For the past week or two, the Daily Audio Bible podcast has been traveling through the book of Leviticus; the third book of the Bible, and tertiary member of the Pentateuch. I've shared some of my thoughts on portions of this book a few days ago, but after listening again today, an emergent theme of holiness appeared from this seemingly barbaric gore.
In pouring through the Levitical chapters, you'll see instruction for addressing skin diseases, discharges, monthly cycles, etc. There are also examples of how to handle mold found to be growing within a wall of a house, and how to avoid perversion of the people, by discouraging improper sexual acts. While this may come off as harsh, outdated regulation, take a step back and consider all of this from a holy perspective.
By separating people with specific ailments from the general populous early on, the spread of communicable diseases from one person to another was greatly diminished. By having the priest examine a house known to possess mold, steps could be taken early on to evacuate the home, and "uproot" the infestation before it advanced into other areas of the house.
God wants our "spiritual house" to be clean. Even if we're "saved", if we allow spiritual and emotional "mold" to begin growing in our hearts and minds, it can silently spread to all other areas of life, contaminating what was once called "good". (I can personally relate to this)
We're called to be holy. Consider the areas of your life in which you haven't given Jesus a "full access backstage pass". Let's pray about it, together:
"Lord Jesus, I come to you knowing that there are areas of my life that I've tried to hide. I don't want any "spiritual mold" to take root and grow in my life. Please come into my heart and begin your deep, cleansing work within me. Please make me holy, so I'll be ready to fulfill your purposes at the appointed time. Amen."
Good Night
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
I've Got Nothing Tonight
It's been a busy couple of days: spending time with family during a milestone birthday, and then running around to get new shoes for the kiddos. The weekend is now over, and tomorrow will bring the start of another busy work week. I'm hoping to sign off soon and get some good quality sleep, so I'm prepared physically, mentally and emotionally. I pray you too, will get some well-deserved rest in preparation for your upcoming week. God bless you.
Good Night
Good Night
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Amato's!
As a continuation of my mother in law's 60 birthday celebration, the family gathered for lunch this afternoon, where we all enjoyed a New England treat: Italian sandwiches. Not a sub, not a grinder, these foot-long continental sandwiches from a bakery named Amato's are simply a slice of heaven.
Amato's signature bread, chopped onions, ham, white cheddar cheese, special pickles, green peppers, tomatoes, Greek olives, salt, pepper and a special blend of olive oil make up these decadent eats. The perfect combination of flavors are not like anything I've ever had from Subway, Quizno's or any other local deli. I seriously can't stop at eating just one- they're really that good.
However, you can't get them in our region of the country. For a price, Amato's will ship the proprietary bread, pickles, olives and oil to your door. You simply supply the veggies, ham and cheese and you're ready to "get your grub on".
Good Night
Friday, February 25, 2011
Happy Birthday, Mamasahn!
Today was a truly wonderful day! My mother in law turns 60 tomorrow, but we were part of an elaborate surprise birthday party held for her this evening. Her brother and two sisters from the eastern United States flew out for the event; all four siblings haven't been together under the same roof in about 40 years. What's more, my brother in law, his wife and the majority of his children drove in from out of state as well. Between family and friends, the house was packed.
Four months of secret planning, covert phone calls, carefully targeted text messages and choreographed entrance strategies have finally paid off. My mother in law was genuinely surprised this evening, as wave after wave of family entered the dinner hall to greet her. As you can imagine, tears were flowing, and laughter was enjoyed by all. I'm so thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful plan.
Thank you Lord, for family. Amen.
Good Night
Four months of secret planning, covert phone calls, carefully targeted text messages and choreographed entrance strategies have finally paid off. My mother in law was genuinely surprised this evening, as wave after wave of family entered the dinner hall to greet her. As you can imagine, tears were flowing, and laughter was enjoyed by all. I'm so thankful to have been a part of such a wonderful plan.
Thank you Lord, for family. Amen.
Good Night
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Thunderbolt
This is off-topic, but I'm excited about the new I/O technology that made its debut in the brand new MacBook Pro recently. It's called Thunderbolt (or LightPeak if you're Intel, it's co-creator), and it's really, really fast.
Imagine connecting a video camera, hard disk drive or additional display (or all of them, with a single type of cable) to your shiny new laptop, knowing that the device's throughput is well over 21 times the speed of conventional USB 2.0. Thunderbolt is much faster than USB 3.0, FireWire, and Gigabit Ethernet that most workstations use for network connectivity! Put bluntly, Thunderbolt's throughput is thousands of times greater than the residential Internet connection you're currently using to view this web page.
Maybe you don't care about this stuff at all. Maybe you don't get exited about the emergence of a groundbreaking technology that lies within a computer system, but I'd bet you're into what it could do for you. How about pulling those photos from your camera into iPhoto in record time? Or, what about playing a high definition movie, while copying a multi-Gigabyte file from an external drive to your Mac (or PC)?
This level of performance was once reserved for laboratories and high performance grid computing, with custom network interconnects. Thunderbolt is certainly a breakthrough for consumer-class mobile devices. Now you can have a truly high-performance video editing, sound engineering, or graphic design system that travels with you.
Yeah, it's a big deal.
Good Night
Imagine connecting a video camera, hard disk drive or additional display (or all of them, with a single type of cable) to your shiny new laptop, knowing that the device's throughput is well over 21 times the speed of conventional USB 2.0. Thunderbolt is much faster than USB 3.0, FireWire, and Gigabit Ethernet that most workstations use for network connectivity! Put bluntly, Thunderbolt's throughput is thousands of times greater than the residential Internet connection you're currently using to view this web page.
Maybe you don't care about this stuff at all. Maybe you don't get exited about the emergence of a groundbreaking technology that lies within a computer system, but I'd bet you're into what it could do for you. How about pulling those photos from your camera into iPhoto in record time? Or, what about playing a high definition movie, while copying a multi-Gigabyte file from an external drive to your Mac (or PC)?
This level of performance was once reserved for laboratories and high performance grid computing, with custom network interconnects. Thunderbolt is certainly a breakthrough for consumer-class mobile devices. Now you can have a truly high-performance video editing, sound engineering, or graphic design system that travels with you.
Yeah, it's a big deal.
Good Night
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Health Please, Part II
Whatever illness my daughter contracted on Sunday has now claimed my wife. While I don't want to give life to the words "I'm sick", I'd be lying if I said I was running at 100% capacity as well. Please agree with me in prayer that healing will soon touch our family. We're so tired of either being sick, or feeling run down most of the time.
"Lord Jesus, we're being hit from all sides right now; strained relationships, decimated finances, physical illness, and diminished hope. As your children, the enemy has no rights to us, but that doesn't stop him from attacking. We truly need your loving, healing touch to restore us in every way possible. As Jabez requested in 1 Chronicles 4:10, please bless us, Lord! Please manifest tangible healing within our bodies, ease our minds and let us experience peace. Amen."
1 Chronicles 4:10 (Amplified Bible)
10Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.
Psalm 30:1-3 (New International Version)
1 I will exalt you, LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help,
and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
Good Night
"Lord Jesus, we're being hit from all sides right now; strained relationships, decimated finances, physical illness, and diminished hope. As your children, the enemy has no rights to us, but that doesn't stop him from attacking. We truly need your loving, healing touch to restore us in every way possible. As Jabez requested in 1 Chronicles 4:10, please bless us, Lord! Please manifest tangible healing within our bodies, ease our minds and let us experience peace. Amen."
1 Chronicles 4:10 (Amplified Bible)
10Jabez cried to the God of Israel, saying, Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my border, and that Your hand might be with me, and You would keep me from evil so it might not hurt me! And God granted his request.
Psalm 30:1-3 (New International Version)
1 I will exalt you, LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths
and did not let my enemies gloat over me.
2 LORD my God, I called to you for help,
and you healed me.
3 You, LORD, brought me up from the realm of the dead;
you spared me from going down to the pit.
Good Night
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Still Processing...
I don't mean to be a "Debbie Downer" tonight, but I'm still processing feelings of fear, uncertainty and depression. I'm aware that these things aren't from God. I also understand that unless I'm feeding my spirit, my flesh will gain strength. Although I know better, I haven't been spending much time in the Word, or attending church, as I'd normally make time for. There is no mystery as to why I feel the way I do.
I feel disconnected from my own heart; I can't describe it as anything other than numbness. I believe that's the definition of apathy. I could certainly use your prayers in overcoming this matter. If this is how the world operates within their daily lives, I want no part of it!
I'm not speaking poorly about my faith, or expressing doubts about my salvation. I'm certain of who I belong to, and where I'm going once I die. I've simply made the choice, either unconsciously or consciously, to become preoccupied with other things. I've taken my focus off of Jesus, and was laid out.
After re-reading my paragraphs above, it would appear that each section begins with the word "I" or "I'm". That's certainly telling, isn't it. Perhaps this introspection is revealing the root cause of my problems. Could it be selfishness? That stings a bit, but makes perfect sense. If I'm critically focused about elements of my life, my situations, my problems, what can be done for me, etc., then it must be selfishness. I'll need to chew on that for a few days.
Right now, it's time to stand up, dust off and look into the Word for some encouragement.
Psalm 67:1-3 (The Message)
God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
Earth's four corners—honor him!
Good Night
I feel disconnected from my own heart; I can't describe it as anything other than numbness. I believe that's the definition of apathy. I could certainly use your prayers in overcoming this matter. If this is how the world operates within their daily lives, I want no part of it!
I'm not speaking poorly about my faith, or expressing doubts about my salvation. I'm certain of who I belong to, and where I'm going once I die. I've simply made the choice, either unconsciously or consciously, to become preoccupied with other things. I've taken my focus off of Jesus, and was laid out.
After re-reading my paragraphs above, it would appear that each section begins with the word "I" or "I'm". That's certainly telling, isn't it. Perhaps this introspection is revealing the root cause of my problems. Could it be selfishness? That stings a bit, but makes perfect sense. If I'm critically focused about elements of my life, my situations, my problems, what can be done for me, etc., then it must be selfishness. I'll need to chew on that for a few days.
Right now, it's time to stand up, dust off and look into the Word for some encouragement.
Psalm 67:1-3 (The Message)
God, mark us with grace and blessing! Smile!
The whole country will see how you work,
all the godless nations see how you save.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Let all far-flung people become happy
and shout their happiness because
You judge them fair and square,
you tend the far-flung peoples.
God! Let people thank and enjoy you.
Let all people thank and enjoy you.
Earth, display your exuberance!
You mark us with blessing, O God, our God.
You mark us with blessing, O God.
Earth's four corners—honor him!
Good Night
Monday, February 21, 2011
Realistic Assessment
I know some of my posts have been spiritually anemic lately. For that, I'm sorry. I pray that you hang in there with me, and don't abandon my blog. Although I write it mainly for myself, it's heartwarming to know that a handful of you out there care enough to follow along.
To tell you the truth, I'm struggling with some things that are affecting me deeply on many levels. I don't entertain the notion, even for one second, that I've got the market cornered on trials or trouble. I know we're all facing something in our lives that needs to be tackled head-on, or at least acknowledged. To be honest, the issues are some that most of us have faced at one time or another in our lives.
I'm talking about things like eliminating crushing debt, meeting the constant needs of a large family, properly processing the stresses of raising children and teenagers, dealing with office politics and truly living in a manner that will honor God on a daily basis.
Sometimes, it all gets to be too much to handle. I often feel like a failure. Thankfully, I believe deep down in my core being that God is in the business of renovation and restoration. I cling to the Word when it says that God can use the weak and lowly of the world for His purposes.
1 Corinthians 1:25-31 (Amplified Bible)
25[This is] because the foolish thing [that has its source in] God is wiser than men, and the weak thing [that springs] from God is stronger than men. 26For [simply] consider your own call, brethren; not many [of you were considered to be] wise according to human estimates and standards, not many influential and powerful, not many of high and noble birth.
27[No] for God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame. 28And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are,
29So that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorying and] boast in the presence of God. 30But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]. 31So then, as it is written, Let him who boasts and proudly rejoices and glories, boast and proudly rejoice and glory in the Lord.
Good Night
To tell you the truth, I'm struggling with some things that are affecting me deeply on many levels. I don't entertain the notion, even for one second, that I've got the market cornered on trials or trouble. I know we're all facing something in our lives that needs to be tackled head-on, or at least acknowledged. To be honest, the issues are some that most of us have faced at one time or another in our lives.
I'm talking about things like eliminating crushing debt, meeting the constant needs of a large family, properly processing the stresses of raising children and teenagers, dealing with office politics and truly living in a manner that will honor God on a daily basis.
Sometimes, it all gets to be too much to handle. I often feel like a failure. Thankfully, I believe deep down in my core being that God is in the business of renovation and restoration. I cling to the Word when it says that God can use the weak and lowly of the world for His purposes.
1 Corinthians 1:25-31 (Amplified Bible)
25[This is] because the foolish thing [that has its source in] God is wiser than men, and the weak thing [that springs] from God is stronger than men. 26For [simply] consider your own call, brethren; not many [of you were considered to be] wise according to human estimates and standards, not many influential and powerful, not many of high and noble birth.
27[No] for God selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is foolish to put the wise to shame, and what the world calls weak to put the strong to shame. 28And God also selected (deliberately chose) what in the world is lowborn and insignificant and branded and treated with contempt, even the things that are nothing, that He might depose and bring to nothing the things that are,
29So that no mortal man should [have pretense for glorying and] boast in the presence of God. 30But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]. 31So then, as it is written, Let him who boasts and proudly rejoices and glories, boast and proudly rejoice and glory in the Lord.
Good Night
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Health, Please
Lord, please heal my baby girl, who is currently running a fever and feeling poorly. Please deliver my wife from the migraine that has been plaguing her today. And, please help me to feel well again, too. I'm nauseated and achy. Our family is hurting, and needs your healing touch in order to return to "normal". Amen.
Matthew 8:14-15 (The Message)
By this time they were in front of Peter's house. On entering, Jesus found Peter's mother-in-law sick in bed, burning up with fever. He touched her hand and the fever was gone. No sooner was she up on her feet than she was fixing dinner for him.
Good Night
Matthew 8:14-15 (The Message)
By this time they were in front of Peter's house. On entering, Jesus found Peter's mother-in-law sick in bed, burning up with fever. He touched her hand and the fever was gone. No sooner was she up on her feet than she was fixing dinner for him.
Good Night
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Date Night
After getting the kids into bed, my wife and I gave the movie "Sherlock Holmes" a spin. We had high hopes, considering the cast members whom graced the screen. While it wasn't necessarily a bad movie, it simply didn't hold our interest. Maybe it's because we're physically exhausted. I believe we'll try to finish watching it tomorrow, but we ended up finishing our date night with an episode of "Who Do You Think You Are".
Even though it was just a quick dinner and a television show, it was time well spent with my wonderful wife. I'm so thankful the Lord has given her to me. Everything is better when she's around.
Genesis 2:18 (New International Version)
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Good Night
Even though it was just a quick dinner and a television show, it was time well spent with my wonderful wife. I'm so thankful the Lord has given her to me. Everything is better when she's around.
Genesis 2:18 (New International Version)
The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”
Good Night
Friday, February 18, 2011
We Can Do Whatever We Want (But It Will Cost Something)
We live in the year 2011 A.D. While clearly not a mystery (or surprise) to anyone reading this post, it bears some significance to our generation, and those to come.
You see, A.D. stands for Anno Domini, which is Latin for "year of our Lord". Jesus' birth was the very juxtaposition between the old and current methods of tracking the passing of each year- a reference point. From that foundational event, we're able to track historical events which have transpired since our Savior's birth (or those that occurred beforehand). For example, we know that Jesus was crucified in 33 A.D.
The significance of "A.D." is that through Christ's ultimate sacrificial gift, the "gap" of separation between God and man was effectively closed. The debt was paid. Wrongs were made right. The sins which had kept humankind from having full and meaningful relationships with the Father were absorbed by the blood of Jesus. What was lost in the Garden of Eden, was restored on the Cross.
Prior to this epic event, animal sacrifices were necessary in order to allow God and His people to have any form of ongoing relationship. It may sound outdated, brutal and messy in the context of our culture, but the sacrifices outlined in the book of Leviticus reflect the reality that there is a price to pay for sin.
You and I can freely operate under grace, which was given after Jesus' work on the Cross. When we commit a sin, we can simply repent and know that we're going to be alright; the offense is covered by the blood of Jesus and we're forgiven. This redemption never wears out; it's non-exhaustible.
The generations that walked the Earth before Jesus' arrival didn't have it so easy.
As instructed by God through Moses, the Israelites had to account for their sins through the sacrificial gifts of rams, bulls, goats, birds and grain. These sacrifices were temporary coverings for the various sins of man. They were frequent, and they came at a great price.
Steal something from your neighbor in those days, and it would cost you the disgrace and embarrassment of returning the item, plus a fine of 20 percent of the value of the item. In addition, a ram from your own flock (or the price for purchasing one for sacrificial purposes) had to lose its life. And, this was only the beginning of the absolutely strict and Holy standards the Lord was defining for His people.
I can't even begin to imagine living in a world where I had to personally atone for everything I've ever said or done wrong. If you're like me, you would have to spend your entire life making things right, offering a constant stream of sacrifices each and every day. It doesn't take long to realize the importance of Jesus, and what His gift of Salvation does for us. When we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, it truly sets us free from the bonds of sin. What's more, the impossible rules and regulations that must be upheld without His covering are nullified. Think about that for a minute.
Leviticus 6-7:27 (Contemporary English Version)
Other Sins That Need Sacrifices or Payments
1-3The LORD told Moses what the people must do when they commit other sins against the LORD: You have sinned if you rob or cheat someone, if you keep back money or valuables left in your care, or if you find something and claim not to have it.
4When this happens, you must return what doesn't belong to you 5and pay the owner a fine of twenty percent. 6-7In addition, you must either bring to the priest a ram that has nothing wrong with it or else pay him for one. The priest will then offer it as a sacrifice to make things right, and you will be forgiven for what you did wrong.
Daily Sacrifices
8-9The LORD told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to offer the daily sacrifices that are sent up in smoke to please the LORD: You must put the animal for the sacrifice on the altar in the evening and let it stay there all night. But make sure the fire keeps burning. 10The next morning you will dress in your priestly clothes, including your linen underwear. Then clean away the ashes left by the sacrifices and pile them beside the altar. 11Change into your everyday clothes, take the ashes outside the camp, and pile them in the special place. 12The fire must never go out, so put wood on it each morning. After this, you are to lay an animal on the altar next to the fat that you sacrifice to ask my blessing. Then send it all up in smoke to me. 13The altar fire must always be kept burning--it must never go out.
Sacrifices To Give Thanks to the LORD
14When someone offers a sacrifice to give thanks to me, the priests from Aaron's family must bring it to the front of the bronze altar, 15where one of them will scoop up a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense on it. Then, to show that the whole offering belongs to me, he will lay all of this on the altar and send it up in smoke with a smell that pleases me. 16-17The rest of it is to be baked without yeast and eaten by the priests in the sacred courtyard of the sacred tent. This bread is very holy, just like the sacrifices for sin or for making things right, and I have given this part to the priests from what is offered to me on the altar. 18Only the men in Aaron's family are allowed to eat this bread, and they must go through a ceremony to be made holy before touching it. This law will never change.
When Priests Are Ordained
19The LORD spoke to Moses 20and told him what sacrifices the priests must offer on the morning and evening of the day they are ordained: It is the same as the regular morning and evening sacrifices--a pound of flour 21mixed with olive oil and cooked in a shallow pan. The bread must then be crumbled into small pieces and sent up in smoke with a smell that pleases me. 22-23Each of Aaron's descendants who is ordained as a priest must perform this ceremony and make sure that the bread is completely burned on the altar. None of it may be eaten!
Sacrifices for Sin
24The LORD told Moses 25how the priests from Aaron's family were to offer the sacrifice for sin: This sacrifice is very sacred, and the animal must be killed in my presence at the north side of the bronze altar. 26The priest who offers this sacrifice must eat it in the sacred courtyard of the sacred tent, 27and anyone or anything that touches the meat will be holy. If any of the animal's blood is splattered on the clothes of the priest, they must be washed in a holy place. 28If the meat was cooked in a clay pot, the pot must be destroyed, but if it was cooked in a bronze pot, the pot must be scrubbed and rinsed with water. 29This sacrifice is very holy, and only the priests may have any part of it. 30None of the meat may be eaten from the sacrifices for sin that require blood to be brought into the sacred tent. These sacrifices must be completely burned.
Leviticus 7
Sacrifices To Make Things Right
1The sacrifice to make things right is very sacred. 2The animal must be killed in the same place where the sacrifice to please me is killed, and the animal's blood must be splattered against the four sides of the bronze altar. 3Offer all of the animal's fat, including the fat on its tail and on its insides, 4as well as the lower part of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat. 5One of the priests will lay these pieces on the altar and send them up in smoke to me. 6This sacrifice for making things right is very holy. Only the priests may eat it, and they must eat it in a holy place. 7The ceremony for this sacrifice and the one for sin are just alike, and the meat may be eaten only by the priest who performs this ceremony of forgiveness.
8In fact, the priest who offers a sacrifice to please me may keep the skin of the animal, 9just as he may eat the bread from a sacrifice to give thanks to me. 10All other grain sacrifices--with or without olive oil in them--are to be divided equally among the priests of Aaron's family.
Sacrifices To Ask the LORD's Blessing
11Here are the instructions for offering a sacrifice to ask my blessing: 12If you offer it to give thanks, you must offer some bread together with it. Use the finest flour to make three kinds of bread without yeast--two in the form of loaves mixed with olive oil and one in the form of thin wafers brushed with oil. 13You must also make some bread with yeast. 14Give me one loaf or wafer from each of these four kinds of bread, after which they will belong to the priest who splattered the blood against the bronze altar. 15When you offer an animal to ask a blessing from me or to thank me, the meat belongs to you, but it must be eaten the same day. 16It is different with the sacrifices you offer when you make me a promise or voluntarily give me something. The meat from those sacrifices may be kept and eaten the next day, 17-18but any that is left must be destroyed. If you eat any after the second day, your sacrifice will be useless and unacceptable, and you will be both disgusting and guilty.
19Don't eat any of the meat that touches something unclean. Instead, burn it. The rest of the meat may be eaten by anyone who is clean and acceptable to me. 20-21But don't eat any of this meat if you have become unclean by touching something unclean from a human or an animal or from any other creature. If you do, you will no longer belong to the community of Israel.
22The LORD told Moses 23to say to the people: Don't eat the fat of cattle, sheep, or goats. 24If one of your animals dies or is killed by some wild animal, you may do anything with its fat except eat it. 25If you eat the fat of an animal that can be used as a sacrifice to me, you will no longer belong to the community of Israel. 26And no matter where you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal, 27or you will no longer belong to the community of Israel.
Good Night
You see, A.D. stands for Anno Domini, which is Latin for "year of our Lord". Jesus' birth was the very juxtaposition between the old and current methods of tracking the passing of each year- a reference point. From that foundational event, we're able to track historical events which have transpired since our Savior's birth (or those that occurred beforehand). For example, we know that Jesus was crucified in 33 A.D.
The significance of "A.D." is that through Christ's ultimate sacrificial gift, the "gap" of separation between God and man was effectively closed. The debt was paid. Wrongs were made right. The sins which had kept humankind from having full and meaningful relationships with the Father were absorbed by the blood of Jesus. What was lost in the Garden of Eden, was restored on the Cross.
Prior to this epic event, animal sacrifices were necessary in order to allow God and His people to have any form of ongoing relationship. It may sound outdated, brutal and messy in the context of our culture, but the sacrifices outlined in the book of Leviticus reflect the reality that there is a price to pay for sin.
You and I can freely operate under grace, which was given after Jesus' work on the Cross. When we commit a sin, we can simply repent and know that we're going to be alright; the offense is covered by the blood of Jesus and we're forgiven. This redemption never wears out; it's non-exhaustible.
The generations that walked the Earth before Jesus' arrival didn't have it so easy.
As instructed by God through Moses, the Israelites had to account for their sins through the sacrificial gifts of rams, bulls, goats, birds and grain. These sacrifices were temporary coverings for the various sins of man. They were frequent, and they came at a great price.
Steal something from your neighbor in those days, and it would cost you the disgrace and embarrassment of returning the item, plus a fine of 20 percent of the value of the item. In addition, a ram from your own flock (or the price for purchasing one for sacrificial purposes) had to lose its life. And, this was only the beginning of the absolutely strict and Holy standards the Lord was defining for His people.
I can't even begin to imagine living in a world where I had to personally atone for everything I've ever said or done wrong. If you're like me, you would have to spend your entire life making things right, offering a constant stream of sacrifices each and every day. It doesn't take long to realize the importance of Jesus, and what His gift of Salvation does for us. When we accept Him as our Lord and Savior, it truly sets us free from the bonds of sin. What's more, the impossible rules and regulations that must be upheld without His covering are nullified. Think about that for a minute.
Leviticus 6-7:27 (Contemporary English Version)
Other Sins That Need Sacrifices or Payments
1-3The LORD told Moses what the people must do when they commit other sins against the LORD: You have sinned if you rob or cheat someone, if you keep back money or valuables left in your care, or if you find something and claim not to have it.
4When this happens, you must return what doesn't belong to you 5and pay the owner a fine of twenty percent. 6-7In addition, you must either bring to the priest a ram that has nothing wrong with it or else pay him for one. The priest will then offer it as a sacrifice to make things right, and you will be forgiven for what you did wrong.
Daily Sacrifices
8-9The LORD told Moses to tell Aaron and his sons how to offer the daily sacrifices that are sent up in smoke to please the LORD: You must put the animal for the sacrifice on the altar in the evening and let it stay there all night. But make sure the fire keeps burning. 10The next morning you will dress in your priestly clothes, including your linen underwear. Then clean away the ashes left by the sacrifices and pile them beside the altar. 11Change into your everyday clothes, take the ashes outside the camp, and pile them in the special place. 12The fire must never go out, so put wood on it each morning. After this, you are to lay an animal on the altar next to the fat that you sacrifice to ask my blessing. Then send it all up in smoke to me. 13The altar fire must always be kept burning--it must never go out.
Sacrifices To Give Thanks to the LORD
14When someone offers a sacrifice to give thanks to me, the priests from Aaron's family must bring it to the front of the bronze altar, 15where one of them will scoop up a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the incense on it. Then, to show that the whole offering belongs to me, he will lay all of this on the altar and send it up in smoke with a smell that pleases me. 16-17The rest of it is to be baked without yeast and eaten by the priests in the sacred courtyard of the sacred tent. This bread is very holy, just like the sacrifices for sin or for making things right, and I have given this part to the priests from what is offered to me on the altar. 18Only the men in Aaron's family are allowed to eat this bread, and they must go through a ceremony to be made holy before touching it. This law will never change.
When Priests Are Ordained
19The LORD spoke to Moses 20and told him what sacrifices the priests must offer on the morning and evening of the day they are ordained: It is the same as the regular morning and evening sacrifices--a pound of flour 21mixed with olive oil and cooked in a shallow pan. The bread must then be crumbled into small pieces and sent up in smoke with a smell that pleases me. 22-23Each of Aaron's descendants who is ordained as a priest must perform this ceremony and make sure that the bread is completely burned on the altar. None of it may be eaten!
Sacrifices for Sin
24The LORD told Moses 25how the priests from Aaron's family were to offer the sacrifice for sin: This sacrifice is very sacred, and the animal must be killed in my presence at the north side of the bronze altar. 26The priest who offers this sacrifice must eat it in the sacred courtyard of the sacred tent, 27and anyone or anything that touches the meat will be holy. If any of the animal's blood is splattered on the clothes of the priest, they must be washed in a holy place. 28If the meat was cooked in a clay pot, the pot must be destroyed, but if it was cooked in a bronze pot, the pot must be scrubbed and rinsed with water. 29This sacrifice is very holy, and only the priests may have any part of it. 30None of the meat may be eaten from the sacrifices for sin that require blood to be brought into the sacred tent. These sacrifices must be completely burned.
Leviticus 7
Sacrifices To Make Things Right
1The sacrifice to make things right is very sacred. 2The animal must be killed in the same place where the sacrifice to please me is killed, and the animal's blood must be splattered against the four sides of the bronze altar. 3Offer all of the animal's fat, including the fat on its tail and on its insides, 4as well as the lower part of the liver and the two kidneys with their fat. 5One of the priests will lay these pieces on the altar and send them up in smoke to me. 6This sacrifice for making things right is very holy. Only the priests may eat it, and they must eat it in a holy place. 7The ceremony for this sacrifice and the one for sin are just alike, and the meat may be eaten only by the priest who performs this ceremony of forgiveness.
8In fact, the priest who offers a sacrifice to please me may keep the skin of the animal, 9just as he may eat the bread from a sacrifice to give thanks to me. 10All other grain sacrifices--with or without olive oil in them--are to be divided equally among the priests of Aaron's family.
Sacrifices To Ask the LORD's Blessing
11Here are the instructions for offering a sacrifice to ask my blessing: 12If you offer it to give thanks, you must offer some bread together with it. Use the finest flour to make three kinds of bread without yeast--two in the form of loaves mixed with olive oil and one in the form of thin wafers brushed with oil. 13You must also make some bread with yeast. 14Give me one loaf or wafer from each of these four kinds of bread, after which they will belong to the priest who splattered the blood against the bronze altar. 15When you offer an animal to ask a blessing from me or to thank me, the meat belongs to you, but it must be eaten the same day. 16It is different with the sacrifices you offer when you make me a promise or voluntarily give me something. The meat from those sacrifices may be kept and eaten the next day, 17-18but any that is left must be destroyed. If you eat any after the second day, your sacrifice will be useless and unacceptable, and you will be both disgusting and guilty.
19Don't eat any of the meat that touches something unclean. Instead, burn it. The rest of the meat may be eaten by anyone who is clean and acceptable to me. 20-21But don't eat any of this meat if you have become unclean by touching something unclean from a human or an animal or from any other creature. If you do, you will no longer belong to the community of Israel.
22The LORD told Moses 23to say to the people: Don't eat the fat of cattle, sheep, or goats. 24If one of your animals dies or is killed by some wild animal, you may do anything with its fat except eat it. 25If you eat the fat of an animal that can be used as a sacrifice to me, you will no longer belong to the community of Israel. 26And no matter where you live, you must not eat the blood of any bird or animal, 27or you will no longer belong to the community of Israel.
Good Night
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Blah Redux
Another night of being drained. I'm thankful that I had a little while to catch a couple of TV shows with my wife, but now it's time for bed. At least the work week is almost over. May God bless you as you sleep tonight.
Good Night
Good Night
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I Need A Break
I don't have an inspiring journal entry tonight. I'm tired and grumpy and quite honestly want to go to bed the very second my son arrives home from youth group.
I feel like I'm trapped on the treadmill of life; living to pay the bills, with no other purpose but to resolve problems, or serve others (people, or animals). I come home from 'work' in order to cook dinner(s), pack lunches, and catch up on whatever else comes up that simply can't wait. Of course, there's always more work to do than available time to complete it. By the time I'm finally free to pursue what I want to do, to recharge, I'm too tired, grumpy, or unmotivated to do anything but sleep. Obviously, I make time for blogging, or the occasional TV show with my wife, but that's about it. I miss hobbies; I miss doing things that bring me enjoyment.
However, I know that God loves me, and He's in control no matter how I feel.
Good Night
I feel like I'm trapped on the treadmill of life; living to pay the bills, with no other purpose but to resolve problems, or serve others (people, or animals). I come home from 'work' in order to cook dinner(s), pack lunches, and catch up on whatever else comes up that simply can't wait. Of course, there's always more work to do than available time to complete it. By the time I'm finally free to pursue what I want to do, to recharge, I'm too tired, grumpy, or unmotivated to do anything but sleep. Obviously, I make time for blogging, or the occasional TV show with my wife, but that's about it. I miss hobbies; I miss doing things that bring me enjoyment.
However, I know that God loves me, and He's in control no matter how I feel.
Good Night
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
"I Dare You!"
Those three words hearken back to the days of childhood, where one could be manipulated by peers into doing or saying any number of things, for the sake of showing what you're made of.
As I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcast today, I tuned into the fact that Jesus himself was taunted, and then flat-out dared to prove that he was the Son of God.
Matthew 27:39-43 (The Message)
35-40After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: "You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you're really God's Son, come down from that cross!"
41-44The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: "He saved others—he can't save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We'll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his 'Son' now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God's Son, didn't he?" Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery.
Jesus could have taken the easy road; He could have given in and taken the high priests' dare. He could have easily commanded legions of angels to accompany him off of the cross. The crucifixion would have ended right then and there. The priests and scholars would have been promptly squelched. There would have been no remaining question of Jesus' divinity.
But what would that mean for you and me? Salvation through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection would have never occurred.
"Thank you, Lord for making the tough choice to ignore the verbal, mental and physical abuse while hanging on the cross. Thank you for the precious gift of salvation that you didn't have to give. You could have simply saved yourself and let humanity go by the wayside, but you didn't. It wasn't the nails in your hands and feet that kept you on the cross, it was love. I'm very grateful for that. Amen."
Good Night
As I was listening to the Daily Audio Bible podcast today, I tuned into the fact that Jesus himself was taunted, and then flat-out dared to prove that he was the Son of God.
Matthew 27:39-43 (The Message)
35-40After they had finished nailing him to the cross and were waiting for him to die, they whiled away the time by throwing dice for his clothes. Above his head they had posted the criminal charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews. Along with him, they also crucified two criminals, one to his right, the other to his left. People passing along the road jeered, shaking their heads in mock lament: "You bragged that you could tear down the Temple and then rebuild it in three days—so show us your stuff! Save yourself! If you're really God's Son, come down from that cross!"
41-44The high priests, along with the religion scholars and leaders, were right there mixing it up with the rest of them, having a great time poking fun at him: "He saved others—he can't save himself! King of Israel, is he? Then let him get down from that cross. We'll all become believers then! He was so sure of God—well, let him rescue his 'Son' now—if he wants him! He did claim to be God's Son, didn't he?" Even the two criminals crucified next to him joined in the mockery.
Jesus could have taken the easy road; He could have given in and taken the high priests' dare. He could have easily commanded legions of angels to accompany him off of the cross. The crucifixion would have ended right then and there. The priests and scholars would have been promptly squelched. There would have been no remaining question of Jesus' divinity.
But what would that mean for you and me? Salvation through Jesus' death, burial and resurrection would have never occurred.
"Thank you, Lord for making the tough choice to ignore the verbal, mental and physical abuse while hanging on the cross. Thank you for the precious gift of salvation that you didn't have to give. You could have simply saved yourself and let humanity go by the wayside, but you didn't. It wasn't the nails in your hands and feet that kept you on the cross, it was love. I'm very grateful for that. Amen."
Good Night
Monday, February 14, 2011
The Tenth Commandment
Exodus 20:17 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not covet your neighbor's house, your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.
This is a tough one, especially for a person who's immersed in a culture powered by consumerism. The American Dream is all about a person's level of status and accumulation of stuff that goes along with it. "He who dies with the most toys wins, right?" Maybe that tongue-in-cheek phrase works for some people, but it's an unnatural fit for a Christian.
I've personally struggled with this commandment many times throughout my life. It becomes especially difficult when it feels like I'm going nowhere fast, while others around me seem to easily obtain the very things in life that I want for myself, or for my family. It's selfish and sad, but I know I'm not alone. When we're jealous of others, or spend our time wanting what other people have, it takes our focus off of the important things in life. We become restless and dissatisfied with just about everything when we're consumed by covetousness. It deeply affects our relationships with our families, friends and with God.
Like all of the preceding nine commandments, this one is also addressing a heart issue.
Thankfully, the Lord is working this out within me; to be happy for those around me, instead of being jealous of their level of success. He's helping me value interpersonal relationships more than the prospect of acquiring material things, or landing higher salaries. I'm learning to be content with what I have, and treasure who I have in my life today.
Good Night
You shall not covet your neighbor's house, your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's.
This is a tough one, especially for a person who's immersed in a culture powered by consumerism. The American Dream is all about a person's level of status and accumulation of stuff that goes along with it. "He who dies with the most toys wins, right?" Maybe that tongue-in-cheek phrase works for some people, but it's an unnatural fit for a Christian.
I've personally struggled with this commandment many times throughout my life. It becomes especially difficult when it feels like I'm going nowhere fast, while others around me seem to easily obtain the very things in life that I want for myself, or for my family. It's selfish and sad, but I know I'm not alone. When we're jealous of others, or spend our time wanting what other people have, it takes our focus off of the important things in life. We become restless and dissatisfied with just about everything when we're consumed by covetousness. It deeply affects our relationships with our families, friends and with God.
Like all of the preceding nine commandments, this one is also addressing a heart issue.
Thankfully, the Lord is working this out within me; to be happy for those around me, instead of being jealous of their level of success. He's helping me value interpersonal relationships more than the prospect of acquiring material things, or landing higher salaries. I'm learning to be content with what I have, and treasure who I have in my life today.
Good Night
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Ninth Commandment
Exodus 20:16 (The Message)
No lies about your neighbor.
This commandment sounds simple, right? It can be, but sometimes it's difficult to apply.
If you're a witness in a court of law, telling the truth about people, their character and situations in which they're involved is paramount. Because of the laws instituted by the Government (and the punishments assigned to violating those laws), almost everyone will willingly tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
However, how do we operate under God's holy law?
At the water cooler, conversations with coworkers can quickly change to gossip about fellow peers or supervisors. In most cases, it's usually targeting those who don't happen to be within earshot at the time, or people who are generally unsavory to the crowd. Often, juicy rumors and jokes start out in a harmless way, embedded in truth. But with each twist or embellishment, they begin to spread like wildfire. The victims of these acts usually have no idea of the negative light they've been cast into, until damage has been done, or respect has been lost.
Proverbs 16:28 (The Message)
Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.
So, before you open your mouth to speak about someone else (trust me, I'm saying this to myself as well), consider whether or not the words are truthful. If they're not pure, consider keeping them to yourself.
Good Night
No lies about your neighbor.
This commandment sounds simple, right? It can be, but sometimes it's difficult to apply.
If you're a witness in a court of law, telling the truth about people, their character and situations in which they're involved is paramount. Because of the laws instituted by the Government (and the punishments assigned to violating those laws), almost everyone will willingly tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
However, how do we operate under God's holy law?
At the water cooler, conversations with coworkers can quickly change to gossip about fellow peers or supervisors. In most cases, it's usually targeting those who don't happen to be within earshot at the time, or people who are generally unsavory to the crowd. Often, juicy rumors and jokes start out in a harmless way, embedded in truth. But with each twist or embellishment, they begin to spread like wildfire. The victims of these acts usually have no idea of the negative light they've been cast into, until damage has been done, or respect has been lost.
Proverbs 16:28 (The Message)
Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships.
So, before you open your mouth to speak about someone else (trust me, I'm saying this to myself as well), consider whether or not the words are truthful. If they're not pure, consider keeping them to yourself.
Good Night
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Eighth Commandment
Exodus 20:15 (New International Version)
“You shall not steal."
Most of us were brought up to understand that it's wrong to steal. Usually, theft equated to things like money, cars, or material goods from the local department store. As children, we would envision thieves as "bad men" who wore black and donned masks while they committed their offenses. They were easy to identify, and even easier to separate from ourselves. We didn't want to be anything like them- and we aren't, right?
Have you ever taken a pen from the office? What about taking an extra long, unauthorized lunch break? How about borrowing something from a friend, but never actually returning it? These seemingly "little things" are no less dishonest than the crimes committed by the bandits of our childhood imagination. Stealing anything, no matter how small, is wrong.
Good Night
“You shall not steal."
Most of us were brought up to understand that it's wrong to steal. Usually, theft equated to things like money, cars, or material goods from the local department store. As children, we would envision thieves as "bad men" who wore black and donned masks while they committed their offenses. They were easy to identify, and even easier to separate from ourselves. We didn't want to be anything like them- and we aren't, right?
Have you ever taken a pen from the office? What about taking an extra long, unauthorized lunch break? How about borrowing something from a friend, but never actually returning it? These seemingly "little things" are no less dishonest than the crimes committed by the bandits of our childhood imagination. Stealing anything, no matter how small, is wrong.
Good Night
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Seventh Commandment
Exodus 20:14 (New Living Translation)
“You must not commit adultery."
Flip on the news, and chances are you'll see a story of such-and-such celebrity caught cheating on their spouse. Go to work, and if you listen carefully, you'll likely hear stories of infidelity percolating over the tops of cubicle walls. Have a fight with your husband or wife, and you may find yourself wondering what it would be like "on the other side of the fence".
Don't even think about it.
Obviously, the act of adultery is the ultimate betrayal of marriage. But did you realize that even thinking about another person lustfully qualifies as adultery, if you're married? Fiery darts and thoughts which "pop" into our heads aren't going to condemn us, however we must be careful to hold them captive. Remember my statement of "seeds" and "weeds" last night? It's related to tonight's message as well. You don't necessarily need to act on the impulse today, to be guilty in God's eyes; if your heart is already committed to wandering, it's only a matter of time until what you've continually envisioned becomes manifest in the physical world. Once your heart has shifted, your "preparedness" will meet "opportunity" when it arises. You would have cheated, long before you'd "cheated".
Matthew 5:28 (New International Version, ©2010)
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Good Night
“You must not commit adultery."
Flip on the news, and chances are you'll see a story of such-and-such celebrity caught cheating on their spouse. Go to work, and if you listen carefully, you'll likely hear stories of infidelity percolating over the tops of cubicle walls. Have a fight with your husband or wife, and you may find yourself wondering what it would be like "on the other side of the fence".
Don't even think about it.
Obviously, the act of adultery is the ultimate betrayal of marriage. But did you realize that even thinking about another person lustfully qualifies as adultery, if you're married? Fiery darts and thoughts which "pop" into our heads aren't going to condemn us, however we must be careful to hold them captive. Remember my statement of "seeds" and "weeds" last night? It's related to tonight's message as well. You don't necessarily need to act on the impulse today, to be guilty in God's eyes; if your heart is already committed to wandering, it's only a matter of time until what you've continually envisioned becomes manifest in the physical world. Once your heart has shifted, your "preparedness" will meet "opportunity" when it arises. You would have cheated, long before you'd "cheated".
Matthew 5:28 (New International Version, ©2010)
"But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Good Night
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The Sixth Commandment
Exodus 20:13 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not commit murder.
Even in this age of moral decay, most people still agree that murder is the single-most horrible thing one human being can do to another. Most of us wouldn't even consider killing someone else, unless it were in the name of self-defense, or if there were an imminent threat against our family.
But what about harboring feelings of anger or hatred towards someone else? What about the people that have wounded us deeply on any number of levels, do we want them to die? While we may not profess to want to end their lives, the Lord is pretty clear that these feelings and the act of murder are of the same kind. If murder is the fully grown "weed", hatred and anger are the "seeds".
Knowing this, we truly need to monitor the condition of our hearts and minds at all times. We need to start today, because weeds are easy to uproot and remove when they're small. However, the longer they're allowed to mature and sprawl, their roots are much harder to remove.
We must forgive one another for our own benefit. Forgiveness is for us; when we let someone "off of the hook" for something they've done, the act of forgiving them will actually begin to clean up and heal our hearts. It affords the ability to "let go" and effectively purge any anger, rage, hate or pain that we may be holding on to.
Matthew 5:21-22 (The Message)
21-22"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
Good Night
You shall not commit murder.
Even in this age of moral decay, most people still agree that murder is the single-most horrible thing one human being can do to another. Most of us wouldn't even consider killing someone else, unless it were in the name of self-defense, or if there were an imminent threat against our family.
But what about harboring feelings of anger or hatred towards someone else? What about the people that have wounded us deeply on any number of levels, do we want them to die? While we may not profess to want to end their lives, the Lord is pretty clear that these feelings and the act of murder are of the same kind. If murder is the fully grown "weed", hatred and anger are the "seeds".
Knowing this, we truly need to monitor the condition of our hearts and minds at all times. We need to start today, because weeds are easy to uproot and remove when they're small. However, the longer they're allowed to mature and sprawl, their roots are much harder to remove.
We must forgive one another for our own benefit. Forgiveness is for us; when we let someone "off of the hook" for something they've done, the act of forgiving them will actually begin to clean up and heal our hearts. It affords the ability to "let go" and effectively purge any anger, rage, hate or pain that we may be holding on to.
Matthew 5:21-22 (The Message)
21-22"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.
Good Night
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
The Fifth Commandment
Exodus 20:12 (Amplified Bible)
Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.
This verse was invented for teenagers. Although it doesn't apply to absolutely everyone, I speak from experience when I say the lion's share of my youth was spent dishonoring my parents. I was foolish. I was careless. I broke not only this commandment, but several others in the process. I'm not proud of it, but it is the reality that was my childhood. And yet in comparison to some children of this generation, my actions were relatively mild. This is disheartening.
Only now can I begin to relate to what my parents must have felt; having to process all of the complexities of running a household; juggling work, meals, chores, debt and interpersonal relationships. All of the ramifications of my struggles in school, moral dilemmas and silly choices were the proverbial "icing" on the cake. And to think, I've got four times as many children as my parents did!
Is it important to honor our fathers and mothers as adults? If you stop and think about it, you'll see that this commandment isn't just for kids. As adults, our choices, actions and demeanor reflect not only on our own lives, but also the lives of our families. Our last name represents our family line. Likewise, we also bear the name God in our heart. Let's dedicate ourselves to living a life that makes him proud. In turn, we're promised a long and fruitful life.
Good Night
Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you.
This verse was invented for teenagers. Although it doesn't apply to absolutely everyone, I speak from experience when I say the lion's share of my youth was spent dishonoring my parents. I was foolish. I was careless. I broke not only this commandment, but several others in the process. I'm not proud of it, but it is the reality that was my childhood. And yet in comparison to some children of this generation, my actions were relatively mild. This is disheartening.
Only now can I begin to relate to what my parents must have felt; having to process all of the complexities of running a household; juggling work, meals, chores, debt and interpersonal relationships. All of the ramifications of my struggles in school, moral dilemmas and silly choices were the proverbial "icing" on the cake. And to think, I've got four times as many children as my parents did!
Is it important to honor our fathers and mothers as adults? If you stop and think about it, you'll see that this commandment isn't just for kids. As adults, our choices, actions and demeanor reflect not only on our own lives, but also the lives of our families. Our last name represents our family line. Likewise, we also bear the name God in our heart. Let's dedicate ourselves to living a life that makes him proud. In turn, we're promised a long and fruitful life.
Good Night
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
The Fourth Commandment
Exodus 20:8-11 (Amplified Bible)
8[Earnestly] remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (withdrawn from common employment and dedicated to God). 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, your daughter, your manservant, your maidservant, your domestic animals, or the sojourner within your gates. 11For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart for His purposes].
I gather a couple of things in these verses. First, it's important to rest. After a full week of working, it's vitally important to slow down, worship, reflect and recuperate. Secondly, God himself modeled this example for us to follow.
Think about that for a minute. We've all endured weeks of busy schedules, followed by weekends that seem to "Go, go go!", never affording downtime. Usually, we end up "zoning out" of life during these seasons, as to the point that we're no longer living, but simply surviving. We no longer work effectively, play well, think clearly or worship wholeheartedly when we're in this condition.
Honor the Sabbath day. Take a break, just as the Lord does.
Good Night
8[Earnestly] remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (withdrawn from common employment and dedicated to God). 9Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, your daughter, your manservant, your maidservant, your domestic animals, or the sojourner within your gates. 11For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. That is why the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it [set it apart for His purposes].
I gather a couple of things in these verses. First, it's important to rest. After a full week of working, it's vitally important to slow down, worship, reflect and recuperate. Secondly, God himself modeled this example for us to follow.
Think about that for a minute. We've all endured weeks of busy schedules, followed by weekends that seem to "Go, go go!", never affording downtime. Usually, we end up "zoning out" of life during these seasons, as to the point that we're no longer living, but simply surviving. We no longer work effectively, play well, think clearly or worship wholeheartedly when we're in this condition.
Honor the Sabbath day. Take a break, just as the Lord does.
Good Night
Monday, February 7, 2011
The Third Commandment
Exodus 20:7 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
We've all done this at one time or another; we're knee-deep in a stressful situation, we drop a tool on our foot, or are pushed to the breaking point with our kids. And then it happens. The catalyst really doesn't matter, but the words that freely pass through our lips certainly do. Let's make a conscious effort to watch the words that come from our mouths.
"Lord, sometimes we sin and don't realize the severity of the violation until after the fact. In this world, it's all too easy to say your name in vain 100 times a day, for needless reasons. Your Word clearly says that you will not hold us guiltless for taking your name in vain. I know I'm guilty, and humbly ask for your forgiveness. Amen."
Good Night
You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
We've all done this at one time or another; we're knee-deep in a stressful situation, we drop a tool on our foot, or are pushed to the breaking point with our kids. And then it happens. The catalyst really doesn't matter, but the words that freely pass through our lips certainly do. Let's make a conscious effort to watch the words that come from our mouths.
"Lord, sometimes we sin and don't realize the severity of the violation until after the fact. In this world, it's all too easy to say your name in vain 100 times a day, for needless reasons. Your Word clearly says that you will not hold us guiltless for taking your name in vain. I know I'm guilty, and humbly ask for your forgiveness. Amen."
Good Night
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Second Commandment
Last night's message encompassed the first of the ten commandments. In hindsight, I've found that you can't delve too deeply into what the first commandment entails, without considering elements of the second commandment. They fit together (as do all ten) like a hand in a glove.
We've already spoken about some common (and often unintended) idols that are ever-present in our culture today. Tonight's message is a continuation of that same train of thought.
Exodus 20:4 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Would we praise a light bulb? Of course not! We would rightfully pay our respects to it's inventor (Thomas Edison). Of course, the creation is a wonderful thing in its own right, but it's not worthy of our worship, praise and love.
Nothing that has ever been created should take the place of the Creator of all things.
Good Night
We've already spoken about some common (and often unintended) idols that are ever-present in our culture today. Tonight's message is a continuation of that same train of thought.
Exodus 20:4 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Would we praise a light bulb? Of course not! We would rightfully pay our respects to it's inventor (Thomas Edison). Of course, the creation is a wonderful thing in its own right, but it's not worthy of our worship, praise and love.
Nothing that has ever been created should take the place of the Creator of all things.
Good Night
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The First Commandment
The Lord has placed sharing the Ten Commandments on my heart. Over the next week and a half, I'll expound on each of them, one at a time. Tonight, we'll begin with the first, which is first mentioned in Exodus Chapter 20, verse 3:
Exodus 20:3 (Amplified Bible)
You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.
What does that really mean? Obviously, the Lord doesn't want us to worship other non-existent Gods, or to place idols of any kind above Him. This is very easy to mentally grasp; we're supposed to put God first in our lives. However, how often do we actually live in this way? From personal experience, I can assure you that on a normal work day, the Lord isn't always at the pinnacle of my thoughts.
It's not that I set out each day to worship other Gods or idols- God forbid!. My heart is for the Lord. However, living in a prosperous modern Western culture can offer many deterrents. We simply have access to everything. A cop-out you say? Let's take a look at some of the most common 'idol opportunities' that are present in everyday life. I've got them in my house, and I'm certain you do, too:
Television - the network programming we watch or choose stream on demand can really become a stumbling block for some Christians. Some people can count the number of hours set aside for quality worship on one hand, while their DVR's are brimming with weeks of programming, waiting to be viewed.
Money - whether it's lack of it, or a surplus, money is often worshiped because of its ability to directly and tangibly impact our everyday lives. We think about it a lot, and some even dream about it. What would it be like to win the lottery?
Material things - as with television sets, many are caught up in obtaining (and maintaining) the fastest cars, most fashionable clothes, latest computers, largest houses etc. It's easy to become lost when "keeping up with the Joneses" becomes a focal point, either consciously, or unconsciously. God is supposed to meet our needs- are we satisfied with this?
Time - Where are you spending your time? Are you honoring the Lord with the 24 hours he gives you each and every day? Are you making the most of each day, living and loving those around you? Or, is time being squandered on unfruitful things like laziness, selfishness, bitterness, anger or apathy? How often do we set about spending time with Jesus?
I've been guilty of all of these things at one time or another in my life. In fact, i still struggle with some of them today.
It's not that any one of these elements is inherently evil. It's alright to enjoy a movie, go out to eat, buy an iPad, etc. God loves to bless us. Rather, it's the condition of our hearts while we either use, or are in the presence of such things that becomes a problem. God wants access to all of us, in every way. Nothing is supposed to get in the way, or even come close. Anything that competes with our devotion to the Lord is an idol.
Let's rid ourselves of the idols in our lives, shall we? I'm not telling you to get radical and toss your television sets out of the top floor window. I'm simply asking you to step back and take a long, honest look at where you're devoting your attention, time, and money. Then, prioritize.
Let's take the steps to obey the first commandment and put God first.
Good Night
Exodus 20:3 (Amplified Bible)
You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.
What does that really mean? Obviously, the Lord doesn't want us to worship other non-existent Gods, or to place idols of any kind above Him. This is very easy to mentally grasp; we're supposed to put God first in our lives. However, how often do we actually live in this way? From personal experience, I can assure you that on a normal work day, the Lord isn't always at the pinnacle of my thoughts.
It's not that I set out each day to worship other Gods or idols- God forbid!. My heart is for the Lord. However, living in a prosperous modern Western culture can offer many deterrents. We simply have access to everything. A cop-out you say? Let's take a look at some of the most common 'idol opportunities' that are present in everyday life. I've got them in my house, and I'm certain you do, too:
Television - the network programming we watch or choose stream on demand can really become a stumbling block for some Christians. Some people can count the number of hours set aside for quality worship on one hand, while their DVR's are brimming with weeks of programming, waiting to be viewed.
Money - whether it's lack of it, or a surplus, money is often worshiped because of its ability to directly and tangibly impact our everyday lives. We think about it a lot, and some even dream about it. What would it be like to win the lottery?
Material things - as with television sets, many are caught up in obtaining (and maintaining) the fastest cars, most fashionable clothes, latest computers, largest houses etc. It's easy to become lost when "keeping up with the Joneses" becomes a focal point, either consciously, or unconsciously. God is supposed to meet our needs- are we satisfied with this?
Time - Where are you spending your time? Are you honoring the Lord with the 24 hours he gives you each and every day? Are you making the most of each day, living and loving those around you? Or, is time being squandered on unfruitful things like laziness, selfishness, bitterness, anger or apathy? How often do we set about spending time with Jesus?
I've been guilty of all of these things at one time or another in my life. In fact, i still struggle with some of them today.
It's not that any one of these elements is inherently evil. It's alright to enjoy a movie, go out to eat, buy an iPad, etc. God loves to bless us. Rather, it's the condition of our hearts while we either use, or are in the presence of such things that becomes a problem. God wants access to all of us, in every way. Nothing is supposed to get in the way, or even come close. Anything that competes with our devotion to the Lord is an idol.
Let's rid ourselves of the idols in our lives, shall we? I'm not telling you to get radical and toss your television sets out of the top floor window. I'm simply asking you to step back and take a long, honest look at where you're devoting your attention, time, and money. Then, prioritize.
Let's take the steps to obey the first commandment and put God first.
Good Night
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tactari!
I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night: great friends, delicious food and retro video games from the 1970's and 1980's (Pitfall!, River Raid, Kaboom, Breakout, Joust...) on a truly big screen. To top it off, decadent desserts, heaps of laughter and a movie via the Netflix on-demand streaming service made "hanging out" an extremely enjoyable experience.
Let's hope this evening's "Tactari" (a mashup of the words taco and Atari) event is only the first of its kind. We look forward to many more exciting evenings to come. Thank you, Jesus for such wonderful blessings and people to share these memories with.
James 1:17 (American Standard Version)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
Good Night
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Be Still
I had a couple of different ideas for tonight's blog entry. However, the thoughts and insights almost seemed forced. This tells me that anything I would have said wouldn't have truly come from my heart- it would have been phony. Sometimes it's best to not say anything at all.
So, we'll simply sit here in silence for a minute.
Psalm 46:10 (American Standard Version)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Good Night
So, we'll simply sit here in silence for a minute.
Psalm 46:10 (American Standard Version)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Good Night
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Hump Day
I'm really tired. Since the beginning of this week, I've been getting up earlier than usual to begin the commute by bus in order to report to work by 7AM. Once I'm free to leave for the day (between 5 and 6PM), I've been getting caught up in the daily routines of cooking dinner, cleaning up, preparing lunches for the next day, etc. From the minute I walk through the front door to my house, there's work waiting to be done.
By the time I'm finished with my domestic responsibilities, and am free to do whatever I want to do, it's usually after 9:00 at night. Often, all I have the energy for is a quick 30 minute TV program with my wife and jotting down entries in this blog before heading off to bed. My days are beginning to run together.
I tip my hat to those who do this each and every day. I don't understand how people with families can flourish on little sleep, work full time, take care of the house, feed the kids, clean up, work out, volunteer and still have time to catch up on the latest showing of American Idol. These people amaze me (you know who you are).
Good Night
By the time I'm finished with my domestic responsibilities, and am free to do whatever I want to do, it's usually after 9:00 at night. Often, all I have the energy for is a quick 30 minute TV program with my wife and jotting down entries in this blog before heading off to bed. My days are beginning to run together.
I tip my hat to those who do this each and every day. I don't understand how people with families can flourish on little sleep, work full time, take care of the house, feed the kids, clean up, work out, volunteer and still have time to catch up on the latest showing of American Idol. These people amaze me (you know who you are).
Good Night
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Something To Think About
If you're in the position where you see others being elevated higher, or being blessed greater than you feel you deserve for yourself, remember the parable of the workers in Matthew chapter 20. In our daily lives, it's easy to become jealous of others, or to feel entitled to a certain level of success based on our efforts. Often, we can become angry if we're not the main recipients of "the good stuff". We feel we deserve better because we've worked harder or longer than others. In our minds, it's only fair that effort equals reward. To the world, it's all about performance.
I don't think it's how the kingdom of God works.
After listening to this parable via podcast and letting it really sink in, I think one possible moral of the story is salvation and grace. If the man in this story represents God, and we are the workers, it is actually quite relieving to think of the story in this way.
If we decide to turn our lives over to the Lord, we'll find that He offers the same level of grace extended to the saints who came before us. If we make ten mistakes, or ten thousand, His grace is sufficient to cover us. Whether we make the decision to follow Christ as a child, or turn to Him on our death bed, we'll be saved. Salvation is timeless. It can't be earned, but is freely given to anyone who genuinely seeks Jesus.
Matthew 20:1-16 (The Message)
A Story About Workers
1-2 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3-5"Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. He told them to go to work in his vineyard and he would pay them a fair wage. They went.
5-6"He did the same thing at noon, and again at three o'clock. At five o'clock he went back and found still others standing around. He said, 'Why are you standing around all day doing nothing?'
7"They said, 'Because no one hired us.' "He told them to go to work in his vineyard.
8"When the day's work was over, the owner of the vineyard instructed his foreman, 'Call the workers in and pay them their wages. Start with the last hired and go on to the first.'
9-12"Those hired at five o'clock came up and were each given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more. But they got the same, each of them one dollar. Taking the dollar, they groused angrily to the manager, 'These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us, who slaved all day under a scorching sun.'
13-15"He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?'
16"Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first."
Good Night
I don't think it's how the kingdom of God works.
After listening to this parable via podcast and letting it really sink in, I think one possible moral of the story is salvation and grace. If the man in this story represents God, and we are the workers, it is actually quite relieving to think of the story in this way.
If we decide to turn our lives over to the Lord, we'll find that He offers the same level of grace extended to the saints who came before us. If we make ten mistakes, or ten thousand, His grace is sufficient to cover us. Whether we make the decision to follow Christ as a child, or turn to Him on our death bed, we'll be saved. Salvation is timeless. It can't be earned, but is freely given to anyone who genuinely seeks Jesus.
Matthew 20:1-16 (The Message)
A Story About Workers
1-2 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3-5"Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. He told them to go to work in his vineyard and he would pay them a fair wage. They went.
5-6"He did the same thing at noon, and again at three o'clock. At five o'clock he went back and found still others standing around. He said, 'Why are you standing around all day doing nothing?'
7"They said, 'Because no one hired us.' "He told them to go to work in his vineyard.
8"When the day's work was over, the owner of the vineyard instructed his foreman, 'Call the workers in and pay them their wages. Start with the last hired and go on to the first.'
9-12"Those hired at five o'clock came up and were each given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more. But they got the same, each of them one dollar. Taking the dollar, they groused angrily to the manager, 'These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us, who slaved all day under a scorching sun.'
13-15"He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?'
16"Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first."
Good Night
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)