The Leviticus passage seemed strange and irrelevant until I looked at it from a spiritual standpoint. Then it reminded me of our High Priest, Jesus Christ, who is working to make His Bride pure and holy and without spot or blemish.
I think it's pretty normal to notice every little blemish or wrinkle, pimple or rash, wonder what it is and want to get rid of it. This is true in the natural, and in the spiritual too. We are built to want perfection, aren't we?
I used to get so frustrated with my imperfections, when I was younger-- so much so that I became anorexic trying to "control" my body. But the more we try to control things and fix our imperfections, the worse they seem to get. For one thing, we often can't even tell what are actually imperfections, as many of us don't accept ourselves the way God made us. This goes for our physical bodies as well as our psychological and spiritual make up.
Often we can't discern whether something is a serious problem, or just something that will go away on its own. We tend to run to an expert for a diagnosis to assuage our worries. I was also a very anxious hypochondriac as a young woman, until I learned to go to Jesus for a diagnosis. This was very necessary for me, as I was always having one problem or another, and it was very expensive and embarrassing to go to the doctor and find out nothing was wrong with me-- except nerves!! I got a LOT of practice listening to the Lord, and getting His reassurance that I wasn't going to die that day!
I think we have the same issue with sin-- and I'm talking about "missing the mark", not just something obvious spelled-out in Scripture. Whether we have an overbearing conscience and always think we're doing something wrong, or we have a blurry concept of right and wrong which allows us a lot of "sloppy grace", we tend to run to people to get their opinions on whether we are OK or not. This can really get us into trouble, depending on whose opinions we are seeking! There are lots of sources for false guilt, and well as many opportunities to feel justified when we are not.
Sure, we should be able to receive correction if we need it, and know how to get help when we are struggling, but as we grow, we should be finding it easier to be corrected by the Scriptures and by the nudges the Holy Spirit is constantly giving us. The best pastor or counselor is the one who teaches people to seek and hear the Lord for themselves.
What it comes down to is that Jesus, our faithful High Priest, who can scrutinize us closely without violating us in any way, is the only One who is authorized to decide if we are OK or not, including ourselves! We may hear something from another person through which the Holy Spirit may point out an issue and give help towards healing, but it's the Lord and the Spirit of Wisdom and Counsel that will speak to us. When we are His, we will know His voice. When we go to Him with something that's bothering us, He will show us what the problem is and what to do about it. That is part of intimacy.
Once we get used to the idea that Jesus sees everything about us, and stills loves us and accepts us, we will be quicker to go to Him and let His light reveal all. Sometimes He'll reveal that the thing we don't like about ourselves is something He created and will use. But if He reveals a problem or blemish, He will have the clear discernment of what it is and what is to be done about it, and He will treat us with love.
We can't fix ourselves or the rest of the Church, and make a Bride worthy of Him. But we can proclaim His purposes and His goodness and lead the way in pursuing His revealing truth. We will be brought into perfectly-pleasing-ness if we remain in Him.
Monday, February 22, 2010
February 21, 2010
I noticed some different ways of receiving healing in today's Scripture: it all had to do with people's faith, of course, since He often said " your faith has made you well" Mark 5:34
Sometimes people will be in a place where they will press through whatever, on their own, and come into Christ's presence, touch Him and receive His power to heal them. Others will come to Jesus for help, but will need Him to accompany them and reassure them, touch them or the person who is sick, and defend them from whatever will hinder their faith.
So many times we need a healing touch, and an encouraging word-- and we need it to come to us through a touchable person. I want to be the kind of person who can give these things, to take someone's hand and help them up, whether it be physically or emotionally, since that is what Jesus so often did. He is still moved by compassion, and He wants to heal through us. I want His power ("virtue") to go out from me, don't you?
Sometimes people will be in a place where they will press through whatever, on their own, and come into Christ's presence, touch Him and receive His power to heal them. Others will come to Jesus for help, but will need Him to accompany them and reassure them, touch them or the person who is sick, and defend them from whatever will hinder their faith.
So many times we need a healing touch, and an encouraging word-- and we need it to come to us through a touchable person. I want to be the kind of person who can give these things, to take someone's hand and help them up, whether it be physically or emotionally, since that is what Jesus so often did. He is still moved by compassion, and He wants to heal through us. I want His power ("virtue") to go out from me, don't you?
Saturday, February 20, 2010
February 20, 2010
I was thinking about God's statement "You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean." Leviticus 10:10. And then, there it was again in the New Testament reading! These Scriptures together made me wonder if the concept of "clean and unclean" has to do with "what the Lord will inhabit and what the devil will inhabit."
Jesus delivered the man with the legion of demons, and when He cast them out, they went and inhabited a bunch of swine ("unclean" animals by Mosaic law). The man was converted and became an evangelist then. Jesus delivered him and he became clean. Jesus called him into cleanness, a habitation for the Lord.
What happened to Aaron's sons, then, in Leviticus? Apparently, they weren't clean, although they had been consecrated with all the ritual. God looks at the heart. It's His heart of compassion to see us delivered from evil. The priests of God had all the advantages, and yet they didn't love God. The man among the tombs was an abused outcast, and yet his immediate response was to be devoted to Christ. The priests were common then, and the delivered man was holy. I think it's very interesting to see the contrasts in these chapters today, and the judgment and mercy of God.
Jesus delivered the man with the legion of demons, and when He cast them out, they went and inhabited a bunch of swine ("unclean" animals by Mosaic law). The man was converted and became an evangelist then. Jesus delivered him and he became clean. Jesus called him into cleanness, a habitation for the Lord.
What happened to Aaron's sons, then, in Leviticus? Apparently, they weren't clean, although they had been consecrated with all the ritual. God looks at the heart. It's His heart of compassion to see us delivered from evil. The priests of God had all the advantages, and yet they didn't love God. The man among the tombs was an abused outcast, and yet his immediate response was to be devoted to Christ. The priests were common then, and the delivered man was holy. I think it's very interesting to see the contrasts in these chapters today, and the judgment and mercy of God.
Friday, February 19, 2010
February 19, 2010
I'm holding on to these promises: "For there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. Let anyone with ears to hear listen!" And he said to them, "Pay attention to what you hear; the measure you give will be the measure you get, and still more will be given you. For to those who have, more will be given; and from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away." Mark4:22-25
One of the hardest things in life, for me, is to keep up with something on a daily basis. I am so right-brained! I get lost in my projects and lose track of time. Sometimes I don't even know what day it is. I don't often get out of touch with the Lord, I'm just not a very "habitual" person. And I can be very verbal, but sometimes, I'm really not. So disciplining myself to read the One Year Bible every day-- and then write something-- is not always an easy task. But I am determined to keep trying, and when I don't manage to write here (I'm being pretty good on the reading part), I will just jump in and try again. I don't always have something brilliant to say. Sometimes I just feel like saying, "I'm here, are you?"
What I got from the verses today was, that I will get out of my devotional times what I put into them, and more. Now that's a good deal if you ask me. Plus, when I come across mysteries in the Word, if I ask and listen, the Lord will speak, as He delights in revealing. It's easy to get in "task mode" and forget to listen. That's why I don't often write anything early in the day. Sometimes I just have to listen for a while. And sometimes what I hear is just too personal to write on a public blog! I'm sure you can relate.
I think if we have faith to receive something from the Lord in His Word-- and we have all been given a measure of faith-- then we will receive if we put in our part. But if we have no faith in Him, we end up losing whatever of the Word that we had once gotten, because we end up letting something steal it from us, like in the parable of the sower. I don't want that to happen to me, so I am determined not to let the "cares of this life," good or bad, choke out the Word so that it's not fruitful in me. I want to excercise my faith and be faithful. And since faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, the more I abide in Him and His Word, the more faithful I will be.
One of the hardest things in life, for me, is to keep up with something on a daily basis. I am so right-brained! I get lost in my projects and lose track of time. Sometimes I don't even know what day it is. I don't often get out of touch with the Lord, I'm just not a very "habitual" person. And I can be very verbal, but sometimes, I'm really not. So disciplining myself to read the One Year Bible every day-- and then write something-- is not always an easy task. But I am determined to keep trying, and when I don't manage to write here (I'm being pretty good on the reading part), I will just jump in and try again. I don't always have something brilliant to say. Sometimes I just feel like saying, "I'm here, are you?"
What I got from the verses today was, that I will get out of my devotional times what I put into them, and more. Now that's a good deal if you ask me. Plus, when I come across mysteries in the Word, if I ask and listen, the Lord will speak, as He delights in revealing. It's easy to get in "task mode" and forget to listen. That's why I don't often write anything early in the day. Sometimes I just have to listen for a while. And sometimes what I hear is just too personal to write on a public blog! I'm sure you can relate.
I think if we have faith to receive something from the Lord in His Word-- and we have all been given a measure of faith-- then we will receive if we put in our part. But if we have no faith in Him, we end up losing whatever of the Word that we had once gotten, because we end up letting something steal it from us, like in the parable of the sower. I don't want that to happen to me, so I am determined not to let the "cares of this life," good or bad, choke out the Word so that it's not fruitful in me. I want to excercise my faith and be faithful. And since faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit, the more I abide in Him and His Word, the more faithful I will be.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
February 17, 2010
When I read all the descriptions of sacrifices in Leviticus, which all seem quite gruesome to me, I get a feeling for how much God hates sin, and how often I miss the mark. But more than that, I am struck by the love and mercy of God. He has always been about making a way of atonement and forgiveness, and Jesus finally paid the price, making all the killing of animals unnecessary.
Jesus showed the Father's heart for forgiveness and His purpose of redemption so often, how could we miss it and become sin-worried as if we lived in the Old Testament? Jesus got criticized for eating with sinners (Mark 2:16), and for breaking the Sabbath (in the Pharisee's mind), but He was in redemptive, restoration mode at all times. "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath." (NRSV) And what He's doing with us now is getting us ready for new wine. vs 21
Jesus showed the Father's heart for forgiveness and His purpose of redemption so often, how could we miss it and become sin-worried as if we lived in the Old Testament? Jesus got criticized for eating with sinners (Mark 2:16), and for breaking the Sabbath (in the Pharisee's mind), but He was in redemptive, restoration mode at all times. "The sabbath was made for humankind, and not humankind for the sabbath." (NRSV) And what He's doing with us now is getting us ready for new wine. vs 21
February 16, 2010
Sometimes I just have to be quiet and comtemplate the awesomeness of the Lord. How the glory of God filled the tabernacle when they were obedient, how Jesus healed the multitudes and still took time to be alone with the Father. How He defends us and encourages us when we're weak. Isn't our God great?! "Great is the Lord who delights in the welfare of His servant." Ps 35:27
Friday, February 12, 2010
February 12, 2010
"All the people among whom you live shall see the work of the Lord; for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you." Exodus 34: 11 This is a promise I'd like to claim-- how about you? I see some stipulations here: don't make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land (the Promised Land) where God is sending you. Tear down the altars, pillars and sacred poles and don't worship their gods. What does that mean to you?
Of course God gave them other commandments, but I just wanted to focus on the fact that God called Himself "Jealous." Ex. 34:14 I avoid going into study for this devotional, but I couldn't help looking up this Hebrew word: it's "qanna," meaning "not bearing any rival; the severe avenger of departure from Himself." This is a name of God that I don't recall having learned before. We usually focus on names like Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha! He is still that, so while I'm on it, I'll drop this verse: 2 Corinthians 11:2. Look it up!
My One Year Bible is in the New Revised Standard. In the Matthew reading, it says that they handed Jesus over to be crucified out of "jealousy." I looked that up too, and the word is translated "envy" everywhere else. We get those words mixed up a lot and tend to use them interchangeably, when they are really different. I suppose the religious leaders of the day were "jealous" over their position rather than "jealousy guarding the things of God." They were also "envious" of Jesus popularity, power and whatever else.
The message for me is, don't get envious of the world and try to get what it seems they have, or I will end up compromising and making covenants with the world, which would make my God very Jealous! He wants us a "chaste bride" not "prostituting ourselves to other gods."
That is the reason, for example, that I have chosen not to pursue contracts for publication or recording, and I don't take commercial art commissions. I don't want to get entangled with the world and have it dictate to me what I should do. A desire for riches or fame are things the Lord has taken years to burn out of me, to keep me from falling away. He still runs regular "virus scans" on the motives of my heart to keep it pure.
I will not always be popular when I start to "tear down altars and break pillars and sacred poles" on the mountains where the Lord has called me to have influence. Even when I'm doing God's will, and perhaps displaying the favor of the Lord while working in the world, it is possible that some religious types will get all up in arms to try and discredit me. But I can rely on the fact that "the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19
Whether I prosper in all that I do or I become a martyr for the testimony of Christ, one thing I know: Jesus took my death on the cross and prevailed!
Of course God gave them other commandments, but I just wanted to focus on the fact that God called Himself "Jealous." Ex. 34:14 I avoid going into study for this devotional, but I couldn't help looking up this Hebrew word: it's "qanna," meaning "not bearing any rival; the severe avenger of departure from Himself." This is a name of God that I don't recall having learned before. We usually focus on names like Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Rapha! He is still that, so while I'm on it, I'll drop this verse: 2 Corinthians 11:2. Look it up!
My One Year Bible is in the New Revised Standard. In the Matthew reading, it says that they handed Jesus over to be crucified out of "jealousy." I looked that up too, and the word is translated "envy" everywhere else. We get those words mixed up a lot and tend to use them interchangeably, when they are really different. I suppose the religious leaders of the day were "jealous" over their position rather than "jealousy guarding the things of God." They were also "envious" of Jesus popularity, power and whatever else.
The message for me is, don't get envious of the world and try to get what it seems they have, or I will end up compromising and making covenants with the world, which would make my God very Jealous! He wants us a "chaste bride" not "prostituting ourselves to other gods."
That is the reason, for example, that I have chosen not to pursue contracts for publication or recording, and I don't take commercial art commissions. I don't want to get entangled with the world and have it dictate to me what I should do. A desire for riches or fame are things the Lord has taken years to burn out of me, to keep me from falling away. He still runs regular "virus scans" on the motives of my heart to keep it pure.
I will not always be popular when I start to "tear down altars and break pillars and sacred poles" on the mountains where the Lord has called me to have influence. Even when I'm doing God's will, and perhaps displaying the favor of the Lord while working in the world, it is possible that some religious types will get all up in arms to try and discredit me. But I can rely on the fact that "the eye of the Lord is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine." Psalm 33:18-19
Whether I prosper in all that I do or I become a martyr for the testimony of Christ, one thing I know: Jesus took my death on the cross and prevailed!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
February 9, 2010
The whole point of the Mosaic tabernacle, priests and sacrifices was this: "I will meet with you, to speak to you." God said He would dwell among them and be their God, and His glory would be there. The sacrificial Lamb is Christ, who has made atonement for sin. When you read about all the sin offerings they had to make, it gives you an idea of just how great and holy Jesus Christ really is. If we are not "taking advantage" of His perpetual offering, by we ourselves meeting with God daily, allowing Him to dwell in us and show forth His glory, then we are missing the main point of being a Christian.
February 8, 2010
In the priestly garments of Aaron I see testimony of Christ, especially in His ministry of intercession. Like the engraved jewels on the breastpiece, Jesus carries us in His heart as He goes before the throne of God. This makes me feel very loved when I meditate on it. It also gives me an example and a motivation to carry those, who are engraved on my heart, before the throne of grace in intercession. It is a way to share in the sufferings and in the joy of the Lord; it is a way to experience intimacy with Him.
February 7, 2010
Jesus gave us perspectives on the Kingdom of God in ways we could all understand. For women's ways of thinking, there's the story of 10 virgins. For the male mind is the parable of the talents. Of course, we can all get something out of both of these points of view, but I think it is important for men and women to share with each other what these teachings particularly mean to them, so that we can understand more from each other's perspectives. This is another way that the Church can help to edify itself in love.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
February 6, 2010
What can I say? This is one of my favorite reading days in the One Year Bible! So much is packed in here (really all the days are that way, aren't they?)-- I feel so full, and so inspired. Maybe it's all the pictures. They make me want to do art!!
One thing I love is the picture of the "sapphire pavement" under God's feet. Another is the flowering almond lampstand all in one piece of gold. Exodus 24:10, 25:31-36. And what a glorious picture in Matthew 24:30-31-- the sign of the Son of Man appearing in the heavens, Jesus coming on the clouds of heaven in power and glory, and the angels sent out with a loud trumpet to gather his people wherever they are! Is that awesome or what? To top it all off, the Psalms 30:11 offers the picture of dancing with praise when He turns our mourning into joy.
I sure do love the Lord-- don't you?
One thing I love is the picture of the "sapphire pavement" under God's feet. Another is the flowering almond lampstand all in one piece of gold. Exodus 24:10, 25:31-36. And what a glorious picture in Matthew 24:30-31-- the sign of the Son of Man appearing in the heavens, Jesus coming on the clouds of heaven in power and glory, and the angels sent out with a loud trumpet to gather his people wherever they are! Is that awesome or what? To top it all off, the Psalms 30:11 offers the picture of dancing with praise when He turns our mourning into joy.
I sure do love the Lord-- don't you?
Friday, February 5, 2010
February 5, 2010
When Jesus talked about the signs of the end of the age in Matthew 24, it definitely seems to speak of these times. I see some instructions for us:
1) Don't be led astray by false prophets.
2) Don't be alarmed.
3) Don't let your love grow cold.
4) Endure until the end.
5) Preach the gospel of the Kingdom.
No matter what happens, we have the promise of the return of Christ! In the midst of all the calamity, the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven to the earth is truly "good news"!
1) Don't be led astray by false prophets.
2) Don't be alarmed.
3) Don't let your love grow cold.
4) Endure until the end.
5) Preach the gospel of the Kingdom.
No matter what happens, we have the promise of the return of Christ! In the midst of all the calamity, the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven to the earth is truly "good news"!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
February 4, 2010
I think we take God way too lightly! These readings today remind me that He is awesome in ways I don't really know, except to read about them in the Word. How would I react if I were standing before that smoking, shaking mountain with God speaking audibly in the fire, and a loud, loud trumpet blowing nonstop? But He hasn't changed!
It is wisdom to find out what God loves and love that, and what He hates and hate that. Jesus made it very clear. There is no doubt if we read the Word. If we have the proper fear of the Lord, we will study the Word and get to truly know Him. Then we will not be afraid to speak with Him and take refuge in Him. We will love Him and pursue intimacy with Him if we seek for His heart in the midst of the fire.
It is wisdom to find out what God loves and love that, and what He hates and hate that. Jesus made it very clear. There is no doubt if we read the Word. If we have the proper fear of the Lord, we will study the Word and get to truly know Him. Then we will not be afraid to speak with Him and take refuge in Him. We will love Him and pursue intimacy with Him if we seek for His heart in the midst of the fire.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
February 3, 2010
Wasn't it cool how the Scripture readings coordinated today? I love the contrast between Moses and the religious leaders of Jesus' day. Jesus said that "they sit on Moses' seat; therefore do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach." Matthew 22:2-3
Later in the chapter, he said more that described Moses: "The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." vs. 11-12 Moses was serving the people so much that his wise father-in-law advised that he delegate some responsibility. Then he demonstrated humility and took the advice. Exodus 18:19-25 Jesus also was a great example of these principles.
There are times we have to recognize our God-given limits. Yes, we are to function in His power and strength, but as you can see, it is not given to us to do everything in the Kingdom as an individual. We need other people to help. If we could do everything ourselves, then there would be no need for the Body of Christ to function. Even Jesus, who is God and could certainly do everything Himself if He wanted to, has made us His Body, and He's delegated authority and expects us to carry out our functions faithfully.
Later in the chapter, he said more that described Moses: "The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted." vs. 11-12 Moses was serving the people so much that his wise father-in-law advised that he delegate some responsibility. Then he demonstrated humility and took the advice. Exodus 18:19-25 Jesus also was a great example of these principles.
There are times we have to recognize our God-given limits. Yes, we are to function in His power and strength, but as you can see, it is not given to us to do everything in the Kingdom as an individual. We need other people to help. If we could do everything ourselves, then there would be no need for the Body of Christ to function. Even Jesus, who is God and could certainly do everything Himself if He wanted to, has made us His Body, and He's delegated authority and expects us to carry out our functions faithfully.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
February 2, 2010
What I saw in today's readings is that if you ask God a question, you're going to get an answer. It just depends on your attitude and heart intention as to what kind of answer you get.
The children of Israel got answers of food and water, since they had a real need, but they also got a rebuke for their complaining and testing God. Much better to just ask politely because you know He's going to provide.
The Pharisees got a wise answer from Jesus, but He also called them on their malicious testing of Him and said they were hypocrites.
David, on the other hand, inquired of the Lord and expressed his needs with the attitude of expectation of good from the Lord. This he got, more than he could have thought or imagined.
I know whose example I want to follow!
The children of Israel got answers of food and water, since they had a real need, but they also got a rebuke for their complaining and testing God. Much better to just ask politely because you know He's going to provide.
The Pharisees got a wise answer from Jesus, but He also called them on their malicious testing of Him and said they were hypocrites.
David, on the other hand, inquired of the Lord and expressed his needs with the attitude of expectation of good from the Lord. This he got, more than he could have thought or imagined.
I know whose example I want to follow!
Monday, February 1, 2010
February 1, 2010
God, give us the eyes to see the glory cloud that goes before us and sometimes becomes our rear-guard. We have nothing to fear, and everything to praise God for. He magnificently delivers us!
From yesterday's reading: "Lord, let our eyes be opened." Matthew 20:33
From yesterday's reading: "Lord, let our eyes be opened." Matthew 20:33
January 31, 2010
God may lead us out (as the Israelites out of Egypt) or He may lead us in (as Jesus into Jerusalem). He may lead us away from the enemies or straight forward to face them. But as long as we're trusting and following Him, it's always redemptive!
January 30, 2010
I am so very, very grateful for the sacrifice that Jesus made for me, for us-- His blood covers us and protects us from the destroyer.
January 29,2010
Do you see a correlation between Pharoah receiving God's judgments and Jesus' statement "it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven"? I do! And I think it's "the little children" that live in Goshen. Matthew 19:23, 14
It seems, from reading the Exodus account, that not having the "fear of the Lord" results in "hardness of heart." These are things that keep us from entering into the kingdom of heaven. We can be as "poor as a churchmouse" and still hold riches in our heart as our god. Poor people can be as hard-hearted as wealthy people if they don't trust God.
If we look around, I think we can see the hand of God revealing hearts, as "hailstones" of one sort or the other pound away at corruption, oppression and idolatry. The sooner we admit that "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it" and that we are His stewards, the sooner we can submit to Him and stop resisting His pressure.
I want to have the soft, pliable heart of a child. Jesus laid His hand on them and blessed them. And if His hand is on me, I have nothing at all to fear.
It seems, from reading the Exodus account, that not having the "fear of the Lord" results in "hardness of heart." These are things that keep us from entering into the kingdom of heaven. We can be as "poor as a churchmouse" and still hold riches in our heart as our god. Poor people can be as hard-hearted as wealthy people if they don't trust God.
If we look around, I think we can see the hand of God revealing hearts, as "hailstones" of one sort or the other pound away at corruption, oppression and idolatry. The sooner we admit that "The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it" and that we are His stewards, the sooner we can submit to Him and stop resisting His pressure.
I want to have the soft, pliable heart of a child. Jesus laid His hand on them and blessed them. And if His hand is on me, I have nothing at all to fear.
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