Leviticus 20:22-22:16 + Mark 9:1-29 + Psalm 43:1-5 + Proverbs 10:18
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Old Testament – Today in Leviticus chapter 20 verses 23 & 24 we read – “Do not live by the customs of the people whom I will expel before you. It is because they do these terrible things that I detest them so much. But I have promised that you will inherit their land, a land flowing with milk and honey. I, the LORD, am your God, who has set you apart from all other people.” These verses are another reminder that God’s laws to the Israelites were given to set them apart from the pagans surrounding them and in Canaan. God’s laws were given to differentiate what is right and wrong, in comparison to the pagan immoral customs. I wonder about this in our modern world today. As followers of Jesus, do you think we should be “set apart” from what the modern world tells us to do & how to live? Should we or should we not be living by the customs of our modern world? How are you living your life today? If someone examined your life, would they see that you are set apart from the customs of our modern world? Bob Deffinbaugh’s commentary on Leviticus chapters 21 & 22 is at this link.
New Testament – Today in Mark chapter 9 we read about the Transfiguration! I heard a wonderful sermon recently about the Transfiguration. The sermon basically was stating that the Transfiguration of Jesus into a dazzling white & God’s voice showed to James, John, and Peter that Jesus was truly divine and the son of God. And, the sermon suggested this Transfiguration took place relatively closely to Jesus’ arrest and death – as such, the Transfiguration was meant to give these 3 apostles the hope that even during the dark days that were soon to come during the arrest, trial and death of Jesus, that they truly were following the Messiah and that he would rise from the dead – although they didn’t quite understand the rise from the dead part at this time. I think it is important for us to remember that we have the knowledge of the full story of Jesus, including his resurrection – hindsight is 20/20 – but the apostles did not know exactly what was going to happen at this particular time. The Transfiguration was an incredible sign of God’s control in all that was happening and would happen to his beloved son Jesus. Commentary on the Transfiguration is at bible.org at this link
Verse 24 is an amazing statement from the father of a possessed boy to Jesus- “The father instantly replied, “I do believe, but help me not to doubt!”” I have heard this verse mentioned by the late Christian writer Henri Nouwen. One of his simple prayers that he would pray very often – throughout his day – was simply, “Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief.” I know that I have uttered this prayer on occasion in the past and it’s been an amazing little prayer to pray – at any time of the day. Jesus, I believe. Help my unbelief. (The Genesee Diary is the book by Henri where I believe I read about him praying this short prayer where he kept a diary when spending several months in a trappist monastery. This book is a great read to remind us to slow down in our busy lives!)
Psalms – I think Psalm 43 verse 5 starts off with a couple of questions that then answer themselves by the end of the verse – “Why am I discouraged? Why so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again–my Savior and my God!” I would agree with what this verse is getting at. If I find myself to be discouraged or sad, it comes as no great surprise to me that I have been putting my hope in things other than God. I have been perhaps even praising false idols. And the sure fire way to be freed from the discouragement or sadness? To put my hope once again in God and God only. And to praise him again! I think this Psalm verse is a great reminder to make sure we are not placing our hope in anything other than God. For anything other than God will only leave us empty in the end.
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 10 verse 18 tells us – “To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool.” Powerful teaching for us to consider. Let us pray that we will not be foolish…
Worship Video: Our readings today in Leviticus and Psalms reminded me of Josh Wilson’s song “I Refuse:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6B1Lv8k5pEc
Do you refuse to live a lukewarm life? Click here for the ultimate Yes to life!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalm 43:5 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that when you are downcast you will put your hope in God. Pray that you will always praise God, even when you are downcast. Pray for your Savior and your God to comfort you.
Comments from You & Question of the Day – What do you think of the image above in the Psalms section? I find it to be very powerful – and relates to the OT reflections on being “set apart.” How do you set yourself apart from the world for God? Are there particular movies or TV or radio programs that you will not watch or listen to? Should we set boundaries for ourselves on what we will and will not watch? Personally, I will admit that I don’t watch rated R movie these days. I just know what those movies will typically be trying to “sell” me – and I ain’t buying. I do think that we should think about the Holy Spirit indwelling in us and how we might want to set ourselves apart on occasion of what we won’t participate in, that the rest of the world wouldn’t blink at participating in. What are some examples of how you try to set yourself apart from the world for God? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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======= Ramona:
Leviticus 20:22-22:16 – Part 1
An incentive for living a holy life are given to the Hebrews at the very beginning of this passage, 22″You must carefully obey all my laws and regulations; otherwise the land to which I am bringing you will vomit you out.
This imagry of a land actually vomiting out its inhabitants has taken hold of my imagination. So even if you don’t understand why God is desirous that His people be holy, because He is holy, even if you don’t understand what are the rituals have to do with holiness, then the desire to have a place of one’s on should be an incentive to submit to God’s plan of action.
This is not the first time in Leviticus that the concept of a the land, the earth, being so grievous of the actions of its inhabitants that it spits out the occupants in a most violent action, can be seen in the 18th chapter of Leviticus also. Chapter 18 deals with sexual practices that defile the land and child sacrifice to the Molech, the god of the Ammonites,
“Do not defile yourselves in any of these ways, because this is how the people I am expelling from the Promised Land have defiled themselves. 25 As a result, the entire land has become defiled. That is why I am punishing the people who live there, and the land will soon vomit them out. 26 You must strictly obey all of my laws and regulations, and you must not do any of these detestable things. This applies both to you who are Israelites by birth and to the foreigners living among you. 27 “All these detestable activities are practiced by the people of the land where I am taking you, and the land has become defiled. 28 Do not give the land a reason to vomit you out for defiling it, as it will vomit out the people who live there now.
This action of the land throwing-up it’s inhabitants may seem, well silly or superstitious except for a little something Paul wrote to the 8th chapter of Romans,
18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later. 19 For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. 20 Against its will, everything on earth was subjected to God’s curse. 21 All creation anticipates the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay. 22 For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
I will dare to ask this question, “Are Natural Disasters an ‘An Act of God?’ or are they effect of another cause, man’s sin?” I know this question won’t make me very popular, but I’m fascinated by the three verses in the book of Leviticus dealing with the land vomiting out its inhabitants and Paul’s statement in the Book of Romans, “…all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth …”
Leviticus 20:22-22:16 – Part 2
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? (Romans 9:21 KJVR)
For the past two days I have been contemplating the Book of Leviticus as a whole, thinking that I’m missing something. Wondering and thinking that this whole book of laws, and dos and don’ts has to be just more than a laundry list of things not to do and the punishment or consequences of crossing the line and doing what you are told not to do. What is God not only trying to tell us but show us? Within all of these laws and commands are hints of God and us. Be perfect…I am perfect—Is more than just God telling us to be like Him which is impossible because we are not God.
I may be way off base and heading into the stratosphere by some accounts but I believe the Book of Leviticus gives God’s people their true value. Just like the instruction manual or the guidelines given to us when we purchase an appliance in order to maintain the warranty, which must be adhered to, or the warranty becomes void, this Book gives us the rules to keep God’s people in working order.
To be Holy is to be set apart, consecrated for a specific use, and pulled out of the realm of the ordinary and mediocrity into the realm of excellence and honor. This Book is all about our value to God and as such we must handle each other and ourselves in a specific way. This is not a foreign concept to us because we understand this when we have something of great value and we either lock it up or set it out of the way, secured if you will, protecting it from the everyday wear and tear of life.
People who have very expensive china are not supposed to put it in the dishwasher or handle it roughly. Even though one place setting may cost over $1,000 US dollars, you don’t handle it roughly. You don’t use harsh detergents to clean it and you definitely don’t store them with the other day to day dishes. People who have sets like this usually have little fitted covers to place each dish, cup and saucer in as well as the service and serving pieces. There is usually a cabinet purchased especially to hold these beautiful elaborate dishes. Silverware is placed in little velvet sleeves, and then placed in sliver lined boxes to protect the utensils. All of this we understand. Yet we fail to understand our value when we balk at maintaining our holiness.
Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 AMP).
In Christ we become that Pearl of Great Price. In Christ we are vessels of honor not ones of dishonor. In Christ we are a chosen people a royal priesthood. In Christ we are so much more than we were when we were in the world.
The Book of Leviticus was the operating manual, before Christ, that pointed us to Christ. It showed the wonderful value God placed on His servants. How great and glorious the value placed on His Children. Our biggest problem as Christians is understanding the purchase price Jesus paid for us, thus we fail to understand our own value to God.
We must reevaluate what holiness is and stop looking at it as being a “kill joy” or a burden. Holiness is acting like whom we really are; holiness is shining forth in our true value. We are vessels of honor not dishonor. And the wonderful thing: If we happened to allow ourselves to be taken down to the mud puddle to be used to make mud pies, the value of the “vessel” remains, although covered in mud we just need a good washing.
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. (1 John 1:9 AMP)
Mark 9:1-29
5 “Teacher, this is wonderful!” Peter exclaimed. “We will make three shrines–one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He didn’t really know what to say, for they were all terribly afraid.
When God has invited me to share in something so spectacular that it defies words, do I become like Peter, feel I have to just say something for the sake of saying something? Do I develop diarrhea of the mouth and spew out anything, instead of just keeping my mouth shut and observe and learn?
Once down from the mountain, they are met with a great cacophony of sights and sounds, unlike the Divine Order presented to them on the mountain, although the disciples didn’t know it was order. Someone wanted their son healed, the disciples couldn’t do it because they lacked the necessary faith and lifestyle to accomplice the task.
Paul reminded his protégée, Timothy,
Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2 (NKJV))
In order to be ready, I believe a lifestyle of holiness (hmmm, what we are covering in Leviticus) must be adhered to in order to be effective. That doesn’t not mean we wait for our church to call a special prayer meeting and time of consecration, it means to be effective in ministering to the needs of people we come into contact with daily, we have to live a fasted prayerful lifestyle.
Am I like that little pink bunny ever ready to do the work of the ministry because I’ve maintained a correct lifestyle? I don’t think so and that is something I need to work on by living a life that allows the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in such a way that He is not grieved. (Ephesians 4:25-30)
Psalm 43:1-5
Both Psalm 42 and 43 end with the same refrain, 5 Why are you sad, O my soul? Why have you become troubled within me? Hope in God, for I will praise Him again, my help and my God.
The Psalmst is in trouble and he is wrestling with how things appear and the character of God he has been taught and knows. He is dogged by trouble and in distress, yet He knows the character of God, so he has ended each statement with self-talk to his soul. He is trying to get his soul filled with the information his spirit and mind knows about his great God.
These two Psalms give a picture of someone rehearsing within his own hearing and in the hearing of God, “The facts Ma’am, just the facts.” It is like he is standing in a mirror presenting evidence before his own self while God listens. I have been in the Psalmist place a multitude of times trying to override the panic within my own soul with the evidence, albeit unseen, of the knowledge of God and what He will do for those who call on Him.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10 (NKJV)) Amen
Proverbs 10:18
To hide hatred is to be a liar; to slander is to be a fool.
All I can say about this passage is that it is a call to “Get Real” with God and yourself. Call out whatever is there within in you and God will take care of the rest!!
Philippians 1
5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======== Mick:
Mike, you conveyed my thoughts perfectly this early morning hour. I too shall pray for more belief and turn to God for hope. The sun will rise soon this morning but even in the light of day, those doubts, worries, etc. that beset me will still be there. Only God can wipe them away, and with me it is a continual battle. Praise God that he never tires of me!
In Christ:
Mick
======= Richard:
I love the concept of all Christans being an active participant in the Church. My faith base (Catholic) has had its priesthood come under attack in recent years, none more so than the declined interest in the “Holy Orders”. Vatican II in its wisdom has placed an emphasis on everyone to minister the wonderful message of God as revealed through his son Jesus. Unfortunately much of V2C is yet to move forward. Beloved John Paul valued Youth Day as a hot bed of potential priests, sisters and brothers. The future is only more promising because of his wisdom. Going to the web site of my church I see that there are so many “ministries” available that need help in our community. You need not be experianced or educated with a Masters of Divinity. You only have to have LIFE! “I am so into the direction of my participation in the faith!”
Yours in Christ
Richard
========= Laura:
I am a couple of days behind on posting. On Saturday I got a little side tracked by a post that became unpublished as well as my response to the above mentioned post. I understands Mike’s reasoning behind what he did. Without bringing it up again, lets just chalk it up to spiritual war fare. I remember that Satan was mentioned that day as well. Some feel that Satan does not exist. I believe that we as Christians must always be prepared and be able to defend against his flaming arrows. We need to put on our armor of God according to Ephesians 6:10-19. Verse 11 says “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” NIV. We must be prepared for Spiritual warfare at all times as we deal with the world. Even in places where you might think you are safe. It is reasurring the know that in all circumstances God is still always in control, and this is Mike’s blog. He monitors it very well. We love ya Mike.
With that being said, I also wanted to comment to Rosyln who’s post I was reading over the weekend. I am very sorry for your loss and will pray for Gods peace and comfort for you. I know that God has a special place in His heart for widows.
I haven’t had a chance to read all the commentaries on Leviticus, as I know I will find them fascinating. One thing that comes to mind from yesterdays reading in chapter 19 particularly verse 33, chapter 20 and today in chapter 21 verse 5 talks about laws that were to be followed which would set the Israelites apart from the pagans. These verses mention hair styles refering to bald places on the head (not natural ones) shaving edges of the beard, cutting in the flesh (also known as peircing right?)and yesterday I recall that it said in Lev 19 that tatoos were an abomination. WOW! doesn’t that speak volumns to today’s youth? Shouldn’t Christian youth be set apart from trying to look like the rest of the world? I even see many of todays comtemporary Christian music artists that don’t look much different from many non-Christian youth of today. Should they blend in with them to relate to them better or have their own look to set themselves apart from pagans? Just a thought. What do the rest of you think? Am I just being an old fashioned middle aged person here? Didn’t we look terrible as youths (the hippy look) Is this just a generational thing? Or do I need to remember that what is on the outside is not what makes a person unclean?
I would be interested in everyones thoughts on this and how they relate the verses we have read the last couple of days in Leviticus, to the customs of today.
Laura
======= Andrew:
Re Laura Jones questions:
The big question for me while going through all this Law in Leviticus is how does it apply to us in totality? It seems to me either it applies altogether or we have been relieved of it by the New Covenant. We no longer have to appoint priests to sacrifice all sorts animals according to very specific procedures as atonement for our sin, because Jesus has made the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. We are called to repent of our sin and believe in Jesus and we are then redeemed, born again, into new life with Him. So the animal sacrifice bit does not apply in practice to us. Therefore, I think that the treatments for mildew on our leather belts and on the bricks in our walls also do not apply. So why should a rule about tattoos apply?
And if we apply special dress codes to set ourselves apart from the world as a holy people – who are we kidding?
God is looking at our heart, the motivation at the core of our being and what is coming out of there. We had this last Friday in Mark 7:14-23:
‘Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, “Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean.’ ”
‘After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. “Are you so dull?” he asked. “Don’t you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him ‘unclean’? For it doesn’t go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body.” (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods “clean.”)
‘He went on: “What comes out of a man is what makes him ‘unclean.’ For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. All these evils come from inside and make a man ‘unclean.’ ” (NIV)
Maybe tattoos fall under ‘arrogance and folly’ in this verse, or ‘lewdness’, depending on the design and position of the tattoo.
HOWEVER, we are called to be holy. To be in the world but not of the world. Eating with and caring for the prostitutes, drop-outs, tax-collectors, down and outs. But not falling into those traps ourselves. Caring for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. But offering ourselves soul and body as a living sacrifice.
So I think it depends on the setting of our heart. If we are focussed on pimping ourselves, our image, our position in the pecking order and tattoos are our idol in helping us do that – then they are out of order.
But if we are full of the Holy Spirit and flowing as a channel of God’s love for all around us, but once upon a time we had a silly idea and got a tattoo and a couple of piercings, where is God’s priority, what does He find in our heart?
Just my rambling thoughts,
Blessings,
Andrew
======== Jan:
Regarding being set apart: I am a Lady in Waiting, I don’t date, therefore I have set myself apart & am waiting on God to bring my husband…in God’s eyes…I already have Him & in my eyes, I have him by faith; which pleases God greatly.
I was asked this question just last week by a man (women usually don’t ask this question), “You don’t date?” No, I don’t date as the world dates. I am pretty much alone with God & He is my Abba & He brings, approves that special man for my husband…He already knows Him, I don’t…YET!!!
Great book of encouragement for single women/Ladies in Waiting…”Lady in Waiting/Developing Your Love Relationships” by Debby Jones & Jackie Kendall.
Ms. Jan
======= Karen:
I have always wondered how Peter knew that it was Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus?
Karen
======= John:
Karen,
If Peter did not recognize them, Peter (or one of the other two) probably asked Jesus.
Often it is mentioned Jesus taught or healed others without giving details. Gospel accounts of the same incident sometimes differ. Not in truth, but in perspective to what is germane or important to the theme of that particular gospel.
I would assume that not every word of every conversation is recorded in any of the Gospels. In this case: the important thing is not asking Jesus who the other two entities were, but Peter’s request once the identities were established.
Once Peter made that request or inquired about building altars, God the Father stepped in and made it clear who was important, and who was not.
This was a moment where the power and glory of Jesus was on display, it was not about Moses and Elijah. They were incidental,and most place them there as a foreshadowing of the two messengers in Revelation, or at the very least representing the Old Testament (Prophets and Law) with the essence of the New Testament – Christ.
John
======== Ramona:
“ …Jesus’ appearance changed, and his clothing became dazzling white, far whiter than any earthly process could ever make it. Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began talking with Jesus.” (Mark 9:2-4)
As per the text, Moses and Elijah talked to each other, maybe they greeted each other by name. But I think the most important part that we should not miss is this, three people stood before Peter, James and John, and these three represented the columniation, a convergence if you will, of the plan God had set in place since the fall of man, The Law (Moses), the Prophet (Elijah), and the Word (Jesus).
Ramona
======= Jeff:
Regarding Mark 8:38 to 9:1–
When I first read Mark 8:38, and Jesus says “…when he comes in his
Father’s glory…” I thought he was referring to his 2nd coming. But
after reading 9:1, when he says to the disciples “some of you will not
taste death before you see the kingdom of God come with power”, he must
have been referring to something other than his 2nd coming since he said
it would happen before they all died. It seems to me there are three
likely possibilities of what Jesus was referring to here:
– His Transfiguration which would occur 6 days later (Mark 9:2-13)
– His resurrection (Mark 16)
– Pentecost (Acts 2; especially verses 36-47)
I’m leaning toward Pentecost, since it was when the Holy Spirit came to
the post-resurrection people; and the Christian church was being
established and beginning to grow.
Would appreciate hearing your opinion?
Jeff
======= John:
Jeff,
I think Mark 8:38 does refer to the Second coming and Jesus is commenting on Judgment. If you are ashamed of Jesus’ words, and cannot accept him as Lord and Savior then He will be ashamed of you and your judgment will be damnation. Jesus has yet to return in his Father’s glory, or with holy angels.
Mark 9:1 I think is talking about the transfiguration. My response to this is based on the Matthew account, but would apply here also.
From Jan 26th:
If you look at the Greek words for “coming” (Gk. erchomai) and “kingdom” (Gk. basileia) and tweak them with alternate meanings, then perhaps the verse reads like this:
“Verily I say unto you, There are some standing here, who shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man appearing in his royal majesty.”
Peter and John commented on the transfigurion:
2peter 1:16-18
“We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only…”
On the mount, to those three (some), Jesus pulled back the veil and gave them a display of the glory He had promised.
John
======= Stacey:
I have been blessed with a very vivid imagination which is both a good thing and a bad thing. So I do have to be very careful about the things that I let my mind dwell on.
I believe that there is a mature “walking in the Holy Spirit” response to the world around us. There is such a huge contrast of walking in the flesh in Gal 5:19-21 and walking in the Spirit in Gal 5:22-24. I use these verses as checklists about what I will purposely allow to enter my mind by choosing to go to movies, watch tv or listen to music. If the themes of the program or movie starts to resemble the list in Gal 5:19-21, then I might have to turn off the tv or radio, or walk out of that movie. Even the news that is very gossipy or blogs or forums on the internet can pose some real problems to my soul if I focus on them. My life is much better when I am walking in the Holy Spirit and walking as a child of the light.
Regarding the tattoos: When they were young, my sons were not allowed to wear clothing with dark symbols or images like gang insignia, beer advertising, skulls, naked people, lewd sayings, dragons, snakes, etc. Many times I’ve heard them say to their friends, “my mom won’t let me wear that” and then say to me “that’s ok mom, I understand”. But that is on clothing that can just easily be removed and tossed away. I feel a great burden for young people who are getting tattoos right now. It has become “dare me” and very competitive to have shocking things tattooed onto their bodies. My sons will not be getting tattoos as minors. Hopefully, they will make good choices by themselves as adults. Nevertheless, a lot of their friends even at church are sporting tattoos. The problem is that the kids can’t just take them off when the rebellious season has passed. I’ve never met an adult who is proud of their tattoos of this negative type. In fact, I have met several who went to the trouble and expense of having them removed. For a Christian, I think that it just becomes a permanent reminder of their past– and usually a mostly regrettable time in their lives. What was thought of as artistic expression may become a stronghold or foothold for the enemy in a person’s life. (Eph 6:11, 4:17-27)
Stacey
======= Lesley:
Hi, gang.
To Mike’s question about being set apart … I, too, have pretty much stopped watching R-rated movies. I’ve found something interesting … once you get an image in your head from a violent scene or sex scene, it’s stuck there forever. And I just don’t need those negative images trapped in my mind. I’m much happier when I don’t add new negative content.
My musical taste has changed in the last few years as well, both because of my spiritual walk and being a Mommy. I can’t switch on a Top 40 type station and be confident of “nice” lyrics anymore. So we’ve headed to more country music on the dial. It’s amazing how many country songs mention faith, God, family, patriotism, etc.
Just have to share some good news. I’ve been praying for a new baby over the last few months, asking God to let me get pregnant without the use of fertility drugs. Doctors had told me that there was little to no chance of that happening. My first son was the result of fertility drugs … and boy, do those make you crazy! I’m happy to report that God has answered our prayers! Despite my early pregnancy exhaustion, I’m still staying on track through Leviticus … though I did have to play catch-up last weekend. : ) Praise to the Father!
Lesley
======= Anka:
Lesley,Praise the Lord for your miracle pregnancy:)
Being set aside for God is a daily process,my opinion,each thought you allow to settle in your mind,each decision you make,(pray or watch TV),the way we are in our daily lives truly shows if we are set aside or mingling with things that don’t please God.
I love Mike’s thought today on transfiguration, a confirmation to 3 of Jesus disciples that He was truly the son of God prior to the arrest,torture and death of Jesus.This spoke to my heart today in a big way,the Lord knows we will have trials,we will doubt,maybe even deny Him,He knows our weakness so He gives us what we need to go through the valley.I always wondered about the rod and the staff in the psalm 23,it just occured to me now that some valley experiences are so filled with tears and pain that like a blind man uses his staff to feel around ,so does God use His staff to gently prodd us along the way.When we feel He has left us,even though we don’t see Him or hear Him,He’s always there.
Help me believe,an honest prayer..God knows our hidden doubts so confessing our unbelief doesn’t really come as a surprise to Him….it just gives Him to chance to answer the prayer”please help my unbelief”.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Jenny:
I love in Mark, the man with the possessed son: “And Jesus said to him, ” ‘If You can?’ All things are possible to him who believes. Immediately the boy’s father cried out and said, “I do believe; help my unbelief.” – sometimes i am stricken with lack of faith, but I pray God will help my unbelief in what He CAN do in my life!
It is comforting to know God’s grace is not dependent on our faith. Like, we may think, “will God get me through this one”…our lack faithl doesnt limit God.
A great book I recommend is Why Grace Changes Everything” by Chuck Smith..excellent! I feel many of us really dont comprehend God’s grace…we may think we do, but really, once you understand it better (which we never truely will this side of heaven), you will be more free then you ever felt (i dont mean in regards to sinful things of course).
In v 5:”Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; let us make three tabernacles, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” my pastor went over this a while back. Peter was a character. always saying the wrong things, but Jesus loved Him so! haha, i think a lot of us can relate to Peter…the man with the wrong answer. wen he had the right answer in yesterdays reading: you are the son of God. So Jesus commended him. Then Peter thinking he was on a roll started rebuking Jesus regarding the things Jesus spoke us regarding his death, so Jesus had to rebuke Peter.
v 29: “And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything but prayer.””
In my study bible it says:
‘THIS KIND. Some demons are more powerful and obstinate, and thus more resistant to be cast out, than others.’
NOTHING BUT PRAYER. Perhaps overconfident from their earlier successes, the disciples became enamored of their own gifts and neglected to draw on divine power.’
I love Ps 43:5 “Why are you in despair, O my soul? And why are you disturbed within me?
Hope in God, for I shall again praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”
Regarding the Q of the day, I am called sanctified by God and thats it. i let Him do the work. i will avoid certain things when the spirit tells me to turn the station or dont go to that place, and such, but i dont live by rules, i am free in Christ! He has give me a new mind…new desires. I am NOT one to make up a list of rules of all the things i cant do, that isnt freedom. the catch is that when we are changed, our desires change. i went through a phase were i sought to make myself more godly…didnt listen to any ungodly music, refused R movies, etc…this was all MY effort to change. i was unhappy and restricted. then i let go of that and began to give myself liberty. Romans 8 discusses this, we are free, all these are lawful, yet all things are not edifying. there is no condemnation for those in Christ! -awesome!!!
So, as I let go of my ‘rules’ and relaxed in God’s freedom’s guess what? my desires changed more. Instead of a bunch of things i Cant do, its more now, things i dont do because i dont want to! I have new desires. Another thing is we are all individual, not talking about God’s laws and clear instructions, but whats a sin for me might not be a sin for you and whats a sin for you may not be a sin for me. (tho i do take into account that whole thing about if something is a sin for a brother and not you, dont stumble him.)
I was listening to secular music today as i was driving, some songs i liked, then one older song from the 90s (my rebellion yrs) came on and it reminded me of my past, an area God says, dont go back there!! It was a sin for me to listen to that song, so i turned it. it was a sin bcos God knows what thought will enter my mind, where that road will lead…to a bad place, an unhappy place, God wants to protect me.
I’m totally not saying, go see bad movies, its ok. God does tell us to monitor what we put in our minds and to guard our hearts, HE will equip us. I just dont like the whole “religion concept’…like Lint, I dont get that. i hear my ungodly coworkers who talk about lint (after Ash Wednesday) giving up certain things for a few days. then they go right back to their lives!
It reminds me of what God said about the Pharisees, “they praise with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me.” I want my heart to be right there close to Him. Its a heart issue.
So *I* dont set myself apart from the world, i let God do that and He calls me sanctified! WOW!
One more thing i wanted to add, since “to much is given much is required”, ppl in various positions DO have an obligation not to stumble others. such as pastors, elders, they have a greater responsibility in guarding their behavior. another example, my dad. I never saw him drink, cuss any of that in my whole life! then at my sister’s wedding a couple yrs ago he had wine, I was like :o…I never saw you drink before. he said, well, I rarely do, but I never drank in front of you girls growing up because I was to be an example to you girls. (his daughters). A couple yrs ago he was referring to this horrible woman he dated as being a b word. he didnt say it out of control, like out of anger. but i was in shock! he doesnt cuss, but this word was appropriate for this girl, lol. (but they made are friends now). but I said, I never heard you cuss! he said the same thing, growing up, i wanted to be an example to you girls.
So, now that i’m a mature adult, its different, (no he doesnt cuss, in fact i only heard him that one time and rarely has even one drink) but he wisely didnt do things, as we were impressionable children. So i think parents have this greater responsibility as well.
Like that song by John Mayor: fathers be good to your daughters, “they will live like you do.”
Thank you Lord God for blessing me with wise, Godly parents. i must be the most blessed girl on earth!!
Jenny
======= Mae:
I love reading Psalm! Verse 43:3 is amazing and strong!
“Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell”.
I indeed felt this is about ‘setting us apart’. I feel like God set me apart, I don’t set myself apart. He does that for me. I don’t think it’s necessary to set boundries for myself, I mean, not beforehand. The Holy Spirit always warns me. I used to be in the clubscene in my early 20’s, I went to the big clubs from Amsterdam, Antwerp, Paris and London. During that time I bought the cd’s with clubmusic. I don’t listen to that music anymore, it just doesn’t feel right. People who don’t understand what it’s like to have a relationship with the Lord think I HAVE to give this up, but it’s not … it’s not HIS law for me, it’s me realizing what sinning is. It’s me hearing the Holy Spirit, thinking back to that time, realizing it’s not right. I don’t like listerning to the clubmusic anymore, because that has been the time I asked Jesus Christ forgiveness for when I fell down on my knees and asked Him to save me. I do listen to music from the world, I like 80’s and 90’s music. But with a lot of songs I wonder what the message is LOL My cousine was here the other day, she’s crazy about Jessica Simpson, so put on the cd. While we were singing along with a couple of songs, I started to laugh.
“To be worthy
To feel beautiful in this skin
Be beautiful in this skin
Love me for me
Have confidence in this skin
Be confident in this skin”
I mean … COME ON!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s just too funny … too empty … too shallow!
You know, maybe it can be called a boundary, it might be a boundary. But within the boundary I have my freedom in Christ. Does that make sense?
Whatever you read in the Bible, about adultry, about how to treat one and another, about marriage, about raising children … it’s all how I want to be, not only because said so, but because I want to live like that! I love my husband, I want to be faithfull, not only physical, but also mentally. I want to love all people, even my enemies. I want to raise Jaden right, I want to set a good example. Call it boundaries … maybe they are, but I feel free!!!!!!!!!
Mae
======= Gina:
I think the image is very powerful. It’s so true that even a little bit of the “world” can seep into our lives and allow us to take our eyes off Jesus. Sadness and discouragment can take over so quickly – but if we turn back to Jesus and even in our low times, begin to praise Him, He supernaturally pulls us out of the pit and even though the problem may not be solved, we have His peace and know who is in control!
We are called to be set apart from the world. This is not our home and we are supposed to feel a bit out of place – like we would if we visited a foreign country (well, maybe not the Netherlands, right Mae? hahaha!) – Anyways, the question was “How do you set yourself apart from the world for God?” – There are several different things I stopped watching on TV – like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Charmed for example. I also made a decision to not see R rated movies any longer. I also listen to mostly Christian music. Although, like Mae, I still enjoy my 80’s stuff! But there is definitely some music that takes me to a time and place in my life that I have been forgiven for and I do not need the reminder of that time. Music, especially can play head games with me! I really do have to be careful of what I listen to. I don’t go to clubs anymore either – but that’s more of an age thing! hahaha! I just can’t stay awake like that any more! Our youth in our church are in a series called “Garbage In, Garbage Out” – this is a perfect saying for being set apart! They are really learning all about what to listen to and “what not to wear” (one of my favorite tv shows!!) –
The verses in Mark about the father who says “I believe, help me in my unbelief”. I remember the first time I ever read that verse, a few years ago. Growing up in the church that I did, we recited a lot of repititious prayers…one of the things we would have to say on a daily basis was “My Lord and My God, Help me in my unbelief” – so when I read that in the bible, I was so excited that it was actually a “prayer” that was in the bible!!! So reading it again today just makes me smile. It’s such a wonderful prayer too. God knows our hearts and knows that we believe – but He also knows we have so much more to know and learn – I just love praying that.
Gina
======= Mae:
Oh right, I was going to say something about tv to. I forgot …
I used to watch The Ghostwhisperer and Medium and from one day to another it was so weird to watch it. It’s not that I decided not to watch it anymore, because I was saved. It was the other way around; I was saved, thought it didn’t matter if I’d watch the shows and while I was watching it I thought “How dumn and missleading is this!!!”. I still watch Grey’s Anatomy, but the adultry makes me kind of sick lately, also how easy they think about sex makes me wonder if this is really a show I want to remain watching. I’ve had a lot of people coming over to our house and ask my why I switch channels with certain shows. They ask me if “God doesn’t allow it”. I try to explain that it’s my own choice, but for most of them it’s hard to believe.
Mae
======= Katie:
Great comments! I also pray often, Lord I do believe, help my unbelief. Isn’t Jesus so wonderful to be so good to us, despite our times of doubt and discouragement.
Lord, please grow in me the faith to believe in your unfailing love and power.
Katie
======= Kelly:
I wanted to comment on the boundary question posed today. I have in the past set “rules” for myself and when I do I get fixed on following the rules and forget about the benefit they bring. This year for Lent, instead of giving something up, I decided to focus on using a prayer journal to write out my prayers, sort of adding something instead of giving something. I wanted to focus on drawing closer to God, not focus just on discipline for discipline’s sake. I know I still need to do that, but maybe that will come next.
Thanks for this blog. It’s really helping me to keep up with my readings better this year, and to get more insight into the things I’m reading!
Kelly
======= Hamar:
Why are Christians wasting time trying to determine whether the Transfiguration actually occurred, and if so, was a mirage or an historical event? It is recorded in Holy Scripture; it happened.
The critical inquiry is what does Holy Scripture actually say and mean, and for this Christians must turn to the real Bible, i.e., Greek and Hebrew texts. God the Father spoke to Sts Peter, James and John at the Transfiguration of our Lord, for only He could say of Jesus, “οτος ἐστιν ὁ υἱός μου.” (this is My Son). ̓Ακούετε should be “hear” rather that “listen.” To “hear” in Lukan parlance means not merely to receive speech (information) but also to do it or keep it, as Christ pointed out in the Sermon on the Plain. Also enclosed in this definition is the meaning of שמע, which also means “hear” or “listen to.” However, in שמע, along with “to hear” is “to believe.” שמע is used ninety-two times in the Old Testament to mean “hear in faith.” Hearing has four components. Hearing, understanding what is heard (Mark 4:12) believing something is true and relying upon that belief. In the language of Holy Scripture, to hear is to have faith (Luke 16:29–3), specifically, saving faith (John 5:25). The Transfiguration’s context indicates that the second person plural ἀκούετε is an imperative, and it is durative. Thus, when the Father’s words to the disciples are unfold they fully mean, “this is My Son, the Beloved (Chosen) One; y’all continue always to hear, believe and rely on Him.” (Luke 3:22, interpreting ἀγαπητός “the one who now stands as the one having been elected,” ὀ ἐκλελεγμένος, R. Lenski, Commentary on New Testament: Mark, p. 367.)
The historic circumstance of the Father’s imperative on this occasion should cause all Christians, pastors in particular, to take His words very seriously.
1. All three Gospel witnesses: Sts. Matthew (17:5), Mark (9:7) and Luke (9:35) record the Father’s words identically: “αὐτο ἀκούετε.” There can be no doubt concerning the Father’s words or their meaning: “y’all continue always to hear, believe and rely on Him [Christ.]”
2. This is the only occasion upon which there is certainty that the Father has spoken to (directly addressed) mankind. There is no certainty that the Father ever addressed mortal men in the Old Testament because the voice on those occasions was as likely that of the Theophany (pre-incarnate Christ) as that of the Father. On one occasion prior to the Transfiguration mortals heard the Father speak: at Christ’s baptism. However, on that occasion He addressed His Son, not mortal man, “σύ εἴ ὁ υἱός μου…,” (Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22) and merely allowed mortals to overhear the declaration. Since our Lord was fully cognizant of who and what He was, it is obvious that what the Father said was spoken solely for mankind’s benefit, not Christ’s. On one subsequent occasion (Passion Week prior to the Last Supper) people heard the Father answer Christ (John 12:28). Christ said the Father’s voice was heard for mortals’ sake, not His own. The Father did not give any orders or directives on that occasion.
3. Being the only time the Father has been heard to speak directly to mortals, it is consequently the last time the Father has spoken to us. Of necessity whatever imperatives He spoke to us constitute standing orders that have not been countermanded. That two thousand years have passed since the Father has spoken these words is inconsequential. They continue to apply in full force and effect.
What the Father’s short imperative at the Transfiguration places upon Christians, pastors in particular, is the continuing duty to hear and obey Christ. The grammar makes the import indisputable and undebatable. This is not negotiable or amendable; the Father commands we do what Christ said.
Hamar
======= Luch:
Thanks mike for the reference to Nouwen. and his one line prayer, taken right from the gospel.
I like these shorter prayers. Another is found in Luke 18 where it simply says, “God, be merciful to me a sinner.” I think the greek orthodox church must have used this one to come up with the ‘pithy’ Jesus prayer that is simple and so profound, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”
As one reads through Leviticus 20-22, there is a constant reference to ‘not defiling yourself.” The priests were not to ‘defile themselves’ This is not so irrelevant to us in that in 2 timothy Paul exhorts his protege Timothy “to cleanse himself of anything that is ‘ignoble.’
Thank you for continuing to be our ‘tour guide’ through this complex but wonderful word of God.
Luch
========== Ana Maria:
Why?
“The LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron: ‘For the generations to come none of your descendants who has a defect may come near to offer the food of his God. No man who has any defect may come near: no man who is blind or lame, disfigured or deformed; no man with a crippled foot or hand, or who is a hunchback or a dwarf, or who has any eye defect, or who has festering or running sores or damaged testicles
Ana Maria
======= John:
Ana Maria
“This is almost self-explanatory, isn’t it? Here were people who were members of the priestly family and as such they were to eat the bread of God. There is no limitation against that. They could feed upon it themselves. They could grow by its strength.
Interpreted to our level, we can take the life of Christ and draw upon it for our own spiritual nourishment no matter what our personal lives are like. We are not cast out of the family of God even though there are defects. But we can’t pass it to others if we have a blemish like one of these. We cannot minister until they are handled, taken care of.
In the case of the Israelites, they were set aside all their life long because of these blemishes. They may not even have been their own fault, but God said, “No one with a blemish can minister in my presence,” because that would have taught a false lesson about the God who is behind the priesthood. But the glorious thing is that in the application to our lives these blemishes can be healed, they can be cleansed! We don’t have to be forever set aside from ministering.
Here again we are dealing with a reason why the Christian life is often boring to many. You may know that you are a priest, that you have the opportunity of ministering to others and helping them, but perhaps you can’t do it. Why? Well, it may be because there are blemishes in your life. Each of these blemishes has an antitype in the Christian economy:
Were some of these Israelite priests blind? Well, some of us are, too. We just don’t see things very clearly. Our spiritual eyes are blinded. Were some of them lame? Some of us are, too. We don’t walk very well. We limp and stagger and stumble and fumble and fall on our faces at times.Did they have deformed hands or feet? Well, such can be the case with us. Something in our work or walk may be faulty at times, perhaps because it has been in our family for several generations and we are afflicted with the same hereditary tendency. Are there spiritual hunchbacks in the church — men and women with warped or twisted spiritual mentality, spiritual views, or spiritual structure in their lives? Yes, there are those among us, and they have little ministry. There is not much that they can do, other than to feed upon the life of God themselves. Are there dwarfs? There are >so many dwarfs in the Christian churches today! — people who by this time ought to have grown to full spiritual stature, tall and strong, but instead they are pygmies, dwarfs, stunted in their growth. Are there those with a wrongful sex life, pictured here by crushed testicles? They have no ministry. They may try, but there is no power, no effectiveness. They don’t deliver people, cannot heal them.
All these blemishes prevent ministry. They don’t stop us from feeding upon the life of Christ, but they prevent us from ministering effectively to others, and, though we may perform the outward form of ministry, God withholds the power.” – Ray Stedman
John
======= Nancy:
I just found your blog and love it! I’ve been reading through the Bible and usually end up looking up things on the internet, printing out pictures or articles, and gluing them in my notebook. Your blog is a version of my notebook! The one-year Bible I am reading through is laid out differently than yours, so I have to skip around, but I find your commentaries and added art work helpful. Thank you and God bless!
Nancy
======== Peter:
Hi,
I admire you for putting great efforts in updating your blog daily which shows your great love in spreading the Good News. I stumbled upon your blog quite sometime ago but it was lost among so many other blogs that are more ‘interesting’ as they deal with current affairs. However I do confess that we must anchor ourselves to the Bible as the only reliable benchmark to living a life acceptable to God. I would love to continue reading your blog on a daily basis and I pray that more readers will find your blog and comment on the issues you raise daily.
Well, the imagery in the Psalm section conveys a common problem, which is how to spend time effectively and productively. I believe many people, especially the under-employed and the retired, are at a loss as to what to do with their time. I believe that God wants us to apply our talents towards areas that help the disadvantaged and I am grateful that I am given the privilege to serve in the area link to the URL above.
I suppose in our lifetime we need to be able to show to God when we meet Him what we did while we sojourned here.
Peter
======= Max:
When Jesus offered the lawyer 2 commandments to love God and love our neighbour he said they contained all the law and the prophets. At the trnafiguration we see a visual aid of the same truth the in Jesus all the law (Moses) and the prophets (Elijah) are contained.So when the cloud disappears only Jesus is seen. So much trouble in the church might disappear if we focussd on jesus love for us and those around us rather than on our rules for conduct etc.
Max
======= Jill:
This is my first year reading through the Bible with you and I am enjoying it immensely! Thank you Mike for all your work in this blog and your thought provoking questions and insights, it is all such a blessing.
It amazes me how God so often ties in what I am learning in my regular Bible Study small group with what I am reading in the One Year Bible Blog.
Our small group is doing a study by Kay Arthur, “Lord I want to Know You”. It is an excellent study on the names of God, as God’s names denote His character, so we come to know God better.
The name we have been studying this week is Jehovah-mekoddishkem, which is translated; the LORD who sanctifies you; the LORD who makes you holy, or the LORD who sets you apart. By studying this Name of God, it is clear to me that first, by faith, comes redemption and then comes holiness, and this comes to us through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10 For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time.)
Leveticus 20 also uses this name of God.
Verse 7: So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God. 8 Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD who makes you holy.
Verse 26: You must be holy because I, the LORD, am holy. I have set you apart from all other people to be my very own.
As our small group studied this name, it was apparent that, the Christian life is not what I do or don’t do in order to make myself holy. It is because I am holy, made so by God (Jehovah Medoddishkem), I do, or don’t do.
Hope you ehjoy this perspective on holiness. It has given me much to think about!
Jill
======= Elizabeth:
Hello All,
Nice to have several different commentators and perspectives today.
Jill, thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Names of God–particularly with this passage of Leviticus and the idea of being set apart.
When I was reading good ol’ Deffinbaugh this morning (such a staple among us), his comments lined up very much with yours. He notes:
“How did they [the scribes & Pharisees] go wrong here?. . . . Now is the time to note the phrase which is the key to the entire passage, both structurally and interpretively: “I am the LORD, who sanctifies you.”
Who is it that sanctifies the priests, who makes them holy? God said six times that He did. He set Israel apart from the nations, and He set the priests apart from the people. The Israelites did not sanctify themselves by leaving Egypt, God released them while they, at best, stood by passively, and, at worst, drug their feet, rebelling and complaining.
God commanded the priests to avoid outward defilement because they were already holy, by God’s sanctification. They were to avoid the things prohibited because these things would make them unclean, not because avoiding them would make them clean. There is a world of difference between avoiding something to keep yourself from defilement and avoiding something to make yourself holy.
Here is a key to the error of the scribes and Pharisees. They confused the cause with the effect. The cause is the holiness, the sanctification, which God has already accomplished (which is primarily inner—a matter of the heart). The effect is separation of the priests from that which defiles, so as not to contaminate and defile that which God has sanctified. This explains why our Lord persisted, in His earthly teaching, to carefully distinguish between cause and effect. Salvation—making men clean—is our Lord’s work alone. Keeping ourselves pure is our duty (enabled by the Holy Spirit), so that we do not defile what God has cleansed. We ought to keep ourselves clean, but we can never make ourselves clean. We seek to stay clean (effect) because God has made us clean (cause). The priests should avoid defilement (effect) because God had already set them apart (cause). -Bob Deffinbaugh
*********************
This reminded much of your comment “It is because I am holy, made so by God, I do or don’t do”
I also liked this comment from Deffinbaugh:
Where did the scribes and Pharisees go wrong? I think they erred in several critical areas. First and foremost, the scribes and Pharisees did not handle (interpret and apply) the Scriptures properly. They did not carry them far enough. They stopped at the apparent, but did not press on to the intended meaning and practice. They interpreted the Scriptures in terms of what they wanted to believe and in terms of the way they wished to live. They did not conform their lives to the Word of God, but conformed the Word of God to their lives. They turned the sacred text into a pretext. They interpreted the Scriptures in such a way as to always “fulfill” them, to live by their demands, rather than to be persistently reminded of their own sinfulness, and their need for a sacrifice. Rather than seeing holiness as God’s work, they saw it as man’s work, and thus they became proud and independent, rather than humble and dependent upon God. They did not feel that they needed, nor did they seek, mercy, but they felt they deserved God’s blessings. Rather than viewing their position as a privilege, they saw it as a right. Rather than seeing their ministry as a service, they saw it as a right to have status.
These errors are not confined to ancient Israel, or to the first century, they are just as prevalent and popular today. We, like the scribes and Pharisees, are not inclined to take the Scriptures as far as God intended us to. We wish to stop at the point of studying them for information, for the formulation or proof-texting of theological systems. We want to feel holy, without acknowledging that holiness comes only from God. We want to avoid those defilements which we find distasteful anyway. We want to keep the Scriptures carefully compartmentalized, rather than to allow them to convict us in every corner of our lives. We want to use the Scriptures to elevate ourselves above our peers. May God grant us to understand and to apply the principles of Leviticus and the Law as our Lord taught us to do, for His sake.”
***************
What a great focus point for our study of Leviticus–may He indeed help us to understand and apply the principles of Leviticus for His glory.
*********
Just a quick comment on you (Mike) saying that you don’t watch R rated movies anymore.
This morning I was listening to Allistar Begg (love him) and he commented about a movie:
“It’s a movie that you can take your grandma to without worrying. Incidentally, if you can’t take your grandmother to a movie, you shouldn’t take yourself either.”
Pretty astute perspective.
Elizabeth
======= Sheena:
The thought of setting myself apart makes me nervous. I don’t want being set apart to be seen as being better than. I don’t like to make a blanket statement about what I will and won’t watch or listen to. I do, however, stop watching or listenting to a particular song or movie/TV show when I feel uncomfortable with the language or ideas in it. I trust that God will convict me at the appropriate times. I HAVE noticed that it takes a lot of guts to do this in front of other people. When Jay asked me to sing a song I wasn’t comfortable with, there was a lot of internal back and forth about whether it was a big deal, and basically some rationalizing and trying to compromise with what I felt like God was telling me. Eventually, when I did let her know I wasn’t comfortable, she didn’t try to talk me into it or ridicule me or even think I was being goody two shoes. She just accepted it and we moved on.
Sheena
======= Colleen:
The psalmist David has said, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me” – Psalm 101:3. Upon reading this, I immediately think of today’s movies, television and the internet. There are things out there we should not be looking at; but it is so easy to justify and rationalize what we look at even in our own homes; what we take into our hearts and minds. Something to really think about!
Our God is a holy God, would He be pleased; I don’t think so.
“Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” -Psalm 119:37
Allow me to paraphrase Philippians 4:8. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—set your eyes upon such things.
Colleen
======= Steve:
Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.
It is only when we are different from the world that we can help those in the world. Sometimes I don’t feel as different from the world as I know I should be, sometimes I cling to the fact that each morning is fresh and new with His mercy. Each day I have a chance to start again with new hope and put behind me all of things that I didn’t do the way I should have. God’s mercy is wonderful and it’s fresh and new every morning.
I like the movie Ground Hog’s Day, the premise of the movie is that the main character is stuck in the same day which repeats itself over and over again, day after day until one day he lives that day to the fullest, unselfishly giving himself in service to others instead of living for himself.
Steve
======= Jennifer:
We cannot help, but be set apart if we truly love our neighbors as ourselves, give others our other cheeck, and raise up those who are down. The person that wishes you bad, wish them good, the person who is different and seems weird love and lift up.
If we have Gods eyes our life will be very different. WOW.
Jennifer
======= Jim:
Setting ourselves apart from the “world” is Godly instruction to follow for sure. I hear God’s call for me to change and keep changing, not standing still but keep moving toward Him each day. Funny that movies are brought up in this blog. My wife and I went to see a few of “nominated” films this year: Lincoln (worth seeing), but after watching Flight, I was shocked by a blatant attempt to make Christians look like cult fanatics, robotic Jesus zombies. It was only a few scenes, but it stood out to me that Satan has his workers reinforcing his lies. Dee, I agree with your commitment to meeting with God first thing, praying and getting into His Word. It is vital. Lord I pray that you keep changing us to be more like your Son Jesus Christ. Thank you for your mercy and grace! Amen
Jim
======== Cathy:
Hello all,
Like many of you, I decided to set myself apart from the world. A few days ago, I decided to start my daily devotion to God by 6 am and noticed that it truly refresh me and guide me during the day and help change several aspects of how I used to approach things.
Have a blessing day.
Cathy
======= Gloria:
The Transfiguration came into a conversation with a friend about whether we will know each other in heaven. Peter, James and John knew who Moses and Elijah were even though no one told them who they were.
Also, Jesus in the Transfiguration is like God’s Exodus Tabernacle in the wilderness. The tabernacle was bright, beautiful and glittering inside, intending to bring the people thoughts of heaven. The outside was covered with animal skins, earthy representations.
What the disciples saw at the Transfiguration was Jesus, God bursting forth from the inside of Him.
His external appearance was earthy, “He had no form nor comeliness that any should desire Him.” In the Transfiguration, God’s essence inside of Jesus was revealed.
Gloria
======= Bob:
In Leviticus time which translates into our time we see a covenant community called, shaped, tested, watched over by God. Imperfect people! Doubting, arrogant, conniving people being molded into a message: God is God of all creation. God is to be obeyed; children are to be respected; brothers are to be reconciled; food is to be shared; elderly are to be honored; God can be trusted. Light shines for the whole world to see. We sense there is meaning to life, a direction to travel, a people of faith to whom we can belong. Disciple; Study Manual Graded Press 1987
Bob
======= Joyce:
I find too that getting up early is well worth it.
I realize that if I seek Him first each day, my outlook and attitude for the day completely change. It’s like His peace accompanies me.
I learn too that I need to choose carefully what I read/listen to. Those things will have a direct effect on my spiritual health!
Mike,
Really appreciate in the Old Testament reading today, you brought up the discussion on Holiness. As a believer, I have prayed a lot for God’s grace and mercy. Yet, I have not examined my life nearly enough. Am I living a “set-apart” life? If others examine my life closely, would they see that I am set apart from today’s world? Humbling questions …
Last but not least, I appreciate very much this quote from Jonathan Edwards, about the kind of life he was determined to live:
“Resolved: that all men should live for the glory of God.
Resolved second: that whether others do or not, I will.”
Sincerely,
Joyce
======= Jeff:
Yesterday, our Pastor preached on the Transfiguration — the sermon was titled “Listen to Him” (from Mark 9:7). He asked us to imagine that we were there along with Peter, James, and John when God instructed them to ‘Listen to Him’. Then he went on to describe how we would be if we did listen to Jesus. First, he quoted some OT scriptures: Hosea 6:6 “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” and the oft-quoted verse from Micah “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” Then, not surprisingly, he transitioned to the New Testament (Mt 22:34-39) and focused on Jesus’ answer to the question about The Greatest Commandment: “Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
“Listen to Him”… and follow!
Godspeed,
Jeff
======= Robert:
Mark 9
The Transfiguration
Would you say the boys were off on a thing we might call a “Retreat”? I remember being just in awe during my time just learning about Jesus, hearing from God and being in fellowship with my brothers. At one camp a leader brought up this part of scripture but it followed with what happens when we return to the real world and are hit with reality! Mark writes about a crowd, Pharisees, and other disciples, but the scene revolves around a boy with an evil spirit. Whoa. Not easy-peasy stuff. However, we are brought to the famous line by the father of the boy in Verse 24,” I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!” How often do I have to say that to God? (A good read Henri Nouwen book, The Genesee Diary: https://www.amazon.ca/Genesee-Diary-Report-Trappist-Monastery/dp/0385174462 writing about his seven-month stay in a Trappist monastery.) I really like vs 28 and 29 when the disciples asked why they couldn’t drive out the spirit. Classic Jesus reply is that only he could do that! Ask him for help. Great advice, eh?
Psalm 43
You position yourself under the waterfall of grace and wait, walk in obedience, and ask God to break your heart, to restore the joy of salvation and make God your treasure.
Robert
======= Mitch:
OT – taking a step back for a moment.. Mentioned before that recount of Creation was only on a few pages in Genesis and (to me) was more about “order” than scientific detail.
What is often ignored is the scientific details in the OT – that took the world over 3,000 years to recognize. Perhaps more scientists and doctors should have looked to the Bible for wisdom rather than their own minds.
Lev 17:11a. For the life of a creature is in the blood…
The practice of blood letting was popular in medicine until the mid 20th century (1940) How many lives would have been saved if the truth in the Bible had been recognized and utilized.
NT – IMO when John said “they” had witnessed the glory of Jesus – (John 1:14) that John was speaking of the Transfiguration.
Mitch
======== Dee:
Mike, you are so right on it about setting yourself apart from the world! We are the body of Christ. We are His vessel. In order for Him to work in us and through us, we have to be aware of what our spirit leads us to do and stay committed on the journey with Christ. Just this past week, I started feeling a call to change and alter my schedule daily, and first things first, to start it off again, “early” with God! I committed and got “on board” again if you might say that, to early rising, like at 4 am or 4:30 and got lots of God time in and my day was completely changed and blessed beyond all I could say, think, or ask. Does everyone have to recommit that strongly to have a breakthrough? I don’t think so, but I do believe it is whatever the Lord places on your heart to change, its the little things that matter. Like you said the R rated movies, replacing with Life changing movies, or watching less tv in general. I personally don’t watch those R movies in a “long”!! time either. I for one have small kids and so when they were born, we centered our movies around their eyes and ears could handle, G rated and such, I used to love horror movies, now I look back and wonder what was I thinking? I don’t get the reason behind me liking something so fake but something so terrifying to give me nightmares?? such death and tragedy in a flick? I don’t think my spirit should be submitted to that. Anyway, the whole bottom line is Seek the Lord with All your heart and all your soul(Deut 4:29), with All diligence(Prov 4:23), from out of the abundance of your heart will flow the well springs of Life(prov 4:23)! and Life more abundantly! God Bless Each and Everyone on this Blog!
Dee
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