"...but who are you?"

Leviticus 19
Acts 19

Food for Life:

Leviticus 19
"Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy" (19:2) This verse sums up the entire book of Leviticus which reveals God's instructions on how, as stated previously, the Israelites could be 'positionally holy" - their standing before the Lord, in the first 17 chapters. The last half of the book reveal actions, how to 'walk' holy based on that positional holiness. Many 'don'ts' are contained in chapter 19; really good ones! One writer observed that Jesus' command, "To Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself" sums up all the instruction - the Law of Leviticus and the OT. Jesus Himself said He came not to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). It is by grace through faith we have been saved, not a work of our own, that we could boast (Ephesians 2:10). Hallelujah, what a Savior! (I [want] to never tire of proclaiming that..."Lord let us never tire of the reality of Who You Are, and Whose we are."

Acts 19
"One day the evil spirit answered them, 'Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you'" (19:15)?

( One thing I've noticed about blogs or emails etc., is that if they are too long, most people will not read it! Therefore, while much could be said about this chapter - even about this verse, I ask the Lord to help me focus on the one thing to be said for today :))

The demon did not recognize the authority of the one(s) that were commanding the demon to depart. So the demon spoke up! I know Jesus, and I know Paul....but...WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE/??

Paul had The Authority within him. He had the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, the Power of God. It wasn't the person of Paul who had power over evil spirits, illness, sickness, and power to imbue handkerchiefs and aprons (19:11) for illness and sickness to be cured. Paul was filled with the Holy Spirit. He was blood bought. It was told of him by Jesus that he would see how much he would suffer for Christ's sake.

This is one of the clearest illustrations or portraying the difference between 'knowing about Jesus' and 'knowing Jesus.' The Seven Sons of Sceva and the Jewish chief priest knew ABOUT Jesus - they had cognitive understanding of Jesus...so they thought they could repeat the words they heard and see miraculous acts performed! BUT there was no power in their words, because there was no power in their lives, because they knew ABOUT Jesus, but didn't have a relationship with Jesus. They were not filled with the Holy Spirit.

And the demon recognized this. It is the Power of the Living Christ Who has power over demons. It is the Power of the Living Christ Who has power to heal the sick, to deliver from evil spirits, to raise from the dead. It is the Power of the Living Christ Whose Words have power! Words are just words without the Power of the Holy Spirit behind them.

The Seven Sons of Sceva and the chief priest found this out....the hard way. What about me? What about you? Is the Power of the Holy Spirit evident in our lives or do we have words with no power? Do we have a 'form of religion but with no power' (2 Timothy 3:5)? "God, please reveal Yourself to each one of us, help us examine ourselves and be filled, continually, with the power of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You Lord."

Holy Living

Leviticus 17,18
Acts 18

Food for Life:

Leviticus 17,18
These chapters see the transition in the writing between the instructions to atone for and receive forgiveness for sin and instructions on how to live out of forgiveness. Through 17 we see how the Israelites could be positionally holy before the Lord - their sins forgiven and to be made clean and set apart. Chapter 18 to the end of Leviticus the Israelites are instructed as to how to live out the forgiveness they received - how to live holy lives. How to live lives apart from the pagan cultures around them and to live for the Living God.

18:24-29, "Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, [previous verses in the chapter] because this is how the nations that I am going to drive out before you became defiled. Even the land was defiled; so I punished it for its sin, and the land vomited out its inhabitants....Everyone who does any of these detestable thing - such persons must be cut off from their people. Keep my requirements and do not follow any of the detestable customs that were practiced before you came and do not defile yourselves with them. I am the Lord you God."

God-inspired Moses heard from the Lord and had recorded what he was instructed. The practices were the 'abominable' ways pagans around them, godless people, practiced their sexual relations. Before I belonged to Jesus, before I received forgiveness and was set free from sin nature and it's bondage, I defiled myself as described in these verses, practicing some of these ways that were detestable to the Lord....BUT GOD (remember, God is the game-changer). Grace through faith rushed into my life, Jesus Christ Himself, and His blood (not the blood of goats, bulls, and lambs) was sacrificed for that sin of mine. He set me free. And now, I am free to live out His forgiveness in the ways set forth in chapter 18. Thank You Lord!

This body is not my own. I don't 'own my body', God does. He created me for Himself. He created me to bring Glory and Honor to Him. My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. How about you? If you are born-again, not of the flesh, but of the Spirit, You are filled with the Spirit of God and your body is not your own - you belong to God. Are you living out the ways in which we were created and commanded to? Living out your sexuality in God-honoring ways, the ways for which we were created? Life-giving ways?

If not, you can start today! That is the Good News! I use to live in those ways, BUT GOD, makes a way for us to change and live a new way! The way that fits us best, that is the most life-giving and God-honoring! Then we can be His Light to the godless ways all around us!

"Lord, I pray today, as we hear Your voice, that we would not hardened our hearts - that we would call upon You Lord, for salvation, for grace-empowered living - Your Holy Spirit - to live in ways that are for Your Glory, our best, and the best of others. Thank You Lord!"

Acts 18
The background of Acts 18 fits well w/Leviticus 18 (of course, God orchestrates :). Paul is confronted, and addresses the issues of sexually immorality in 1&2 Corinthians. Corinth was the commercial and political center of Greece - they had a temple to Aphrodite, goddess of love and war. The pagan culture addressed in our reading in Leviticus is the same kind of pagan culture Paul was addressing.

One thing that strikes me is how Paul explains (exclaims actually) his actions toward the Jews. "Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when the Jews opposed Paul and became abusive, he shook out his clothes in protest and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clear of my responsibility. From now on I will go to the Gentiles" (18:5,6). Paul seems to have taken his cue from...Jesus! Jesus told the disciples he sent out that if a town does not accept them in His Name, they were to shake the dust off their feet and leave the town (Luke 9:3-5; Mark 6:6-11). (Perhaps the 'blood be on your own heads' was a response to their 'abusive' behavior toward him!).

This is freeing to me! My responsibility, your responsibility is to share what the Lord has given us to share. The Good News! The message of salvation, in Word and Deed! To speak the Truth in Love to folks in a given situation, to be the hands and feet of Jesus - out of the love Christ has for them, and thus out of the love we have for them. How folks respond, the 'outcome' is up to the Lord. We aren't to drag folks to Jesus kicking and screaming; we aren't to cajole, coerce, chide, deride, ridicule...condemn. Even when folks might respond like that to us - we don't act 'in kind', we back off, walk away...continue to pray for them - asking the Lord to move through the Holy Spirit in their lives...even as we ask the Holy Spirit to move in and through our own lives.

"Thank You Lord that you call us to Yourself and then to those who need You Lord. You are the One that draws people to Yourself through the Love and Power of the Holy Spirit. We are blessed, privileged, and humbled that You would choose us, and then use us by working through us. Thank You Lord, I thank You that You use the weak/foolish things of this world to confound the wise; for in my weakness, You are strong" (1 Corinthians 1:27; 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Appointed Time and Place

Leviticus 16
Acts 17

Food for Life:

Leviticus 16
The Day of Atonement as described in this chapter took place once a year. It was the day that two goats were sacrificed by the High Priest for the forgiveness of the sins of the Israelites. The first goat was for the forgiveness of their sin, the second goat was to remove the guilt of their sin. As we read, we see many specific instructions as to how these sacrifices were to be made and how the people were to prepare themselves for this day.

This ritual was a fore-shadowing of Christ. Christ was/is the Most High Priest - the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world - being offered as a sacrifice, once and for all, to pay the price in forgiving our sin and setting us free from the guilt that is ours! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

"Thank You Lord Jesus for sacrificing Yourself on my, on our, behalf. It is difficult to imagine the reality of what You have done, no matter how many times I read about it, think about it, see Your action portrayed. God, help me, help us never to grow weary of remembering the reality of Your Love on the cross for us; never to take for granted what You have done; to always be ready to share the Good News with others - in our actions toward them, our attitude toward them, and the Word brought forth to them, so they may know You too. Empower us by Your Spirit, Your Precious Holy Spirit, today Lord, today. We love You Lord. Thank You for Loving us."

Acts 17
This is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible! There is much I could comment on related to this chapter, but I'm going to record a few of the paragraphs for your reading again because they are so powerful and very clear. I pray the Holy Spirit moves us as we mediate of these words, that are alive and active!

22-31: Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.

"The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else. From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. 'For in him we live and move and have our being.'

As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.' "Therefore since we are God's offspring, we should not think that the divine being is like gold or silver or stone—an image made by human design and skill. In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead." (TNIV)

"Lord, help each us to recognize that You have us exactly where You have placed us. That it is not an accident or by chance that we are in the location, time period, and station of life we are in today. It is Your design, because You intend to reveal Yourself to us right where we are today, in ways that we can not even imagine. Thank You Lord! Thank You that 'we move, and breath, and have our very existence in You!'"

God's Design and Faithfulness

Leviticus 14,15
Acts 16

Food for Life:

Leviticus 14,15
These chapters continue the instruction/regulation for cleanliness. Chapter 15 attends to sexual relations as well as bodily discharges. The Lord covered continues to be concerned about how we handle/conduct ourselves. Sexual intimacy was designed for pleasure and procreation between a married couple. The New Testament records the marriage relationship to be a picture of the relationship between Christ and (His bride) the church. Today we have publicized and societally (another new word !) made common (as opposed to sacred and special) the intimacy God intended for between husband and wife. In Biblical times there were pagan religious practices that incorporated sexual relations as part of the altar worship - something that the Levitical code would renounce and reveal the Israelites as being separate from the pagan practices.
"Lord, forgive us for the way we have made our marriage relationships and sexuality something so far outside Your design and intention. God, have mercy on us, turn us back to You, Your design, and Your purpose."

Acts 16
Wow - I love it when I am just struck by something for the first time, even though I've read it hundred's of times! That is how God reveals Himself in the Bible. The Word of God is not just words on a page, but are the Power of God; they contain information that leads to transformation - not just information for information sake! Thank You Lord!
16:1 tells us that Timothy, who was a young man of God and accompanied Paul on missionary journeys, came from a home in which one of his parents was a believer and the other was not. I saw this in a different way, for the first time! His was raised by a Mom who was a believer and a Dad who was not (he was "a Greek", indicating he was not a believer).
What I'm struck by is the encouragement Timothy's life gives to parents whose household is divided - one believing parent, another who is not. Timothy grew up to be a mighty (young) man of God, even though there was conflicting beliefs, views, probably instruction, and certainly modeling within his home! SO, be encouraged that though it is a battle, it is possible for children to follow Christ from a home that is conflicted in belief. We know that this is true, and yet I've heard from so many parents about the struggles and battles they encounter when the household is divided. It is hard, BUT GOD, it is possible for Him to work through the life of one parent who is modeling a life in Christ. Thank You Lord.
"Lord, we pray for our children today. Not just the children within our homes, but children all around us. There are so many conflicting messages and modeling to which our children are exposed. We pray for their hearts, minds, spirits, eyes to be fixed on those messages and models that are Godly and life-giving. Protect them Lord from the ravages of the world, the flesh, and the devil (1 John 2:16). Help them to 'test the spirits' (1 John 4:1) thus being able to discern what is of You and what is not. Yea Lord, help us to do so and to be bold in our word and deed; to speak the Truth in Love; and to live our lives in ways that children will be able to see the difference - the difference of You shining through. Thank You Lord."

Legalism

Leviticus 12, 13
Acts 15

Food for Life:

Leviticus 12,13
As we continue to read through the Bible we are in the midst of reading the laws regulating hygiene and disease. "Unclean" in these chapters is referring to contagious disease and not sin. Leprosy is being referred to as the "infectious skin disease." Folks were quarantined while determining if it was leprosy as well as after it was confirmed...there were no blood tests to determine what was in the body's system! :)

Acts 15
"God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them [non-Jews/Gentiles] by giving the Holy Spirit to them, just as he did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are" (15:8-11, italics mine).

I love that God looks at our hearts, not our outward appearance and actions. Not at the things we do or don't do. He looks at our hearts - the desires, motivations, and intentions. The Jewish Christians were expecting the Gentile Christians to be circumcised in addition to following other Old Testament Laws as part of becoming Christians. Peter told them during this Council meeting that it was by grace through faith that everyone was saved, not be following the laws, including circumcision. Of course, this does not mean that our appearance and actions are not important - it means that our actions and appearance flow from our hearts as an outgrowth of our relationship with Jesus and our sanctification (process of maturity in Christ until we reach heaven!).

Peter was saying that it was by receiving the act of Jesus on the cross for forgiveness of sin, and consequent Lord's filling of the Holy Spirit that people are saved....plus....nothing. Today we can 'put on others and ourselves' certain acts to convey these must be done in order to be saved or prove that we are saved. This is not Scriptural. This is Jesus plus _____, you can fill in the blank. The blank could be filled in with, "women must wear skirts, men must wear ties to church, everyone must: go to church every Sunday, mid-week service, read your Bible everyday, pray everyday, don't go to movies... ." This is called legalism. It is placing expectations on self or others as part of salvation that the Bible doesn't teach.

This being said, there are some very helpful things that can aid us in growing in our relationship with the Lord. There are activities we do as a result of our relationship with Jesus. Spiritual disciplines - including Bible reading/meditation/study, prayer, acts of service, church participation, missions trips and giving, tithing and offerings, and fasting and prayer. There are also evidences that we belong to Jesus, that we are reconciled with God, that we are God's children (John 1:12,13). Am I, are you, evidencing today that we are born-again, filled with the Holy Spirit? Do we have the fruit of the Spirit evident in our lives and in growing ways? - Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Humility, and Self-control?

The Message puts Galatians 5:22, 23 this way:

^"22-23But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.

^23-24Legalism is helpless in bringing this about; it only gets in the way. Among those who belong to Christ, everything connected with getting our own way and mindlessly responding to what everyone else calls necessities is killed off for good—crucified."

"Lord, fill each one of us up to overflowing, continually with Your Spirit. Evidence Your Life through us more and more each day. Thank You Lord."

It Must Be God

Leviticus 11
Acts 14

Food for Life:

Leviticus 11
"I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy... I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy" (11:44,45).

What does it mean to be holy as God is holy? Holiness is a state of being set apart, separate, unique, and different. Certainly we can see that God is the ultimate Holy One. He is other than - supernatural, God. So how are we to be holy? Through Leviticus we see instructions given from the Lord for the Israelites, His people, to be different than the pagan nations and people around them. Those who worshiped other gods ate and sacrificed the kinds of animals that the Israelites are instructed not to eat or touch....otherwise causing them to be unclean (which included staying away from animals that tended to carry more disease because of what they ate).This chapter while focusing on what animals to eat, is about holiness...about being different than those around them. And to take great care about how they approach God.

We can apply these principles to our lives in the way that we carry ourselves in this world. We live in this world but we aren't of this world. So, while all kinds of actions, attitudes, thoughts, and ideas swirl around us - those ungodly ones are those from which we are to set ourselves apart. And this begins within ourselves - by the Holy Spirit who has brought us to the Lord, given us new hearts, who has taken up residence within us, and empowers/enables/gives us the desire to 'be holy'. To be set apart, to be different. Can people around me, people around you, recognize that we are different?

Acts 14
13:52 - "And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." Do those around us notice us for the joy and the Holy Spirit with whom we are filled? "Lord continually fill us with Your joy and with the Holy Spirit. Help us to position ourselves in such a way that this filling is possible. Thank You Lord."

As Paul and Barnabas spoke in the Jewish synagogue, "a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed" (14:1). And "the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers" (14:2). As a result, Paul and Barnabas spent more time and spoke boldly and as they did the Lord confirmed their message of His grace by enabling them to perform miraculous signs and wonders (14:3).

So, in the previous chapter we read how the Jews had rejected Jesus, which led to the opening up of the Message to go out to Gentiles, and as the Message continued to be preached, both Jews and Gentiles came to faith in Christ in great numbers ("Oh Lord, let that be again today!"). Still, their were those who fought against Paul and Barnabas (actually against the Lord...) to dissuade others from believing. God's response was to empower miraculous signs and wonders to be performed through Paul and Barnabas.

We live in a day and time in America where the climate for the spread of the Gospel seems to be much like it was during Paul and Barnabas' time! Many don't believe and many are being persuaded to reject Christ ( I don't hear of a great number being saved, unlike Paul's time). Will you pray with me that the Lord will move through His people with miraculous signs and wonders to confirm the Gospel Message in a America and throughout the world; that God's people will be so "filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit...holy" that others will see and believe? "At the same time Lord, that the humility of Jesus would reign so that people would not bow down to worship the created, but the Creator (14:11-15)." Jesus' return is imminent, this is the time for many to turn to Jesus and believe! "Lord, whatever it takes, spread Your message and confirm it in ways that people will see and say "it must be God" and turn and believe. Thank you Lord."

BUT GOD

Acts 13
Leviticus 10

Food for Life:

Acts 13
But God. This is one of my favorite and most meaningful phrases. Why? Because it (He) changes everything that comes before it! "But God raised him from the dead" (13:30). Paul explains in this chapter how God sent Jesus to His people, the Jews in order to save them - the Messiah for whom they were waiting and looking. Yet, the Jews condemned Jesus instead, even this fulfilled the Scripture (13:27) which they read every Sabbath. Then Paul exclaims, BUT GOD raised Jesus from the dead, and He walked among those who traveled with him from Galilee to Jerusalem! The Jews rejected Jesus, so Paul and his companions now turned to the Gentiles (all non-Jews!) with the message and gift of Jesus. "He came to His own and His own did not receive Him, but as many as believed, as many as received Him, He gave the right to be called 'children of God', such as we are" (John 1:11,12).

BUT GOD reminds me of the phrase Joseph used when telling his brother his perspective (in retrospect) and God's regarding their severe mistreatment of him..."what the evil one meant for evil, God meant for good!" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph continued to "entrust himself to a faithful Creator in doing what was right, and in due time God rewarded him" (1 Peter 4:13). He went through unbelievable situations, caused from a human perspective, by his brother's (jealousies, being forgotten in prison, lied on by a selfish/vindictive woman) and others; yet he continued to walk with God and the Lord showed him after many years, that the evil one's schemes behind the actions of people were used of God for great good!

BUT GOD...do you have situations in your life that are unbelievable (all of us have, currently do, or will)? Are your loved ones going through incredible hardship? BUT GOD. Are you looking at what is going on around the world with disbelieve? BUT GOD. Are you looking at today's American culture in shock and maybe fear? BUT GOD.

God is the 'game changer.' He is the One who takes what is or seems to be, and works it out for His purpose...which is ALWAYS best and good!

I pray today, "Lord, give me, give us Your eyes to see beyond what my eyes, what our eyes see. Help us look with eyes of faith, calling on You, trusting You in the midst of the situation; the heartache; the turmoil; the evil! Help us to see, even as Paul recited, Joseph experienced, Jesus was our Chief example - how You are working all things out for the good, for those who love You, for those who are called according to Your purpose. Help us to be like Joseph....entrusting ourselves and our loved ones, to You, the Faithful Creator, and for us to continue to do 'what is right'....BUT GOD You are the One who makes all the difference. Thank You Lord!" Even so, come Lord Jesus, come.

Leviticus 10
"Aaron remained silent" (10:3b). This is my reaction as well. He was instructed to stay before the Lord (10:7). This is my instruction and stance as well. In reading this, I, we, are on Holy ground. I might want to protest a little as to why God would consume them with fire (a loving God?). I might want to shake Nadab and Abihu for their grave disobedience (what were you thinkin'!!!). BUT GOD. I have need to remain silent before the Lord...allowing the Holy Spirit to work within me so that I am able to grasp (as much as possible within my finiteness) God's perspective on this situation. This is where my relationship, perspective, understanding, and trust of God and who He is matters. BUT GOD.

Aaron's sons were flagrantly disrespectful and disobedient. God had just instructed them on how to approach Him, and they were not obedient. Acts such as these - the son's blatant disobedience, as priests and leaders of God's people; and God's act, cause sober attention. This is one example of why we are to "fear the Lord" as the beginning of wisdom. God is Holy and worthy of our obedience. God was clear and precise, not to leave them guessing. The sons of Aaron were leaders - they were chosen to lead God's people in the things of God. They had set an example of disobedience that could have caused many people to stumble and fall.

BUT GOD. "Lord, help me to gain a deeper reverence for You. Help me to drink deeper in relationship with You so that I might see more of the way You see. You are God. I am not. You Loved me first. Help me to Love You more. Thank You God. I love You."

BUT GOD.

In Your Image

Leviticus 8
Acts 12

Food for Life:

Leviticus 8
'So Aaron and his sons did everything the Lord commanded through Moses." During the ordination ceremony of Aaron and his sons (he and his descendants chosen by God to be the priests, and Aaron the high priest (who is now Jesus - Hebrews 7:26-28)), did EVERYTHING just as the Lord commanded. They were obedient to the tee...which as we see in reading Leviticus, was no small task!

Would it be today, that empowered by the Holy Spirit, we would be obedient to the tee. Not as a way of earning God's love, or position or favor with God, not to be self-satisfied or pleased with ourselves, not to lord it over others....but because God is worthy, and to honor the Lord because of who He is and what He has done for us...because of the lavish Love God has and does pour out over us - because He first loved us, we want to show our love for Him.

"Lord, we can't be obedient unless You move in and through us, empowering us to do so. Lord, we thank You for Your grace that covers us, even as a bird is covered with feathers, does Your Presence and Love cover us. Fill us with the desire to say 'yes Lord to Your will and to Your way.' "...everything that does not come from faith is sin" (Romans 14:23). Lord, You guide us through Your Word, and You speak through our conscious' - so that our conscious is clear and not filled with guilt, as we act upon the measure of faith in Jesus that You give us - for Your Glory, our good, and the good of others, that whoever will, will come. Thank You Lord."

Acts 12
Reading this chapter, I am in awe! In awe of the Lord! God sent His angel to release Peter from prison...as God's people prayed God's prayers on behalf of Peter, "So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (12:5). I am also in awe that as Herod came to speak, the people "shouted, 'This is the voice of a god, not of a man. Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died" (12:22,23).

Wow - because when Herod was given glory, actually he was hailed as BEING god...the voice of god..."he did not give praise to God" he was killed. He was not killed because the people (ignorantly, with pride, filled with the devil...we are not given the reason why the people glorified Herod as god) credited him as the voice of god...he was killed because when the people did this, Herod did not give glory to God - Herod allowed them to hail him as god...

That is jarring, isn't it (to put it mildly)? I'm thinking about how easy it is as people, for us to credit to other people or ourselves, with whatever good comes from us. We are given the example of Herod (granted he was actually beheading Christians...no good in that...!) to make it clear that giving Glory to anyone but God, is a death report.

There are many reasons for this. The foremost is because God is the Only One worthy of Glory.
Another reason is because as people, it is so easy for us to be prideful and end up worshiping ourselves, the created, instead of the Creator (see Romans 1...and look around us and...within ourselves...).
Think about it - can you remember a time when the Lord did something through you or when you accomplished something great, wonderful, good, or awesome? Or when someone you know did? How easy is it to start feeling puffed up, or maybe even jealous of the other person and his/her accomplishment? If we stay with those thoughts, and if we were to follow them to their conclusion...well, ruin is sure to come. That is because we are limited and finite and at some point, in and of ourselves, we fail or fall. Proverbs says, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall" (16:18).

This is reality, and the Lord reveals this to us for His Glory and for our good and for the good of others. This is how we are formed. We didn't form ourselves, we didn't give ourselves the gifts, abilities, and talents we possess (and each one of us DOES have at least one gifting, ability, and talent(!)) and we aren't responsible for the origination of 'good works' or their results. If we were, eventually, we would fail....

BUT GOD - God is the One who formed us (Psalm 139), God is the One who has deposited gifts, abilities, talents within us (Ephesians 2:10a) and God is the One who prepared the good works for us to walk in (Ephesians 10:b).
So, give God the Glory for who you are (wonderful and good :)), for the gifts, abilities, and talents you possess, and for the good works, the fruit that comes from you as you are connected to the Vine (John 15)!!!
Let's not be like Herod, who was silent in the face of others' enamoration (new word :)...enamoredness - of him...and he was struck down.

"Lord thank You that You have created us in Your Image; thank You that You have filled us with Your Spirit, thank You that You have deposited gifts, talents, abilities within us to be used for Your Glory, our good, and the good of others. Thank You Lord that 'every good and perfect gift comes down from You, the Father of lights in whom there is no variation or shifting shadow (James 1:17). Thank You that we can say 'thank you and praise God' whenever we are commended/complimented by others and when we are tempted to 'compliment' ourselves."
Bless You Lord! Thank You!

With All Your Heart

Leviticus 7
Acts 11

Food for Life:

Leviticus 7
When I read Leviticus, I'm reminded of the heart. "Do it with all your heart, put your heart into it, give it all you got!" Why do we use these expressions? What are we wanting to convey? It has to do with the difference between going through the motions, being on auto-pilot and putting our full weight, our whole being into whatever we are doing or saying. There is something about watching an athlete, a dramatic performance, or receiving an expression of thanks and gratitude that can be exhilarating and powerful ...or it can be dull, boring, and lifeless. The same words and actions can effect us differently when they are done from the heart - with passion as opposed to when they are done as perfunctory obligations or 'business as usual.'
It is so with our relationship with the Lord. God looks at our hearts and knows when we are playing a part, going through the motions, or when we are before Him putting our full weight before Him, seeking Him our whole heart.
"Lord, today fill us with Your Spirit, empowering us to seek with all our hearts. Help us to speak and act in ways that reflect Your heart, fulfilling Your purposes and plan. Thank You Lord."

Acts 11
"When he arrived and saw the evidence of the grace of God, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He [Barnabas] was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord" (11:23,24).
Antioch, the city 3rd largest city in the Roman world, is where we were first called "Christians." It is where Barnabas was sent by Peter (and other disciples) after Peter explained to the believers in Jerusalem that God was also the God, and Jesus the Savior, of the Gentiles. Barnabas saw evidence of the grace of God in Antioch. Do we recognize the grace of God in our midst? In our own lives? And see it as evidence of the Presence of Christ unto salvation and growth in Christ - the spreading of the Kingdom of God?
What is grace? Grace is the gift of God that we can not earn; we don't have the ability to do so. Grace is "unmerited favor" from the Lord. The Scripture says that "where sin increased, grace [is able] increased more" (Romans 5:20)! Hallelujah!
I don't know about you, but I'm am so grateful and in awe of the grace of God! Just think, when I (you) was dead in my (your) sin, God loved me and extended His grace to me which when I received Him, I was made alive through forgiveness and set free, being filled with the Holy Spirit! And today, as I struggle with my own weakness/ temptation, as I look around and see the destruction, pain, and hurt swirling around me - in this world - I can call upon the Lord, asking for His grace (and mercy) to increase even as sin increases!
"Lord, just as in the days at Antioch, reveal Yourself in the midst of our sin - so that we might see Your grace increase...give us eyes to see where You are at work, what You are doing, and strengthen us to join You Lord! Help us to give to those around us even in the same way Barnabas gave to those around him. Let us see many brought to You Lord, through the power that lives within us and as You pour out Your Spirit. Even so, come Lord Jesus, come."

April 17

Leviticus 6
Acts 10

Food for Life:

Leviticus 6
"...then it shall be, when s/he sins and becomes guilty, that s/he shall restore what s/he took by robbery or what s/he got by extortion, or the deposit which was entrusted to him/her or the lost thing which s/he found, or anything about which s/he swore falsely; s/he shall make restitution for it in full and add to it one-fifth more" (6:4,5).
Have you ever wondered how you could 'make right' an offense in addition to saying, "I'm sorry, please forgive me?" Or when someone has offended you, have you ever thought or said, "I'm sorry just isn't enough!"
Reconciliation can be difficult, especially when the offense is deep or repeated. Jesus said to forgive 70 x 7 (Matthew 18:21,22). How do we do that? Well, it takes the Holy Spirit to bring about the reconciliation required when an offense, and repeated offense, has happened. On a practical level, we can ask (the person offended), pray, and think about what was effected in our offense and then give that back plus some. Restoring may seem easier to figure out when something material is stolen or damaged but what about emotional, spiritual, psychological, social offenses? Betrayal, rejection, deception, manipulation, and reputation? How are these restored and then some?
It is a process of understanding - of communication between the parties, of prayer, sometimes outside assistance to bring objectivity and wisdom from the Lord.
Mouthing the words is not enough. We must show by our actions in time, how serious are our saying, "I'm sorry" and the "I forgive you."
"Thank You God that Jesus forgave and forgives us. He showed this by dying on the cross for us; and sending the Holy Spirit to empower us to 'go and do likewise.' We don't have it in us to forgive and restore - some offenses are just too much for us to even grasp, let alone, extend forgiveness and to restore what has been 'taken.' BUT through the blood of Your Son and by the power of the Holy Spirit....we can. Show us how Lord. Thank You."

Acts 10
There is no other name or man under heaven through which people can be saved, that Name is Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12). This chapter records Peter's enlightenment, how he came to know that Jesus did not just come only as the Messiah to the Jews (even tho' Jesus made that clear...) but as Messiah for the gentiles as well - for all of us who are non-Jews. That covers all people of the world. Peter's vision was so vivid, God provided Cornelius to interpret Peter's vision, Peter was led by the Holy Spirit, as was Cornelius, and together along with those present, he understood what the Spirit of the Lord was revealing.
The Holy Spirit fell upon everyone present - they were filled w/the Spirit and were saved, being baptized in Jesus Name.
Jesus came that 'all who will' may be saved. That includes you, me, and everyone else who will. Who would the Lord have you minister to today, that is among the 'all who will?' God has given us the commission of carrying out the spreading of the Gospel - the sharing of the Good News in word and deed. Let us follow today the leading of the Spirit and carry out in sharing what the Lord has given to us, with others.

Suffering for Christ's Sake

Leviticus 5
Acts 9

Food for Life:

Leviticus 5
Sin offering - Sometimes we think that being silent about something does not implicate us, or is not lying if we don't speak up. "If a person sins because he does not speak up when he hears a public charge to testify regarding something he has seen or learned about, he will be held responsible" (5:1). Often folks will just "mind their own business" or not want to get otherwise involved. And yet we are already involved if we see, hear, or are otherwise aware. I pray that we take responsibility and prayerfully respond to situations in which we can be used as a force for good, allowing the Lord to 'have our back' as we step out in good faith to impart honesty and integrity into a situation which is harming others and offending God. "Lord guide and direct us as we walk through this world and yet not being part of it...the world, the flesh, and the devil - all around us Your enemies swirl, help us to not join the swirl but to stand firm in You Lord and in the strength of Your might. Thank You Lord." (Ephesians 6)

Acts 9
"Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples....so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem" (9:1,2). This was right after Saul was cheering for the stoning of Stephen. He continued on his mission to persecute those who were following Jesus. And then he was ' thrown off his horse and blinded by the light'....Jesus intended for Saul to be His "chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name" (9:15,16). The very man who was bent on the murdering of Christians was chosen by God to reveal Jesus to non-Jews and Jews alike! To promote and speak for the very One He was adamantly against! AND Jesus was going to show him in the process how much he would SUFFER for Christ's sake!
Did you "sign up" to suffer when you believed on the Lord Jesus Christ and was saved? Do we hear a lot of teaching and preaching about how we must suffer for Christ's sake? No, we don't. And when we suffer, do we often wonder why? We are saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, seeking to be obedient...and we are suffering?? Somehow we think that we are to be excluded from the suffering of the world and from be persecuted for standing up in Jesus. And yet, it is hard to miss the reality of suffering as a believer when we read Scripture....Most of us in America really don't know what it is like to 'suffer for Christ's sake.' Many around the world do know this suffering.
Yes, we suffer some of the things of this world brought about by sin. Sometimes our own sin (which is not suffering for Christ's sake....) but mostly for the sinful world we live in, brought about by the fall (Genesis 3). This isn't heaven. And we do live IN the world while prayerfully not living OF the world - not partaking in the things of the world, the flesh, and the devil.
BUT, Saul was going to suffer, according to the will of God, for Christ's sake. As we read the book of Acts, we will read of just some of the suffering Paul experienced as he went about the mission for which Jesus saved him. I trust each of us will have a new understanding to what it means to suffer for Christ's sake. And we perhaps will see how our own 'momentary and light afflictions are not worth being compared to the glory we will experience when we see Him face to face"(2 Corinthians 4:17,18) ...

"...Jesus...has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit"(9:17) Ananias was given the mission of laying hands on Saul, causing the scales to be removed so that Saul could see and be filled with the Holy Spirit...he now was Paul! A new creature in Christ, the old being gone and the new having come! It is only as one filled with the Holy Spirit that Paul could possibly endure the sufferings for Christ's sake to which he was now going to embark.
It is the same for you and I. We must have the scales removed from our eyes, being brought out of the power of darkness into the power of His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9). We must be filled with the Holy Spirit, and be continually filled.
Are you filled today?

Search My Heart Oh God

Leviticus 4

Acts 8

Food for Life:

Leviticus 4

“The law begins with the case of the anointed priest. It is evident that God never had any infallible priest in his church upon earth, when even the high priest was liable to fall into sins of ignorance. All pretensions to act without error are sure marks of Antichrist…

The sins of ignorance committed by a common person, needed a sacrifice; the greatest are not above, the meanest are not below Divine justice. None, if offenders, were overlooked. Here rich and poor meet together; they are alike sinners, and welcome to Christ. From all these laws concerning the sin-offerings, we may learn to hate sin, and to watch against it; and to value Christ, the great and true Sin-offering, whose blood cleanses from all sin, which it was not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away. For us to err, with the Bible in our hands, is the effect of pride, sloth, and carelessness. We need to use frequent self-examination, with serious study of the Scriptures, and earnest prayer for the convincing influences of God the Holy Spirit; that we may detect our sins of ignorance, repent, and obtain forgiveness through the blood of Christ.” (Christnotes.org excerpt from Matthew Henry's commentary on Leviticus 4)

Pretending that I (you) have no sin are marks of the Antichrist...wow. I don't know about you, but that brings denying my own error/sin to a whole new level! Really though, think about how Jesus responded to the religious leaders of His day (Matthew 23). He was harsh toward them while He was not harsh at any other time, even toward those who crucified Him! It was religious leaders who 'did all the right things in public' and who expected the 'common person' to reach legalistic standards, when they themselves did not Love - did not evidence the fruit of the Spirit. Jesus also was very pointed on judging others (Matthew 7). "Lord, I (we) humble myself before You, asking You search my heart for sin that I'm either unaware of or just deny. Please forgive me (us) Lord for any haughtiness, self-righteousness, or just ignorance that would not bring honor to You and that would hurt others. Thank You Lord for Your continued grace and mercy."

Acts 8

"Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death" (8:1). Wow..do you know this history? Saul was Paul - the apostle who wrote most of the New Testament letters and epistles! Saul was like those spoken of in Leviticus 4...he thought he was doing the correct thing - he thought he was defending and honoring God by having Christians killed! He was in agreement for Stephen to be killed. He was ignorant that Jesus was the Messiah. The Lord knocked him off his horse (as we will read about in the next chapter). So, Paul was a murderer of Christians (as Saul - before he was saved), he was a highly educated Jew in the things of Judaism. Clearly we can see in his life, how Jesus created in him a 'new creature in Christ, the old gone, the new come.' Jesus gave Saul a new heart and a new name (Paul), He gave him new Life. It was clear for all to see.

Can others clearly see the new Life in me? In you? "God, whatever it takes, reveal the new Life You have given me, from within - for all to see, and Glorify You God."

"Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you" (8:22). I never cease to be amazed how the Holy Spirit couples the readings we have daily, so that the themes compliment one another! Simon wanted to pay for the Holy Spirit's annointing....so that he could make money. That was the intention of his heart, which the Holy Spirit brought to light. Outward actions may not reveal what another (you or I) intends in their heart, but the Holy Spirit will reveal it. Sometimes we may not be fully aware of the intention of our heart - we can (and should) be clear before the Lord about the heart of our outward actions. At the same time, we are not to judge another's intent (we could ask and see if that is their intent...) but only God knows the intention and motivation of one's heart. "Lord, search our hearts, help us to be aware of our intent and motivation, and if it is not of You - if it is for selfishness in some fashion - help us to repent, change that, and go on in You. Thank You Lord."

"...Do you understand what you are reading? And he said, 'Well, how could I, unless someone guides me?'"(8:30,31). The Lord has called us to be guided and guide others in the things of the Lord. To help illuminate the Word of God (through the power of the Holy Spirit) and in turn, pass on Jesus. That is why we are reading together and I'm sharing some insights on the Word. That is why we read commentaries, listen to sermons at church, on the radio. That is why we pray and seek the Lord to bring about understanding. We are blessed so that we can be a blessing to others and that God is glorified, it is for our good, and the good of others. "Let it be Lord, let it be."

The Perfect Offering and Resisting Him!

Leviticus 3
Acts 7

Food for Life:

Leviticus 3
The Fellowship Offering - was meant to express gratitude and a way of connecting in fellowship (peace) or reconciliation with God. As in all the offerings of the Old Testament, it was God's instruction to people of how to be reconciled in some fashion, how to be in relationship with God. We continue to see how the offerings of the Old Testament point to the Perfect Offering given on our behalf, Jesus Christ Our Redeemer! "Thank You Lord for making a way for us that bull, goats, lambs, grain, etc. could not sufficiently achieve - forgiveness and debt paid through the blood of Christ. Hallelujah, what a Savior and soon coming King!"

Acts 7
"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit!...When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him"(7:51,54). Phew! Have you ever been stiff-necked? Have you ever resisted the Holy Spirit? I have, perhaps when I am being stubborn about something that is not God's will but my preferences....or when not listening to the Holy Spirit because....I'm not sure it is Him, or I'm not sure what the outcome will be, or....I do know/imagine what the outcome will be which will include embarrassment, or rejection, or a swallowing of my pride (which is a good thing, right!?). The point is, all of us find ourselves in degrees of stiff-neckedness and degrees of resisting/ignoring/not listening to the Holy Spirit. Let's today ask God to convict us of this when it is about to happen, let's ask God to fill us with the Holy Spirit in such a way that He would be irresistible to us, let's ask to be like Stephen and not be more concerned about people, but with God and His way (even to the point of his own death - passing onto Life with Jesus!).

How about being furious and gnashing our teeth? Have you ever been furious and later concede that your fury was because someone was revealing the Truth and we didn't want to hear?....or how about gnashing our teeth....grumbling, complaining, vindictive even...God help us to be humble and patient before You, recognizing that You act always in accordance to Your will toward us, which is BEST FOR US too....We stand against the evil one who puts up a fight against us because he can't reach You, so he reaches to us, Your beloved. We know Lord that greater are You within us that the evil one roaming around us. Thank You Lord.!

Leviticus 2

Leviticus 2

Acts 6

Food for Life:

Leviticus 2

Leviticus can be difficult to read through and make a connection of application to our everyday life, mostly because unless we are from Jewish religious heritage and practice or Old Testament scholars or of Levitical Law, we don't understand the significance of the instruction and practice in that day and time. I have chosen to share standing commentary on most of Leviticus for our purposes of devotions. The following is from Matthew Henry's Commentary, referenced below the piece. The last sentence is the priority and substance...we must depend on Christ for our sufficiency.

Meat-offerings may typify Christ, as presented to God for us, and as being the Bread of life to our souls; but they rather seem to denote our obligation to God for the blessings of providence, and those good works which are acceptable to God. The term "meat" was, and still is, properly given to any kind of provision, and the greater part of this offering was to be eaten for food, not burned. These meat-offerings are mentioned after the burnt-offerings: without an interest in the sacrifice of Christ, and devotedness of heart to God, such services cannot be accepted. Leaven is the emblem of pride, malice, and hypocrisy, and honey of sensual pleasure. The former are directly opposed to the graces of humility, love, and sincerity, which God approves; the latter takes men from the exercises of devotion, and the practice of good works. Christ, in his character and sacrifice, was wholly free from the things denoted by leaven; and his suffering life and agonizing death were the very opposites to worldly pleasure. His people are called to follow, and to be like him. Salt is required in all the offerings. God hereby intimates to them that their sacrifices, in themselves, were unsavoury. All religious services must be seasoned with grace. Christianity is the salt of the earth. Directions are given about offering their first-fruits at harvest. If a man, with a thankful sense of God's goodness in giving him a plentiful crop, was disposed to present an offering to God, let him bring the first ripe and full ears. Whatever was brought to God must be the best in its kind, though it were but green ears of corn. Oil and frankincense must be put upon it. Wisdom and humility soften and sweeten the spirits and services of young people, and their green ears of corn shall be acceptable. God takes delight in the first ripe fruits of the Spirit, and the expressions of early piety and devotion. Holy love to God is the fire by which all our offerings must be made. The frankincense denotes the mediation and intercession of Christ, by which our services are accepted. Blessed be God that we have the substance, of which these observances were but shadows. There is that excellency in Christ, and in his work as Mediator, which no types and shadows can fully represent. And our dependence thereon must be so entire, that we must never lose sight of it in any thing we do, if we would be accepted of God.

Matthew Henry Commentary "Christ's Notes online ©2010

Acts 6

Some men from the "Synagogue of Freedmen" 'stirred up the people, elders, and scribes and they came up to him [Stephen] and dragged him away and brought him before the Council' (6:12). These men brought being "lied on" to a new level! When was the last time you were dragged before a council of religious leaders because of a false accusation against you? And when, as the accusers looked at you, did they see your face "like the face of an angel" (6:15).

Jealousy, envy, strife - destructive emotions within that can lead to destructive actions for those it is directed to and ultimately for the ones from within it exists.

The Scripture says that we (the people of God) have 3 enemies - the world, the flesh, the devil - and that the devil is the 'accuser of the brethren - the people of God."

Not always, but often when we are accused of something, there is at least a hint of reality to the accusation - if not true, at least in appearance or unintentionally so on our part. And then there are those times when the accusation is just not anywhere near reality.

How do we handle those times? How do we handle it when those thoughts and feelings of jealous, envy, and strife well up within ourselves toward another? Stephen was " of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom...full of grace and power, performing great wonders and signs among the people...full of faith and of the Holy Spirit" (6:3,8,5). His accusers saw the Holy Spirit strikingly apparent in Stephens life and they were jealous - they were actually railing against God Himself within Stephen. And then others just jumped on the band-wagon in rallying around the crowd, probably many of whom didn't even know what was actually happening.

"Lord, I ask that You would bring to mind my (our) mind anytime I (we) have been the accusers and Lord please forgive me (us). And then Lord, anytime I (we) have been wrongly accused, please help us by Your Holy Spirit to 'entrust ourselves to You our faithful Creator in doing what is right, knowing that in due time we will reap our reward' (1 Peter 4:19). Lord, it can be hard to endure false treatment and accusation, help us to see clearly, from Your perspective, and glean what is for our good from the situation - as we continue to be transformed into the Image of Your Son, glory to glory; purified through fire, as pure gold. We don't understand it all Lord, but we trust You, help us to trust You."

The Holiness of God

Leviticus 1

Acts 5

Food for Life:

Leviticus 1

The Book of Leviticus reveals the holiness of God and His expectation of redeemed people. It shows us how impossible it is to please God without faith in the person and Lord Jesus Christ. It reveals to us our need for a Savior, The Savior. Genesis revealed the beginnings of human history, Exodus reveals the redemption of Israel, Leviticus the expectation of a redeemed people toward a Holy God....Leviticus 1 - the burnt offering.
"God thank You that You revealed to us our need for a Savior, our need for Jesus. Thank You that we aren't expected to offer burnt sacrifices, as Jesus Christ was the Perfect Sacrifice. Thank You for giving us the Holy Spirit so that we may be empowered by Him to fulfill Your expectation of us, Holy Lord."

Acts 5
Talk about the Holiness of God!

Annanias and Sapphira kept back some of the price from a piece of property they sold. Annanias with his wife's full knowledge, laid a portion of the price of the property at the Apostles feet, pretending it was the full price. Peter said, "Annanias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?" (5:3) Husband and wife then breathed their last....they lied to the Holy Spirit (notice that Peter didn't say 'why did you lie to me?' - they were misrepresenting themselves as doing the Lord's bidding...they lied to Go) and their consequence was death.

The whole church respected and feared the apostles after this and after many "signs and wonders were taking place among the people... And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly being added to their number" (5:12). And even tho' the people held the apostles in high esteem, they didn't associate with them....they saw Annanias and Sapphira breath their last!

Peter and the other apostles were thrown in jail for....preaching and being used of the Holy Spirit to perform miracles...the religious leaders and the politicians were afraid their power was being usurped. A wise one of the bunch, Gamaliel, counseled them not to try and stop them however. He said, "...if this plan or action is of men, it will be overthrown; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them; or else you may even be found fighting against God"(5:38,39).

"God, I pray we would be filled so with the Holy Spirit that we would have confidence in You such that we know our plans and actions would succeed, regardless of human obstacles. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see Lord. Let us be those who it is said of, "they have been with Jesus; God is with them."

vs41: "So they went on their way from the presence of the Council, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for His name." Wow, I cannot remember (ever?) walking away from suffering (being flogged??), rejoicing b/c I was found worthy by God to suffer shame for His name! There have been times, when I have felt shamed/been mocked/labeled and by God's grace have been able to see from the Lord's perspective - thank Him and prayed. I felt more humbled; can't say I've actually rejoiced. How about you? "Lord, help us to recognize when we are suffering from our own actions and when we are suffering for Christ's sake. Give us eyes to see Lord, hearts to know and understand...help us to rejoice in affliction. In these last days, when all around us (perhaps we ourselves at times) are folks loving what You created instead of loving You."

Acts 4, Exodus 40

Acts 4
Exodus 40

Food for Life:

Acts 4
"Move Holy Spirit in our day, today. Move like you did as recorded in the book of Acts 4. Move upon us as you did Peter and John; they spoke of You, what they witnessed and heard. Despite the political figures and religious figures of the day, they swore their allegiance to You, and sought to please You rather than man. They went to jail for righteousness sake; and more than 5000 were saved!!! God, they proclaimed that there is no other name under heaven by which people can be saved, the Name of Jesus Christ! Lord, Your people shared what they had with their brothers and sisters in Christ and no one lacked what they needed. They raised their voices together in prayer and then the place they were standing in shook and they were filled with the Holy Spirit...let it be today Lord. We need a move of the Holy Spirit across this land. We are as in days of old, walking in darkness and in need of Your Great Light. We are denying the Creator and worshiping instead what You created - ourselves - we are fashioning idols to worship made of gold and silver, today's mammon, we are calling the Truth a lie and lies the truth; as You are coming any moment Lord, please move across this land with the Holy Spirit and pour out Your Presence upon us. Only in You Lord can we stand."-

Exodus 40

In Acts 4, Peter and John lifted up Jesus and Him crucified. They were more concerned about pleasing God than man - they were jailed for it and people were saved. In this last chapter of Exodus, we see Moses leading the people to lift up God; to honor Him, to follow His instruction...to follow God. They completed the Tabernacle and placed it where God instructed. THEN GOD SHOWED UP...His Glory filled the Tabernacle such that the people could only be still and silent, "Be still and know that I AM God." Let it be today Lord, let it be today.....As we continue to see through Scripture, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

The Glory of the LORD ³⁴ Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. ³⁵ Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.

³⁶ In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; ³⁷ but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. ³⁸ So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.

Acts 3, Exodus 39

Acts 3
Exodus 39

Food for Life:

Acts 3
Wow. Peter tells it like it is. AFTER the power of God was revealed through Peter's words to the man who had been crippled from birth was made to walk. The people assembled had seen what the Lord did; then Peter told the crowd the facts/the Truth in 3:12-17. "...You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and ask that a murderer be released to you. You killed the author of life, BUT GOD raised him from the dead... Now, brothers, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets..."
The people's attention was riveted to Peter and John because they saw one whom they knew from birth to be crippled, walk! Now Peter could tell them what they did (they killed the King of Glory, the Holy and Righteous One...) and he acknowledged that they did so out of ignorance (not knowing Jesus was who He said He was) AND that they acted as to carry out God's plan - prophecy of old that "...His Christ would suffer" (18).
It is hard to imagine being in that crowd and hearing this Truth for the first time...shock, unbelief, "wishing" this nightmare would go away. Yet, Peter didn't just leave them hanging, he told them how their "times of refreshing may come from the Lord" (19). They could repent and turn to God so that their sins could be wiped out. Even the sin of cheering on the killing of God Himself, Jesus Christ.
Do you wonder sometimes how certain things could actually be forgiven? Do you find it impossible to forgive the one who has hurt you so deeply? It is impossible in our own strength and understanding. It is impossible in our own will and emotion. BUT GOD. Ask the Lord to help you. Ask the Holy Spirit to usher in His presence and power in the midst of your struggle. He will extend His grace and mercy to you. We can only be forgiven and forgive because of what Jesus did on the cross and how He lives within us by the Holy Spirit. And that He is coming again..."He must remain (bodily) in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets" (21).
Even so come quickly Jesus.

Exodus 39
God is so detailed and specific in His instructions to Moses for the making of the priestly garments. One author writes of being reminded by this of God's knowing every hair on each one of our heads. God doesn't miss a thing! What great security and trust that affords us to have as we move about in this life; this earthly life that is filled with uncertainty, change, and surprise. Through all the joys and sorrows of life, we can be assured that God knows each one of our names, He knows our every move, thought, action, motive...He promises to take care of us and to never leave or forsake us.
Sometimes we might shutter to think that God's knows and sees everything about us, if we see ourselves living outside of what the Lord has or we thing about the sin we commit, in thought and deed. BUT GOD. He sees us through the eyes and heart of His great Love for us...so God isn't waiting for us to blow it; God is ready to forgive, show us the way, carry us if needed, in order for us to fulfill God's best for us...after all He is our Creator, Lover of our soul, Anchor to our soul, Our Father, Abba-daddy. Thank you Lord, I (we) love you Lord."

Acts 2, Exodus 38

Acts 2
Exodus 38

Food for Life:

Acts 2
2:38 "Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call....and about three thousand were added to their number that day." Peter addressed the crowd that had gathered, after Jesus went back to the Father and sent the Holy Spirit.
Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit - he had waited, as we read of Jesus' instruction in chapter One. He now was ready to see how the Holy Spirit would move from within and around him. He shared the history/prophecy of Jesus' coming - "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?" (vs 37) (to be saved).
Peter told them, simply what to do - as it was evident that they believed what Peter told them about Jesus. Repent (agree with God that you are a sinner/disobedient to God, turn toward God and away from sin) be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of you sins (go under the water and come out, signifying the crucifixion, burial (under the water), and resurrection (up out of the water, cleansed) of Jesus. He told them in doing so, they would at the same time, receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
3 THOUSAND were saved that day!!! The POWER of the Holy Spirit moving through Peter!!

"Lord, let us see this in our day. God fill us to overflowing with the Holy Spirit so that You will be glorified in seeing many saved!!"
Have you repented, been baptized and thus been saved and filled with the Holy Spirit, as the Scripture says? Do you know others that have not? Pray for them, ask the Lord to open doors to share Jesus with them, that they too will ask, what must I do? Jesus is coming soon....maybe today...are you ready?

Exodus 38
THe amount of gold received from the wave offering - the offering of the people - was @ 1 ton!!! And silver, about 3/4 of a ton!! Wow, when was the last time you and I saw an offering from the church that size...?! These folks were convinced that God was who He said He was...they were honoring Him and being obedient. "Oh Lord, forgive me (us) for times of disobedience. Convict us at those times, that we might repent...Lord we believe, help our unbelief. Whatever You are calling of each one of us, empower us with the Holy Spirit that we would say 'yes' immediately, and follow You. Thank you Lord, let us not hold back ANYTHING from You."

Acts 1, Exodus 37

Acts 1
Exodus 37

Food for Life:

Acts 1
This book records how the people of God were first called Christ-ians...and there is described throughout the book how the Holy Spirit moved among, from within His People in ways that those who witnessed and heard had to say..."that must be God!" "Let it be today Lord, even as it was in the days of the book of Acts!"
Acts 1:8 "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This is no different that our instruction for today! When we receive Jesus, are born-again, we receive the Holy Spirit within...we have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead living within us. Also, we are to wait upon the Lord, day by day, moment by moment for the in-filling or empowerment of the Holy Spirit. For our heart, mind, spirit, to yield to the movement of the Holy Spirit; to 'walk in the Spirit and not the flesh;'.
Will you join me in being determined to wait on the Lord, to be filled with His Spirit, to be empowered by Him in order to live moment by moment by His strength and wisdom? His Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Gentleness, Faithfulness, Humility, and Self-control?

Exodus 37

Wow - how beautiful, well made the Tabernacle of God was..."The ark (also called the ark of the Testimony or ark of the covenant) was built to hold the Ten Commandments. it symbolized God's covenant with his people. Two gold angels called cherubim were placed on its top. The ark was Israel's most sacred object and was kept in the Most HOly Place in the tabernacle. Only once each year, the high priest entered the Most Holy Place to sprinkle blood on the top of the ark (called the atonement cover) to atone for the sins of the entire nation"(pg 162, NIV Study Bible). In Psalm 139 the psalmist writes that we "are fearfully and wonderfully made." After Jesus went to "sit at the right-hand of the Most High" and the Holy Spirit was sent to us, to live within us, WE became the tabernacle of the Lord. Not made with precious gold as in the Old Testament, but made in the Image of the Living God...fearfully and wonderfully made...we are!

Faith is

being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see"(Hebrews 11:1) One of the things I often pray for is more faith. Even tho' Jesus says that even faith as small as a mustard seed would move mountains... Everyday there are opportunities to walk by faith and not by sight, to chose faith instead of fear, and to trust God for the impossible.

Certainly Safe Families for Children (www.safe-families.org) movement is a movement of faith. Yet, I am challenged everyday with Safe Families to choose between that which can easily or by harder work be done, or, choose that which requires more faith. Admittedly, I often choose that which may take a little faith and that for which I can see just how it can be done - financially, people-power wise, systemically, and practically. I often have both a nagging and exhilarating sense about desiring to see God move in a way that everyone seeing would have to say, 'wow, that must have been God!" Do you?

I guess what I'm saying is, "I want more." I want more of God. I want more of the Holy Spirit - we are told that "the same power that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us" (Romans 8:11) who have been blood bought (1 Corinthians 6:20), who are not our own, who have been purchased with a price. What I'm writing doesn't have to do with theology or doctrine (in the sense that I'm not making positional theological or doctrinal statements, so lets not get stuck there :)). I'm simply saying that I long to see more of that same power that raised Jesus from the dead working in and through me, you, the body of Christ.

You might ask, "What is behind this blog?" Good question.

This morning I heard something that riveted me, even seeing it as an answer to my prayer. I was told that a Christian businessman (whom I know) said that his approach to business decisions is this: "Whenever I have a decision or choice to make, I choose the option that requires the most amount of faith." I love that! For some reason, it is such a freeing approach for me! I do not do that as a 'rule.' Do you? I do take steps of faith, there are people who have told me over the years that they would like to have the faith that I have (I still don't see it the way they do...) and yet I have to say that generally, even while taking steps of faith, I can "see" ahead in some fashion.

So, today, I determine, by God's grace, to make the decisions and choices before me by which option requires the most faith. I recognize that this looks different for different people; my step of faith may not be faith for you and vice versa. How about you? Will you join me in asking God and stepping out to see God's promise that He will do "exceedingly, abundantly beyond whatever we could ask for or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20) - that same power that raised Jesus from the dead?