“If” – Our Choice
Leviticus 26
Ken Trevithick
3 ‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments, and perform them,”
14 ‘But if you do not obey Me, and do not observe all these commandments,
15 and if you despise My statutes, or if your soul abhors My judgments, so that you do not perform all My commandments, but break My covenant,”
18 ‘And after all this, if you do not obey Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins”
21 ‘Then, if you walk contrary to Me, and are not willing to obey Me, I will bring on you seven times more plagues, according to your sins.”
Observation
Here in Leviticus I am reminded of the choices that God offers. As I read through the entire passage, the “If”, or contingent statements in this passage, I was reminded of our responsibility as we make a choices to the commands of God. These choices will have consequences. I realized throughout history as God has dealt with the nation of Israel they were called upon to make choices. In Deuteronomy 30:19 God states of Israel, as they were ready to enter the Promised Land, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses today against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.”
Application
Here in Leviticus, but also in Deuteronomy 30, there is stated the reality of our choices. From the passage in Deuteronomy I see the heart of God for His people, “…therefore choose life…” God gives His commands to His people in order for them to find life in Him. To choose otherwise has consequences, as I have found in my own life. The number of times I have said to myself, “I know I shouldn’t do this!” only later to say to myself, “I knew I shouldn’t have done that!” God’s Word is given to be a lamp to our feet, and a light to our path, but God leaves the choice up to us.
Prayer
Father, I want to thank-you for the gift of Your Word. I ask that You remind me of the power of the choices I make, and the reality of the consequences to these choices. Help me to choose the wise path.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Holiness to the Lord
Holiness to the Lord
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Leviticus 10:3
“By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”
Observation
As Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, approached the altar of God in an inappropriate way fire went out from the Lord and consumed them. Some have speculated different offenses to ritual. But to me, it appears that God is setting off His Holiness, and the fact that His people must take holiness seriously. It is in the Holiness of God, exemplified in His people, God wants to be demonstrated within the family of God and to the world. There is the statement, “I must be regarded as holy;” a declaration of how His people should approach Him. It is in this approach to God that we will be demonstrating truth consistent with His nature.
Application
It is important to understand the seriousness of our service to the Lord, and His commitment to a “holiness” that exemplifies who He is. It is important that I, and all who serve God remember this important principle. Some might say, “That is in the Old Testament.” But I was reminded of a similar incident recorded in the New Testament. It took place when Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of Peter’s exhortation to “Be holy, for I am holy,” a quote from Leviticus 11:44. May we be encouraged to demonstrate His holiness as we serve Him in the world today.
Prayer
Lord, I ask that you help me to take “holiness” as seriously as You do. I invite Your reminder to my heart and mind to the importance of this reality to You.
Pastor Ken Trevithick
Leviticus 10:3
“By those who come near Me
I must be regarded as holy;
And before all the people
I must be glorified.’”
Observation
As Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, approached the altar of God in an inappropriate way fire went out from the Lord and consumed them. Some have speculated different offenses to ritual. But to me, it appears that God is setting off His Holiness, and the fact that His people must take holiness seriously. It is in the Holiness of God, exemplified in His people, God wants to be demonstrated within the family of God and to the world. There is the statement, “I must be regarded as holy;” a declaration of how His people should approach Him. It is in this approach to God that we will be demonstrating truth consistent with His nature.
Application
It is important to understand the seriousness of our service to the Lord, and His commitment to a “holiness” that exemplifies who He is. It is important that I, and all who serve God remember this important principle. Some might say, “That is in the Old Testament.” But I was reminded of a similar incident recorded in the New Testament. It took place when Ananias and Sapphira attempted to lie to the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of Peter’s exhortation to “Be holy, for I am holy,” a quote from Leviticus 11:44. May we be encouraged to demonstrate His holiness as we serve Him in the world today.
Prayer
Lord, I ask that you help me to take “holiness” as seriously as You do. I invite Your reminder to my heart and mind to the importance of this reality to You.
Seek And Search
Kirk Wells
2-10-09
Scripture: Acts 17:11
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those of Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
Observation:
Don’t let your own personal doctrine get in the way of God’s truths.
Application:
This is the way everyone of us should approach Christianity, with an eagerness and open-mindedness. Let God reveal those things He deems necessary for us to know.The only way He can reveal them is through the Scriptures. That’s where our commitment comes in, to find the truth by reading the Bible everyday, seeking out our unanswered questions. Everytime someone speaks about the Gospel we don’t understand, and in order to not be deceived, we must find the truth ourselves. Never completely put your faith in man, he will let you down. But, the Word of God has and will remain faithful forever!
Prayer:
Father help me to be eager, open-minded and always in your Word. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
Kirk Wells
2-10-09
Scripture: Acts 17:11
And the people of Berea were more open-minded than those of Thessalonica, and they listened eagerly to Paul’s message. They searched the scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth.
Observation:
Don’t let your own personal doctrine get in the way of God’s truths.
Application:
This is the way everyone of us should approach Christianity, with an eagerness and open-mindedness. Let God reveal those things He deems necessary for us to know.The only way He can reveal them is through the Scriptures. That’s where our commitment comes in, to find the truth by reading the Bible everyday, seeking out our unanswered questions. Everytime someone speaks about the Gospel we don’t understand, and in order to not be deceived, we must find the truth ourselves. Never completely put your faith in man, he will let you down. But, the Word of God has and will remain faithful forever!
Prayer:
Father help me to be eager, open-minded and always in your Word. In Jesus’ name. AMEN
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