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."
Friday, April 30, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
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).
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).
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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!'"
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!'"
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
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."
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."
Monday, April 26, 2010
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:
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."
Friday, April 23, 2010
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."
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."
Thursday, April 22, 2010
BUT GOD
Acts 13
Leviticus 10
Food for Life:
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.
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.
"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.
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