Leviticus 12-14; Acts 8

“On the eighth day each person being purified must bring two male lambs and a one-year-old female lamb, all with no defects, along with a grain offering of six quarts of above flour moistened with olive oil, and a cup of olive oil. Then the officiating priest will present that person with purification, along with the offerings, before the Lord at the entrance of the Tabernacle. This is the law for any leprous sore and scale, for the leprosy of a garment and of a house, for a swelling and a scab and a bright spot, to teach when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law of leprosy.” Leviticus 14:10&11, 54-57 NLT

God told the Israelites how to cleanse healed lepers and how to diagnose leprosy so they could avoid it or treat it. These laws were given for the people’s protection. I wonder if many of God’s laws seemed strange to the Israelites? I know that sometimes they seem strange to me. But, his laws helped the Israelites avoid physical and spiritual sickness.

“The passage of scripture he was reading was this: “He was lead like a sheep to the slaughter. And as a lamb is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. He was humiliated and received no justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth.” The eunuch asked Philip, “Tell me, was the prophet talking about him or someone else?” So beginning with the same Scripture, Philip told him the new good news about Jesus. Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him. Now as they went down the road, they came to some water. And the eunuch said, “See, here is the water. What hinders me from being baptized?” Then Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answers and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:32-37 NLT

Philip lead this man to Jesus using the Old Testament. I am reminded of how all of the Bible applies to me today. I can see how purposeful & intentional that the Lord is. He doesn’t waste anything.

“But the believers who were scattered preached the Good News about Jesus wherever they went. Philip, for example, went to the city of Samaria and told the people there about the Messiah. Crowds listened intently to Philip because they eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. Many evil spirits were cast out, screaming as they left their victims. And many who had been paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city…Then they laid hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” Acts 8:4 -17 NLT

Thank you Father for your Holy Spirit. That the same power that lives in Christ, lives in me. Many of these Christians were facing persecution, but that didn’t stop them from sharing the gospel. What things hold me back? Thank you Father for Your word. That it is truth. And I can stand on it when the storms of life come. Amen.

Amy(amyctanner)

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Genesis 22, Matthew 21, Nehemiah 11, Acts 21

Abraham is called by God to demonstrate his faith.  We all know the story I’m sure, I can vividly remember the cartoon version I watched on VHS as a little boy, of Abraham and his young son traveling up the mountain to the place, which God had called him.  The young Isaac realizing part way up the hill that they hadn’t brought a lamb for sacrifice, and asking his father what they were going to sacrifice.  Abraham’s response demonstrates a large amount of faith, he knew God had promised him descendants and blessing, and he trusted in God to provide the lamb for sacrifice.

There are times in all of our lives where we have to put flesh and bones on the faith that we have claimed.  Even Abraham’s great faith in telling his son God would provide the sacrifice, didn’t stop the process, because this time, words were not going to be enough.  I can remember the first time God called me, it was easy to respond.  I was at the end of my rope, after my 3^rd attempt at suicide which by all means should have worked, I realized that God wasn’t going to let me go, and he spoke in my heart that he had things here for me to do.  It was easy to follow that call, because what else did I have going for me? Absolutely nothing. I was broken, and lost.

A little over 4 years later, and I think about the comforts in which I now rest.  God has provided schooling at a great biblically centered university, the wife of my dreams, a job in ministry, great friends and supportive family, and a place to live.  What else could I ask for?

Abraham had already received much of what had been promised, but he was then asked to give that up, to receive more than he could ever comprehend.  Am I content with what I have now so much so that when God asks me to give up the comforts of my current situation for something more, will I trust him? Or will I be so nearsighted as to withhold things that God has given, and miss out on all that he wants to give.  My pastor gives a great analogy, which says that you can’t accept a gift with closed hands.  If you hold everything you have been given with open hands, how much more can the Lord bless you!

I must remember when it seems like God asks the impossible, his desire is to bless and take care of me, and he always fulfills his promises.

Sam A. (guest on 66 Books)

Numbers 15-16, Mark 14:54-72

Year after year, the high priest offered sacrifices on behalf of people who had sinned inadvertently.

“‘But anyone who sins defiantly, whether native-born or foreigner, blasphemes the LORD and must be cut off from the people of Israel. Because they have despised the LORD’s word and broken his commands, they must surely be cut off; their guilt remains on them.’” Numbers 15:30-31

When the High Priest interrogated him, at first, Jesus was silent as a lamb before the shearers, (Isaiah 53:7) but then he answered with the unbelievable truth.

Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent and gave no answer.

   Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”

  “I am,” said Jesus. “And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

 The high priest tore his clothes. “Why do we need any more witnesses?” he asked. “You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”

They all condemned him as worthy of death. Mark 14:60:64

The High Priest inadvertently sacrificed a fragrant offering to the Lord, the man the Lord chose to be holy, the Pascal Lamb, Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Fear caused Peter to deny Christ as he followed him from a distance. Peter’s words didn’t reflect his relationship with Jesus, anymore than the testimony of false witnesses against the Messiah coincided with the truth.

…their statements did not agree. …I don’t know this man you’re talking about.” Mark 14:56, 71 

Sometimes I allow myself to drift away from Christ. Separated from Jesus, my impulses rule the moment, just as they did with Peter.

You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the LORD, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Numbers 15:39

Two weeks ago in Spanish class, I used a word that caused my professor to tell me to “Comporta.” (Behave). In the midst of sin, I barely recognized myself as a person who professed to know Christ. I understand why Peter wept, but I do not lose heart, because I know Jesus’ sacrifice covers all my sins.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

“In the morning the LORD will show who belongs to him and who is holy, and he will have that person come near him. The man he chooses he will cause to come near him. Numbers 16:5 

Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 

yicareggie