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Journey Thru the Bible | Leviticus 14:54-57 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 5, 2012

Leviticus 14:54-57
These are the regulations . . . to determine when something is clean or unclean.

The Bubonic Plague raged throughout Europe in the mid-1300’s, killing an estimated 25 million people. In a three-year period, one-fourth of Europe’s entire population was wiped out. Finally, it was discovered that the disease was carried by flea infested rats. But poor sanitation and the devastation of war allowed the epidemic to take its deadly toll.

As the people of Israel begin to get their footing as a nation freshly freed from Egypt, God revealed to them His civil, ceremonial, and moral law. In that instruction were certain “regulations” that addressed hygiene and ways to avoid the spreading of disease. God knew how fast infection could spread. These regulations were an act of grace. In them, God was protecting of His people.

Now, I’ll admit that reading through the dietary and hygienic regulations in Leviticus doesn’t provide the most moving morning devotional. But don’t miss God’s deep love and care within these practical rules and guidelines. Just as God provided a way to stop the spread of sin, so He instructed His people how to avoid the spread of infection and disease. Reading through these regulations gives me a new appreciation for God’s gracious care, His thorough protection, and His practical love.

Father, sometimes Your instruction is deeply theological; sometimes it is downright practical. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son. And thank You for loving us so much that you provided practical hygienic instruction to the Old Testament believer, and practical instruction in the New Testament for believers today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 11-15

Through the New Testament in a Year:
Acts 4

 
Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Leviticus 11:45 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 4, 2012

Leviticus 11:45
I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

To be holy means to be set apart. It does not mean to run off and hide in a cave so as not to have contact with the world. To be holy means to live a life of purity and moral integrity as we go about the business of our life. To be holy means that we strive to live apart from the things that opposes God and the things that God opposes.

Our standard for holiness is not a set of rules or an abstract religious system. Our standard is not our mentor or a strong Christian friend. Our standard for holy living is God himself. He alone is holy.

Now it’s true that absolute holiness cannot be achieved in this life. In our humanity, we will miss the mark. But it should be the believer’s desire to be in a process of spiritual growth—conforming our lives to God’s holy standard. This is done as we continually depend on the Spirit to control our attitude, thinking, desires, and actions. While we will never live sinless lives on this earth; it is possible, by the strength of the Spirit, to sin less and obey more. That’s the high standard that God has called His children. And that’s the desire of His children.

So, Father, today we pinpoint a sin that seems to constantly trip us up. We depend on you to resist it day by day…moment by moment. Help us to see that sin be less of a threat to our walk with You. Then, help us to pinpoint another sin….

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 11-15

Through the New Testament in a Year:
Acts 4

 
Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Leviticus 10:1 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 3, 2012

Leviticus 10:1
Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the LORD, contrary to his command.

The key words in today’s passage are the last five: “contrary to his command.” The new office of the Old Testament priest had just been established. Moses had explained God’s instructions with great care and detail. But when it came time for Nadab and Abihu to perform their priestly duties, they knew better and “offered unauthorized fire before the Lord” – and paid dearly for their sin (Exodus 10:2-3).

Do you think you know better? When it comes to running your business? When it comes to leading your family? When it comes to your marriage? When it comes to personal and spiritual disciplines? Anytime we act contrary to God’s instructions we are living as if we know better. I must admit…I know God knows best, but sometimes I act like I know better.

God’s commands are based on His omniscience and His perfect will. There are always consequences when we refuse to follow His instructions. True worship and submission to God begins with an attitude of “Lord, You know best. Please give me the strength and determination to follow Your instruction.”

Father, that’s our prayer. You know best. Please help me to live like I truly believe that today. Help me to submit to and follow Your instruction…in all the areas of my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 8-10

Through the New Testament in a Year:
Acts 3

 

Today on The Journey: Focus (Serving). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Leviticus 5:1 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 2, 2012

Leviticus 5:1
If anyone sins because they do not speak up when they hear a public charge to testify regarding something they have seen or learned about, they will be held responsible.


Information is power. Sharing it, or not sharing it, can change the course of a person’s life. In today’s passage, we find that refusing to share needed information is as much of a sin as sharing false information.

So, let’s say that a person you know is facing a public charge. People are dependent on the testimony of those who have the facts. And you have the facts. You may be an eyewitness or you may have learned all the details from a credible source. The question is: will you speak out? If not, you will be held responsible for this sin.

Now, the issue may not be a public charge. It may be a nasty rumor or attempted character assassination in your office, school, circle of friends, or home. Or it may be a person getting by with something for which he should be held accountable. The same principle applies. If you have what is needed information – speak out! When you don’t…your silence is sin.

Father, someone reading this has some information about a person that needs to be shared. Give that person to courage to speak out. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 4-7

Through the New Testament in a Year:
Acts 2

 

Today on The Journey: Action (Serving). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Leviticus 1:3-4 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on February 1, 2012

Leviticus 1:3-4
If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect . . . You are to lay your hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it will be accepted on your behalf to make atonement for you.

Sometimes an Old Testament passage may make you wonder, “What in the world does that have to do with me and my life?” That may have come to mind as you read today’s passage. Interestingly, Leviticus was the first book studied by a Jewish child. It was important because it showed that “sacrifice was given by God as the only sufficient means for Israelites to remain in harmonious fellowship” with God (Bible Knowledge Commentary, 164).

Note today’s instruction regarding the burnt offering. First, the offering had to be a male “without defect.” A deficient sacrifice would not do. Second, the person laid his hands on the head of the burnt offering. This identified the worshipper with the animal as his personal substitute. Third, the animal was sacrificed in order to “make atonement” for the individual. Atonement means that reconciliation between God and man was achieved through the sacrifice.

God’s sacrificial system in the Old Testament was a picture and preparer for the coming “Lamb of God.” Jesus came “without defect.” By faith we lay our hands on Him identifying ourselves with the substitute. The death of Jesus on our behalf brings forgiveness, and reconciles us with the Holy God. Amazing, isn’t it? Wherever you are in the Old Testament, God the Father is preparing us for God the Son.

Father, thank You for preparing us for Jesus. Thank you for the atonement that He provides by His death on the cross. By faith we identify ourselves with Him and receive your forgiveness and reconciliation. Thank You! In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Leviticus 1-3

Through the New Testament in a Year:
Acts 1

 

Today on The Journey: Humility (Serving). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Exodus 36:5-7 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on January 31, 2012

Exodus 36:5-7
…The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done.” Then Moses gave an order and they sent this word throughout the camp: “No man or woman is to make anything else as an offering for the sanctuary.” And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.


“Stop giving! We have too much money already. We don’t even know how we are going to use the funds we have. So from now on, we are not going to pass the plates. Cancel your online giving. And please, no special gifts. We have more than enough to do all the work God has for us to do.”

Have you heard that from your pastor lately…or ever? I promise you have never heard that from me. But here in Exodus, as the people “continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning” to build the Tabernacle and its furnishings, the builders said, “Enough already.” And the people were “restrained from bringing more.”

What a response to God! What generosity! Remember these were “freewill offerings” the people were giving. They were giving voluntarily from a heart of worship in response to God’s amazing love and grace. So…how are you doing with your freewill offerings?

Father, reminds us that all things belong to You. All things we have are a gift from You. Help us to use Your gifts to us in a way that honors You. Help us to do so with grateful and generous hearts of worship. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Exodus 35-40

Through the New Testament in a Year:
John 21

 

Today on The Journey: God or Guru: Is Christ the Only Way? (Big Questions). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Exodus 34:5-6 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on January 30, 2012

Exodus 34:5-6
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness…

In Exodus 34, God invited Moses to bring two stone tablets to Mt. Sinai for the giving of the Law. This was the second trip up the mountain for Moses. The first time he returned to find the Israelites dancing around a golden calf. In his anger, he threw the tablets to the ground “breaking them into pieces.” God graciously invited him back and promised to write “the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.”

Early in the morning Moses made his way up the mountain. The Lord came down from a cloud, stood with Moses, and proclaimed His name and His character. He introduced Himself as the “Lord” (“Yahweh” in Hebrew), which explains that God depends on no one or no thing for His existence. Then God described His character. He is compassionate, gracious, patient, loving, and faithful. Those were words Moses needed to hear…and words we need to hear.

Today, thank God for His compassion—His affection that leads to action. Thank God for His grace—acceptance without condition. Thank God for his patience—His slowness to become angry. Thank God for His love—the love that sent Jesus to the cross to pay the penalty for your sin. Thank God for His faithfulness—He will always keep His promises. Thank God that through His Holy Spirit, He is standing with you right now.

Father, thank You for who You are and what You do for us. Thank You for Your attributes described in today’s passage. May we live a life that demonstrates our gratefulness for Your great generosity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Exodus 32-34

Through the New Testament in a Year:
John 20:16-31

 

Today on The Journey: Divine or Disaster: Why do Bad Things Happen to Good People? (Big Questions). Listen to today’s broadcast!

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Exodus 31:13 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on January 29, 2012

Exodus 31:13
“Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy.’”

Not long ago, I visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The experience was very moving. As we took in the sights, I tried to imagine the emotions of the immigrants as they saw Lady Liberty after weeks at sea. What were they thinking and feeling as they walked up the steps to enter the immigration building on Ellis Island, to begin the process of becoming citizens of the new country? These were special people who, with little or no money, made their way in the new world.

But when it comes to our relationship with God, no person can make his or her own way. We are sinners to the core and our best effort on our best day is far below God’s standard. We can’t pull ourselves up by our own spiritual bootstraps, because when it comes to a relationship with God, we have no spiritual boots!

Only God can make us holy. Maybe that has been one of your struggles. You have been trying to make yourself good enough for God. Good luck with that. But here’s the Good News—Jesus came to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. Jesus died for our sins so that through our trust in Him we could be made holy. Jesus walked in our boots and pulled us up by His sacrifice on the cross. Trust in Him as the One—the only One–who makes you holy.

Father, thank You for sending Your Son. I pray for the person trying to make himself or herself good enough for You. I pray that you will help them to see the futility of their efforts. I pray that they will trust in Jesus today as the One who makes them holy. In His name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Exodus 28-31

Through the New Testament in a Year:
John 20:1-15

 

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Exodus 29:45-46 | Devotional

Posted by ronmoore on January 28, 2012

Exodus 29:45-46
Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God.

What god but the living God says to humans, “I will dwell among” you. Gods of religion are so far removed from creation that man spends his life in a futile effort to somehow work his way to the deity. But God says, “I’ll come to you. I want you to know me. I want you to know how much I love you. I want you to know the things I do for you. I want to live among you.” Amazing!

Religions of the world focus on man working his way to God. But Christianity is not a man-centered religion, but a God-centered relationship. Religion is all about man. Christianity is all about God. A personal relationship with the living God is initiated by God the Father, made possible by God the Son, and enabled by God the Holy Spirit. Amazing!

God so loved the world that He sent His Son. Jesus—fully-God and fully-man—died on the cross as the penalty for our sin. When we trust in the Son, the Father accredits Christ’s righteousness to us and declares us “Not Guilty.” God the Spirit takes up residence in us and enables us to live a life that pleases God. Life with God is amazing! What are you waiting for?

Father, for anyone reading this who does not know Jesus as Savior, please bring that person to Yourself today. Show him his sin and separation from You. Show her the utter futility of trying to be good enough for You. Let them see Your amazing promise that You will take up residence in Your people and will never leave them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Journey Thru the Bible:

Through the Bible in a Year:
Exodus 28-31

Through the New Testament in a Year:
John 20:1-15

 

Check out Ron’s book–Ignite.

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Journey Thru the Bible | Knowing God Question

Posted by ronmoore on January 27, 2012

Hi Pastor Ron!

Thanks for taking the time to answer my question again… I’m looking forward to sharing your response with my small group. I already posted this question in the small group’s “Knowing God” discussion board.

So here it is…

I’m in the middle of reading chapter 5… am I understanding correctly that in the Triune of God, Jesus is the Word and therefore the work of God?? So, Jesus is then the agent of creation? And then that is also the reason why Jesus took human form too??? Because he is the “work of God”???

I know I mentioned this to you after class but I just wanted to share again that… MAN am I LOVING this book!!! The more I am learning about God the bigger God continues to get. It is amazing! GOD IS AMAZING!!!

Thank you, in advance, for your insight and I look forward to hearing back from you!

Jill

Jill,

Thanks for your email. Really glad you and your small group are reading through Knowing God. Very cool. So to answer your questions….

You are right in saying that Jesus is the Word of God and that Jesus is the “agent” of creation. In Genesis 1 we are introduced to God the Father (1.1), God the Holy Spirit (1.2) and as God’s Word goes forth in Genesis 1:3 we are introduced to God the Son. John tells us that “the Word” (Jesus) was with God in the beginning and, in fact, “was God.” John then confirms that Jesus was the “agent” of creation when he writes, “through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (John 1:3).

I would not describe Jesus as the “work of God.” This phrase seems to say that Jesus was created by God. But Jesus—God the Son—is not created, rather he, like God the Father and Spirit, is an uncreated and eternal.

Jesus is not only the agent of creation, but the agent of our re-creation. In Jesus, God become man (Incarnation). Jesus was fully-God, fully man. Man is a sinner and cannot save himself. The penalty of his sin resulted is spiritual and eternal death. But God so loved the world that He sent His Son to remedy the situation. Only the death of Jesus could pay the penalty. Being God His death was not for His own sins and being man He could die as a perfect substitute on man’s behalf. The death and resurrection of Jesus is the “power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16).

God is amazing! And you are right—the more we learn about Him the bigger and more amazing He gets.

Thanks for your great questions.

Ron
 
 

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