Lev. 10-12 [The Message]

Years ago I sang a solo in one of our Easter Musical presentations, Living Witnesses, called “There’s Life in Jesus Name.” In the chorus a lyric said, “There’s cleansing, there’s healing in Jesus name.”

Uncleanness can be made right by simply coming to Jesus. We are cleansed by His Word. Cleansing is inexorably linked to holiness.

Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. [Eph. 5:25-27]

Lev. 6-10 [The Message]

The law of Moses detailed the atonement penalty for every type of sin. It also clarified what reparation was appropriate. There was ALOT of animal killings and blood.

Christ’s sacrifice of His Life on the Cross paid the ENTIRE PENALTY for any type of sin or transgression, if only we believe on Him. Confession is also vital. We confess Christ as our Savior and we confess our sin directly to Him. We are then forgiven. [1 Jn. 1:9]

It’s God’s goodness that leads or corrals us to repentance. His Holy Spirit convicts us of our wrong-doing and we follow through by confessing it. It’s a marvelous, miraculous transaction.

Leviticus 1-5 [The Message]

There are good smells and bad smells. One of my favorite aromas is a steak cooking on the grill. God obviously likes that aroma too since that’s essentially what happened in the Tabernacle when sacrifices were made. To Him, it was a “sweet-smelling aroma.”

The aroma He is REALLY AFTER is the fragrance of a Christian’s life. [2 Cor. 2:14-17] It’s not only the deeds and actions that are seen by all, but also the thoughts and meditations of our hearts. [Ps. 19:14]

Please become familiar with the two scriptural passages given above. They help establish a life that pleases the Lord.

Ex. 40 [The Message]

I have focused on this point before in years passed, but it bears repeating.

The Cloud of God’s Glory and Presence would descend upon the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) and the Hebrews could see it. When it lifted, they knew it was time to follow it to a new location. God led them by this method.

Although we can’t really see a visible Cloud or Pillar of Fire these days, we can be aware of God’s endorsement in life’s choices. For instance, I don’t see God’s endorsement upon political candidates who favor taking the life of defenseless, unborn infants in the womb of their mother.To me, if a candidate gets it wrong on this issue, I don’t trust him/her on any decision they make. But, if they support life for the unborn, I can cut them much slack on other issues they encounter in government.

Now, go vote soon.

Ex. 39, 40 [The Message]

All the elements of the newly constructed Tabernacle of Moses were in their place and ready for service. Except … God wanted them to be anointed with oil to be set apart to be holy. The anointing was the final step.

We may feel we bring to God all the elements He needs to use us. We then need to be touched by His Holy Spirit as if anointed by oil. This comes by seeking it through prayer and consecration. The priests were first washed clean (purity of life), clothed with the appropriate vestments (clothed in the armor of God), and anointed by the Holy Ghost. This process needs to happen daily.

Ex. 33-38 [The Message]

To Bezalel and Oholiab were given BY GOD the know-how to make the worship items and furniture in the Tabernacle.

Yesterday, Patty and I attended a Survivors Reunion held for blood cancer patients who received a stem cell transplant at Northside Hospital. This amazing procedure has extended the lives of thousands of people who would already have passed from this life. I am one of them. The know-how to perform this procedure was given to Dr. Kent Holland and a handful of brilliant doctors who humbly just want to see people live. Northside Hospital has one of the best survival rates in the world for patients like me. I am fortunate to live in the Atlanta area and receive this care.

My point is this … God-given know-how is a miraculous component to life. To somebody has already been given the how-to. Seek them out for what is needed.

Ex. 32 [The Message]

Moses did much more than lead the Hebrews through the wilderness. He essentially became their advocate and intercessor before God’s throne. It’s amazing how he actually turned God’s wrath away from them after their heresy led to worshiping a golden calf.

In the same way the High Priest carried the breastplate with the 12 tribes represented by precious stones, Moses carried the well-being of the Hebrews on his heart.

For a spiritual leader, there is much more to healthy leadership than teaching or preaching etc. That leader carries the spiritual burden for the people. It’s ALWAYS with him.

Ex. 30, 31 [The Message]

One of my greatest joys when serving as Headmaster of Trinity Christian School was to observe the gifts and skills given to our students. There was no rhyme or reason as to who got what. A gift is as it is where you find it. The key is to recognize it and serve it … don’t try to change or frustrate it. For instance, it always broke my heart to see students who had a marvelous gift of music abandon that gift and instead pursue a sport they would NEVER achieve greatness in. My hope was always that they would eventually come back to using that gift and develop it. Some kids just naturally run like the wind. Others can produce a tone on an instrument that melts you, or sing like a canary.

Parents, their giftings and skills will become apparent. Work with God on that.

Ex. 29 [The Message]

Every day is a new beginning. It has a beginning, a course, and an end. Days added up to compose a life.

We sleep, eat, work, relax, and sleep again everyday. Some of us have to take medication every day. Each day is another opportunity to experience the life that God has granted to us. He always keeps up His part of the bargain …. providing the essentials for life. By right, we should reciprocate with Him.

Years ago, there was a Christian song titled, “I Miss My Time With You.” We are wise to schedule or carve out a devotional time for the Lord EVERY DAY.

Spi

Being clean on the inside refers primarily to our thought life. One of the most worthy goals of a New Testament Christian is to have a pure and clean thought life.