Day 62...(Leviticus 17; Psalm 62)..."From Heebie-Jeebies to Rest to All Saints"

Tonight I have mild case of the "heebie-jeebies." It just so happens I am just getting over the horrible gory images of Halloween and Leviticus teaches not to eat blood. I say absolutely no problem on that one. I think I can agree to do that! Makes you worry about why this had to be written!

In contrast by a much calmer reading...the Psalmist tells us where to find rest. "My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation;he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." The Lord is the source of perfect rest. There is a difference between rest and sleep. Sleep alone does not provide rest for the soul. Only the Lord can provide rest for the soul.

The greatest reassurance of all is ultimate rest God gives to the Saints in Heaven. All Saints Sunday is a great time to remember the Saints and their reward of rest in Heaven!

Day 61...(Leviticus 16; Psalm 61)..."The Rock Higher Than I"

Perspective is one of the greatest attributes of one growing in their walk with the Lord. A perspective of joys, problems, and even crisis all beckon us to keep life in perspecive. How do we see beyond the daily matters? Prayer, study, worship, and expansive conversations with others help us see the view from 30,000 feet above. Our spiritual growth must have an element of perpective regarding the overall view of the journey and destination. How do we find this larger view?

The Psalmist gives us an answer in one of my favorite passages... "Lead me to the rock higher than I" is a wondeful passage about perspective. A rock is solid as a foundation (Jesus teaches about this in the parable of the wise and foolish builders) The Psalm lifts up a rock as place of both foundation and inspiration. When we are in need of a greater perspective, the Lord provides rocks us to see beyond the immediate concerns and worries of the day.

Day 60...(Leviticus 15; Psalm 60)..."Restoration for Staggering People?"

The perception of far too many people is the Bible skims over "real life" and the "struggles of life." Levitus. In today's reading, you might even blush when reading Leviticus. All of the rituals of cleanliness included matters of sexual relations.

The Biblical message is especially for those who are struggling or "staggering" which is today's word selection. In Psalm 60, there is an image of a people disobient as one staggering on too much wine. We read of the despair and hope of staggering people longing for restoration.

Day 59...(Leviticus 14; Psalm 59)..."Singing Through Trouble"

Music is powerful! Music goes straight to the heart said one of my former directors of music. The spoken word can go through the mind and then the heart but music is a direct flight. Fear is also a matter of the heart. Is it any wonder the Psalmist says we can sing our way through trouble. "But I will sing of your strength in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, and my refuge in times of trouble." Our hymns along with praise and worship songs can calm our fears. My favorite hymn is "Blessed Assurance" and praise and worship song is "Strength Will Rise as we Wait Upon The Lord."

Day 58...(Leviticus 13; Psalm 58)..."Good News for Bald Men"

This is tough reading. I had to find some humor in all the regulations about infectious disease. How about giving good news for the bald. Here is the passage.

"When a man has lost his hair and is bald, he is clean. If he has lost his hair from the front of his scalp and has a bald forehead, he is clean."

Speaking of hair in the Bible I am also reminded of Sampson, "God knowing the number of hairs on our head" and also "white hair is a sign of wisdom." I am glad the bald got some love from the Scripture as well.

Day 57...(Leviticus 11; Psalm 57)..."A Purpose Filled Life'

Rick Warren wrote about the Purpose Filled Life. In Psalm 57, we have a mix of reassurance of God's protection in the disaster. Notice too God is the only One Who can reveal our purpose. The purpose filled life of God is shared this way..."Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed. I cry out to God Most High,to God, who fulfills {his purpose} for me." As Rick Warren says, God holds our life purpose in His Hands.
Have you God's purpose in your life? What do you think is your purpose?

Day 56...(Leviticus 10: Psalm 56)..."Do not Fear"

Fear is one of the most severe emotions of all. Fear can even be debilitating when the future is seen with a daunting outlook. The Scripture helps us deal with fear. Jesus says it like this..."Let not your heart be troubled or afraid." (John 14:1)

The Psalmist says it this way..."in God I trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?"

We need not fear in the Lord!

Day 55...(Leviticus 9; Psalm 55)..."The Priest Begin Their Ministry"

The worship of sacrifice continues to dominate Leviticus. Today the chapter tell of the beginning of ministry for Aaron and other priests. Is all this teaching of sacrifice relevant as we live following Jesus' death on the cross? What does this message of sacrifice mean to us today? Obviously we read these passages through the lens of the New Testament. Jesus' sacrifice is the once and for all sacrifice needed. (We will read more about that in Hebrews) Our way is through the cross. Our sacrifice comes through daily worship along with service, obedience, and discipleship. Another relevant theme is human need of atonement pointed out a few days ago. Jesus offers our sacrifice and is our atonement. When we do reach Hebrews these connections will be apparent.

The 55th Psalm leads us a wonderful conclusion..."Cast your cares on the LORD
and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall." This a great message to take away today!

Day 54...(Leviticus 8; Psalm 54)..."Triumphant Living in Troubled Times"

In today's reading do we not find the beginnings of ordination and the doctrine of atonement? Here is the passage.

Moses then said to Aaron and his sons, "Cook the meat at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting and eat it there with the bread from the basket of ordination offerings, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and his sons are to eat it.' Then burn up the rest of the meat and the bread. Do not leave the entrance to the Tent of Meeting for seven days, until the days of your ordination are completed, for your ordination will last seven days. What has been done today was commanded by the LORD to make atonement for you. You must stay at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting day and night for seven days and do what the LORD requires, so you will not die; for that is what I have been commanded." So Aaron and his sons did everything the LORD commanded through Moses.

Also, we read a powerful passage about facing trouble..."For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes." This is the kind of faith that changes the world in troubled times! Is this not a message of "Triumphant living in troubled times?"

Day 53...(Leviticus 7; Psalm 53)..."Prove that there isn't a God"

The Psalmist says..."a fool says there is no God." This verse gives me a jumping off point for something I have always thought. Why is the question of atheist worded..."prove to me there is a God?" How about flipping the question..."prove there is not a God." Is there not abundant proof of order, love, creation, faith, transformation, redemption, the soul, and the spectacular universe?

Is the main point of an atheist I cannot understand God therefore there must not be a god. Or I cannot understand the inconsistencies of the life...therefore there must not be a God. How arrogant to limit the God of creation to finite human understanding. Is this not absurd? Is God transcendence, omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscient. Is God not mysterious? The Psalmist says foolish.

The Psalm says it like this..."The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God."

Day 52...(Leviticus 6, Psalm 52)..."Offerings and the Bible"

And you thought we talked too much about offerings in the church! Look at Leviticus instructions for offerings in chapter six such as sin, burnt, and grain offering. What does this mean? Offering is priority in the order and following of God.

The Psalm reads more like a proverb today. A flaw in the human condition is stated..."Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor, you who practice deceit. You love evil rather than good, falsehood rather than speaking the truth."

What is it about the human condition that is drawn to falsehood more than truth?

We will read more about the tongue in James 3.

Day 51...(Leviticus 5; Psalm 51)..."Restore A Right Spirit"

Psalm 51 is David expressing the deep remorse of committing adultery with Bathsheba. He also sinned by orchestrating Uriah, her husband, being sent to front line of battle to be killed. David,obviously, had a soul completely out of sorts. Psalm 51, offers hope (even in the Old Testament!) that God forgives the repentant sinner. What a glorious thought that all who confess their sin can be restored. Have we ever a time when we are out of sorts? Our spirit can be restored! Here are the inspiring words...

"Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."

Amen!

Day 50...(Leviticus 4; Psalm 50)..."Thank God for Jesus"

In reading Leviticus 4, we see the burden of getting rid of unintentional sin. Can we imagine today having to find the right animal to sacrifice to rid our guilt? Intentional or not. All I can say is thank God for Jesus. Guilt is difficult enough to bear. I am grateful for the words of John 1:9..."If we confess our sins He is faithful to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Can we imagine anything but the blood of Jesus to cleanse our sins?

Day 49...(Leviticus 3; Psalm 49)..."You cannot take it with you!!"

The saying "you cannot take it with you" is brought out in the Psalm. Also, the person with riches without understanding is clueless. Our economic times needs such teaching at the forefront. Here are the words..."Do not be overawed when a man grows rich, when the splendor of his house increases; for he will take nothing with him when he dies, his splendor will not descend with him." And later..."A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish."

Are there words more needed today? Haggai, Malachi and other Books of the Old Testament will also address this subject. Wealth without understanding leads to perishing. Much like the words of Jesus..."what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?" (Matthew 16:26)

Day 48...(Leviticus 2; Psalm 48)..."Lofty Lord!"

One of the great characteristics of reading the Scripture is to encounter the loftiness of God. The Psalms help us remember God transcends our thoughts and lives. Here is one example...
Great is the LORD, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, his holy mountain. It is beautiful in its loftiness, the joy of the whole earth. Like the utmost heights of Zaphon is Mount Zion, the city of the Great King.

In my life this is one of my greatest desires is to encounter each day the loftiness of God. Zion is the city of God and is the ideal of every earthly aspiration. In the the ordinary, amid the flaws, and encountering imperfection at every corner...God's loftiness is something to aspire to. As the hymn says..."We are marching to Zion the beautiful city of God!"

Amen!

Day 47...(Leviticus 1; Psalm 47)..."Get Ready for Some Sacrifices"

We begin Leviticus today. Be ready for reading about animals that can be sacrificed and those that cannot be sacrificed! I have to admit this reading is pretty tough. We will be reading less for now. As we read less we will have time to ponder the meaning of such books as Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. I would love to hear your thoughts on books like Leviticus.

On a side note yesterday I mindlessly wrote Exodus chapter 41. I hope no one thought their Bible was missing a chapter. There is no Exodus 41.

Glad you are reading along. Hang in there through the Pentateuch.

Day 46...(Exodus 40, Psalm 46)..."When I do not know what to Pray"

On countless occasions I have been in difficult situations and I have been asked by others to pray. On several occasions I have floundered for the right words. What have I done? I have quoted Psalm 46:1..."God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble." These words have often opened moving prayers in difficult times.

Speaking of moving prayers! What about life in motion with God. How glorious to move forward only when God moves forward! The Book of Exodus closes with a great rhythm for the church. Stay still when God is still. Move forward when God moves! Here are the words..."Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. Moses could not enter the Tent of Meeting because the cloud had settled upon it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel during all their travels."

Oh Lord, be our strength in times of trouble and let us stay where you stay and go where you go!

Day 45...(Exodus 38,39; Psalm 45)..."What does an Ephod look like?"

Some chapters in the Bible are more about information than inspiration. Each time I read through these terse writings in the Book of Exodus I try to learn something. I wondered what does an Ephod look like? In Q and A Smart Beta I found the following brief description of an Ephod.

"It was in two parts—one covering the back, one the front of the body to the hips—and was fastened at the shoulders by two clasps of onyx on which were engraved the 12 tribal names, six on each. The vestment was held in at the waist by a twined linen girdle of gold, blue, purple, and scarlet; on the ephod was the breastplate with the Urim and Thummim , hung by golden chains and rings."

A United Methodist Pastor's Robe sounds simple in comparison. I do like the distribution of the 12 tribes of Israel six on each side. Any suggestions for which 12 names should go on a UMC robe?

Day 44...(Exodus 36,37; Psalm 44)..."More than Enough"

In today's economy, the church sometimes sounds like we are apologizing for taking up an offering for buildings, mission, or ministry. Where did this reluctance originate? Our Biblical heritage lays out there a different approach with a daily "freewill offering." Can we imagine giving not monthly or weekly but daily? This offering was to provide for the intricate details of the tabernacle. I marvel at how the priority of God first is lived out in these pages describing so many elaborate details for worship. Are we not missing in our culture today a sense of giving to honor God first? Is our reluctance to give not a statement of a lack of priority for worship? A willingness to give to God first produces more than enough. What does this text say to our churches today in these economic times? Does God always provide more than enough? Is the real issue our reluctance?

Here is the account...

"They received from Moses all the offerings the Israelites had brought to carry out the work of constructing the sanctuary. And the people continued to bring freewill offerings morning after morning. So all the skilled craftsmen who were doing all the work on the sanctuary left their work and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the LORD commanded to be done."

Day 43...(Exodus 34,35; Psalm 43)..."The Many Faces of Moses"

As we follow the life of Moses, we see many faces. I am not speaking of being "two faced" but as a compliment. Great leaders are able to wear many faces. Here is some of the faces of Moses. 1) a tentative face 2) courageous face 3) bold face 4) face of a leader 5) face of strength 6) a face that can look at adversity and how about one more.."a radiant face." Here is the account...

"When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. When Aaron and all the Israelites saw Moses, his face was radiant, and they were afraid to come near him." Moses had the glowing face of walking with God.

Day 42...(Exodus 32.33; Psalm 42)..."Breaking Number 1 and 2"

The Hebrews did not take long to digress, when they did not see signs of God. They wanted something seen. (a gold calf) This meant they broke commandments 1 and 2.

Moses even asked to see the glory of God. God's ways include intervention but they also include mystery. This is very evident in the passage in Exodus ...' Then Moses said, "Now show me your glory." And the LORD said, "I will cause all my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. But," he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live." Then the LORD said, "There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen."

The glory of God is awesome to behold whether we see it or not! Amen.

Day 41...(Exodus 30,31; Psalm 41)..."The Finger of God"

A mistake in the reading schedule has Exodus 30 in both yesterday's and today's reading schedule. You can read into that a divine purpose but I missed it until now. Anyway, we get a break with the reading today.

I have not noticed the conclusion of Exodus 31 before...""When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God." How awesome to witness not only God speaking but also His signature. God's Hand is near us today. Maybe not in tablets but in so many ways!

Day 40...(Exodus 29,30; Psalm 40)..."When you have a Bad Day!"

^{The Psalms do speak to our deepest emotions. How about reading Psalm 40, when you have a bad day! Listen to the transformation of moving from the pits to hope!}

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God."

Amen!!! Have great day!

Day 39...(Exodus 27,28; Psalm 39)..."Only the Phantom Knows"

My study notes in the NIV points out Psalm 39 could well be in Ecclesiastes. The tone is similar. David refuses to speak to not complicate his troubles but his anquish level increases. As his anquish increases he wants to see the view of life from 30,000 feet above. Life is short. We are but phantoms in our earthly existence. This Psalm is written with "the vanity of vanity" theme.

"Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it."

Dr. Evelyn Laycock once said..."we live as though we are earthly beings seeking a spiritual experience but instead we are spiritual beings having an earthly experience." We are all phantoms until our spiritual life is born!

Day 38...(Exodus 25,26; Psalm 38)..."Origins of Worship"

In moving into chapter 25 and 26 of Exodus, Israel continues tangible ways of spiritual formation. After the formation of the Ten Commandments, a tabernacle and ark are constructed in intricate detail. According to NIV study notes...Tabernacle means the "Dwelling Place" and the ark sybolizes the "throne of God." The reading takes on different meaning as I recall there is no "cross", Bible, communion, and the core tenants of worship. Are these chapters not the structured beginnings of Israel's need to have focal points for worship? Can we not find some of the origin or humankinds need of symbols, symbolism, and worship?

Day 37...(Exodus 23,24; Psalm 37)..."Good Words for These Economic Times"

The Psalmist gives us some great words for these trying economic times.

"I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed."

How is it that a person who always gives has plenty? Generous people do not have to beg for bread. Could our trying economic times be a call to live generous lives instead of holding on for dear life? As the Psalmist says..."I was young and now I am old" signals the "ups and downs" of many years. In all times, generous people have enough. What do you think about the relationship of generosity and trying economic times? This is a valuable teaching in these economic times!

Day 36...(Exodus 21, 22; Psalm 36)..."How Would You Have Liked to Live Pre-10 Commandments?"

Exodus 21 and 22 offer a window to the world pre 10 Commandments. I read through all of these laws and I feel sorry for Moses and the judges. Imagine the disputes that produced these laws. My favorite is leaving a pit uncovered. Truly that would be the pits!

Thank God we live in the post 10 Commandments era and the grace of Jesus is available. Brace yourself the laws are going to become more entangled in the reading ahead. We have not even read Deuteronomy yet! Thank God Jesus simplified the thousands of laws to just two!

Day 35...(Exodus 19,20; Psalm 35)..."Boundaries"

The Ten Commandments are perceived by most as only prohibitions but they are also boundaries for our own good. Imagine a culture that did not condemn murder, stealing, lying, coveting and had total disregard for father and mother! How long would we make it? Bedlam, chaos, disaster, and self-destruction would be immediate, if God's laws were completely abandoned. Society as we know it may not last a day without these boundaries.

On a positive note, willingly following the 10 Commandments and Jesus' teaching of the Sermon with the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7) give us the foundation for living at the highest level as an entire globe. Are the 10 commandments more about prohibition or boundaries? What do you think?

Day 34...(Exodus 17,18; Psalm 34)..."Heavy and Busy Hands!"

Moses hands had to stay up prevail in battle. Can you imagine the pressure of keeping your hands up to prevail? He grew tired and had to have help keeping the hands up. His hand were also full leading thousands of people. His father-in-law came to his defense and intervened..."Moses' father-in-law replied, "What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. This text has serious leadership development that we still use today. Sub-leaders to settle ordinary disputes and Moses settling the more "weighty" disputes. This action placed a better plan in Moses' hands.

We cannot do it alone either, as we too can wear ourselves out in the church. Teams and leadership were needed in the day of Moses and now!

Day 33...(Exodus 15,16; Psalm 33) ..."A Singing Day"

Moses felt like singing following the crossing of the Red Sea and the Psalmist felt like singing in Psalm 33. How about that for a theme in one day. Here is the connection...

Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD :
"I will sing to the LORD,
for he is highly exalted.
The horse and its rider
he has hurled into the sea.

The LORD is my strength and my song;
he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
my father's God, and I will exalt him.

...and the Psalm

Sing joyfully to the LORD, you righteous;
it is fitting for the upright to praise him.

Do you feel like singing today?

Day 32...(Exodus 13,14; Psalm 32)...:"Go Forward"

One of my favorite passages is when Moses instructed Israel to go forward. The people were afraid when Egypt's army pursued them. In this moment of fear, Moses would turn to the Lord. God told Moses to not be afraid, stand firm, and God will deliver. Then the charge the hill phrase..." go forward." Great words! Here is the encounter...

"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on."

Have we been stuck in our fear? Are we needing to move forward trusting God?