SCRIPTURE
Leviticus 6:7 (New International Version)
7 In this way the priest will make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any of these things he did that made him guilty."
OBSERVATION
God was giving instructions to Moses about making atonement for sin. Here, The Lord is giving specific instructions in regards to what sacrifices are to be brought to the Priest (acting on God's behalf) to make atonement for sin. This section is speaking specifically on the "Guilt Sin". After the Priest has taken the sacrifice and made atonement before the Lord, the particular person will be forgiven for whatever they did that made them guilty.
APPLICATION
Atonement: The reconciliation of God and humans brought about by the redemptive life and death of Jesus. This was one of the definitions listed at Education.yahoo.com. It's amazing. In the Old Testament, people use to have to rely on a Priest to make atonement for their sins. Animals were sacrificed and that blood offering covered the sin and an atonement was made. Thank God that he sent his son, the savior of the world, to shead his blood and be the everlasting sacrifice and atonement. We no longer have to seek out a priest, or bring these animals to sacrifice. We don't have to wait for a certin time that the priest is availible, or wait in line while he's making the atonement for someone else. Because of the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, we can come boldly into the presence of the Lord and ask him for forgiveness face to face, any time, 24-7! Thank you God!
PRAYER
Father, I feel so undeserving of your forgiveness, but I am a sinner, and I need the atonement that you have paid on the cross! Thank you for that sacrifice! Thank you for the cross! Thank you that I have access to the presence of the Lord and don't have to wait for someone else to make atonement for me. Father, even now, I ask for your forgiveness and pray that you would guide me on a daily basis and strengthen me that I may stand firm against temptation.
Amen.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Boldness By The Spirit
SCRIPTURE
Acts 13:8-11 (Amplified Bible)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
8But Elymas [a]the wise man--for that is the translation of his name [[b]which he had given himself]--opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.
9But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas]
10And said, You master in every form of deception and recklessness, unscrupulousness, and wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright and good, will you never stop perverting and making crooked the straight paths of the Lord and plotting against His saving purposes?(A)
11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, [so blind that you will be] unable to see the sun for a time. Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and he groped about seeking persons who would lead him by the hand.
OBSERVATION
Barnabas and Saul/Paul were sent out by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God. After preaching in the Synagogues, they set out again and came into contact with a wise man (or sorcerer depending on the translation) in Paphos. Barnabas and Saul/Paul were about to share the Word of God with the Procouncil but were met with opposition by this "Wise Man", Elymas, who tried to keep the Procouncil from believing. Saul/Paul, because he was full of and being lead by the Holy Spirit, was able to deal with the opposition of Elymas and the works of the enemy.
APPLICATION
When you're full of (and lead by) the Holy Spirit and "In Tune" with the Heavenly Father, there's nothing that the enemy can throw in your way that you can't handle. The Holy Spirit flowing through you will give you a boldness to confront the enemy face to face, and the ability to discern what you're fighting against!
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
PRAYER
God, I pray that you would help me to be "In Tune" with you. I want to be lead by the Holy Spirit and to be able to better discern what truly lies behind the battles that I face. Father, give me the boldness that it takes to confront the enemy and help me to be the willing vessel that I need to be in order for the Holy Spirit to lead me, and better flow through me.
Acts 13:8-11 (Amplified Bible)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
8But Elymas [a]the wise man--for that is the translation of his name [[b]which he had given himself]--opposed them, seeking to keep the proconsul from accepting the faith.
9But Saul, who is also called Paul, filled with and controlled by the Holy Spirit, looked steadily at [Elymas]
10And said, You master in every form of deception and recklessness, unscrupulousness, and wickedness, you son of the devil, you enemy of everything that is upright and good, will you never stop perverting and making crooked the straight paths of the Lord and plotting against His saving purposes?(A)
11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon you, and you will be blind, [so blind that you will be] unable to see the sun for a time. Instantly there fell upon him a mist and a darkness, and he groped about seeking persons who would lead him by the hand.
OBSERVATION
Barnabas and Saul/Paul were sent out by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word of God. After preaching in the Synagogues, they set out again and came into contact with a wise man (or sorcerer depending on the translation) in Paphos. Barnabas and Saul/Paul were about to share the Word of God with the Procouncil but were met with opposition by this "Wise Man", Elymas, who tried to keep the Procouncil from believing. Saul/Paul, because he was full of and being lead by the Holy Spirit, was able to deal with the opposition of Elymas and the works of the enemy.
APPLICATION
When you're full of (and lead by) the Holy Spirit and "In Tune" with the Heavenly Father, there's nothing that the enemy can throw in your way that you can't handle. The Holy Spirit flowing through you will give you a boldness to confront the enemy face to face, and the ability to discern what you're fighting against!
Ephesians 6:12
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
PRAYER
God, I pray that you would help me to be "In Tune" with you. I want to be lead by the Holy Spirit and to be able to better discern what truly lies behind the battles that I face. Father, give me the boldness that it takes to confront the enemy and help me to be the willing vessel that I need to be in order for the Holy Spirit to lead me, and better flow through me.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Live Life in the Cloud
SCRIPTURE
Exodus 40:34-38
34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.
OBSERVATION
According to verses 36-38, the Israelites never went without the presence of the Lord. It says, "whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted." They always looked to the presence of the Lord in the cloud by day, and fire in the cloud by night.
APPLICATION
Wow, in previous readings of this scripture, this never stuck out so much to me. It is encouraging because in everything, I want to be sure that I am under the covering of the presence of the Lord! In my commings and goings, my decision making, and in everyday life, I always want to be in the presence of the Lord. The awesome thing is, because of the cross, that gap was bridged that lets me enter into the presence of the Lord fully, whenever I so choose. I want to choose to LIVE in his presence.
PRAYER
Father I need you. I want to remain in your presence always. Help me to be ever mindful of you and to invite you into every aspect of my daily life. I don't want to have to run to you when something is wrong or to struggle to enter into your presence after a tough day, I want to be able to say, "I'm already in your presnece, lets talk!" Father forgive me for taking your presence for grantid at times and help me to live life in the cloud of your presence!
Amen.
Exodus 40:34-38
34Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. 35 Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
36 In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. 38 So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels.
OBSERVATION
According to verses 36-38, the Israelites never went without the presence of the Lord. It says, "whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; 37 but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted." They always looked to the presence of the Lord in the cloud by day, and fire in the cloud by night.
APPLICATION
Wow, in previous readings of this scripture, this never stuck out so much to me. It is encouraging because in everything, I want to be sure that I am under the covering of the presence of the Lord! In my commings and goings, my decision making, and in everyday life, I always want to be in the presence of the Lord. The awesome thing is, because of the cross, that gap was bridged that lets me enter into the presence of the Lord fully, whenever I so choose. I want to choose to LIVE in his presence.
PRAYER
Father I need you. I want to remain in your presence always. Help me to be ever mindful of you and to invite you into every aspect of my daily life. I don't want to have to run to you when something is wrong or to struggle to enter into your presence after a tough day, I want to be able to say, "I'm already in your presnece, lets talk!" Father forgive me for taking your presence for grantid at times and help me to live life in the cloud of your presence!
Amen.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Get Out of My Way!
SCRIPTURE
Acts 11:1-3
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
OBSERVATION
Often, people are criticized for obeying God! Criticism isn't limited just to non-believers either. Here, Peter is being criticized by believers because he was obediant and shared the Word of God with the Gentiles.
APPLICATION
When God asks you to do something, you can bet that something or someone will try to get in the way and hinder the work of the Lord. It may be that someone does critisize you for doing something that God has asked you to do, or maybe something will try and get in the way before you are able to do "it". If God asks you to do something, remember, he's with you. There's nothing that the enemy can throw in the way that God hasn't already conquered. Stand firm and carry out the task that God has asked you to do.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give me the strength and boldness that it takes to do whatever you ask of me. It's hard at times and things try and get in the way. Whatever the cost, help me to be obediant to your perfect will...
Amen.
Acts 11:1-3
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
OBSERVATION
Often, people are criticized for obeying God! Criticism isn't limited just to non-believers either. Here, Peter is being criticized by believers because he was obediant and shared the Word of God with the Gentiles.
APPLICATION
When God asks you to do something, you can bet that something or someone will try to get in the way and hinder the work of the Lord. It may be that someone does critisize you for doing something that God has asked you to do, or maybe something will try and get in the way before you are able to do "it". If God asks you to do something, remember, he's with you. There's nothing that the enemy can throw in the way that God hasn't already conquered. Stand firm and carry out the task that God has asked you to do.
PRAYER
Father, I pray that you would give me the strength and boldness that it takes to do whatever you ask of me. It's hard at times and things try and get in the way. Whatever the cost, help me to be obediant to your perfect will...
Amen.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
The Other Side
SCRIPTURE
He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."
PRAYER
Jesus, help me to see your love for others. Help me to not to divide people between "us" and "them." Give me opportunities to build genuine relationships with those who are outside the bubble I live in. Help me to see them as unique people created in your image.
He said to them: "You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with a Gentile or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean."
Acts 10:28
OBSERVATION
The first chapter of Acts gives Jesus' command for his followers to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts tells the story of how the early church began to carry this mission out. In chapter 10, God gives Peter a vision to help promote this cause. The Jews drew up dividing lines between "us" and "them." "Our side" and "there side." God is telling Peter, and the early church, that in his Kingdom there are no dividing lines. Every side is His side.
APPLICATION
What dividing lines do I draw up? Who do I consider to be on the other side? What is my attitude towards those who look differently than I do? Those who believe differently than I do? Those who act differently than I do? I need to stop judging and begin loving.
OBSERVATION
The first chapter of Acts gives Jesus' command for his followers to be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Acts tells the story of how the early church began to carry this mission out. In chapter 10, God gives Peter a vision to help promote this cause. The Jews drew up dividing lines between "us" and "them." "Our side" and "there side." God is telling Peter, and the early church, that in his Kingdom there are no dividing lines. Every side is His side.
APPLICATION
What dividing lines do I draw up? Who do I consider to be on the other side? What is my attitude towards those who look differently than I do? Those who believe differently than I do? Those who act differently than I do? I need to stop judging and begin loving.
PRAYER
Jesus, help me to see your love for others. Help me to not to divide people between "us" and "them." Give me opportunities to build genuine relationships with those who are outside the bubble I live in. Help me to see them as unique people created in your image.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Inner Promptings and Obedience
SCRIPTURE
“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’”
Acts 9:29
OBSERVATION
Philip was solid. When reading about Philip in Acts, two things jump out at me. First, Philip had a sensitivity to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Second, he obeyed. Philip's obedience lead to the salvation of the Ethiopian eunuch. In the process, I can only imagine that Philip’s faith grew.
APPLICATION
One of the biggest setbacks we can experience in our spiritual journey is ignoring the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, this means we need to develop a sensitivity to how God interacts with us through the Holy Spirit. But, also, it means we need to obey. When God leads us, we need to follow that leading in faith. There have been times in my life when I didn’t follow, and my experience of God was limited because of my disobedience. Furthermore, who knows what God had in store for others through me. My choice to obey or disobey might not only impact my faith, but it might impact the faith others. So, is there anything God is calling me to do that I'm not doing?
PRAYER
Father, give me a renewed sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to sense your promptings. And, once I receive that leading, help me to have the boldness to obey. Help me to do what you tell me to do.
“The Spirit told Philip, ‘Go to that chariot and stay near it.’”
Acts 9:29
OBSERVATION
Philip was solid. When reading about Philip in Acts, two things jump out at me. First, Philip had a sensitivity to the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Second, he obeyed. Philip's obedience lead to the salvation of the Ethiopian eunuch. In the process, I can only imagine that Philip’s faith grew.
APPLICATION
One of the biggest setbacks we can experience in our spiritual journey is ignoring the leadings and promptings of the Holy Spirit. Obviously, this means we need to develop a sensitivity to how God interacts with us through the Holy Spirit. But, also, it means we need to obey. When God leads us, we need to follow that leading in faith. There have been times in my life when I didn’t follow, and my experience of God was limited because of my disobedience. Furthermore, who knows what God had in store for others through me. My choice to obey or disobey might not only impact my faith, but it might impact the faith others. So, is there anything God is calling me to do that I'm not doing?
PRAYER
Father, give me a renewed sensitivity to the Holy Spirit in my life. Help me to sense your promptings. And, once I receive that leading, help me to have the boldness to obey. Help me to do what you tell me to do.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
God in a Box
SCRIPTURE
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?” Acts 7:48-50
OBSERVATION
Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 is given in response to the accusation that he was speaking against the Temple and the place where the Jews worshiped (Acts 6:12-14). In his speech, Stephen referred to God’s work taking place both outside the Temple and outside Israel. Stephen points to Abraham, Joseph and Moses all having interaction with God in other places. He concludes his speech by saying that God does not live in houses made by men. The religious leaders of the time seemed to want to confine God to a box. In their mind, worship, prayer and experiencing God occurred in the Temple. However, through Stephen, God spoke powerful words that He is the King, and His rule, reign and presence cannot be contained.
APPLICATION
What box do I try to place God in? Do I confine Him to my religious tradition and spiritual practices? Do I limit my interaction with Him to my concepts of what is normal or comfortable? I need to recognize that God the sovereign ruler of the universe and His rule, reign and presence cannot be neatly packaged for my convenience.
PRAYER
Almighty God, you are King! The earth is yours, as is everything in it. Help me not to limit my experience of you to my tradition or my understanding of spirituality. Help me to experience you in new, unexpected ways.
However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? Has not my hand made all these things?” Acts 7:48-50
OBSERVATION
Stephen’s speech in Acts 7 is given in response to the accusation that he was speaking against the Temple and the place where the Jews worshiped (Acts 6:12-14). In his speech, Stephen referred to God’s work taking place both outside the Temple and outside Israel. Stephen points to Abraham, Joseph and Moses all having interaction with God in other places. He concludes his speech by saying that God does not live in houses made by men. The religious leaders of the time seemed to want to confine God to a box. In their mind, worship, prayer and experiencing God occurred in the Temple. However, through Stephen, God spoke powerful words that He is the King, and His rule, reign and presence cannot be contained.
APPLICATION
What box do I try to place God in? Do I confine Him to my religious tradition and spiritual practices? Do I limit my interaction with Him to my concepts of what is normal or comfortable? I need to recognize that God the sovereign ruler of the universe and His rule, reign and presence cannot be neatly packaged for my convenience.
PRAYER
Almighty God, you are King! The earth is yours, as is everything in it. Help me not to limit my experience of you to my tradition or my understanding of spirituality. Help me to experience you in new, unexpected ways.
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