuse.
Lev ch 15, um… eeeeeeeeeeew. lol
Jenny

======== Elizabeth:

Hello Out There! ; )
This verse from psalms reminded me of all we have been reading in Leviticus regarding sacrifices:
“In sacrifice and offering you have not delighted, but you have given me an open ear. Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required.” -Psalm 40:6
And the Believer’s Bible Commentary here fleshes this out nicely:
“In Heb_10:5-9 we learn that these words were the language of the Son of God when He came into the world. He was saying, in effect, that although God had instituted sacrifice and offering for the nation of Israel, they never represented His ultimate intention. They were designed as types and shadows of something better to come. As temporary stop-gaps, they had their place. But God was never really satisfied with them; to Him they were less than ideal because they did not provide a final solution to the sin problem. Recognizing the inherent weakness of burnt offerings and sin offerings, God instead opened the ears of His Beloved Son. This simply means that the Savior’s ears were open to hear and to obey the will of His Father. It was with this attitude of willing and ready obedience that Christ came into the world.”–Believer’s Bible Commentary
With all of those regulations and requirements, it was still not really what the Lord was after with all of us (thank God!) I would crumble under that, at least I think I would from my comfort-driven 21st century perspective.
Thank God that Christ was open to obedience, to bearing our sins when we were clearly not able.
I love this verse from Psalm 40 too:
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock.” -Psalm 40:2
Surely He’s done this for ALL who trust in Him. Isn’t there an old song/hymn that uses this imagery: “He took my fee out of miry clay” or something along those lines? And it reminds me of Pilgrim’s Progress too when little Christian was trying to get through that bog.?
Elizabeth

======= Annette:

I have learnt that the only way of victory is to subject each thought to Christ. To flee as Joseph fled from Potiphar’s wife. To leave friends that are bad influence and to watch what I am subjecting my mind to (TV) and certain music. It is like a bird flying over your head (the thought) if you allow the bird to sit it will make a nest. Once … See Morethe thought process has fully developed and if not stopped, sin then is fully grown and brings forth death. Spiritual death especially if continued. Thankfully that should we have sinned we can come to the Father and confess before Him and He makes us just as if we have never sinned because of Christ Jesus. Victory is possible, but we need to understand the process of sin so that we can avoid falling.
Annette

======= Zac:

I have found very few hymns that deal with the themes of Leviticus in a way that is deep and rich. Isaac Watts has written one which is an exception to the rarity. We’ve set it to new music, and if people are interested in a reflection that nails the heart of the first half of Leviticus through the lens of Christ, I commend the song!

https://www.youtube.com/embed/GCTsFBqgaZw?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent

Thanks,
Zac Hicks
http://www.zachicks.com

======== Steve:

Mark 7:20-23
He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them. 21 For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22 adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”
Today’s readings and Mike’s links all point the same direction, the need to humble ourselves before God and take Him at His word. The links on marriage point to the necessity of seasoning our relationships with grace, humility and solid biblical principles.
The links on relationship also made me wonder if we might do well to re-think some of our relationships, changing our view from people that come up short and don’t fully meet our expectations too people who are succeeding, excelling, doing well. When we look at others as succeeding, we are humbling ourselves; we are soothing and promoting unity. I think this view also frees us because as we stop finding fault in others, we stop skeptical thoughts from incubating which frees us from the need to polish our own brass and maintain our own false image.
Steve

======= Tammy:

Mike,
I know I am a few days late in posting this but I can tell you that I have really gotten into the readings this last couple of days. I was on a retreat w/out internet access so I could read my daily reading but not the blog. So this morning I am catching up with reading the blog. It is really interesting to me this year as I am reading Leviticus how much more I am getting from it and that I am enjoying it. That surprises me! The reading on this day really was interesting because of both a OT and NT teaching on cleanliness. Going to the OT and reading about the sacrifices and the use of a scapegoat is a clear picture of the Christ to come. Just as the priest placed his hands on the goat and transfered sin to the goat who was then slaughtered, we have all place our sins on Christ and He was crucified. What a powerful image in my mind. He was the final sacrifce! I can take my sins directly to my High Priest for forgiveness and His name is Jesus. And yes The word tells us He sits at the Father’s right hand so our voices calling out to Him echo in His Father’s ears also. Oh How He Loves Us!!!
Tammy

======= Bob:

SEX: David Maclean has some interesting words (and tips) about men and our wives in his weekly blogs: “How’s the viz?” Wholehearted Men – Dave MacLean
Here is an excerpt: “Women bear the image of God in a way that is very distinct from how men bear the image of God. There are many ways in which that is evident, but one way is in a woman’s desire to be pursued, to be delighted in.
God said, “If you seek me you will find me if you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you declares the Lord.” Jeremiah 29:13
Basically God is saying, “I am worth your effort. Pursue me.”
I believe women carry that same desire to be pursued. Your wife wants you to pursue her, to delight in her, to discover her, and to demonstrate your love for her. She wants to know that she is worthy of your pursuit.”
Bob

======== Renee:

I love how Jesus speaks to people. With such direct honesty and clarity. Everything he said had purpose and was meaningful to all he spoke to at that moment. The people could relate to his parables and examples.
Sadly, the Pharisees chose their traditions and practices over what Jesus was saying. They couldn’t and did not want to relate to his messages. They spoke about God…but, their heart was far from him.
Renee

======= Robert:

Mark 7
Lots to chew on and Jesus certainly stirs up things here.
When it comes to God’s Laws I have to try to distinguish between religion and Human tradition. A lot of it like washing hands is common sense and prudent. Our hearts are sometimes in question, especially vain worship. Some of the rules we face can be our human nature and the root of our sin. We had a big issue about teens wearing hats in the sanctuary during worship. I still don’t know if its wrong but it sure stirred up some heated debate. What would Jesus say?
When it comes to guarding my heart, I like to think of myself as a temple of the Holy Spirit. God dwells in me. What’s Jesus say to me about what goes in and comes out of that temple? If I have questions or problems with that then simply asking him should lead me to answers. For instance, I know I have pride issues I don’t always see, so I ask to be aware of that sin before it rears its ugly head. Like in my post yesterday when a friend called me a sage. I had to deliberate over that awhile before I wrote it. My words to him were not mine. It was all God and I was only the chosen instrument. Know what I mean?
BE THOU MY VISION
I have already requested that this be sung at my funeral some day.
Psalm 40:12
My sins are more than the hairs of my head. Yet God knows every hair on my head. Luke 12:7
Marriage Issues
I recommend a good Christian counselor and your pastor can usually help with this. I had the opportunity to attend a Promise Keepers Retreat a few years ago and this is usually a first priority topic. Of course, it is a men’s get together so here are a few good perspectives from a guy’s point of view;
https://www.youtube.com/embed/PhJOMlmUXY4?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent
Robert

======= Mitch:

NT – In those times – there was a word for “brain” but humanity did not know how it functioned. In ancient Israel the heart was considered to be the seat of the mind, desires, emotions, and will.
So what comes out of your mind, your desires, your emotions, and your decisions – that is where evil resides. It is in us.
Mitch

======= Dee:

The rituals of clean vs unclean and atonement for sin. I know it all sounds bad but God created everything for our good and wanted nothing to separate us from that love. Then u have Jesus teaching his disciples about clean vs unclean of the intentions of your heart. People that are of this world always want to contradict the Word and its testimony. However nothing. No! Thing! Now tomorrow or forever will separate God’s people from His love. His love reaches to the heavens..is forever! Amen!
Dee

======= John:

Leviticus 16 – Scapegoat
“The Need for Presentation”
How do we stand before the Lord, without the shame of our past? Yes, we are forgiven, but we still are haunted (through thoughts)at times by our past.
The scapegoat is a beautiful picture of that process. Notice first one was to do the sin and burnt offering, for acceptance and forgiveness. Then the scapegoat was addressed.
======================================================
“You notice that all the iniquities, all the transgressions, all the sins were placed upon the head of this goat.
Both of these goats are a picture of Jesus: In one he is represented as satisfying the heart of God on our behalf and rendering God free to love us without any restraint at all by his justice. God’s justice has been satisfied. He no longer makes demands of that kind upon us. He is free to forgive us at any time and to love us. But the second goat represents Christ as bearing the whole weight and load of our guilt, all that which the Devil tries to use as a basis upon which to ground his accusations against us. All this is to be sent back to him from whence it comes. When our Lord died he went into the wilderness of death like this goat, and returned to Satan all the accusations which he has against any believer at any time.
So what this passage is teaching us is that this is what we are to do with these accusations. In Ephesians 6, Paul calls them “the fiery darts of the wicked one” {cf, Eph 6:16}, i.e., all those little suggestions to us that we really aren’t accepted and loved by God, that he still has a reservation about us and that we still aren’t able openly and boldly to come before his presence, and all the haunting memories of our past shame, our feelings of unworthiness, our filthy thoughts, and the flashes of fear that come upon us. What are we to do with them? Well, we are simply to put them right on the head of Jesus and say, “Lord, take them back to Satan. They don’t belong to me. They are not my thoughts. They didn’t originate with me. They may feel like mine but they are not. They belong to him. That is where they came from and I am sending them back. And I recognize that in your sight they are no longer taken into account in any degree, and that I stand boldly in your presence.”
That is the purpose of the great Day of Atonement. It means that we are able to do as the Scriptures exhort us — to stand and present ourselves before the Lord of Glory and, as Paul says in Romans 12, “by the mercies of God, present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our spiritual worship,” {cf, Rom 12:1 RSV}.”
John

======= John:

Mark 7:9
“And he said to them: “You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions!” NIV
“tradition – Gk. Paradosis – giving over, surrender, substitute.
God wants YOU. He wants all of you. At salvation – He wants all your heart – not just the part you are willing to submit to God.
Isaiah said it, and Jesus said it – people who think they are following God by substituting what “mankind” is willing to “give over” to God – well, their worship is in vain.
Don’t get me wrong – the things offered in substitution are not “bad” – afterall – one would never offer God something bad. People offer God any or all of rituals, Sunday time, money, formulaic prayer, good works. That is not what God wants – He wants ALL of you. The substitutes “man” offers above – are simply not good enough.
He wants repentance (John the Baptist), acknowledgment of sin (Paul), and that you believe and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior (all through the gospel of John). He wants your heart to not only acknowledge and believe, but to Trust in Him.
So the question is: Did you give God what He wants? – what He commands? – or did you (knowingingly or unknowingly)fall into a religious ritualistic upbringing where the “tradition” of man has decided what it is God wants? Seems right to you, plenty of others do it, works for you, I am offering God good things, etc.
That is not an easy question – it is one that each person has to examine in their own hearts. When it comes to God’s Word and the “traditions” (substitutes) of mankind, the choice of which to follow has eternal consequences. When in conflict – the two cannot be mixed.
======================================================
I wrote the above in terms of salvation. That is the “worst case scenario” of falling into man’s traditions/substitutes. It certainly can also apply to a “believer” who has retrenched. Who does not worship God with all their heart. Who is in sin, and out of fellowship with God.
The beauty of that is – like in Leviticus 15 – one has to just go wash in the Word and confess and ask for forgiveness from God and fellowship will be restored. Just like the person with discharge (uncleanliness) has to wait for the evening (The new day in Jewish culture). the restoration of fellowship with God will be a “new day” for them. God will forgive and restore.
John

======= John:

Mark 7:20-23
“He went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’” NIV
Ray Stedman says, “This is very important for us to know. It is what delivers Christians from being self-righteous snobs — when we realize that what our Lord has outlined here is true of every single one of us. Do not go through this list and pick out the things you do not do. What Jesus is saying to you is, “If you are guilty of one of them, you are capable of all of them.” You need only the proper circumstances to show you how true that is.”
Man is fallen in nature – and it stems from what is in our heart. I believe that is why God demands our coming to Him with an open heart. It is why Isaiah and Jeremiah talk about the “heart” a lot!!!
Even if you do not accept Ray’s comments about your capability of performing any sin on the list – consider this:
-Hitler sinned.
-I have sinned.
-Hitler and I are miles apart from each other in our natures.
-without “salvation” both of us are millions upon millions of miles apart from God.
Therefore – standing where God stands and from his Holy (separate and distinct) postion – when he looks at Hitler and I from millions upon millions of miles away – we are indistinguishable. We may be miles apart – but to God – the difference is moot. We both need the blood of Christ to be able to approach God at death.
The point is: It is not the degree of sin in our lives, but that we ALL are sinners by nature.
Rom 3:10
“As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not even one;” NIV
John

Leviticus 14:1-57 + Mark 6:30-56 + Psalm 40:1-10 + Proverbs 10:11-12
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 14 we read about cleansing from skin diseases and treatment of contaminated houses.  I found the treatment of the mildew in the houses quite fascinating – with verse 45 telling us about the ultimatum for a house if the mildew reappears: “It must be torn down, and all its stones, timbers, and plaster must be carried out of town to the place designated as ceremonially unclean.”  This chapter again goes into the clean & the unclean.  If you didn’t get chance to read the Bible.org commentary on Clean & Unclean from Leviticus chapters 12 through 15, you may want to take a few minutes to read it at this link.  Verses 52 & 53 today: “After he has purified the house in this way, he will release the living bird in the open fields outside the town. In this way, the priest will make atonement for the house, and it will be ceremonially clean.”

New Testament – Today we read in Mark Chapter 6 verse 46: “Afterward he (Jesus) went up into the hills by himself to pray.” What a beautiful verse for each of us to meditate upon! Jesus went by himself to pray to God. It is interesting to note that this took place just after Jesus fed the 5,000. Jesus had been working hard – he is God and yet he still felt the call to pray to the Father. I think this verse is such a great reminder that you and I need to follow Jesus’ example in this verse. And we’re so not God! 🙂 So, think about how much more crucial it is for us to pray. Jesus knew that God was his source of strength. His comfort. His wisdom. And prayer was the one sure fire way for Jesus to really connect and spend time with God. How is your prayer life these days? Are you finding a good amount of time each day to be by yourself and pray? If not, can you schedule this time into your calendar each day?

Psalms – Psalm 40 starts off in verse 1 with a beautiful reflection on David “waiting patiently for the Lord” about his prayer, and in turn God “heard his cry.” David then goes forward in the Psalm rejoicing in the Lord and culminating in this powerful statement in verse 8: “I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.” How does this Psalm speak to you today? Do you wait patiently for the Lord in your prayer life? Do you desire to do God’s will? Is His law within your heart today?

Proverbs – Today we read in Proverbs chapter 10 verse 11: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life.” WOW! I love this Proverb on so many levels. The idea of a “fountain of life” is such a great metaphor! Because I think what comes out of our mouth is so much like a fountain – and we are hopefully pouring forth Living Water for others. However, I imagine that there are times when our fountain is not quite so clean and we’re pouring forth something else. I think what I find so meaningful about this verse is that I have really been convicted of how important and impactful our words are to others. Our words can really build people up – or tear people down if we are not careful. I don’t know about you, but I know there are times in my life when I can be negative with what I say. Then, there are times when I can be very positive and I feel like the enthusiasm is contagious to others. And these are the times when perhaps my words seem to be a bit more like a fountain of life. I say all of this to just encourage you to reflect on the words that come from your mouth. 

Worship Video: Today’s readings in Mark 6 about Jesus praying and Psalm 40 about David praying reminded me of the Casting Crowns song “What If His People Prayed.” Here’s a great live version:

Are you praying? Click here and pray!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but violence overwhelms the mouth of the wicked.” Proverbs 10:11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that your mouth would be a fountain of life to all you speak to today. Pray that your mouth would be filled with righteousness.

Comments from you & Questions of the Day:  Per Proverbs 10:11 above, are your words typically a fountain of life to others? Are you cognizant of what you say and how you say it to others around you so that your words truly will become a fountain of life to others?  Or are you sometimes careless with your words?   Do you think our words matter?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )

======= Ramona:

Leviticus 14:1-57
As I read the beginning of this chapter, I heard the words, “Weren’t ten cleansed?” These are the Words of Jesus after ten men who had leprosy were sent to the Temple to show themselves to the priests in Jerusalem. The text states (Luke 17:11-19) that the men with leprosy were healed as they went, so all were healed. Yet one man, a non-Jew, a foreigner, returned to Jesus after seeing that he had been healed and worshiped, 15 Then one of them, upon seeing that he was cured, turned back, recognizing and thanking and praising God with a loud voice; (AMP). Instead of sending him back on the road to Jerusalem, Jesus sent him on his way because he gave glory to God.
Reading this text in Leviticus, one can see how “expensive” it would be to be healed, purified, and cleansed. The ten men were beggars and may not have had the income to purchase what was required to be made ritually clean. However, Jesus released that one man from the burden of the requirements of the Law. Again words spoken by Jesus come to my thoughts, words spoken to the religious leaders who believed they held the “way” to righteousness, ” 36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8 NIV)
The remainder of chapter fourteen is very personal to me. In December from the first through the tenth, the inside walls of my two bedroom apartment, as well as the inside exterior walls were taken down because I had mold within the walls of my apartment. I know what it feels like to be displaced while your home is being “gut” renovated while everything you own is still inside. I know what it feels like to have practically every upholstered piece of furniture thrown out because there is too much dust from the demolition and the fear that the mold has spread to everything.
I went from a horrified fear to acceptance and thankfulness, I understood the passage in the book of Romans that states, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”(Romans 12:2) The word translated “renewing” also means, renovation, complete change for the better. I recognized that my “apartment” experience had a real life application. As we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds, we may not even be able to live in ourselves because the walls are being taken down, even the sinks and the toilet.
Mark 6:30-56
“32 They left by boat for a quieter spot. 33 But many people saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and met them as they landed.”
All I can say is “folks” gotta be running real fast to outrun a boat by passing rocky terrain. It would be such a blessing to see people pursue God with the same fervor that they pursue the world.
Psalm 40:1-10
Waiting, waiting patiently, waiting without crying out to God, “Where are you,” takes a deep abiding faith and trust in God. It takes assurance and a knowing that God will do what He says He will do. I have barley arrived to the place where I know that there is a God but my heart’s desire is to be as confident as David and state boldly, “I waited patiently for the LORD to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.
Proverbs 10:11-12
The words that the godly speak may not seem godly when those words are spoken. I believe most of the time the words that lead to life cut through the pride, arrogance and greed of our lives, which are painful cuts. Some words “dung it”(Luke 13:8), to throw or let go of a thing without caring where it falls (Strongs’ Concordance), casing aside and loosening the soil of our lives preparing our hearts to receive the incorruptible seed that is the Word of God.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Dee:

such an awesome statement you made about the lepers, or should I say, “the one leper” who received his healing and gave thanks unto God, All were cleansed but only one was freed. That is so true. There are so many people who receive redemption through Christ but yet still live in bondage and don’t realize that the chains are gone, they have been set free, like Chris Tomlins song, Amazing Grace. Thats amazing in itself!! I wanted to speak on a few things above. The Lev. 14 reminded me of reading this last year with the one year bible group and remembering the significance of the cleanliness and why it was carried out as, blood on right ear, right thumb, and right big toe, I remember last year, it was mentioned that the uncleaned once they got sanctified and cleansed from all unrighteousness, that this “blood” was an atonement and protection for them to go and be cleansed of whatsoever they heard, touched and walked, that the blood covered and protected them in all three areas, and last but not least they placed blood offereing on forehead, and I believe that was to bless whatsoever they saw, they be blessed. Kind of a reference or reminder of those little monkeys you see at markets sometimes, hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil, but with a little more preparation and that was whatsoever they walked and went be sanctified. Also, I wanted to speak from Mikes commentary above in reference to Proverbs 10:11-12 about the mouth and it being the Fountain of Life or some could speak wrongly and produce curses rather than blessings, we spoke about that at church last night, about the Word being a seed and that when you speak the seed is going forth to be harvested and either someone comes along and speaks in opposition to the Word and it gets plucked out of the soils of our heart, and sometimes we feel like the seed going forth is not getting planted or registered when another sower comes by with the same Word and “waters” it and that “aha” feeling happens with a believer. They finally realize, hey, I got it, I finally understand what you have told me all along. That happened with some of our precious men and ladies this past weekend when they went on a mission trip to a boys camp for juveniles under lock up. The ministry that goes forth there sometimes “feels” like it falls on deaf ears but then someone else “new and unfamilier” comes in and relates the same Word to them and life goes forth to that spoken Word. Also brought to mind Hebrews 4:12 and it states, For the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. Be careful, all of us, of our tongue, and use it to edify the Lord. God Bless,
Dee

======= Lily:

Amen Ramona & Dee.
At times (or most of the time) we forget the consequences of our actions and the words that come out of our mouth. The people around us (especially our children) learn from us through our actions and words that come out of our mouth. Words that are unclean and hurtful have a lasting effect. I am saddened that 4 letter words are becoming part of our regular part of our societies vocabulary. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be clean and acceptable to the Lord. Remind me O Lord that I can not take back what I said that may be hurtful to others. Teach me to pause and be patient before I speak.
Lily

======= Jeff:

Ramona, the one cured leper who came back to Jesus actually did exactly as he was told, whether he realized it or not. He did “show himself to the priest,” Jesus our great High Priest! The priest at the Temple wouldn’t have accepted him, a Samaritan, but Jesus accepted his grateful worship as a sufficient sacrifice and sent him on his way.
Jeff

======= Mick:

Like Mike, I was touched by Jesus going off alone to pray. I have been doing that more often these days and it has brought me closer to Jesus. The thoughts on our words and what they can do caused me to think of the writing about the tounge in James (which we will all get to later on this year).
In Christ:
Mick

======= Micah Girl:

I cannot help but read Psalm 40 without remembering my concert days in 80’s…
It was such a thrill as a new Christian to sing a psalm at a U2 rock concert:-)
Micah Girl

======= Stef:

good morning!if you take all the desriptions of a Christian from the Bible and illustrate them you would end up with some pretty wonderful images….in Philippians 2:15 is one of my favourites..we can shine like stars in the universe holding out the word of life and now today we read our mouths can be a fountain of life( what a wonderful priviledge and responsibility )….i have learned that our words can be pretty powerful , you have the ability to build a person up, encourage them, love them and yet at the same time our words if not chosen wisely can hurt people and do damage..enough reason for us to think twice before we open our mouths and consider carefully what we say.As a Christian there is not only the onus on you to be responsible for what you say and do but i was taught by an older very mature Christian that we are responsible for the perceptions of others as well..i might know what im doing is fine and all above board but if a non Christian could view what we are doing and be offended or misconstrue it would be better not to do it in that manner, we are responsible to be at all times a living witness to Christ.What is it someone once said that we might be the only Bible a non Christian would ever read?( maybe i have the saying wrong but it reminds one of the importance of the appearance of our lives to outsiders and the way God could be using us if we are obeying Him.So lets pray that we will be able to go out today and show Gods love every time we open our mouths and in how we act towards others.
Stef

======= Phil:

Stef,
Thanks for pointing out the “we can shine like stars in the universe” verse. I just re-read the final book in the Narnian tales, The Last Battle. In Narnia, stars are actually people. In the end, all the stars fall to earth and come to live with Aslan forever.
Phil

======= Alex:

From the time between the completion of the Law of Moses (ie this stuff we’re all working diligently through!!) and Jesus, there is no record of any Israelite being healed of leprosy. Miriam was healed before the Law was given and Naaman, who was also healed, was a Syrian Gentile and not a Jew.
So this section of the Bible sat there, unused, for around 1250 years. The rabbis were, of course, aware of this mystery, so by the time of the period between Old and New Testaments the belief had arisen that the ability to heal leprosy would be one of the hallmarks of the Messiah.
The amazing thing about Lev 14 is that God set it there, over 1,000 years in advance, as a ticking time bomb! When Jesus healed a leper so early in his ministry (Mark 1) and sent him to the priests, He was in effect sending the leaders a clear claim to be the Messiah. They then would have followed a clear process – 1, was this man really a leper? 2. had he been truly cleansed of the disease? 3. who had healed him?
That’s why at the beginning of Mk 2 (the story of the paralysed man let down through the hole in the roof by his mates) there are so many leaders present [some might say typical, the clergy stop the rest of the people getting close to God : )]. This is a small rural town, yet it’s packed out with the nation’s religious leaders, all checking out Jesus’ Messianic claims. And in that context Jesus takes them on a whole stage further with His dramatic declaration of the forgiveness of sins for the man (& then, almost casually, He heals him too!). So Lev 14 really is a key portion of the Bible!
Alex

======= Anka:

“Then Jesus said, “Let’s get away from the crowds for a while and rest.” There were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.” When he tried to get away to rest…the crowds found him…and he was filled with compassion.Dealing with people is pretty difficult most times..but instead of getting upset{when I’m hungry and tired…I find it hard to show love:( }he had compassion,ignored his own hunger and fed the crowd.
“It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” Wow,the words are so soothing.I’m going to meditate on that as rush off to my second job….
God bless you everyone
Anka

======= Doug:

I am sure glad I found your web site. Last year I read the bible thru using the “Daily Bread” site. It is nice to recieve diffferent incite to my daily readings. Please pray for me, as I am recovering from a major auto accident. I was in a nursing home for 2 1/2 months and have been recovering at home for the last 2. The depression I get is overcome by my faith in the LORD. And daily reading of the Bible is a great start to my day.
God Bless!
Doug

======== Jim:

Reading such detailed regulations of cleansing from infectious skin diseases, I kept asking myself the reason why God gave them. Can anyone shed some light on the reason? I know that it must be perceived in the context of Moses’ time and situation. But what is the purpose besides good hygiene practice.
Jim

======= Ann:

Maybe the strict routines we read about were concerned with teaching the importance of discipline in the worship of God. Just a thought Jit.
Ann

======= John:

Jim,
The leper is already healed, all the rituals revolve around the cleansing. Certainly the priest could have declared the leper cleansed or washed him with some water and prounounced him clean – BUT God has something else in mind here.
This is a great picture of Christ. The need for the “need” offerings I mentioned in earlier posts and then the blood is required for cleansing (not healing – which foreshadows Christ), and the oil (also needed) being the Holy Spirit.
Everything is a symbolic picture – which even if the Israelites did not understand completely – (although they should as Hebrew is a word-picture and highly symbolic language) – when Christ came and taught, the links should be pretty clear. (remember what Christ said on Road to emmaus regarding OT).
The houses represent a body – the wandering nation then and the varying assemblies of the Body of Christ today.
I encourage you to read the bottom two thirds of the link Mike provided to Ray Stedman’s sermon on Leviticus 14. It will explain everything in much greater detail – and perhaps answer your query.
John

====== Johnnie:

I love the Psalms. Today it reminds me of two things that I love about God: 1) His faithfulness and 2) His unfailing love!!!
Johnnie

======= Becky:

On the topic of being careless with words, somewhere in Scripture there’s a verse that says we will be held accountable for every word we speak. I can’t remember where it is, (help, anyone?) but whenever I come across it, it makes me stop and think. Unfortunately, I still say a lot of junk that would be better left unsaid. It is something I’m still working on.
Christ in Psalm 40
Psalm 40:6 “Sacrifice and offering you did not desire…” After having just read so much about God’s specific instructions regarding sacrifices and offerings in Leviticus, this verse puzzled me. According to A.R. Fausset, verses 6-8 are the words of Christ, which Paul quotes in Hbr 10:5, “offering Himself as a better sacrifice.” It is so thrilling to me to see how the Old and New Testaments fit together, and how Christ is their theme.
Becky

======= Jenny:

before i get to the readings…wanted to share something God put on my heart to share. dont know why or for who, i havent thought of this in a loong time.
Back in the jr high sunday school department i was in, it was very small, only a few of us, sometimes just 2! my friend tonya and I. we were about 13 so we will silly giggly kids. well our teacher was Mike, he called himself Mike the Moose. He was a nice guy n taught us bible lessons every sunday…he made it fun! but, we were young silly girls and would get the giggles a lot, i guess were a little disrepectful…i didnt think so at the time, i had no idea in fact, i thought we were just having fun!
So he taught us for quite some time, then one day at class he sat us down and he looked very sad and said, ‘you know, i just dont feel i’m getting through to you guys. i try my best and you just sit and giggle and i just think i’m not supposed to be here, i’m not doing a good job and i’m not getting through. I feel like I’ve completely failed! you guys laugh and talk and dont give me your attention, and somehow i failed’. With that he told us he was quitting and that was it. my friend and i looked at each other in shock!
Later Tonya and I talked about it, we had NOOOO idea we hurt him, we had nooo idea, why didnt he say something b4 up and quitting? We both felt awful! it was so out of the blue to us! He WAS getting through to us…we were just at that age, you know? We wondered if we should talk to him and apologize…we actually tried to when he was telling us this, but he wouldnt listen.
Anyhow, after that when Tonya or I saw him around, he would ignore us!!! not even say hi! we were so saddened by this, we didnt understand at all. Did he resent us???
So anyway…I had lots of AWESOME Sunday School teachers that i will always remember…but unfortunately when I think of Mike the Moose, i think of the guy who quit. the guy who didnt persevere. the one who got upset and frustrated and just dumped us! and never talked to us again. Looking back as i’m older I can see where he may be coming from, and i guess the enemy was attacking him telling him lies.
So just remember, try your best, do unto the lord, no matter if you think you arent getting through, God IS using you. Dont be remembered as the one who quit.
I simply love Prov 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. how true! not just what Christ did for us in covering all our sins, but in our lives. If we are loving, if our attitude is not one of revenge, anger, payback…love can cover all sins. Ive seen God do such miracles in my life regarding this! Pride is a killer tho, but sometimes…or always, we have to be the ones to back down and love others.
I liked the commentary on Mark: “None are sent empty away from Christ.” how true!
Mike said it well regarding Jesus going off and praying by Himself. I confess, my prayer life could use a boost! If Jesus who was God sought prayer, how much do we!
A radio Christian ministry i was listening to talked about the trinity. Our minds cant possibly wrap around that..but one example was how each are 3 persons. So you have the Father (1), the Holy Spirit (1), and Jesus (1)…all three separate persons. yet if you multiply all, 1 x 1 x 1, you get 1 still! in that sense all are 3, yet they are one.
Jenny

======= Mae:

This can’t be true, Jenny!!!!!!! You know … I’ve been thinking about this all week!!! Well, not about your Sunday School adventure (LOL), but about getting through to people. And what happens if I give up trying to get through … that makes me a quitter!!! I don’t want to be a quitter!!! Especially when it comes to God’s word!!! It’s 2 of my aunts, they come to church once a week on Sunday. One of them is going to this church as long as me, she doesn’t talk too much about her personal relationship with God, I don’t know weather she did or didn’t say her rebirth prayer, if she did, she did it in some personal place, she didn’t go to the altar in church, I’m not judging her it’s between her and our Father, she did got baptised … okay, my other aunt sais she doesn’t have to be saved, because she never turned her back to ‘her religion’, she also sais she doesn’t have to be baptised, because she was baptised when she was 18, so she made her own decision at the time. Okay, now, I don’t want to give you the idea that I’m judging them, because I don’t know what kind of relationship they have with God. I know I had to go to the Altar in church to be saved, even though I never turned my back to Jesus Christ, I knew my sins had to be washed away, I wanted to be baptised in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, not only in water. But that’s me and my relationship with the Lord. BUT, the thing that bothers me is that my aunts are telling people (including my 87 year old grandmother who also joins our church since a couple of months) that they don’t need to be saved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was shocked!!!!!!!!!!!!! I mean, come on!!! I’m going out ‘fishing’ and they go around telling people this! I mean, they join this church, this is important for our church and they’re spreading the wrong word! One of those aunts is the mother of my cousine who was saved a couple of weeks ago, Lisa. I’m glad Lisa wasn’t around her mother when she was saved, I think she would never have done it when her mother was there. Next month we have a baptism, my mom and Rene will be baptised, but Lisa didn’t present herself yet to be baptised. So my mom asked my aunt (they’re sisters) if Lisa will be baptised. My aunt said “Maybe I will have her baptised in the Summer”. In the Summer the baptisms are outside at a small lake, very beautiful! That’s important to them, the entourage … and I think it’s not about the beauty and the fun … what we’re doing in churh is not only fun! They’re always giggling and sometimes it feels they only want to ‘join’ because it seems fun. I first thought “Mae, come on, you’re annoyed because they don’t feel the same passion as you do”. But since I know they spread the wrong word … I just don’t know WHAT to feel anymore! I went through different stages 1.) leave them and hope God will show them the right path 2.) tell them up front what I think 3.) spread the right Word to the people they talk to … and since this week I was back to stage 1 … leave it to God. But I don’t want to be remembered as the one who quit …. I just don’t really know what to do with this …
I thought about U2 the minute I started to read Psalm … My older cousine and I went to Germany to buy the single “40”, it was never released in The Netherlands. I LOVE that song! I heard them singing it live and I feel blessed that I did! I think I was 12 … maybe 13 or 14. Beautiful!!!
Psalm 40 is amazing! I love verse 2 “He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and the mire. He set my feet on solid ground and steadied me as I walked along”. This I feel deep in my heart!!!! “He set my feet on solid ground”, that’s what I feel! I feel steady, I feel solid, and I thank it to Him! I also love verse 10 “I have not kept the good news of your justice hidden in my heart; I have talked about your faithfulness and saving power. I have told everyone in the great assembly of your unfailing love and faithfulness”. Just like I’m always talking about: I’m a Christian and I’m proud of it!!!! I gospel!!!!!!! I’m NOT a quiet Christian! I really believe that my words matter! That’s why I’m really going to think about what Jenny wrote here above. I don’t want to be a quitter! I want to share what I think, feel and what I think and feel is the right thing!
Mae

======= Gary:

Psalm 40 opened up to me in a new way today. I love the way it starts with:
“I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.”
How often I need to wait on the Lord. When I do, He does “turn to me and hear my cry.” The psalmist spills out his heart, and ends with:
“I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.”
A great reminder that we should not hide the “many wonders” that God has shown to us. I was encouraged to reveal God’s “love and truth” to a world that needs to hear it.
Gary

======= Briggs:

Thanks for the various links to the commentaries on Leviticus, particularly Bible.org. They’ve been very insightful in gleaning truth and context from among these outwardly seeming grotesque sacrifices. I completely understand now Moses’ argument to Pharaoh that the Israelites had to go into the wilderness to worship because their worship would have been abhorring to the Egyptians.
All the symbolism rings with truth when linked to the New Testament but it’s hard to imagine how I would have responded to these sacrifices without the benefit of the New Testament and the wisdom and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. I grew up on a farm and I’ve helped with the butchering of large animals and I still remember some of the noxious sights, and particularly the odors, of all the blood and guts. Some of the smells linger with you for days. It’s hard to imagine a Holy place with the sights and smells of blood, guts, and burnt flesh; particularly when Solomon dedicated the temple and sacrificed thousands. It’s Interesting that there is no mention of how to clean up after these sacrifices. Were the priests allowed to wash off the blood from their ears, thumbs, and toes; their priestly garments; the alter itself? Without the benefit of context, it’s terribly difficult to imagine how the LORD was pleased with the “sweet smelling aroma” of these sacrifices. Thank God for the incense that was also burned on the altar. From an outsider’s perspective, where is God in the midst of all this public killing? Surely to any outsider this would seem appalling.
Briggs

======= Jessica:

These verses stood out to me today…
Mark 6:47-51
47 Late that night, the disciples were in their boat in the middle of the lake, and Jesus was alone on land. 48 He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning[b] Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. He intended to go past them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the water, they cried out in terror, thinking he was a ghost. 50 They were all terrified when they saw him.
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage! I am here![c]” 51 Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were totally amazed
Many times we are so caught up in our struggles, trying to “row” our way through it alone, that we don’t stop to recognize that He is there with us. We have to learn to not focus on the appearance of our circumstances, and look for Him. Once we let Jesus on board, the peace will come. Another thing that stood out to me was “He intended to go past them”…I believe that God allows us to struggle our way through things in our lives to help us learn to know that even when we don’t feel like He is there, He is, and that we can look beyond our fears and find Him. How awesome is our Savior!
Thank you all for sharing your comments and insights on this blog! This is my first year to read the One Year Bible, and I love, love, love this blog!!!
God bless!
Jessica

======= Beth:

Just a quick question… what do you suppose was with the scarlet yarn and the wood thing???
Beth

======= Dee:

Beth,
I believe the scarlet yarn stood for and was significant as the blood sacrifice as was the clean animals. God gave His son for us(the clean, pure lamb of God) and we give of our self a sacrifice back(our life, our possessions, in this sense the scarlet yarn) Its just like in Joshua when the story of Rahab was told(Joshua 2, and 6:22-23), the spies told her to place a scarlet rope in her window seal for deliverance and in rememberance and covenent with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. That way, her and her household would be saved even when Jericho was destroyed! This be in “rememberance of Me”–God. I hope that helps a little. I am not sure about the wood spoon, maybe significant with the tree they used in Calvary, It was a dishonor and a sinful nature to be hung on a tree. Tree/wood/ you see some comparison and a connection here? I don’t know, I may be completely off course here, but that is what I got from it. God Bless…
Dee

======= Steve:

Leviticus 14:1-57
What stood out for me in the readings today was Leviticus 14:14-17 the priest taking some of the blood from the guilt offering and applying it to the person’s right ear lobe, right thumb and the right big toe. As I imagined putting the blood on my right ear lobe, then my right thumb and my right big toe I wondered what does this mean. After putting the blood on the ear, thumb and toe, the priest then applies oil over the blood on the ear, thumb and toe.
This raised my curiosity sending me on a quest through commentaries and searches until I found this “If one considers the ear a symbol of hearing, the thumb a symbol of working, and the toe a symbol of walking, one can regard this action as indicating that priests (and later cured “lepers”) are now commissioned and established to listen to God, to work for God, and to walk with God.” The blood is ceremonial for cleansing and the oil ceremonial for anointing the person.
Thank God we no longer have to apply the blood over and over again. Jesus has fulfilled all of these ceremonies and rituals concerning sacrifice and blood once and for all. Daily we come to the source; Jesus Christ who has cleansed us from all unrighteousness and has blessed us with all spiritual blessings.
Steve

======= Jennifer:

I was wonder about psalm 40 and its foreshadowing of Jesus.
This sounds like Christ,
Another question, Did Mark not write about Peter walking on the water because he was not in the boat?
Jennifer

======= Deb:

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments. I really appreciate the added wisdom.
Deb

======= Bob:

There is valuable in listening to Ray Stedman’s commentary (1972)above in “Sick Garments and Dieseased Houses” He tackles the translations so they deal with our own spiritual and physical lives. For instance, the difference of Healing which is a sovereign act of God to Cleansing which is an understanding and change of the behavior. I enjoyed the symbols such as the 2 birds which point to the actions of what Jesus did for us. (Atonement). If you don’t have time now, I suggest to save it for another time.
Bob

======= Russ:

I have found myself trying to immediately give God praise and grattitude after every small and large daily victory. It helps to remind be that everything is his.
Russ

======= Jill:

Psalms 40:10 stood out to me today ” I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
from the great assembly.”.
Do we tell of Gods wonder in our life? How he answers prayers and does small miracles in our life? Do we share our stories of how God has transformed us? I heard someone say we have 2 stories to tell. One is a scar story and one is a wound story . The “wound” story is where you have been hurt by someone and it never heals over. It’s always an open wound. You hang on to the pain. The other story is a “scar” story. You have been hurt but you allowed God to heal your pain and slowly it formed a scar . You tell others how God changed you and brought healing to your life! What story do you want to share?
Im exhausted reading all the cleansing rituals done back in OT! I m glad we can take our burdens right to Jesus! Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30 KJVR). When sick as s child my mother comforted me. Now I go to my Heavenly Father.
Regarding prayer life, pray without ceasing! And tell of Gods great wonders! A bible teacher said ” you wanna know how much one loves their Saviour? Listen to their conversation . If it’s me, mine and I , then they are not sharing their faith!” Watch your words! Glorify God in conversation. Be intentional in sharing how God is working in you
Jill

======= Carol:

I’ve found myself in miry clay so many times and how wonderful it is when He lifts me out of it to firm ground again.
I love the thought of my mouth being a fountain of life and want it to be so, sort of like the thought of being fruitful. I want to pursue it and achieve it….. with God’s power and for His Glory!
I want to pray along with David today, that I desire to do God’s will and that His law is within my heart!
Carol

======= Robert:

Proverbs 10:11
How words can affect people around you. This happened a few years ago when a good friend was having troubles with his two teen sons. As he confided in me, the words I had for him came from my own experience with my sons. After talking with him that night, he honored me with expressing how my knowledge had given him great insight and he called me a sage! I felt my words were a “fountain of life” for him.
Mark 6:46
After leaving the crowd and his disciples, he went up on a mountainside to pray. Why? He doesn’t have to. It really is more of an example to us of what it is to commune with God. It will satisfy every need. I like Deedee’s comment. I don’t know if Jesus needed to do it but it is a perfect answer to what his human side needed and what we need as well. “The power of rejuvenation”.
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT – Have seen houses after hurricanes that had to be torn down because of mold. A new house was constructed. This is a picture of our salvation. Our old body was discarded (because of sin), and we became a new creation in Jesus. Mold (sin) does spread.
NT – Mark 6:52 – struggled with the idea of disciples’ hearts being hardened or dull to understanding. Then realized – they had been on the go for awhile, had seen and done much, a kind of sensory overload. Think they (and I know I do) needed to have time to reflect and take it all in and absorb all the truth and miracles they were exposed to with Jesus.
Mitch

Leviticus 13:1-59 + Mark 6:1-29 + Psalm 39:1-13 + Proverbs 10:10
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 13 we read about contagious skin diseases and mildew.  Quite a chapter! It does make sense to me that this level of detail is given by God on these topics.  These instructions were health instructions for the community of Israel as a whole.  The NIV Study Bible notes that “the ceremonially unclean were excluded from the camp (the area around the tabernacle and courtyard), where the Israelites lived in tents.  Later, no unclean persons were allowed in the temple area, where they could mingle with others.”  I look at this from the standpoint that they did not have medicines back then to heal people of these contagious diseases – and as such, the only way to keep the diseases from spreading to the entire population was to isolate the sick.  I know this doesn’t sound compassionate on the surface… but was there a better option at that time?  In the New Testament we read about Jesus curing people of leprosy, which was a couple of thousand of years later.  It’s obvious that skin diseases were a major issue in Moses’ day and through Jesus’ day – as was mildew during Israel’s rainy season of October through March – particularly along the coast and by the Sea of Galilee where it is very humid.  Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on Leviticus chapter 13 begins at this link and you’ll see a few “Next Commentary” links at the bottom of each page to take you through the chapter.

On a side note, leprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is still in existence in our world today, though at much lower incidence rates than ever before.  It is a sad disease to learn about…  I did a google image search on the word leprosy and was pretty shocked by the pictures.  The World Health Organization’s website says this – “Today, diagnosis and treatment of leprosy is easy. Essential work is being carried out to integrate leprosy services into existing, general health services. This is especially important for communities at risk for leprosy, which are often the poorest of the poor and under-served. Full control of leprosy has eluded mainly in some parts of Angola, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nepal, and United Republic of Tanzania.”  More info on leprosy in our world today is at the World Health Organization’s website at this link.

All of a sudden now these 3 verses about Jesus and leprosy in Matthew chapter 8 verses 1 through 3 really stand out to me… – “When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.”

New Testament – Today we read in Mark Chapter 6 verse 4– “Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” This verse reminds me that sometimes when we really move forward in our faith, our friends (“hometown” from the verse above) and our relatives can sometimes not understand what is going on with us. I think there are phases of our walk with God where really it becomes very personal – between us and God – and through that process God will transform us. And our friends and relatives sometimes may not appreciate our change for various reasons – just as Jesus’ friends and relatives did not appreciate his ministry in this verse. I hope that this verse can be of comfort to you if by chance you are having challenges reconciling your faith and your changed heart with your friends & relatives expectations of who you were in the past. Know that you are on the right path. As long as you are staying focused on God and his will for your life, you may have to accept some loss of “honor” (per the verse above) in your status with your friends and relatives. You may not seem to be as “cool” or “fun” as you once were in your friends’ eyes. But – if in God’s eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven. And that’s where it really counts. Where are you seeking “honor” in your life today? In the eyes of your friends and relatives – or in God’s eyes?

An image for verses 18 & 19: “John kept telling Herod, “It is illegal for you to marry your brother’s wife.” Herodias was enraged and wanted John killed in revenge, but without Herod’s approval she was powerless.” –

Psalms – Today we read in Psalm 39 verse 5 – “My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.” This verse is a powerful verse for each of us to meditate upon.

I love verse 7 of this Psalm – “And so, Lord, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.”  Is this true of your life today?  Are you putting your hope anywhere else? 

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 10 today teaches us – “People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.”  This is a great reminder that in the long run it is so much better – more peaceful – to stand up to an injustice or wrong.  We should not let things slide.  I think this can apply to our own lives as well.  If we know we ourselves are doing something wrong, we should not just “wink” at our wrong.  But we must reproof it and confess it and let Jesus heal it.

Worship Video: Based on our Leviticus on clean and un-clean, and how Jesus is our only hope and salvation for eternal cleanliness, I’m reminded of Brandon Heath’s great song about being changed by Christ called “I’m not Who I Was”:

Are you who you were? Click here to be made clean!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered — how fleeting my life is. You have made my life no longer than the width of my hand. My entire lifetime is just a moment to you; at best, each of us is but a breath.” Psalm 39:4-5 NLT

Prayer Point: Pray that God will remind you daily of how brief your time on earth is. Pray that you would live each day fully for the Lord in light of the brevity of your life.

Comments from you & Questions of the Day:  Back to Psalm 39 verse 5 above – how does this verse speak to you? Do you feel like life moves fast sometimes? If so, how are you spending your time? Are you being intentional about how you invest your time? Are you being intentional about your work? Your friends? Your finances? Volunteering? Serving others? Loving others? Watching TV – or not watching TV? (Have I gone off on my “Kill Your Television” soap-box yet this year? 🙂 I’ll save it for a future post…)  Do you think life really is “but a breath”?   Are you spending your breath wisely? With your breath are you constantly loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbor as yourself?  Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

Love, Trust, and Obey Jesus,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

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======= Ramona:

Leviticus 13:1-59
The Hebrew word translated in the NLT text, “appears,” appears ten times in the thirteenth chapter,
4758
מראה
mar’eh
BDB Definition:
1) sight, appearance, vision
1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision
1b) what is seen
1c) a vision (supernatural)
1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Each of the ten times this word appears it has to do with discerning the truth about a “skin” disease or “sin.” Something can “appear” to be something but upon close examination, and not just over a short period of time, and with stated guidelines, the dis-ease is identified. Appearance and actuality are two separate things.
In this passage, the focus is something that “breaks out” on the skin, on the surface, looking like a “skin” disease and to insure that no one is tagged wrongly, close observation is needful. But there is another type of appearance, that of one that seems healthy and holy, but in actuality the disease, though not on the surface, has permeated the inside where the eyes of the priests cannot see.
Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance (superficially and by appearances); but judge fairly and righteously. (John 7:24 AMP)
Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. (Matthew 23:27-28 KJV)
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Rob:

mike, i found todays section on leprosy quite challenging. part of my work is to help people with skin problems overcome associated psychological difficulties – in fact i have just finished a six week group. two of the big issues are how other people perceive them (scabby, dirty) and the social isolation they can impose on themselves / others impose on them. i must say i found matthew henry’s commentatary particularly unhelpful as it seems to reduce skin conditions to just something visited on people by God and then tries to bring Jesus into it by the back door when he was never hinted at in the pasasge – i am happier with your ideas about ‘better the exclusion of one than the illness of the whole nation’. the bible is after all inherently practical.
it strikes me that a better response from christians is to do what they can to help people with leprosy today (and other skin conditions too as it probably wasn’t just what we know today to be leprosy that moses was talking about) – i like the links to the WHO. People may also want to know about Lepra – the UK charity who coordinate some extremely valuable work:
http://www.lepra.org.uk/lepra.shtml
Rob

======= Ramona:

One of the things that we must be careful of is dismissing things as irrelevant or unnecessarily out of date and out of touch with “modern times,” everyone thinks, whatever the time period is, they are in modern and sophisticated times.
May I ask Rob to hold off on any judgment of what this “isolation” meant to the community of Israel and the people involved. “Leprosy” (as per King James) of the skin, clothe, walls of the house (to be read at a later date) represented “sin,” which not only causes someone to be isolated from the community, if known about, but isolates and isolated us from God. Remember God’s way is not our way nor are His thoughts the same as our thoughts. God provided in His covenant with His people, Israel, healing; and because we have not all taken hold of that healing doesn’t mean we are any worse off then any other believer.
What I’m afraid of is that we are in danger of shaping the Word to fit our perspective of life when we read something that either doesn’t make sense to us or doesn’t fit our vocation, job or chosen life style, molding and shaping the Word based on a personal perspective.
Father God I ask that the veil of misunderstanding be lifted from our spiritual eyes and ears so that we will see the way You look at life, that we will see life from Your point of view. In Jesus’ might and glorious name, Amen and Amen.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Micah Girl:

The whole managing skin disease aspect of the priestly duties made me think that as the pastors of God’s people they were responsible for so much more than just the spiritual. As we minister to people today (lay or clergy) we should be involved in healing of physical, spiritual, social, and emotional needs… This aspect of our calling as the priesthood of believers is not just on a spiritual dimension. God cares for whole people and whole nations. That is why he has provided such minute detail for us in Leviiticus. (I am, by the way, for the first time, learning to LOVE Leviticus:-)
Micah Girl

======= Betty:

Lots going on in today’s readings! First, I am not a doctor, but I have been in the healthcare profession for 27 years and considering the fact there was no medicine in those days except herbs (which I’m sure were not plentiful in the desert), the instructions God gives the Israelites is remarkably ahead of the times. Contagious skin diseases did spread rapidly, and the quarentine prevented wholesale infection, unfortunately, the Pharisees and other legalists added many of their own laws to these basic instructions-the basis behind all of Jesus’ rebukes to this group. Of course, we have our own Pharisees today doing exactly the same thing-but that is a discussion for another time. Two things jumped out at me today. The first is the story of the death of John the Baptist. I am doing a women’s study by Beth Moore called Believing God, and the lesson last week was talking about having faith even when we don’t understand what God is doing. She used John the Baptist in a way that really convicted me. To summarize, she asked us to try to imagine what John the Baptist was thinking as he was in jail. He knew that Jesus was the Messiah, and he knew he was the forerunner to Him, can you imagine what he must have thought-wondering why, if Jesus was the Messiah, he was still in prison. He probably had the same expectations that most of the Israelites held for the Messiah and so wondered why Jesus wasn’t saving him. This really convicted me because so many times I want God to reveal His purpose to me so that I might understand; and yet, here was a prophet who loved God and was diligent in his obedience whose great faith was even further tested by not understanding the meaning of the Kingdom of God. And I think God will reveal to me-a sinner, a rebel,the proverbial black sheep He has to keep bringing back to the fold? As Beth points out, the wonderful thing about this is that the second the sword hit the rock, God was telling John come sit with me and watch this play out. How wonderful and mysterious are the ways of the LORD.
The second thing that jumped out at me was David’s psalm today…especially verses 6&7. “6 We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. We heap up wealth for someone else to spend. 7 And so, LORD, where do I put my hope? My only hope is in you.” Does this not sum up our current life experience, or what? Thank you, O Father God, that because of your precious Son and our Savior, Jesus Christ, we can approach You and put all of our hope in You-and You will continue to perfect us until we meet face to face. Amen!
Betty

======= Mark:

I am not a doctor, nor do I play one on television, but I believe that the separation mentioned in Leviticus in our reading today has sound medical reasons, not social ones. It helps to remember that there is a difference between the Law that God gave Moses, and the legalism that the Pharisees of Jesus’ day practiced.
Ramona, I’d like to offer my observation that Moses in this passage is not talking about sin, he is writing down the distinctive hygiene and medical directives that God handed to his people Israel. These were way ahead of their time in other cultures and in marked contrast to the gentiles surrounding the Jews at that time. There may be some underlying principles beneath the verses in this passage, but I would hesitate to spiritualize the text and miss what God was actually saying.
Rob, I agree with your concern about people simplifying these diseases by declaring that they were a “punishment” from God on certain people. My God is a God who heals and who protects his people. That’s who I see in Leviticus, not a God who inflicts disease on his people and then castigates them, throwing them out of the fellowship of the congregation.
I read very specific medical descriptions of the sores, the skin and the hair surrounding it. I read the diagnosis and the treatment prescribed. I read almost as much about being pronounced “clean” as being pronounced “unclean”. This sounds like a program for health, not for condemnation.
Mark 6:12,13 Then they were on the road. They preached with joyful urgency that life can be radically different; right and left they sent the demons packing; they brought wellness to the sick, anointing their bodies, healing their spirits. — This is the heart of God, this is the message of God’s kingdom, this is the mission of God’s church.
Mark 6:18-20 For John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias “adultery.” Herodias, smoldering with hate, wanted to kill him, but didn’t dare because Herod was in awe of John. Convinced that he was a holy man, he gave him special treatment. Whenever he listened to him he was miserable with guilt–and yet he couldn’t stay away. Something in John kept pulling him back. — That “something” in John is the same something that lives in all who name the name of Jesus. That something is the Holy Spirit who lives and works in us. Praise God!! What would I have on my own merit that could keep the attention of a king?
Psalm 39:4-11 Tell me, what’s going on, GOD?
How long do I have to live?
Give me the bad news!
You’ve kept me on pretty short rations;
my life is string too short to be saved.
Oh! we’re all puffs of air.
Oh! we’re all shadows in a campfire.
Oh! we’re just spit in the wind.
We make our pile, and then we leave it.
What am I doing in the meantime, Lord?
Hoping, that’s what I’m doing–hoping
You’ll save me from a rebel life,
save me from the contempt of dunces.
I’ll say no more, I’ll shut my mouth,
since you, Lord, are behind all this.
But I can’t take it much longer.
When you put us through the fire
to purge us from our sin,
our dearest idols go up in smoke.
Are we also nothing but smoke?
Amen Mike! God is on the throne. He has lifted me from the pit of a “rebel life”, but because he did it – not me, I shut my mouth before him except to thank him and bring my offering of praise and worship.
Bless you Yahweh!
Mark

======= Mick:

I was moved by the verses in today’s Psalms regarding the brevity of life. This is mentioned in other books in our Bibles as well, it just touched me today. Am I using my brief time here well? I shall close for now and pray about that.
In Christ,
Mick

======= Anka:

Still meditating on lev 12:I wonder if women and men truly are equal before God.Women are separated monthly from God’s presence during their period,called unclean and shut out for a longer period after child birth esp if the baby’s female.Now if we trace the part Eve played in the fall of man we see Adam was told before Eve appeared not to eat of the forbidden fruit and was with her when the serpent spoke.The curse of tilling the ground…women also till the ground but men don’t ever give birth..The curse seems harder on women…Wonder why.Today’s reading on Leventicus really out of my league,there are infectious skin diseases that don’t fit the description of the unclean sores…and Lev 13:12 “If the disease breaks out all over his skin and, so far as the priest can see, it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot, 13 the priest is to examine him, and if the disease has covered his whole body, he shall pronounce that person clean. Since it has all turned white, he is clean…just doesn’t make sense to me…the whole body’s diseased and he’s clean?Does any one have any insight on why this is so?
Mark 6:13..annointing with oil.I often wondered about annointing oil,there are people who feel any prayers for the sick should be accompanied by annointing with oil.Jesus from what I searched didn’t use oil,he didn’t even say the disciples should (or shouldn’t),it just says they did it.Some people told me the Holy Spirit works through the oil but I found no scripture backing that up
{Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
James 5:14-15}it says the prayer(not the oil)offered in faith..so what’s the point of the oil…Jesus didn’t use it,other miracles by the disciples were done without the oil..
“I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”Hmmm,my mouth seems to behave better when I’m with believers cos most times we’re talking about the things of the Lord…at other times,I find my self struggling not to join in criticising,gossiping along with unbelievers..for example,it’s so easy to say how corrupt the authorities are,the boss etc when that’s all you hear in the office all day(and I really need a muzzle then)compared to when I meet with my prayer partners and instead of using words that certainly don’t have any good report in them,we pray about the authorities…I have to admit though it’s so much easier for me to criticise…the verse really reminded me to zip:)
God bless you all
Anka

======= Micah Girl:

Hi, Anka
It’s important to keep any issue in a larger biblical contexts. In the bible, men and women are both equal in God’s sight and have been since the beginning. Together, man & woman, reflect the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27),and God makes no distinction and shows no preference between male and female in Christ (Galatians 3:26-28), the priesthood of believers includes both genders(1 Peter 2:5,9), and both women and men have access to God through our high priest, Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5).
That said, I do wonder at the whys and hows of the Levitical regulations. But then I remember that Jesus Himself ministered to unclean women, such as the one we read about yesterday who had been bleeding and considered unclean for years.
Also, the pain of childbirth is physically harder on the woman, and yet she also has the privilege of birthing the baby, which to me, as a mom, seems fair. Also, Jesus Himself entered the world through a woman’s womb. Pretty cool.
Micah Girl

======= Anka:

Hi Micah Girl, maybe I’ll get a different perspective on child birth after I’ve gone through it:)but I’ve watched a lot of mothers go through the process and it truly is labour:)We all have an equal chance to God through Jesus…but in view of our own share of the curse,alot of forced breaks from God’s presence cos of the very things that mark our feminity and also,in 1cor 14:34 it says we are to remain silent in church as well!
I recently saw a video with Nick Vujicic,a young man born without limbs to a couple who’ve been christians all their lives.He has a site-lifewithoutlimbs.org,he talked alot about how uses everything for our good and honestly,(coming from a guy without limbs who realises he’ll never be able to hold his wife’s hand or embrace his kids who’s 21years old and dreams of life the way anyone his age would)hearing him say that really struck a cord.He said God gave him the strength to go on each day and he’s actually a motivational speaker now.
Anka

======= John:

Anka,
A pastor had a great answer to the issue of women’s curse in Genesis three in one of his college session Q&A’s. A women had started reading the Bible, got to Genesis 3, and quit. She wanted no part of a Gode “like that”.
First off – pastor said what other options are there?
Atheism – Gives no value to the life. It just is, and then it is over.
Other religions (non-Christian or non-judaic) – upon examination – all are very harsh, denigrating toward women, or at best non-commital towards women.
Go back to Bible, pastor said, and keep reading, and notice not only what “Micah Girl” mentioned, but how God used women of the Bible greatly. Pharoah’s daughter, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Esther, Rahab, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Martha and Mary, wealthy wives of rulers who may have financed Jesus’ ministry, and others I am sure I forgot. Woman play an integral part in God’s Plan. Women in no ohter belief system have integral parts in the scope of life and hereafter like these women had in the Bible.
A man is to love his wife as Christ loves his Church (the Body). What higher command can there be for a man as a way to perceive his mate?
They are equals, but there is an order to things. Being silent in church, at that time because of the way seating was arranged, did not mean they did not express opinions.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lifts up the role of a woman more than any other belief system.
That is pastor’s answer and I am paraphrasing. It got a standing ovation, and I left out some details – as it was 9 minutes long. I have found nothing in my readings that contradict his answer.
======================================================
I am not sure of the “monthly period” as I don’t think we have gotten to that yet. But the 40 or 80 days separation, back in those days was focused mainly on not going to the sanctuary. It was not banishment from camp like leprosy. Maybe the depression (post-partem???) needed to be gotten over , or the attitude for worship may not have been the best. [I am just speculating here so forgive me.] I guess we just have to trust God that He had his reasons.
Leviticus 13 is not about cures for disease, but about recognition and measures to keep it from spreading in the camp.
The White was not disease, the “raw flesh” around white indicated the disease.
On a spiritual note, in O.T. and New, the diseases represent “sin”. there is great patience in determining if person is unclean. Just like God has patience with sinners.
If it ends up being clean, it is like mankind reduced to “bottom” and comes to Christ. He is cleansed.
If not he is banished, and says “unclean”, just like mankind will be banished and separated from God if he does not repent.
The garments fine or cheap, must be taken care of because “sin” contaminates everything it touches. Our raiment is nothing but filthy rags in God’s sight. (paraphrased from Zech. 3) If garment is cleansed (by Christ) then it is “clean ( a righteous garment).
This is really rough and quick from reading commentaries by J. Vernon Mcgee and David Jeremiah. So if anyone wants to add, correct, or comment please do so. : )
I realize it is pretty sketchy.
John

======= Cory:

Anka,
A Jewish blogger, the Velveteen Rabbi (Rachel), shared some good thoughts on this portion of Torah (Lev. 12). 
Cory

======= John:

Cory,
It is fine to point out a different viewpoint, especiallly from a person whose religion is the source and reason we have the Old Testament.
However, people need to be aware of the traditional Jewish (religion) view of Genesis.
The Jewish religion, and Rachel can correct me if I am wrong, differs from most Christian perspectives, regarding the story of Adam and Eve.
They believe the story in Eden was given as an example of what not to do in life. That Adam and Eve screwed up, and don’t you do the same. They do not believe in the “fall of man”, “original sin”, “doctrine of deparavity”, or whatever your doctrinal name for Apple, serpent, Adam and Eve experiance in Eden.
“Judaism completely rejects the doctrine of original sin.”
http://www.jewfaq.org/cgi-bin/search.cgi?Keywords=SIN
“The yetzer tov is the moral conscience….The yetzer ra is usually conceived as the selfish nature, the desire to satisfy personal needs (food, shelter, sex, etc.) without regard for the moral consequences of fulfilling those desires…. People have the ability to choose which impulse to follow: the yetzer tov or the yetzer ra. That is the heart of the Jewish understanding of free will. The Talmud notes that all people are descended from Adam, so no one can blame his own wickedness on his ancestry. On the contrary, we all have the ability to make our own choices, and we will all be held responsible for the choices we make.”
http://www.jewfaq.org/human.htm#Yetzer
This site jives with my study of Genesis from a “torah commentary”.
Bottom Line: This doctrinal difference makes a difference in viewing Leviticus which is clear if you read bible.org and compare the comments to Rachel’s blog entry.
I have no problem with the reference, but I believe this should be made clear for those not familiar with Judaism’s view of the Garden.
John

======= Cory:

John,
Fair point… but then we should probably also go so far as to say that not all Christians hold to the doctrine known as “original sin.”
Cory

======= Stef:

yes : ) the older i get the faster life seems to go..as a child days were warm and endless you could spend an entire afternon sitting in the sun stroking the cat but now one seems to scarcely catch your breath and youre on to the next thing….my aim for this year is to learn to discern Gods real purpose for my life, to learn how to say no when asked to do something that might appear to be a good thing but id really just be cluttering and filling my life with deeds that might be taking the time i should be using for something else God wants me to do as a priority…im finding this really hard as it feels wrong to say no to someone.
Stef

======= Luch:

What does Psalm 39:4 mean to me? A LOT. “LORD, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away.” Just yesterday I accompanied my wife to her third of 8 chemotherapy treatments for breast cancer. Walking through the chemo waiting room I was overwhelmed by the number of women 10 to 20 years younger than my wife who were wearing little caps or ‘coverings’ over their heads, as my wife does due to the radical loss of hair. This experience everytime we go for treatments reminds my wife and I to keep investing ourselves in the values and relationships that will go beyond our brief lifetime. Psalm 39:5 says, “Human existence is but a breath.” I was so overwhelmed I left the building and walked around the hospital praying and was reminded again of James 4:14 “How do youi know what will happen tomorrow? For your life is like the morning fog–it’s here a little while, then it’s gone. What you ought to say is, “If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.”
I’m sure there are other OYB readers who have experienced something similar to us,or are presently experiencing, and you could affirm how horrible life without God and His perspective could be!!!
Luch

======= Beryl:

to Luch and wife,
u are where God wants u 2 b. U can live life 2 the max doing something 4 those other patients. May the Lord grant u healing.
I have breast cancer right now, I am going 4 an op. Praying about what tracts 2 take, knowing there will be people there that don’t know yet that God loves them or what to do about it if they do know. I have a good chance against cancer but death is inevitable, todays psalm is right on track. The death of Gods children is precious in His sight. He also sends healing. God is in control. Praise Him 4 being merciful. god bless u
Beryl

====== Stacey:

Mike’s questions remind me of Psalm 90 “teach us to number our days aright” and Lamentations 3:21-25 about how God’s compassion and mercy on us is new every day. Enjoy it! No matter what happened yesterday, today is a day of full and complete grace and hope.
With regards to the dietary and health laws, keep in mind that these people lived a simpler life. There were far less people than there are now and thousands of years have passed. There are so many more germs and variants now. Many of the diseases that we encounter are do to the effects of pollution. Many are even self inflicted that have to do with us polluting our own bodies through sinful practices. But God has not left us just with the treatments of thousands of years ago. He has given skilled craftsman in the health industry. He has given so many cures and treatments and laid on the hearts of so many of His own people answers to some of the worst of diseases.
Yet we all know that death is 100%. We are only made completely whole in the next life. He does have an exact day where He will take us home to heaven. Until that day, we are to live each day here on earth to the max. My heart does go out to Luch and his wife as their days are filled with treatments. Days like these do not seem to be living life to the max. However, these are truly the kinds of days that do teach us how precious is the gift of life… how precious our Lord and Savior… and how much we need and depend on Him. May God bless you, and your dear wife, and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. And from Heb 13:20: May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Stacey

======= Luch:

stacey and beryl
thanks so much for your kind and caring words. Women have come ‘out of the wood work’ so to speak just to encourage and identify with us. I think for us 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 are appropriate and applicable. “All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts ohers. When others are troubled we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” Selah!!
Have a good night!!!
Luch

======= Nicole:

We are merely moving shadows, and all our busy rushing ends in nothing. Psalm 39:6
Isn’t it interesting to see that even back then people get busy with things that are not important? That sure was a verse that spoke to me today! And that is something I need to work on. : )
As for Jesus not being accepted in Nazareth, this has happened to me. I had some great friends before I became a Christian. They just didn’t believe in the importance of Jesus, our Savior. Now that I am very involved with church and became a believer, they have stepped back from me. They say that respect what I believe and are open to listen to it, but do not respond. But on the bright side, I have made new friends. So God never leaves us alone.
Luch and Beryl, you are in my prayers. Your strength is amazing and know that God never gives you more than you can handle. : )
Nicole

======= Doug:

Brother, let me just say ewwwwwwwww! I tried to eat breakfast with this morning’s readings. Try reading about spreading puss-filled infections with white hairs and then looking down at some milky cheerios!
On a serious note, I really feel like the heart of the Psalm calls me to get off my seat and into action. Most of us are created to do one really extraordinary thing through our life. Not just do it once, but to do it as God designed us, for our entire hand’s breadth.
In my own life, I’ve seen what that one thing is, and I’m pursuing it. And I have seen the honor that prophets do not have at home. I don’t think it has to do with becoming less fun. I think it has everything to do with the authority that we have in the Gospel. It says the people Jesus was teaching took offense at him. We all run into that, especially the people who try to share the Gospel with unsaved parents. Try and figure that chain of command out, a child who has an authority, not posessed by the parents, who have a commanded authority over their righteous children.
And don’t worry… if you’re worried about making your calendar too busy and you want to say “no” but find that difficult, try this. You will never feel like a jerk if you just remember, when you are saying “no” to extra business, you are saying “yes” to more time with your God and more time with your commitments already in place, to do one thing really well, just as you were designed.
Doug

====== Jenny:

um…Levit is kinda gross today with hairs and boils. yeck. sorry, these verses made me laugh: “If a man loses his hair and his head becomes bald, he is still ceremonially clean. And if he loses hair on his forehead, he simply has a bald forehead; he is still clean.”
In Mark, reading about ppl rejecting Jesus made me sad. Its still going on today. some ppl say, well if God performed a miracle, i would believe. well, they didnt believe it back wen they had Jesus’ miracles before their eyes. this verse made me sad: “And he was amazed at their unbelief.”
Herodias made me so mad! grrr. how evil!
i love psalm 39. I’m tyring to live all for Him, put Him first in all areas…and He is my onlyyyy hope!! i am nothing without Him…i’m so helpless! i need His touch every second of every minute.
concerning the brevity of life, it actually seems rather long to me. everyone says, life is short, which in comparision to eternity it is. but my life has been soooo long! am i the only one that feels like this? i feel like i have lived enough…like its time to retire and get ready to go ‘home’. unfortunetly its been a long life of heartache, but if it brought me to the Lord, i am beyond grateful for the pain! I feel young and hopeful on one side, on the other i think, man…how much longer i got? 45 more yrs? yikes.
LOL! gotta love v 10 “But please stop striking me! I am exhausted by the blows from your hand.”
Prov is funny too, “People who wink at wrong cause trouble, but a bold reproof promotes peace.” haha, i never trust ppl who winnk, i dont know what it is…seems shady.
(forgive me, i’ve been stuck at home studying for a state exam for days, actually weeks, n i’m just a lil burnt out on life… emotionally drained, hence my negativity and insane outbursts of laughter while reading the Bible…i think its cause i’m so happy to read the bible rather then to read Becker CPA review, lol.)
Jenny

======= Mae:

Oh Jenny Jenny Jenny … you’re on fire for the past days, girl!!!! “everyone says, life is short, which in comparision to eternity it is. but my life has been soooo long! am i the only one that feels like this? i feel like i have lived enough…like its time to retire and get ready to go ‘home’”. I recognize this when I have my days of being burned out, drained, negativity, struggles … then I feel like “Well, you know what, Jesus? Today would be a good day … please get me out of here!”. But that’s only when I’m emotionally exhausted, because for me personally it feels like my life here on earth, is going FASSSSSSSSSSSST! When I look at my little boy, who’s 4 years old now, I wonder if I haven’t been fooled for the past 4 years and somebody made a year 200 days. It’s not that life feels short or anything, because I’m enjoying EVERY minute with Jaden and Rene. Want to hear something typical? When I’m at work, 4 hours feel like 10 hours, but when I’m at the playground going crazy on the swings with my boys 1 hour seems like only 10 minutes! How about that, eh? I do not hate my job, not at all, I have a wonderful job. But, yes, I rather spend my time being with my boys. So … where was I going with my story? I don’t know …. I was thinking, Jen, you go ahead and vent here about being burned out on life … this is the right place. I love you, you know that and I’m happy you share this here. That way you give me exact directions on how to pray for you. Things will be fine …
So while I’m here …
The most important verse in todays readings is for me Mark 6:4 “Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” I think I’ve told you before that I’m slowly losing my old ‘friends’ .. or I don’t know what they have been LOL They think I join a ‘weird community’ … oh well, than so be it. I don’t care anymore. If they can’t respect me for who I am, then fine. I pray for them and hope they will find Jesus some day. I still forward emails to them, cause we didn’t officially ‘divorce’, but we aren’t really talking anymore. So I still forward emails to them about Jesus Christ and about Christianity. I refuse to change myself into a quiet Christian, because I’m a proud Christian and I want to preach the Gospel! I want to share with everybody why there’s a big smile on my face 24/7!!!!!!! I want to shout it out that the Lord Jesus Christ saved me! I’m happy! I’m free and they can be to, if they wouldn’t shut me out! You know … I heard that someone said “Mae’s fake happiness makes me physicly ill”. Ha ha ha ha!!! Well, actually I shouldn’t laugh, I should cry for this person, I mean, how bitter and sad is this persons heart when you get sick over someone that is happy? This is pure jealousy, I know they want what have! But sadly they think they can’t have it, but it’s so close! Eternity is so close, they don’t even realize it! So okay, they hate me, they refuse to listen to my words, which are actually God’s words. But hey … I’m fake, so what do I know? So now I’m also wondering what’s going to happen at work, slowly people getting to know that I’m a Christian ( and a proud one!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!), one woman decided not to speak with me anymore. She has a second job which is reading tarot-cards, for herself and for others. Not to long ago I was talking to one of my clients over the phone, this client was totally unreasonable, but I didn’t want to end the conversation with a fight, so I apologized for everything. Which wasn’t my fault in the first place, but I chosed to keeping my client and put my ‘pride’ aside. So my co-worker (the tarot-reader) said “If it were me talking to Mr Janssen, I’d tell him to take the d*mn contracts and shuff them up in his *ss”. So I told her “Oh no, I’m not going to say that. I don’t talk to people like that, I’m a Christian”. Her answer was “Well, I’m a Christian too. But no one talks to me like that!”. So I looked her in the eyes and said “Interesting … a Christian who reads tarot-cards”. She turned away from me and didn’t talk to me ever since. I didn’t want to offend her in any way, I just wanted to know who she trusted more: the cards or the Lord. But I never got a chance to ask her that. Before I’d go into some weird discussion with Mr Janssen, I’d make sure he’d had to shuff the contracts some place … but I don’t feel the need now. I want people to feel good about themselves, and yes … me apologizing to Mr Janssen made him think that he was right about the whole thing. That’s okay, If I made his day I’m happy for him. “You may not seem to be as “cool” or “fun” as you once were in your friends’ eyes. But – if in God’s eyes you are loving Him with all of your heart and you are loving your neighbors as yourself, then you are eternally cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven”. I choose to be cool and fun in the Kingdom of Heaven any time!!! But hey … you think I’m cool and fun, don’t you???? LOL!!!!!
Mae

======= Elizabeth:

Hello All,
Just catching up from Friday–we’ve all been sick with strep here! Our kids just fly through it, but it’s harder as an adult….
I enjoyed this comment on yesterday’s reading about why women were “unclean” after childbirth:
“It may seem strange that uncleanness is connected with the birth of a baby, since marriage was instituted before sin entered the world, since the Scriptures teach that marriage is holy, and since God commanded men to reproduce. The uncleanness is probably a reminder that, with the exception of our Lord, we are all brought forth in iniquity and conceived in sin (Psa_51:5). The extended time of uncleanness in the case of a baby girl was perhaps an intended reminder that man was created before woman, that the woman was created for the man, that the woman is given a place of positional submission (not intrinsic inferiority) to the man, and that the woman was the first to sin.
Williams sees in this legislation the tender care of God in protecting the mother from visitors during a time when her weakness and the danger of infection were greatest.”
-Believer’s Bible Commentary
Elizabeth

======== Sean:

“Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.”
I am in no sense a prophet but very recently have let God back into my life,I mention this once to a group of friends and was teased,I mentioned it once to my wife and she was dismissive.
I now keep things to myself,not because I was hurt,I believe in God and prayer,nothing now will ever change that and everyday my belief grows stronger,no I am ashamed to say I was a little embarassed and do not want to be drawn into a “there is no such thing as God” argument,my belief does not include a deep knowledge of bible scriptures,history etc.
At this time my faith is very much a personal and discrete relationship with God.
Sean

======= Jessica:

Sean,
Many of us have felt unsure of ourselves when beginning a relationship with the Lord. That is a tool of the enemy to make you feel unworthy. Just know that you do not have to know all of the answers, you only have to believe. Find yourself a place to learn, a small group bible study, or a church, either one that teaches the Word of God. And keep reading on this blog, there is much wisdom shared here. He promises in His Word to teach you all things if you ask, and He will also help you remember the scriptures. His Word is so powerful because He is the Word.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 NIV
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5 NLT
But the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Intercessor, Advocate, Strengthener, Standby), the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will cause you to recall (will remind you of, bring to your remembrance) everything I have told you. John 14:26 Amplified
May God continue to guide you and bless you, Jessica
Jessica

======= Steve:

Leviticus 13:1-59
This chapter discusses skin disease and the protocol the priest was to follow concerning it. If someone was diagnosed with an infectious skin disease, they were put outside the camp until it was healed and no longer infectious. For some reason this triggered thoughts of the way sin also puts us outside the camp, isolated from the body of Christ. Leprosy was a dreaded and feared disease in the time of Leviticus; the symptoms of leprosy and sin have similar properties. Sin isolates us; it spreads throughout the whole body and causes a deadening of sensitivity which disables our warning light.
Another scripture that stood out was Psalm 39:5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.
Life is oh so short. When I was a teenager I never really thought about how short life is but now that I am older this has really sunk in. My third grade summer vacation seemed to last an eternity, probably because I was having such a great time living every moment to the fullest. Everyone’s life is but a mere breath. We should meditate on this startling reality instead of deadening it with distractions. Life is a vapor trail. The best way to slow life down is enter into the presence of the Lord walking with God.
As I study God’s word and my priorities shift, my perspective on how short life is changes. I don’t worry about the shortness of life anymore and yet I feel an increased urgency to focus on what’s really important, my relationship with God and the way I relate with people. The closer I move towards Him, the clearer this all becomes.
Steve

======= Duane:

I remember the early days of my salvation,when I first came to know the Lord. Oh, the joy that was in my soul. I would tell everyone who would listen about how great our God was. One day while delivering the mail, a patron stop me and converse me in conversation. I began sharing about Pat Roberson and The 700 Club. She respnded by saying,”Oh we do not own a Television.” Wow, I thought, this woman is really radical.Years have now past and I look back on that event and realized she had more wisdom and a closer walk with God than me. I’m just beginning to see how addicting T.V. can be. It robs us of so much more time we could be spending with our Lord.
Duane

======= Bob:

I think Ramona is on to something here. How often do we judge on the appearance of an issue? How do we go about investigating for the truth? Here we see that there seems to be some examination, isolation, healing time, depth of the infection, and procedures for contamination. Do we take the time to determine someone elses “disease” and care for their outcome? This sort of gives me a new perspective on judging people too quickly. The hermenutics of this is worth studying some more.
http://www.gotquestions.org/Biblical-hermeneutics.html
Bob

======= Jill:

So many rules and regulations in Leviticus! It’s a wonder the people and leaders can remember them. All I know is I wouldn’t Today we have free choice with the new covenant. Oh how free it is! Other than the Ten Commandments which people struggle with following to this day! Without the Holy Spirit living in us there is no conscience or conviction. There is no compassion or remorse for our sin and wrongdoing. I really believe we need to bring everything back to that. Teach our children when they are young. Oh God have mercy on us all! But thank God for his redeeming Grace for each time we do mess up. Only one day we will be completely clean and that’s when we see Jesus face to face.
Jill

======== Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
I treasure the reminder in Psalm 39:5 today –
“My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath.”
May God give us wisdom to see what are the truly important priorities in life,
and to live our lives each day according to our priorities.
“And now, Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in You. (Psalm 39:7 NASB)
May we set our hope in God each day!
God bless!
Joyce

======= Robert:

Leviticus
In my study bible it asks the question. “Suppose sin were visible – small green spots that break out on the skin. Do you think it would help people to take sin more seriously?” Its one of those questions that brings up all sorts of other matters. It can take all sorts of paths. We would probably get really good at hiding them. We would love the fact we could judge people very easily. I’d definitely be jealous of those that had no green spots. Would we have to go see a priest to get rid of them? We could give trophies to those that had the fewest the longest period of time. Social media would thrive on this, of course. I wonder if there would be people that would be totally green?
Mark 6: 6-13
When Jesus sends out the 12, I am so impressed by the simple instructions that make me realize when we are working for God, He will provide, encourage, guide and enliven. (Try that on your next mission trip!)
Psalm 39
An important read when we are suffering and there are no answers, no happy ending, and we are in a dark place. Mike asks, “Do you think life really is “but a breath”? “. I really think we can feel this and it shows us our insignificant part of life. How to deal with it is another question but I do believe we need to involve Jesus. Prayer, trust, time, the Word are just a few of the factors but the reality is someone put our feelings down on paper so we are not the only ones to experience this.
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT – Isolation is prescribed when someone is sick to keep others from being infected. Quarantine is the practice of separating people who have been exposed or have an initial symptom to see if they get full blown sick.
Isolation was practiced in ancient times including here in Leviticus. Quarantining (after research) other than in Leviticus became an accepted practice in the 1300’s (some 2,500+ years after being noted in Leviticus). Medicine could have benefitted by paying more attention to the Bible!
So quarantining and treatment of mold/mildew seemed to be God’s way of keeping His people from being wiped out (from plague, pandemic or bad living conditions) in the early stages of their growth as His people. God’s instructions are always for our benefit so we can flourish. Here the instructions are from God to His people so they could remain healthy going into the promised land.
NT – reminded of saying “familiarity breeds contempt”. Just because Nazarenes were around Jesus doesn’t mean they “got” Jesus. Today you can be around Church and believing Christians but that does not make you a believer.
Mitch

======= Dee:

Good morning!
Life does move so quick, Mike , yes looking at this verse, we are but a vapor..here today, gone tomorrow,
How am I spending my time? Well l, love the Word and learning all over again this year..the Word constantly is new and exciting. I rest on Saturdays..alot! Go 90 miles an hour through the week. I go to church. Love hearing the Word and help in children’s church.
Leviticus, learning to love the laws and see more wisdom in them daily.
Mark was interesting, teaches us..family doesn’t always support your beliefs, go where God calls u, leave it to him for the provision, and learn to save your soul not gain the world.
We are but a vapor, a width of a hand , a grain of sand in the beaches of life..cherish each moment!
Be blessed!
There are areas I could learn and no, I’m not perfect..I enjoy TV time some too..but I pray I draw closer each day to God’s Word
Dee