Read Leviticus 16
The most important day each year for the Israelites was and still is the Day of Atonement. In ancient times, the whole nation would prepare their hearts and gather on this day and wait as the High Priest entered the most holy place of the temple to ask God to forgive the sin of His people. After the high priest returned from praying, a live goat would be brought to him.
“When Aaron has finished making atonement…. He is to lay both hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the wickedness and rebellion of the Israelites—and send the goat away into the wilderness…The goat will carry on itself all their sins…” (Leviticus 16: 20-22)
This goat would symbolically carry the blame for all of the failures of the Israelites and would bear the burden and weight of their sin. Ultimately, thousands of years later, all of our sins would be placed on Jesus as He hung on the cross and took the blame for our sins. Because of His ultimate sacrifice, we can stand before God forgiven.
What emotions do you think the people experienced as they waited for the High Priest to come out of the temple?
What sins do you need to confess to God?
Prayer Emphasis: Take time to today to ask God to forgive you of the sins in your life.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sir, Yes Sir!
Read: Leviticus 11
If you were to enlist and become a soldier in the Army, you would immediately enter into a world of very strict rules and regulations. From the length of your hair to the time you wake up in the morning, everything is very closely monitored by your commanding officer.
Why would a soldier have to follow all of these rules? Because these rules will teach this soldier discipline, discipline which may someday save his life and the lives of many others on the battlefield.
As you read through this chapter, you can easily be overwhelmed by the long list of dietary laws the Israelites had to follow.
“These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves about in the water and every creature that moves along the ground. You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.” (Leviticus 11:46-47)
These laws may not make much sense to you as you read through them, but when you look closer, you see that these laws protected God’s people from disease and helped them be pure and holy before Him.
What rule do you have to follow that just doesn’t seem to make sense to you?
Can you think of any reasons why this rule may help protect you and help you grow?
Prayer Emphasis: Today, trust that God knows what is best for you and that His rules are there to help you grow in Him.
If you were to enlist and become a soldier in the Army, you would immediately enter into a world of very strict rules and regulations. From the length of your hair to the time you wake up in the morning, everything is very closely monitored by your commanding officer.
Why would a soldier have to follow all of these rules? Because these rules will teach this soldier discipline, discipline which may someday save his life and the lives of many others on the battlefield.
As you read through this chapter, you can easily be overwhelmed by the long list of dietary laws the Israelites had to follow.
“These are the regulations concerning animals, birds, every living thing that moves about in the water and every creature that moves along the ground. You must distinguish between the unclean and the clean, between living creatures that may be eaten and those that may not be eaten.” (Leviticus 11:46-47)
These laws may not make much sense to you as you read through them, but when you look closer, you see that these laws protected God’s people from disease and helped them be pure and holy before Him.
What rule do you have to follow that just doesn’t seem to make sense to you?
Can you think of any reasons why this rule may help protect you and help you grow?
Prayer Emphasis: Today, trust that God knows what is best for you and that His rules are there to help you grow in Him.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I Did It My Way
Read Leviticus 10:1-3
A young boy once received a nice bicycle for his birthday that was delivered to his door in a box. He opened the box in the garage, but since he couldn’t really read the directions well, he decided to just put it together his own way. By the time his father came home from work ready to help him build the bicycle, the bicycle was ruined with many pieces broken or damaged.
In a similar way, God has given us a book of instructions to follow-the Bible. These instructions are given to protect us and help us become the person God created us to be.
In this passage, the son’s of Aaron, the high priest, decide to do things their own way and it ended in disaster.
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu… offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD”. (Leviticus 10:1-2)
This is a harsh reminder that God establishes his directions for us because He knows what is best for us. When we are disobedient, we probably won’t die, but we could end up having to deal with some ugly consequences.
When is the last time you ignored the instructions you were given and did things your way?
How did that work out for you?
Prayer Emphasis: Ask God to give you a passion to follow the instructions given to us in the Bible.
A young boy once received a nice bicycle for his birthday that was delivered to his door in a box. He opened the box in the garage, but since he couldn’t really read the directions well, he decided to just put it together his own way. By the time his father came home from work ready to help him build the bicycle, the bicycle was ruined with many pieces broken or damaged.
In a similar way, God has given us a book of instructions to follow-the Bible. These instructions are given to protect us and help us become the person God created us to be.
In this passage, the son’s of Aaron, the high priest, decide to do things their own way and it ended in disaster.
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu… offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD”. (Leviticus 10:1-2)
This is a harsh reminder that God establishes his directions for us because He knows what is best for us. When we are disobedient, we probably won’t die, but we could end up having to deal with some ugly consequences.
When is the last time you ignored the instructions you were given and did things your way?
How did that work out for you?
Prayer Emphasis: Ask God to give you a passion to follow the instructions given to us in the Bible.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Face to Face
Read Revelation 21:15-27
And I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Revelation 21:22 (KJV)
Over ten years ago, my mother passed away. After struggling with various illnesses for more than a decade, she passed away due to heart and lung failure early on a Saturday morning. While I would never wish that she were still here as sick as she was, I do miss the mother and grandmother that she could have been had her health not failed her. She has missed the lives of all eight of her grandchildren and so many more things.
When I go home to see my Dad, I occasionally think about taking my oldest children out to her grave, but I usually don’t because I know that she is not there…just her body is. I know that I will have to wait for eternity to see her again, for in eternity, all things will be made complete. Just as we worship a risen Savior here on earth, in eternity we will worship Him face to face.
“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for this present world are just the ones who thought the most of the next.” C.S. Lewis
And I saw no temple therein; for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. Revelation 21:22 (KJV)
Over ten years ago, my mother passed away. After struggling with various illnesses for more than a decade, she passed away due to heart and lung failure early on a Saturday morning. While I would never wish that she were still here as sick as she was, I do miss the mother and grandmother that she could have been had her health not failed her. She has missed the lives of all eight of her grandchildren and so many more things.
When I go home to see my Dad, I occasionally think about taking my oldest children out to her grave, but I usually don’t because I know that she is not there…just her body is. I know that I will have to wait for eternity to see her again, for in eternity, all things will be made complete. Just as we worship a risen Savior here on earth, in eternity we will worship Him face to face.
“If you read history, you will find that the Christians who did the most for this present world are just the ones who thought the most of the next.” C.S. Lewis
Friday, November 5, 2010
Waiting for the Bride
Read Revelation 21:9-14
Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. Revelation 21:9 (KJV)
On the day of our wedding, my wife and I chose to follow the old tradition of not seeing each other until the actual wedding ceremony. Since our ceremony was at night, I had all day to wait to finally see her in her dress and to marry the girl who had won my heart. During the day we talked by phone a few times, and, while I was dressing in my tuxedo, she sent me a sweet card. Yet, nothing could prepare me for the moment those doors opened and she and her father stood at the back ready to come down the aisle. The long day of anticipation was worth the wait…she was breathtakingly beautiful!!!
Christ loves His church in much the same way. He longs for the day when His church will be redeemed.. For now, He chooses to talk with us through prayer and through the Holy Spirit, but the day is coming when the bride of Christ will be united with Jesus for eternity.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” The Apostle Paul (Col. 3:2)
Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. Revelation 21:9 (KJV)
On the day of our wedding, my wife and I chose to follow the old tradition of not seeing each other until the actual wedding ceremony. Since our ceremony was at night, I had all day to wait to finally see her in her dress and to marry the girl who had won my heart. During the day we talked by phone a few times, and, while I was dressing in my tuxedo, she sent me a sweet card. Yet, nothing could prepare me for the moment those doors opened and she and her father stood at the back ready to come down the aisle. The long day of anticipation was worth the wait…she was breathtakingly beautiful!!!
Christ loves His church in much the same way. He longs for the day when His church will be redeemed.. For now, He chooses to talk with us through prayer and through the Holy Spirit, but the day is coming when the bride of Christ will be united with Jesus for eternity.
“Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” The Apostle Paul (Col. 3:2)
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
In the Arms of Jesus
Read Revelation 21:1-8
And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes… Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
As the father of six young children, tears flow freely in my house everyday, especially from our preschool-aged children. Younger children wear their emotions on their sleeves and often need to be comforted and consoled. After a fall or a big fight over a toy, we scoop them up in our arms, wipe their tears away, and shower them with hugs and kisses. In a short moment, they are back to running and playing again.
I believe that when we finally stand before Jesus in heaven, He will wipe tears from our eyes. These will be tears of overwhelming joy – joy of finally being in the presence of our Savior. But, I also sense that there possibly will be tears of sorrow as well – sorrow for all of the ways we fell short of who God called us to be, for all of our sin and brokenness. How beautiful it will be to be comforted in the arms of Jesus as He wipes our tears away and invites us into eternity with Him!
God, help us today to rest in the promise of eternity with You.
And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes… Revelation 21:4 (KJV)
As the father of six young children, tears flow freely in my house everyday, especially from our preschool-aged children. Younger children wear their emotions on their sleeves and often need to be comforted and consoled. After a fall or a big fight over a toy, we scoop them up in our arms, wipe their tears away, and shower them with hugs and kisses. In a short moment, they are back to running and playing again.
I believe that when we finally stand before Jesus in heaven, He will wipe tears from our eyes. These will be tears of overwhelming joy – joy of finally being in the presence of our Savior. But, I also sense that there possibly will be tears of sorrow as well – sorrow for all of the ways we fell short of who God called us to be, for all of our sin and brokenness. How beautiful it will be to be comforted in the arms of Jesus as He wipes our tears away and invites us into eternity with Him!
God, help us today to rest in the promise of eternity with You.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Our Perfect Example
Read Ephesians 4:17-24
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, the truth is in Jesus: Ephesians 4:21 (KJV)
Our world is in desperate need of positive role models today and it seems that almost no one wants the job. Too many professional athletes, movie stars, and entertainers live selfish sinful lifestyles which provide fodder material for the numerous tabloids. Our teenagers especially are negatively influenced by these “famous” people. While there certainly are some excellent high-profile Christian leaders (Tim Tebow for example), these are often overshadowed by the sheer magnitude of negative choices made by others.
In stark contrast to this, Jesus’ earthly life provided a perfect example for us, showing how to both live and love. His last three years of life and ministry were lived giving Himself away for others, and His death on the cross was the ultimate selfless act in history. As we study His life as recorded in the Gospels, we can learn from the way He lived, the way He taught people, and the way He died. Through the life of Jesus, we clearly see God’s truth.
God, thank you for the perfect example of Your Son Jesus! May we walk in His footsteps today.
If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, the truth is in Jesus: Ephesians 4:21 (KJV)
Our world is in desperate need of positive role models today and it seems that almost no one wants the job. Too many professional athletes, movie stars, and entertainers live selfish sinful lifestyles which provide fodder material for the numerous tabloids. Our teenagers especially are negatively influenced by these “famous” people. While there certainly are some excellent high-profile Christian leaders (Tim Tebow for example), these are often overshadowed by the sheer magnitude of negative choices made by others.
In stark contrast to this, Jesus’ earthly life provided a perfect example for us, showing how to both live and love. His last three years of life and ministry were lived giving Himself away for others, and His death on the cross was the ultimate selfless act in history. As we study His life as recorded in the Gospels, we can learn from the way He lived, the way He taught people, and the way He died. Through the life of Jesus, we clearly see God’s truth.
God, thank you for the perfect example of Your Son Jesus! May we walk in His footsteps today.
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