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Leviticus 22:17-23:44

This section begins with God communicating to the children of Israel that they were not to offer to God their “leftovers.” Their sacrifices were to be without blemish and without defect. We read in:

Leviticus 22:20–21 (NKJV) “Whatever has a defect, you shall not offer, for it shall not be acceptable on your behalf. 21 And whoever offers a sacrifice…it must be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no defect in it.”

The children of Israel were commanded not to offer the bruised, or crushed, or torn, or cut (Leviticus 22:24). Imagine you had a lamb that was on it’s last leg, on the verge of dying, so when it’s time for a sin offering you figure, “Well that one’s almost gone anyways…” and you give it to God lackadaisically instead of sacrificially. We can digress into that kind of giving to God – instead of donating a new couch to the church, we donate the used couch. Instead of giving to God first, we give to God the leftovers. Let’s resolve to give to God the “fat of the firstborn,” and the “best of the best.”

When the children of Israel fell far away from God, He rebuked the leaders for this very thing, something addressed in Malachi 1:6-14. We read some specifics:

Malachi 1:8 (NKJV) “‘And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you favorably?’ Says the LORD of hosts.”

Malachi 1:13–14 (NKJV) “You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it,” says the LORD of hosts. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?” says the LORD. 14 “But cursed be the deceiver who has in his flock a male, and takes a vow, but sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—for I am a great King,” says the LORD of hosts, ‘And My name is to be feared among the nations.’”

Leviticus 23 covers the 7 Holy Days of Israel (Feast Days)

Warren Wiersbe has a simple breakdown of the 7 Holy Days and their symbolism:

1. Passover – Christ, the Lamb, who died for us. John 1:29; 1 Cor. 5:7

2. Unleavened Bread – The Christian life of fellowship, separation from sin, and feeding on Christ. 1 Cor. 5:6–8

3. Firstfruits – The Resurrection of Christ. 1 Cor. 15:20–23

4. Pentecost – The Coming of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:1ff.

5. Trumpets – The Gathering together of God’s people. Isa. 27:12–13; Matt. 24:29–31; 1 Thess. 4:13–18

6. Day of Atonement – The future cleansing of God’s people. Zech. 13:1–2; Rom. 14:10

7. Tabernacles – The future joy of God’s people in His kingdom. Zech. 14:16–21

If you’d like  an inexpensive but solid resource on this I would highly recommend Rose Publishing’s, “Feast of the Bible” laminated handout.

Here’s a link to the item on Amazon:

And here’s a chart that I’ve previously share with you that I’ve found to be very helpful:

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Mark 9:30-10:12

Once again, Jesus predicts His death and resurrection; and once again the disciples don’t understand, due to preconceived ideas (Mark 9:30-32). The disciples were under the impression that Jesus was just about to set up His Kingdom on earth, and they had been disputing who would be the greatest (imagine that).  Once again, Jesus teaches them:

Mark 9:35 (NKJV) “And He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, ‘If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.”

The fallen world, our fallen nature, and fallen angels (demons) all equate greatness with promotion, with being the top gun, ruling over others, but the truth of heaven is inverted, that the one esteemed in God’s eyes, is the one willing to serve, even willing to serve any and ALL.

In the church today some may consider the pastor as the “greatest,” but that’s not the way it is, that’s not how it works! God looks not at the position, but at the heart – “Is that person willing to serve any and all?” As a matter of fact, Jesus seemed to especially esteem children’s ministry which can take place at home or elsewhere – when you give just a cup of water or fishy crackers to a little one, you’ve blessed the heart of God.

In those days children were not esteemed, yet Jesus issues a heavy warning to those who cause children to stumble – that it would be better for that person to tie a 1,000-pound stone around their necks and be cast into the sea, than to face the judgment of God for what they’ve done to that child. We are to value and cherish our children. Let’s be extremely careful how we treat them – let’s not belittle them, demean, disrespect, or treat them in such a way that we break their spirit.

Jesus connects this to hell and the Lake of Fire. This place is for those who choose any sin over salvation. In order to be granted the gift of heaven, we must be willing to acknowledge our sin, let go of it, and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. For that reason we are to deal drastically with sin. Jesus is not telling us to literally chop off our hand, or foot, or to literally pluck out our eye, but we are to treat sin as cancer and urgently perform spiritual surgery – get rid of it!

Mark 9:49 is difficult to interpret – about 15 possibilities have been proposed.

Mark 9:49 (NKJV) “For everyone will be seasoned with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.”

The fire, contextually speaking, may refer to the fact that Jesus has just warned about the fires of hell which are never quenched. A healthy fear of hell can propel us to be those living, salty sacrifices. Salt is a seasoning, as well as a preservative, and creates thirst. As we live our lives obediently, we will have those effects on society. (see also Leviticus 2:13; Matthew 5:13)

The Pharisees come to Jesus with a question about divorce, they were testing Him. “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” Jesus puts the question back in their lap, and they say divorce is ok, looking only to the surface of the Scriptures…but Jesus goes deeper. Jesus takes them back to the original marriage, the origin of marriage and reveals the fact that there was a concession in the Mosaic law because of the hardness of man’s heart, but the Master’s law is, “What God has joined together, let not man separate!” (the only exception being adultery and abandonment – see also 1 Corinthians 7:15)

I’ve always considered this (in one sense) the foundational truth of marriage. The more you believe it was GOD who joined you together, the deeper and stronger your foundation will be. If your foundation is deep, you can build a skyscraper. The less you believe it was GOD who put you together when you said “I do,” the more shallow your foundation will be, and this will be reflected in your marriage and marriage commitment. God honors our vows and calls it “Holy Matrimony,” He makes us one…till death do us part.

Divorce for trivial reasons might be allowed by the law of the land, but it doesn’t line up with the heart of God – He made us one, and we are to remain one. This type of love, is true-love and will be blessed by God.

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Psalm 44:1-8

It’s a blessing to look back and see what God has done in generations past, and then to look forward, pray and ask that God would do it for us (and them), as well; that He would once again move in our generation.

This contemplation of the sons of Korah is that type of Psalm, knowing that it wasn’t the people who gave Israel the land, it wasn’t their own arm, or their own sword, it was God’s favor, it was God’s right arm! So they pray:

Psalm 44:4–5 (NKJV) “You are my King, O God; command victories for Jacob. 5 Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us.”

It doesn’t mean we do nothing – we do, but we fight from victory (not for victory).

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Proverbs 10:19

Proverbs 10:19 (NKJV) “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is wise.”

Bishop Butler said this takes place when, “…conversation is, merely the exercise of the tongue; no other human faculty has any part in it.” 

It’s when our mouth is running, but our brains aren’t thinking, and our hearts aren’t loving. My heart goes out to people, who have no concept of Ecclesiastes 3:7, “there is a time to keep silence.” You would think it’s easy to know when we should stop talking, but some people never learn.

I read a true story of a lady who approached D.L Moody with the words, “My talent is to speak my mind.” Moody wisely responded by saying, “I’m sure God wouldn’t object if you buried that talent.”

Ecclesiastes 5:3b, “…a fool’s voice is known by his many words.”

It was said of an old sanctified Christian, “The older he grew, the less he spoke, and the more he said.”

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Leviticus 20:22-22:16

Again, the reason the Canaanites were being expelled from the land was that they were guilty of the atrocities mentioned in previous chapters – sins which included incest, homosexuality, abortion, bestiality, sorcery and the like. To make matters worse, these things were done unashamedly. God reminds the Israelites of this, and warns them that if they practiced such things, they too would be vomited from the land.

Leviticus 20:22–23 (NKJV) “You shall therefore keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and perform them, that the land where I am bringing you to dwell may not vomit you out. 23 And you shall not walk in the statutes of the nation which I am casting out before you; for they commit all these things, and therefore I abhor them.”

God calls His people to be holy, set apart for Him:

Leviticus 20:26 (NKJV) “And you shall be holy to Me, for I the LORD am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.”

Warren Wiersbe, “Privilege always brings responsibility. If the nation was to be sanctified, the spiritual leaders had to set the example. God had a word for the priests (1–9), the high priest (10–15), and those who could not be priests (16–24).”

The LORD required more from the priests, the sons of Levi – they were to remain clean and undefiled, as they represented God to the people, and the people to God. God was meticulous in His mandates to them, from the bodies they touched, their hair, beards, and brides. Their families were to be holy as well. (Leviticus 21:1-9)

The High Priest was called even “higher.” (Leviticus 21:10-15) The High Priest was not allowed to tear his clothes in grief or touch the bodies of his parents if they passed (this was not the case for the Levites/other priests – Leviticus 21:1-3).

Leviticus 21:16-24 reveals the fact that no man was allowed to serve as High Priest of Israel who had any defects – whatsoever.

Although there are qualifications in the New Covenant for Pastors and Elders, those qualifications deal primarily in character, with the only exception being the Pastor’s gift of teaching (1 Timothy 3:1-12). I thank God for His grace in my life. I happen to be a man with many defects, flaws, and failures, and yet the Lord allows me to be involved in the ministry. (1 Corinthians 15:10) 

As an overall summary of the Levitical laws, Halley’s Bible Handbook offers the following:

“These Laws Were the Laws of God – Some of the laws in the Pentateuch are similar to the laws of Hammurabi (from the time of the Patriarchs), with which Moses no doubt was well-acquainted. And though Moses may have been influenced by his Egyptian training and by Babylonian tradition, yet over and over he repeats, “This is what the Lord says!” These laws were not dreamed up by Moses or by a legal think-tank, or arrived at democratically—they were given to Israel by God Himself.

Some of these laws may seem severe to us. But if we could transport ourselves back to Moses’ world and time, they most likely would not seem severe enough. On the whole, the “Law of Moses,” in its insistence on personal morality and personal equality, and in its consideration for old and young, for slave and enemy, for animals and health and food, was far purer, more rational, humane, and democratic than anything else in ancient legislation.

Moses’ Law was designed by God as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24 KJV), since it showed that no one was able to fully keep the Law. And some of the provisions of the Law were accommodations, “because your hearts were hard” (Matthew 19:8).”

Leviticus 22:1-16 once again emphasizes God’s holiness and His call for leaders in ministry to be holy – and then, with that as a backdrop, He deals with exactly who was allowed to eat of the offerings. You might remember that whenever a person brought an offering to the LORD, a portion of most of those offerings was to be given to the priest, who was allowed to share it with his family, but not with anyone who was unclean or an “outsider.” Anyone who was ineligible or unclean and ate of these offerings was to be put to death.

Leviticus 22:9 (NKJV) “They shall therefore keep My ordinance, lest they bear sin for it and die thereby, if they profane it: I the LORD sanctify them.”

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Mark 9:1-29

As Jesus leads Peter, James, and John up the mountain, He is transfigured before them. Luke tells us that the transfiguration took place, “as He prayed…” (Luke 9:29). Once again, the disciples were sleeping while Jesus was praying (I think there’s a message there).

Eventually they were awakened to get a glimpse of His glory unveiled. They woke to see Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, representatives of the Law and the Prophets. Peter didn’t know what to say, so he suggested they make three tabernacles (one for each of them), he wanted to stay on the mountain. The Father interrupted Peter – with a word of correction, pointing Him to Jesus only, “This is My beloved Son, hear Him.” Peter writes about this glorious event in 2 Peter 1:16-18.

On the way down the mountain Jesus answers their question about the prophecy of Elijah in Malachi 4:5-6. Jesus essentially tells them that Elijah will come again (literally, physically) before His Second Coming (see Revelation 11), but in another sense, Elijah had come (spiritually), John the Baptist came in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17).

As often is the case, the demon-possessed valley follows the mountaintop experience, and sure enough, Jesus is met with a Satanic situation, great multitudes were there where a boy was demon-possessed, and the disciples could not cast it out. Jesus was frustrated by their lack of faith and proceeded to cast out the demon. Later the disciples asked Jesus why they couldn’t cast out the demon, to which He responds in:

Mark 9:29 (NKJV) “So He said to them, ‘This kind can come out by nothing but prayer and fasting.’”

Warren Wiersbe, “The nine disciples who were left behind had neglected their spiritual disciplines and lost their power (v. 29; 6:7). When you find yourself defeated, turn to Him for victory and discover where you went wrong.”

“O Lord, please give us wisdom in this, how would You have us to fast? We are in desperate need of Your power. Your words to this father resonate deep within us, as well as his response to Your words…”

Mark 9:23-24 (NKJV) “Jesus said to him, ‘If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.’ Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, ‘Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!’”

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Psalm 43:1-5

It’s one thing to have a man against you, it’s another thing to have a nation against you (Psalm 43:1).

The Psalmist was in the middle of a war and he felt that God was far from him.

Pastor Chuck Smith, “Today when we feel stressed or overwhelmed, we might say, ‘Why am I so depressed or anxious?’ Usually we feel that way because we’ve lost sight of God, or we’ve removed Him from the equation. We’re trying to figure out a solution apart from him. But David has the answer, ‘Hope in God…the help of my countenance.’”

It’s okay to talk to yourself, to ask those questions, to search your heart, but make sure to end the conversation by encouraging or strengthening yourself in the LORD, as David modeled (1 Samuel 30:6).

Psalm 43:2a (NKJV) “For You are the God of my strength…”

Psalm 43:5 (NKJV) “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, The help of my countenance and my God.”

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Proverbs 10:18

Proverbs 10:18 (NKJV) “Whoever hides hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.”

We have a parallel passage in:

Proverbs 26:26 (NKJV) “Though his hatred is covered by deceit, His wickedness will be revealed before the assembly.”

We can’t prevent it from happening to us, but may it never be true of us – may we never be hating, lying, slandering fools – oh the damage it does! I read an account of an author by the name of Theodore Reinking who faced execution in 1646 because he had slandered King Christian IV of Denmark with a book he’d written. King Christian offered him the option of either eating his book or being executed. Reinking tore the book into shreds, soaked it in soup…and started eating away until he had devoured every page.

He literally ate his words and the book was gone. We’re not so fortunate however, it’s not that easy – because once those words go out, they can never truly be taken back.

It’s easy to make a mountain out of a molehill, all you have to do is just keep adding dirt – – and my, how people will hurt. Be careful little tongue what you say…and be careful little heart…never hate a single soul.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

Leviticus 19:1-20:21

We now enter into a variety of laws issued to Israel, knit together with the common thread of theology, that the LORD is their God.

Leviticus 19:2 (NKJV) “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.’”

We repeatedly see throughout this section, God’s clear commands followed by such phrases as, “I am the LORD your God,” (Leviticus 19:10, 25, 34, 36; 20:7 and “I am the LORD,” (Leviticus 19:13, 16, 18, 28, 30, 37).

God’s people are called to consecration, we’re to go against the flow of the world. There is to be an aggressive cooperation between us and the LORD. We consecrate ourselves to God and He sanctifies us to Himself.

Leviticus 20:7–8 (NKJV) “Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am the LORD your God. 8 And you shall keep My statutes, and perform them: I am the LORD who sanctifies you.”

Many of the commandments here are duplicates, and/or give more details to initial demands, while there are some that are new. It doesn’t take a theologian to be able to study these laws and determine which are timeless principles for all, and which are precepts for that day.

In this legislation, God perfectly provided for certain segments of the poor by commanding the reapers not to glean all of the harvest, but to allow the poor to follow after them  (Leviticus 19:9-10). This makes a respectable way for the poor to be fed, but it wasn’t just handouts. There’s a difference between the poor who can’t work due to disability and the poor who won’t work due to laziness.

Isn’t it interesting the way God sees the value of correction? We read in:

Leviticus 19:17 (NKJV) “You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of him.”

We are to love the LORD and love our neighbor:

Leviticus 19:18 (NKJV) “…you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD.”

We are to revere our parents (Leviticus 19:3) and give honor to the elderly (Leviticus 19:32)

There are many warnings and commandments against any type of divination, soothsayings, sorcery, or mediums (Leviticus 19:26, 31) in the Scriptures. God knows the damage this does, how this type of activity opens doors to demons. Over the years I’ve seen many people oppressed by darkness due to drugs, fortune tellers, mediums, santeria, or astrology.

People often ask me about tattoos and I usually respond by saying it’s not a full-on green light, or a never, ever red-light…it’s more of a yellow light – caution. Sure, the prohibition is not repeated in the New Testament, but such a decision should be bathed in prayer over time. What do you want to permanently put on your body (which is God’s body)? Why? If a young person is still living under their parent’s roof, they must abide by their parents personal conviction. To be honest, I may have gotten a tattoo by now, but my wife doesn’t have a peace about it, and I completely understand. Over the years I’ve seen godly people who love the Lord, get tattoos that honor the Lord, and I’ve seen godly people respectfully disagree on this issue. Let’s make sure not to judge others on this (Romans 14:4) for we all know, that God doesn’t focus on the outside, He’s much more concerned with the inside.

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Mark 8:11-38

It’s rather ironic, because the words and works of Jesus were signs for all the people to see, but here come the Pharisees asking for a sign! The signs were all around them, even right in front of them. Jesus warned His disciples to beware of this type of leaven (hypocrisy and heresy).

When Jesus healed the blind man, it wasn’t instantly, it was a process, and often the Lord heals in this way…be patient, it takes time.

The most important question anyone will ever ask or answer is “Who do you say Jesus is?” The world has various opinions, just as they did back then, but it’s a personal question that every individual must answer in their own hearts. The world back then was thinking Jesus had come in the spirit of the prophets of old, they didn’t believe in reincarnation, but they thought that perhaps men like John the Baptist or Elijah had returned. Some see Jesus as a random Rabbi, a passing prophet, or a typical teacher among many others, just a good man. In all reality, none of these options are valid, for Jesus claimed to be God. If Jesus claimed to be God the only options are that He was a liar, a lunatic, or Lord. We know the latter is true – He is Lord!

But the question is inevitably posed to all of us:

Mark 8:29, “He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered and said to Him, ‘You are the Christ.’”

Boom! Peter was right! Christ means “Anointed One” – the One the Jews had been waiting for, prophesied throughout the Old Testament. Jesus is the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King – those were the Old Testament offices which experienced God’s anointing. As Prophet He is the Messenger, as Priest He is the Mediator, and as King He is Master.

But this Christ had a cross to carry and eventually die on. Jesus preps His disciples for Calvary’s crucifixion, so Peter swiftly transitions from a spokesman for God, to a spokesman for Satan – my how we fluctuate! Peter’s problem was that he wasn’t mindful of the things of God, and he was confusing his commission as a Christian, so Jesus makes it clear, in His call for us all to take up our cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34-38).

Make no mistake about it – before the crown, there is a cross, these are the terms of discipleship. The world, the flesh, and the devil will teach and tell us to do our desires, to be what we want, to take the easy road, and follow our heart. But Jesus says, if we want to follow Him – rule #1 – we must deny ourselves. Simply put, we must live our lives in absolute obedience to God as revealed in His Word.

One of the first passages I ever memorized as a Christian was:

Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

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Psalm 42:11

This Psalm was probably written when David was distant from the tabernacle. We know David was away and on the run for approximately 10 years, so it may have been written during this time. He longed for the day when he could return to God’s prescribed presence and spend time at the tabernacle. David was desperately thirsty of God.

Psalm 42:1–3 (NKJV) “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?”

David was down, depressed, and disquieted (Psalm 42:5, 11) but he encouraged himself with the rope of hope and clung tightly in prayer, believing that he would return one day to the tabernacle. David was confident about God’s love. We should be too.

Psalm 42:8 (NKJV) “The LORD will command His lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me—a prayer to the God of my life.”

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Proverbs 10:17

Proverbs 10:17 (NKJV) “He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray.”

He or she who has a heart to obey is on the way – on the pathway to life. 

But the one with a heart to DISobey – goes astray – the one not interested in instruction, who prefers not, to be taught, will scorn the warning. 

We’ll see this A LOT in the Proverbs. 

We see something similar in

Ecclesiastes 4:13, “Better a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king who will be admonished no more.”

Charles Bridges, “The more we value discipline, the more we will take note of every practical lesson we learn in the heavenly school. But the person who ignores correction is deaf to the voice that would save him from ruin.” 

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you.

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Leviticus 16:29-18:30

The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) was the only holy day of Israel in which the people fasted rather than feasted. They were to confess their sins and mourn over them (Leviticus 16:29). They were also commanded not to work on this holy day, but to recognize it as a Sabbath. What an epic day it was!

Leviticus 16:34 (NKJV) “This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as the LORD commanded Moses.”

While the children of Israel were in the wilderness they had a staple diet of Manna, therefore the eating of the meat of animals was not as common. When they DID slaughter an animal for food, the commandment at this point is to bring a portion to the LORD, it was to take place at the Tabernacle and would be a Peace Offering, also known as a Fellowship Offering, where the Lord had a portion, the Priests had a portion, and the person/family offering the sacrifice had a portion.

God also prohibited the offerings of sacrifices anywhere other than the Tabernacle. This was intended to keep all sacrifices pure and in accordance with the Levitical laws, otherwise altars would be built everywhere there were high places and those altars might be used to offer sacrifices to pagan gods (which tragically did eventually happen in Israel).

The diet of Jews (even today in the orthodox community) was to be kosher, they were not allowed to eat/drink the blood. The reasoning is found in:

Leviticus 17:11 (NKJV) “For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”

Animals that died “naturally” may have died from disease, so the Lord declared them to be unclean; in Leviticus 22:8 God prohibited its consumption.

In Leviticus 18 the LORD addresses the perverse practices of the Canaanites and commands His people NOT to do what they did – just as God commands Christians not to be conformed to this world (Romans 12:2). May we never forget that right and wrong are not determined by the world’s legislation or cultural relativism – right and wrong is determined by God, our Designer, Maker, and Maintainer who alone knows what is good for us individually and as a society.

God prohibits all forms of incest and sets boundaries in sexual intimacy. If this area of our lives is not surrendered to the Lord, than the depravity of man will lead to a society of corruption. For that reason we see the digression that took place in Canaan. In Leviticus 18:21 we have the prohibition of sacrificing our children to Molech (the abortion of their day).

Got Questions, “In addition to sexual rituals, Moloch worship included child sacrifice, or “passing children through the fire.” It is believed that idols of Moloch were giant metal statues of a man with a bull’s head. Each image had a hole in the abdomen and possibly outstretched forearms that made a kind of ramp to the hole. A fire was lit in or around the statue. Babies were placed in the statue’s arms or in the hole. When a couple sacrificed their firstborn, they believed that Moloch would ensure financial prosperity for the family and future children.” (click HERE for the full article)

After abortion the issue of homosexuality is addressed.

Leviticus 18:22 (NKJV) “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” 

This is not simply an Old Testament prohibition, it is a command repeated in the New Testament and is binding for all today (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Romans 1:26-32). I pray that Christians and especially young people would not buy the lie propagated by the culture that such behavior is acceptable to God. I also pray for anyone reading this who might be struggling in this area. I pray you would know that God loves you, and is able to help you overcome. If you’re considering the Christian life, please know that we ALL are called to deny ourselves, and take up our cross in order to follow Jesus (Luke 9:23). And if you’re interested, here’s a YouTube link that may be helpful for you, from someone who’s been there and was able to overcome.

Sexual immorality. Incest. Abortion. Homosexuality. What’s next? Beastiality (Leviticus 18:23). If we don’t allow God to be the one determining what’s right and wrong, then everyone will do what is right in his or her own eyes…and that’s exactly what happened in Canaan (Leviticus 18:23). For that reason God was forced to judge this land.

Leviticus 18:24–25 (NKJV) “Do not defile yourselves with any of these things; for by all these the nations are defiled, which I am casting out before you. 25 For the land is defiled; therefore I visit the punishment of its iniquity upon it, and the land vomits out its inhabitants.”

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Mark 7:24-8:10

This Syro-Phoenician woman teaches us how to pray.

We see that Jesus tested her by not immediately answering. Would she continue to pray? At first it seemed as if Jesus was ignoring her, then it seemed as if Jesus was insulting her, but neither were the case. Jesus was drawing out her faith. This woman didn’t give up, she kept praying with the realization that all we need are the crumbs from our Father’s table! She was given a child-of-the-King’s portion in response to her faith.

May her story inspire us as we pray, especially for our children or those oppressed or possessed by demons. Believe and receive.

When Jesus healed the deaf-mute in such a unique way (fingers in his ears, spittle on his tongue) not only is it a demonstration that God is not bound by “patterns,” it was another case of Christ drawing out one’s faith. The man was healed and the synopsis was evident, “…He has done all things well.” (Mark 7:37)

Although Jesus was/is the Son of God sent from heaven – He is perfectly “down to earth” and practical in His love. The people needed food and He met that need for survival. In the process He demonstrates His infinite love and glory – feeding 4,000 men plus women and children (Matthew 15:38). I can’t even begin to imagine how good that food was that day, from the loving hands of the greatest chef in all eternity.

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Psalm 41:1-13

David was once again, going through hard times. Isn’t it amazing how many of these Psalms were songs in the “night” (Job 35:10)? I’ve noticed that when we go through spiritual, emotional, and physical suffering, these are opportunities to sing by faith, in order to deepen our walks and strengthen our witness (here we are…studying David’s writings 3,000 years later).

The enemy was trying to take David down, tempting him to lose heart, and to forsake his faith. One of the hardest hits to handle is when a family member or friend betrays us. This happened with David when his son Absalom turned against him along with his good friend Ahithophel (2 Samuel 15-18). This was also a prophecy of how Judas would betray Jesus (John 13:18).

David gave himself to prayer; that God would grant him that victory over the enemy…and He did. God will do the same for us.

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Proverbs 10:15-16

Proverbs 10:15 (NKJV) The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty.

Charles Bridges, “The wealth of the rich man fences him in and protects him from many invading evils. But this leads him to rest on human protection as his comfort and security in life. All thoughts about God are blotted out, and man becomes a god to himself. The poor have no such defense. They live in a city that has no walls and are exposed to every attack (14:20; 19:7; 22:7; John 7:48–49).”

Both the rich and poor need the Lord, but the rich often refuse to seek God because they’re satisfied with what they’ve found in the world. 

It’s not a blanket statement, but generally speaking, the poor are usually more open to the gospel. Which is why James wrote in: 

James 2:5 (NKJV) “Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

The rich need to become poor in spirit, and the poor must become rich in faith.

Proverbs 10:16 (NKJV) “The labor of the righteous leads to life, the wages of the wicked to sin.“

We can look at this passage materially, or, spiritually. Materially speaking, “The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.” – Proverbs 10:16 (NLT) 

We work, earn, and spend our money on things that are good for us and others; while the wages of the wicked, are frequently spent on sin.

There is a material application, but I have a hunch, this is what Paul the Apostle was alluding to when he penned:

Romans 6:23 (NKJV) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So someone says, “Wait a minute Manny, our labor or works don’t earn us a sliver of salvation!” True; but when he says the labor of the righteous leads to life, consider a couple of things:

#1 I can’t help but think of John 6:28-29, “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’”

And not just that, they say it takes money to make money.

And in the same mentality:

#2 It takes life, in order to labor for more life – you can be a soul-winner. (Proverbs 11:30)

1 Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Our “labor” in the Lord is simple solid faith in Jesus Christ. At best, all we can “earn” is death (Isaiah 64:6), but when we trust Jesus, we receive the unearned (unmerited favor) gift of salvation. Have you wisely chosen to believe and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior? You can do that right now.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Leviticus 15:1-16:24

Most teachers believe that verses 1-15 refer to discharges from infections, or perhaps sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, while the other discharges covered in Leviticus 15 are flows from the natural functions of the body.

No doubt sanitation and personal hygiene were factors for these laws, and a woman on her menstrual cycle was protected and granted much needed rest during what would be some difficult days. 

All in all, God was setting His people apart with constant reminders of their call to be holy…it would consume their lives. They didn’t have showers or washing machines, and most did not have multiple changes of clothing back then. Imagine the inconvenience of having to wash both body and clothes, and then the requirements of the law in taking your sacrifice to the Tabernacle and the necessity of going through all the meticulous details in order to restore your fellowship with God!

Imagine the heartache of the woman with a flow of blood and therefore unclean for 12 years! No one could touch her or even sit on the same couch as her! With greater appreciation we then read that after all those years, Jesus healed her (Matthew 9:20; Mark 5:25).

O how grateful I am for Jesus who fulfilled the requirements of the Law on our behalf (Matthew 5:17; Colossians 2:14).

Again, we must constantly be reminded in covering these civil laws of Israel, that this type of specific legislation does not apply to us under the New Covenant – but there are principles to glean. How many times have we “touched” or gotten too close to sin? I’m reminded of Paul’s words to the Corinthians:

2 Corinthians 6:17 (NKJV) “Therefore ‘Come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.’”

Don’t even touch it!

Leviticus 16 covers Yom Kippur, also know as the Day of Atonement.  Moses reminded Aaron, who was to relay the message to his sons, that entrance into the Most Holy Place was only allowed once a year and that had to be done right, lest he die.

The Most Holy Place was considered the very presence of God (at times the Ark of the Covenant is spoken of as God’s throne). Only the High Priest could enter into the Most Holy place, only on the Day of Atonement (once a year), and only with the sacrificial blood applied in the proper way. This would cover the sins of the nation for another year.

The Old Testament High Priests were only shadows of the substance – shedding light on the fact that one day Jesus would go before us as the true and eternal High Priest, with His own blood, and make a way for all of us to enter in to the Most Holy Place, by washing away all our sins. We read those words in:

Hebrews 9:11–12 (NKJV) “But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. 12 Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption.

Jesus’ blood is so strong to forgive, that now you and I who are Christians can actually enter in to the Most Holy Place with boldness! A simple study of the book of Hebrews makes all this completely clear.

Hebrews 4:14–16 (NKJV) “Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

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Mark 7:1-23

How easily we can drift into the rules and regulations of men, and make them more authoritative than the Word of God. That’s what happened to the Pharisees who had even developed a certain way of washing hands – something they made mandatory for themselves and others. When they criticized Jesus’ disciples for not washing their hands according to their standards, Jesus used this opportunity to rebuke them for their hypocritical ways. They had developed a law called Corban, teaching that rather than honoring one’s parents, they could take those resources and give them as an offering to the Temple – Jesus summarized it:

Mark 7:12-13, “then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the Word of God of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

With their lips, they sounded holy, but in their hearts, they were far from God. We all have to take that Spiritual MRI don’t we? We might say the right words the majority of the time, but what’s really going on on the inside? Jesus shared some heavy words, quoting from Isaiah 29:13.

Mark 7:6–7 (NKJV) “He answered and said to them, ‘Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’’”

Jesus went on to teach that it’s not what goes into a man that defiles him, it’s what comes out of a man. Once again we’re reminded that the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart.

Warren Wiersbe, “Unless we are very careful, religious rituals can create serious problems. They may be given as much authority as God’s Word (v. 7) and even replace God’s Word (v. 9). They may give a false confidence that what you do on the outside will somehow change the inside. But the heart must be changed, and external rituals cannot do that. The heart can be purified only by faith (Acts 15:9).”

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Psalm 40:11-17

We continue in this Psalm which reveals that David had sinned (Psalm 40:12). The enemy is trying to capitalize on it and take David down; while God is disciplining him, allowing the opposition.

So David repents and David prays:

Psalm 40:13 (NKJV) “Be pleased, O LORD, to deliver me; O LORD, make haste to help me!”

Psalm 40:14 (NKJV) “Let them be ashamed and brought to mutual confusion who seek to destroy my life; let them be driven backward and brought to dishonor who wish me evil.”

No matter what, let’s keep seeking the Lord (Psalm 40:16) and loving the Lord (Psalm 40:16) that we might bring Him glory and magnify His name (Psalm 40:16). Let’s make it our goal, our heart – not to sin, but if we have sinned, let’s not give up, let’s get up, look up, and lift up our voice to God…He is merciful and ready to pardon, if we are genuinely repentant.

1 John 2:1 (NKJV) “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

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Proverbs 10:13-14

Proverbs 10:13 (NKJV) “Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is devoid of understanding.“

What a blessing to find wisdom on the lips of some.

But then you look at the lives of others, and find that their backs have bruises and scars from the way they’ve suffered so much unnecessary discipline – and you realize the contrast. The wise learn their lessons, but the fool never learns.

Proverbs 10:14 (NKJV) “Wise people store up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.”

Wise people have that heart to learn; and know God, and His Word, but the fool is more interested in talking, than learning – his mouth is his ruin. We read in:

Proverbs 18:7 (NKJV) “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of his soul.”

And we know this to be true, don’t we? Not simply through exposition, but through experience – how even though the tongue is tiny, it’s gotten us into big-time trouble.

If, by the Spirit of God, we don’t tame our tongue, we can lose our job, we can lose our friends, we can even lose our life – we will lose, if we choose loose lips.

Psalms 141:3, “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.”

Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

May God grant us understanding – to look under the law – not just what to do, but why we do what we do. May God teach us those Biblical principles as well as precepts, to know His will in the variety of situations we find ourselves in (Proverbs 10:13).

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Leviticus 14:1-57

Although there was no cure for leprosy, the law gave the procedures to be followed whenever a leper was cleansed/healed. It would be an extremely laborious process.

It required two living and clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. The priest was to kill one bird in an earthen vessel, rinse it in poured out water (or running water). The priest would then take the other items, including the living bird, and dip them in the blood. He was to sprinkle the blood  seven times (the number of completion) on him who was cleansed. The living bird would then be set free. The cleansed man would then wash his clothes, shave off all his hair (including beard and eyebrows), and wash in water. The former leper would then be allowed back into the camp, but not in his tent, quite yet. For after seven days he would do it all again. On the eighth day (number of new beginnings) he would offer a trespass offering, a sin offering, a burnt offering, and a grain offering. The blood of the trespass offering would be used to cleanse the ear, the hand, and the foot of the former leper (cleansing us from those sinful things they’d heard, and done, and places they’d gone). After that, each of these areas of life would be anointed with holy oil. 

We all need to be forgiven by God (symbolized by the blood) – and – we all need to be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit (symbolized by the oil).

As always, there was consideration and alteration of the laws for the poor (Leviticus 14:21).

For close to 1400 years this portion of the law would never be used. But it wasn’t in vain, for this law was issued with foresight that one day the Messiah would come and heal the lepers.

After one instance of Jesus healing a leper, we read His words to them in:

Matthew 8:4 (NKJV) “And Jesus said to him, ‘See that you tell no one; but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’”

It would be a testimony to them (the priests). How accountable they were! As the priests followed every intricate step of this lengthy process they would/should be in awe…for who can heal the lepers?

Similar responsibilities were given to the priests to detect mold in homes, which can be extremely hazardous. I can’t help but think of the many homes of families today who need the cleansing power of God, lest they also be destroyed. How’s your home today? I hope you know that Jesus can heal our hearts, as well as our homes (our families).

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Mark 6:30-56

Ministry was so busy, that Jesus and His disciples didn’t even have time to eat (imagine that). So He leads His disciples to a deserted place, hoping to get some rest for them, but the people find ’em, and their needs were great. So rather than getting the R & R they hoped for, the Lord tends to them compassionately. We read in:

Mark 6:34, “And Jesus, when He came out, saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things.”

Isn’t it interesting that the first step in tending to the scattered sheep was/is the teaching of the Word? He first met their spiritual need, He then tended to their physical need. May we never underestimate the need for the truth of God’s word, it brings joy to the journey, peace to our path, love for our lives, it’s the compass for our travel, the plumb line to build, and the green pastures that sheep most desperately need.

The sun would soon be setting, so the disciples suggest to Jesus that He send the people away, that they might go into the nearby towns to buy food. But Jesus said, “You give them something to eat.” They didn’t have enough money to buy for everyone one, and definitely didn’t have enough food (they only had 5 loaves and 2 fish), but they gave what they had to Jesus (the key to victory). Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish and in the process fed 5,000 men, plus women, and children (Matthew 14:21) – and there were plenty of leftovers (Mark 6:43). Jesus didn’t do this to dazzle His disciples, He was hoping they would see who He was…but eyes were blind because their hearts were hard (Mark 6:52).

The Gospel of John tells us (in John 6:15) that at this time the people wanted to make Jesus King, so He sends everyone away and goes to the mountain to pray. As He prays, He sees the guys straining at rowing, for the wind was against them, so He came to them walking on the sea on the fourth watch of the night (3AM). They were afraid, but Jesus stilled their hearts, as well as the storm, and they all marveled beyond measure.

Do I know – do you know that Jesus sees us straining at rowing, struggling to make progress? We may not like the struggle, it doesn’t feel good (it hurts) and we may not like the timing of when He comes to us (we perceive it to be late), but take heart…He WILL come to us walking all over the opposition (under His feet), and we will make it to the other side.

When they arrived on the other side, the people came to Him, “…and as many as touched Him were made well.”

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Psalm 40:1-10

If you ever feel like life is the pits, here’s a helpful Psalm. The Lord is able to pull us up and out. 

When He does (and He does this often), we will have a new song of praise (Psalm 40:3) and we are reminded of his wonderful works, His innumerable thoughts towards us (Yes, God always has you on His mind).

Psalm 40:5 (NKJV) “Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts toward us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.”

Psalm 40:6-8 is a prophecy of Jesus, quoted in Hebrews 10:5-9, how in this “scroll of the Book, it is written of Him.” It’s all about Jesus (John 5:39). You can open the Bible anywhere and preach Jesus Christ and Him crucified. In the Old Testament it’s Jesus predicted. In the Gospels it’s Jesus manifested. In the book of Acts it’s Jesus preached. In the Epistles it’s Jesus explained. And in the book of Revelation it’s Jesus Returned.

Psalm 40:10 is how Jesus has given us the final formal word from His Father (Hebrews 1:1-2). It’s also a good source of inspiration for all those who seek to speak His Word to the people He loves.

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Proverbs 10:11-12

Proverbs 10:11 (NKJV) “The mouth of the righteous is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.”

Words of God’s wisdom bring life and that more abundantly, but words from below – words that are merely human or demonic, stir up violence and can even be verbal abuse. Be careful what you say.

Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV) “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.”

What do we do when we’re wronged? It says a lot about us. If we fight fire with fire and stir it up, we only prove we’re haters. But if we turn the other cheek, and cover all those sins, it shows we’re lovers, it shows we’re saved because the fruit of the Spirit is…love (Galatians 5:22)

(See also Proverbs 15:18; 17:9)

1 Peter 4:8, “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’”

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Leviticus 13:1-59

Leprosy was a common and extremely feared disease in Bible times, so God gave Israel the guidelines on how to diagnose leprosy and how to ensure it didn’t spread through people or objects.

Halley’s Bible Handbook, “These regulations were for the purpose of controlling the spread of infectious skin diseases, of which the most loathsome and dreaded was leprosy. The word translated “leprosy” in the KJV has a range of meanings, including leprosy, skin disease, and even mildew. Primitive as this approach may seem to us, these simple measures undoubtedly saved many lives.”

It’s interesting that the responsibility regarding leprosy was given to the priest, for over time, leprosy became symbolic of sin (see Isaiah 1:4-6). Not that sin caused leprosy, but it has many parallels, especially the fact that leprosy would often begin by dulling the senses. Sin, like leprosy, makes one unclean, sin is deeper than the skin, and sin spreads in our own lives and often into lives of others. Sin also isolates – it breaks our heart to read the command given to the leper:

Leviticus 13:45–46 (NKJV) “Now the leper on whom the sore is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare; and he shall cover his mustache, and cry, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ 46 He shall be unclean. All the days he has the sore he shall be unclean. He is unclean, and he shall dwell alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.”

Imagine the horrible life of isolation, forced into a leper colony, outside the city! The leper’s clothes were required to be torn as identification and a constant expression of grief, and if anyone clean came anywhere near the leper, he was required to cry out “unclean, unclean,” while making sure his germs were not spread to others with his hand cuffed over his mouth.

How beautiful the day must have been, when the Messiah arrived, who not only healed the lepers, but touched them compassionately (Matthew 10:8; Mark 1:40-45). Sin ravages, but Jesus is able to heal and cleanse any and all of us from all forms of “leprosy.”

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Mark 6:1-29

Jesus was rejected at His hometown of Nazareth. It wasn’t that they weren’t impressed with His teaching, it’s just that they knew Him too well.

It’s been said that, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”

To call Jesus “the Son of Mary,” was a cultural insult; they may have been pointing to what they thought was Jesus’ illegitimate birth – who was His real father? They paid the price for their lack of faith and Jesus could do no mighty works there; not that God Himself is limited, but we sadly and frequently limit Him through our unbelief…something that Jesus marveled at.

Jesus sends out the twelve, two-by-two, giving them power over unclean spirits, commanding them to take nothing with them, in order that they’d learn the lesson of God’s protection and provision. They weren’t to be picky in their lodging, just grateful – and to those who rejected the message, they were to shake off the very dust of that city, separating themselves from the judgment to come. We read a synopsis of their mission in: 

Mark 6:12-13, “So they went out and preached that people should repent. And they cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick, and healed them.”

It’s tragic to read of the beheading of John the Baptist, simply because he was bold enough to speak the truth in love.

Bible Knowledge Commentary, “Mark explained that Herod himself had ordered John to be put in prison. According to Josephus, this prison was at the fortress-palace of Machaerus near the northeastern shore of the Dead Sea (The Antiquities of the Jews 18. 5. 2). Herod did this because of Herodias, an ambitious woman who was his second wife. Herod had first married a daughter of the Arabian king, Aretas IV. Then he became enamored with his half-niece Herodias (daughter of his half-brother, Aristobulus) who was married to Herod’s half-brother Philip (her half-uncle; cf. Josephus The Antiquities of the Jews 18. 5. 1–2). They had a daughter, Salome. Herod divorced his wife in order to marry Herodias who had divorced Philip (not the Philip of Luke 3:1). John had repeatedly denounced this marriage as unlawful (Leviticus 18:16; 20:21).”

Herod had a superstitious respect for John, but Herodias harbored a deep bitterness; she was not satisfied with the imprisonment of John the Baptist, so she seized the moment and had her daughter ask for John’s head on a platter, immediately, “AT ONCE” (Mark 6:25). His rash oath in response to what was no doubt a seductive dance, made him officially responsible for the death of the greatest prophet of the Old Testament and forerunner to the Messiah. One day he will give an account.

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Psalm 39:1-13

David was once again in a very life-threatening situation. Was it a result of his sin? We read his prayer in:

Psalm 39:8 (NKJV) “Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the reproach of the foolish.”

David disciplined himself (he actually talked to himself) to be EXTREMELY careful with his ways and words (good advice for all of us):

Psalm 39:1 (NKJV) “I said, ‘I will guard my ways, lest I sin with my tongue; I will restrain my mouth with a muzzle, while the wicked are before me.”

David was asking God to protect him, to spare his life; he prayed, he wept, he went through a season when it seemed God was silent, even absent…but he never gave up. I have a hunch that part of the reason David was allowed to go through all the valleys he went through, was for us – that we might learn to keep praying, and never lose heart (Luke 18:1). When you’re there, you can offer up this prayer of David and make it your own.

Psalm 39:12–13 (NKJV) “Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear to my cry; do not be silent at my tears; for I am a stranger with You, a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 13 Remove Your gaze from me, that I may regain strength, before I go away and am no more.”

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Proverbs 10:10

Proverbs 10:10 (NKJV) “He who winks with the eye causes trouble, but a prating fool will fall.”

We usually wink when we’re trying to pull the wool over someone’s eyes – it causes trouble. 

Prating is defined as talking foolishly or tediously. Have you ever met someone who’s a good “talker” but not a good walker? Someone who’s good at foolish talking will eventually fall. Let’s ask God for the grace necessary, not be “talkie-talkies,” but, “walkie-talkies.”

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Leviticus 11:1-12:8

There are some who believe that these dietary laws were for the health benefit of the children Israel, and there are even some who still hold to these dietary laws today.  But these dietary laws were temporary (Mark 7:14-23; Acts 10:19-18; 1 Timothy 4:1-5), and the civil laws of Israel were not binding for other nations.

Eating or touching the carcass of a dead or unclean animal may indeed spread germs or worse (especially if an animal died from a disease), so concepts of sanitation and protection were intended by God

But…there’s no doubt that there was more to it. Israel was to be holy, they were to be different. Could they surrender every area of their lives to God, even the very food they consumed? Would they be willing to learn God’s Word and distinguish the difference between what is clean and unclean?

Warren Wiersbe said this about this section of Leviticus, “Chapters 11–15 focus on the concept of “clean” and “unclean” in the areas of food (11), birth (12), disease (13–14), and normal bodily functions (15). Although the laws certainly served a practical hygienic purpose, there was also a spiritual principle involved. As God’s people, Israel had to be separated from everything that God called unclean. Other nations might be able to do those things, but the Jews could not (vv. 44–45). Defilement spreads, and one person’s carelessness could affect many people.”

In chapter 12 of Leviticus we have the laws of childbirth – just as the customary flow of blood would make a woman unclean, the blood of childbirth would as well.

I don’t think I can word it any better than Warren Wiersbe as to why there was a 66 day purification period, and 14 days of uncleanness after a daughter was born, as opposed to the 33 and 7 days after a son was born:

Warren Wiersbe, “Is a female child twice as unclean as a male child? Of course not, for there were no degrees of uncleanness. God was giving the mother extra time to care for a daughter in a masculine society that preferred sons. He was also giving her time to recuperate before the next pregnancy. A husband to whom she bore a daughter might be anxious to try again for son.”

When Jesus was born, Joseph and Mary brought two turtledoves, revealing their poverty in the fact that they were not able to bring a more expensive offering (Luke 2:22-24). Yes, Jesus was humble, simple, and poor financially (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Today we are no longer under the Old Covenant, but the call to holiness remains. May we study God’s Word as revealed through His Apostles and listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit who gives us all our personal convictions. The call to holiness will never change.

Leviticus 11:44a (NKJV) “For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy.”

Leviticus 11:45 (NKJV) “For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.”

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Mark 5:21-43

A 12-year old girl was about to die. A woman who had a flow of blood had been “dying” for 12 years.

Dad was desperate and at wits end. As a ruler of the Synagogue, he was risking everything by beseeching the help of the wandering Rabbi – Jesus. But God was moving him, and I will say, it’s commendable that a religious man like that was moveable…so He went to Jesus and asked for His help, his little girl was dying.

As they’re on the move, the people are thronging Jesus; He stops in His tracks and asks, “Who touched me?” (for He felt power flow out of Him). The Apostles thought it was a ridiculous question, for Jesus was being touched by many, but this touch was different, this touch stood out, this touch came from a deep and desperate faith. In answer to Jesus’ question she revealed that after years of being ostracized because of her uncleanness – after having spent all her livelihood on physicians to no avail – with the simple touch of the hem of His garment (a symbol of His glory), she was made well.

This story has always challenged me to make my way through the crowd, by faith, and do all that I can to make sure I’m not a casual, nominal Christian

The little girl died during this pause of Christ, so everyone thought it was too late – they didn’t know the LIFE that was with them. Jesus went on to raise Jairus’ daughter from the dead, all in simple stride. Imagine the joy of their daughter being made whole – something you can’t find in the empty religion of old wineskins and Synagogues of those days. Jairus was willing to be made new and God blessed Him and his family.

Friend, whatever you’re facing today, please, be encouraged by Jesus’ words:

Mark 5:36b (NKJV) “Do not be afraid; only believe.”

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Psalm 38:1-22

We don’t know the exact circumstances of David’s life at this point, but it appears that he’s experiencing God’s discipline for his sin, and while this is happening his enemies rush in to try and capitalize on it, to seize the moment.

But David prays, he even sings (that’s what the Psalms are – Israel’s hymnal).

David also comes clean, he confesses his sin in anguish:

Psalm 38:18 (NKJV) “For I will declare my iniquity; I will be in anguish over my sin.”

That’s all God wants. For me to come clean, confess and forsake the sins that separate me from Him, the sins that have the potential to ruin my life. Later we’ll read in:

Psalms 86:5 (NKJV) “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

I couldn’t help but think of the Covid pandemic when reading David’s words in:

Psalm 38:11 (NLT) “My loved ones and friends stay away, fearing my disease. Even my own family stands at a distance.”

I can’t even begin to imagine the loneliness of such a place, and the spiritual warfare David was entrenched in; our hearts go out to those who’ve been there, who are there now. But David shows us what to do if we’re ever anywhere near this place — — pray.

Psalm 38:21–22 (NKJV) “Do not forsake me, O LORD; O my God, be not far from me! 22 Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation!”

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Proverbs 10:8-9

Proverbs 10:8–9 (NKJV) The wise in heart will receive commands, but a prating fool will fall. ⁹ He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known.

The wise in heart are receptive, willing to be corrected or commanded, but the prating fool just talks foolishness, talking when he ought to be listening.

In v. 9 we have two types of people, clearly contrasted – the wicked pervert and the one who walks with integrity. One walks securely, while the other will be exposed; one will stand, while the other eventually and inevitably falls.

Which will I be? O Lord, grant me grace to be receptive, to be wise and to walk in integrity.

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

Leviticus 9:7-10:20

It’s now time for Aaron the newly appointed High Priest to offer sacrifices, both for himself and on behalf of the nation of Israel. The sin offering, the burnt offering, the grain offering, and the peace offering, were lifted up (as heave offerings) and waved before the LORD (as wave offerings). With the exception of the grain offering, they all included blood.

I’m reminded of the words of the writer of Hebrews:

Hebrews 9:22 (NKJV) “And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.”

After that, the glory of the LORD appeared to all the people – what an awesome sight that must have been!

Leviticus 9:24 (NKJV) “…and fire came out from before the LORD and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw it, they shouted and fell on their faces.”

God was pleased – and the people witnessed His wonder.

Moses and Aaron did well in the initial stages of Tabernacle ministry, but it didn’t take long for carelessness to creep in. God was then forced to make an example of Nadab and Abihu. If you put it all together I believe it’s safe to say that Nadab and Abihu had been drinking – this dulled their senses and they were not able to distinguish between what was holy and what was unclean; they therefore offered profane fire before the LORD (Leviticus 10:1, 8-10). I thought it was interesting that the LORD spoke directly to Aaron on this one (Leviticus 10:8). We read the result of Nadab and Abihu’s carelessness:

Leviticus 10:2 (NKJV) “So fire went out from the LORD and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.”

Some would liken this to the death of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5:1-11 and say that at the onset of these Covenants (Old and New), God had to establish His holiness. God doesn’t usually strike people dead when they sin in such ways, but He does at times, and we need to know how He sees any form of disobedience (worthy of death). A few things to consider: the theme of Leviticus is holiness – – that what we’re studying is the Holy Bible – – and God’s overriding attribute is holiness (Isaiah 6:3).

May I never forget.

Leviticus 10:3 (NKJV) “And Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the LORD spoke, saying: ‘By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified.’’ So Aaron held his peace.”

I can’t even begin to imagine how difficult it must have been for Aaron, but he was not allowed to outwardly grieve for the death of his sons. He was forced to see and agree with the severity of the sentence. It didn’t mean he did everything with perfection. Apparently he and his other sons didn’t have an appetite that day, and they burnt the offering rather than eat the offering (Leviticus 10:16-20), but God extended grace.

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Mark 4:26-5:20

I’ve always related to this next parable in a very personal way. I believe I’ve experienced this truth first-hand as a pastor. Since day one, all we’ve done is teach the Word by faith (we’ve scattered the seed). Then, just as we read in the parable, we’ve slept by night (we’ve rested, trusted).

I look back to the first Bible Study where just a few people gathered in 2002, and I see how God has built His church – He’s reaped a bountiful harvest. I wholeheartedly relate to the man in the parable when the Bible says, “…he himself does not know how.” I wonder sometimes, how did this happen? It’s all God, His grace, His Word, His sovereignty – we simply speak and then sleep.

Jesus’ next parable is about the amazing growth of the Kingdom of God, and how even the small mustard seed grows large, as an herb tree – to the point that the birds of the air rest in its branches, which is interesting, because earlier the birds were bad (Mark 3:4). It’s sad to see, but it’s true, there are tares with the wheat, there are wolves in sheep’s clothing, and there are birds in the branches. We need to beware of this.

How awesome it must have been to have Jesus explain everything to the Apostles:

Mark 4:34b (NKJV) “…and when they were alone, He explained all things to His disciples.”

I believe the Lord still does this…He explains things to us, when we give Him time to speak to our hearts as we not only read, but ponder and pray over His Word.

They should have believed Him when He told them they were going to the other side (Mark 3:35), so that when the storm hit, they could have calmly waked Him up, and said, “Lord, can You take care of this for us?” Instead, they freaked out, they had no faith, and were afraid they were going down. They had forgotten, or maybe never really realized who was with them, the One who is able to still any storm, able to defeat every enemy, the One who can always be trusted.

After the display of such power their fear morphed a bit:

Mark 4:41 (NKJV) “And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, ‘Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!’”

Answer – God!

Mark highlights one of two men who lives in a cemetery (imagine that), he could not be tamed by anyone, he would only cry out night and day as he cut himself with stones. If we put two and two together, it’s obvious to see that the enemy was trying to kill this man, and the only way he could speed up the process is if the man committed suicide – which explains his self-destructive behavior. It breaks our hearts to see so many today in the same place.

But Jesus crosses the sea to save him, He casts out the legion of demons who beg to enter the pigs – permission is granted, the pigs die, and the people of the city are completely blind to what just took place. God showed up to demonstrate His awesome love and power…but they just beg Him to leave. Sounds like a pretty good summary of societies’ indifference towards Jesus today, after all He’s done. The Lord honors their decision.

The man who’s been healed wants to stay with Jesus, but Christ commands him to do something different:

Mark 5:19–20 (NKJV) “However, Jesus did not permit him, but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.’ 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis all that Jesus had done for him; and all marveled.”

The power of our testimony! Your friends and family really do need to hear what God has done for you! And not only that, Jesus would eventually go to those cities in the Decapolis, the man was essentially sent as a forerunner before Him.

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Psalm 37:30-40

David continues to teach us that although the wicked (our enemies) seek to stop us and even slay us (Psalm 37:32), they themselves will be cut off.  On the contrary, the LORD will save us, strengthen us, help us, and deliver us, as we simply trust in Him (Psalm 37:40).

We are to wait on the LORD and to keep His way (Psalm 37:34) to keep His Word; as a matter of fact, because God’s Word is in our hearts (Psalm 37:31), out of the mouth of the righteous will flow words of wisdom and justice (Psalm 37:30; Luke 6:45). It’s interesting to me that throughout the entire ordeal in which David struggled with King Saul, David never spoke an ill word about the king.

Not that we have a vendetta, but God promises through David, that the righteous will see it when the wicked are cut off (Psalm 37:34). David himself had seen it with his own eyes (Psalm 37:35-36).

Perhaps the Psalm can be summarized in:

Psalm 37:37–38 (NKJV) “Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off.”

O Lord, please help me to be blameless, and to trust You to deliver me from my enemies.

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Proverbs 10:6-7

More contrasts between the righteous and wicked. 

The righteous are blessed with crowns on their head, while the words of the wicked stir up violence for themselves or others with their mouths.

Most people do not name their children Judas, or Benedict, they choose names like John, or Peter, for certain memories are rotten and good legacies last.

O Lord, please help us to be wise, and strive to always be in right relationship with You!

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you!

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Leviticus 7:28-9:6

Aaron was to be the first High Priest of Israel, an office that would remain in his lineage (the High Priests would be appointed from the sons of Aaron). Leviticus 7:28-38 speaks of the portion of the sacrifice given to Aaron and his sons; here it mentions the breast and the right thigh.

In Leviticus 8 we read of Aaron and his sons set apart for the priesthood. Moses called Aaron and his sons, as well as the entire congregation to meet at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. Moses began by washing them with water (Leviticus 8:6; Ephesians 5:26). He then clothed Aaron with holy garments and gave him the Urim and the Thummim (literally “lights and perfections”). We’re not certain as to the details on the Urim and the Thummim, but we know for certain that they were used to determine the will of the Lord (see also Numbers 27:21; 1 Samuel 28:6; Ezra 2:3). (Got Questions Article)

Moses then anointed Aaron and his sons with the anointing oil; we read in:

Leviticus 8:12 (NKJV) “And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to consecrate him.”

Pastor Chuck Smith, “To consecrate something was to set it apart for God’s exclusive use. As priests of God, we too should be consecrated to Him (1 Peter 2:9).”

Warren Wiersbe, “In the Old Testament, God’s people had a priesthood, but in the New Testament, God’s people are a priesthood (1 Peter 2:5, 9). What made the priests acceptable to God? Water (Leviticus 8:6), oil (Leviticus 8:10–12), blood (Leviticus 8:14–29), and garments (Leviticus 8:7–9). We have been washed (Leviticus 1 Corinthians 6:11), anointed by the Spirit (Leviticus 1 John 2:20, 27), redeemed by Christ’s blood (1 Peter 1:18 ff.), and dressed in His righteousness (Isaiah 61:10).”

As Aaron was anointed I’m reminded of the visual description in Psalm 133 that presents Aaron as drenched – or at least dripping with oil:

Psalm 133:2 (NKJV) “It is like the precious oil upon the head, running down on the beard, the beard of Aaron, running down on the edge of his garments.”

Moses next brought the sons of Aaron and clothed them in holy garments. He brought the bull, they all laid their hands on it (transferring sin) and it was killed as a sin offering on their behalf; after that there was the burnt offering, followed with the ram of consecration…we read in:

Leviticus 8:23–24 (NKJV) “…and Moses killed it. Also he took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. 24 Then he brought Aaron’s sons. And Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. And Moses sprinkled the blood all around on the altar.”

This is another visual of how we need to cleanse and consecrate ourselves in all areas of life – in all that we hear, all that we do, and everywhere we go (our ears, our hands, our feet) (Romans 12:1).

Ellicott, “To teach him that, as the mediator between God and His people, it was his bounden duty to hearken to the commandments of the Lord.”

Ellicott, “To remind him that henceforth he is to execute God’s will, and walk in the way of His commandments.”

Keil & Delitzch, “Before sprinkling the blood upon the altar, Moses put some of it upon the tip of the right ear, upon the right thumb, and upon the great toe of the right foot of Aaron and his sons. Thus he touched the extreme points, which represented the whole, of the ear, hand, and foot on the right, or more important and principal side: the ear, because the priest was always to hearken to the word and commandment of God; the hand, because he was to discharge the priestly functions properly; and the foot, because he was to walk correctly in the sanctuary.”

We get a glimpse of the great grace we need to serve the Lord, especially as His representatives; a high and holy calling. If Aaron and/or his sons took this lightly, they might die (Leviticus 8:35). This was a special day in the nation, and God in His grace was about to “appear” to them, He had made a way to be near them.

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Mark 3:31-4:25

As Jesus is busy about His Father’s business, His mother and brothers were looking and calling for Him. There’s no doubt that Jesus was a perfect Son to His mom, and an amazing brother to His siblings, but it appears that His family (at that point), did not understand the nature of His ministry, and they were calling Him away from His Father’s will. Jesus teaches us about priorities and the true family of God:

Mark 3:33–35 (NKJV) “But He answered them, saying, ‘Who is My mother, or My brothers?’ 34 And He looked around in a circle at those who sat about Him, and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.’”

It’s not that Jesus was disowning His biological family, He loved them, would reach out to them, and some of them would eventually come around, but this simply reveals to us “the way it is” in the Kingdom and Family of God. Jesus would later say in:

Matthew 10:37–39 (NKJV) “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.”

Jesus eventually reached a point in His ministry when He began to teach in parables. Matthew’s version provides the full quote and explanation from Isaiah 6:9-10. The parables were earthly stories with heavenly meanings, they were intended to make the spiritual truths easier to comprehend. Jesus desperately wanted to reach them, but spiritual truths require spiritual perception.

The Parable of the Sower, the Seed, and the Soils reveals the fact that the condition of the heart is our most important part. Jesus (the Sower) teaches us His Word (scatters the Seed). The question is, what’s the condition of my heart (my Soil)? Is it hard? Is it shallow? Is it crowded? Or is it soft-soil, good-ground, open and receptive – even hungry for the Word of God?

O Lord, help me…let my heart be right in Your sight.

We are to take heed not only HOW we hear (Luke 8:18), but WHAT we hear (Mark 4:24). The teachers, podcasts, books, TV shows, and videos, we take in will inevitably influence the way we see the world and make our judgments. You are what you eat. Jesus wants it to be healthy and Biblical, spot-on accurate, for the same measurement we use will be measured back to us (Matthew 7:2).

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Psalm 37:12-29

The wicked plot their plans and swing their swords; they’re sometimes rich by “borrowing and not repaying,” and they attack us in many ways. But, we read here in Psalm 37:13 that his day is coming. Their sword will enter their own heart, their bows shall be broken (Psalm 37:15). We don’t say it arrogantly, but we can say it accurately, one day the wicked will perish:

Psalm 37:20 (NKJV) “But the wicked shall perish; and the enemies of the LORD, like the splendor of the meadows, shall vanish. Into smoke they shall vanish away.”

The saved, on the other hand, are blessed. God will protect us; God knows us personally and has an inheritance for us – eternally (Psalm 37:18). God gives us His goodness and is willing to guide us step-by-step, and lift us up when we fall.

Psalm 37:23–24 (NKJV) “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the LORD upholds him with His hand.”

As I get older, Psalm 37:25 resonates deeply:

Psalm 37:25 (NKJV) “I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

Indeed God is faithful, He has never, ever forsaken me, or my family. He never will (Hebrews 13:5).

God is good, He will protect, direct, and perfect. May we abide in Him, depart from evil, and have that heart to do good (Psalm 37:27)

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Proverbs 10:5

Proverbs 10:5 (NKJV) “He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”

May God give us grace to work hard and (if possible), save for a rainy day, after all, there’s a time to work and a time to play. If we “sleep” during the harvest, we’ll eventually suffer shame.

We can easily couple verses 4 and 5 together – the consequences of laziness and the benefits of diligence, and hard work.

We also read this principle back in Proverbs 6:11 – the contrast between working hard, or hardly working. The slack son will experience poverty and shame, while the diligent one experiences riches and reaps in a harvest.

It would be even more advantageous to take this passage and apply it to the Spiritual harvest. Am I doing my part to reach the lost?

John 4:34–35 (NKJV) “Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!’’”

If you have any questions or comments on today’s reading, or you’d like to share something the Lord showed you, feel free to leave a reply below. I’d love to hear from you.