Leviticus 2

I'm really not sure what to say but words strike me like 'the finest flour', 'a memorial portion', repeated 'aroma pleasing', 'salt'.

i know he has purpose in all these words and yet I can't draw any comment.  help?

Leviticus 1

3 “‘If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, you are to offer a male without defect.You must present it at the entrance to the tent of meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.

In reading this chapter's description or instruction of burnt offerings I clearly see the foreshadowing of Jesus coming to take the place of this ritual.

a male without defect, burnt having to go through Hell for us and having been presented to God at the entrance of heaven on our behalf.

You have said this many times before but the bible is so perfectly woven together, it is fun to read and explore the connections.  In another study I'm doing we talked about the significance of going east, which I noted here too with the carcass of the bird being tossed that direction.  I would not have noticed this had not had it called out to me in the other study.  Going east is always in connection with going away from God or toward wickedness.


no real take today, but I enjoy developing my understanding and seeing more connections throughout the bible.

thought we could continue in the OT a bit given we have a lot more ground to cover here.
knut

Matthew 28

 ¹² When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, ¹³ telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ ¹⁴ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” ¹⁵ So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

We have the PERFECT human being in our presence.  It is obvious to all that come in contact with him, that he is different.  He is full of love.  He helps everyone around him.  He spends as much of his time with the sinners as the saints.  He doesn't discriminate.  He is unbelievable........
And yet, he is basically sold twice within 1 week.  How sad must we look from God's perspective?
Its hard to believe he is still in our corner, pulling for us.  I would have given up eons ago.

tp 

Matthew 27

14 But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.


When your integrity is perfect there really is no need to defend yourself.  Interesting how the governor was impressed, there is something about a quiet confidence that is impressive.  something to remember, if you have to tell someone how good you are...are you really that good?

have a great weekend
knut

Matthew 26

75 Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken:“Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly.


Boy this had to be a sinking feeling.  It seems ridiculous to think Peter disowned him three times, seriously how could he possibly doubt him after all he saw Jesus do and all the studying he had undoubtedly done.  So if Peter was at risk that tells me I am at risk and better work extra hard to ensure his instruction is not just in my head but truly in my heart.

our daily study has become very important to me, sure some days I probably rush through or get distracted by the early thoughts of the busy day ahead but most of the time i really value this most quiet time of my day in his word truly trying my best to learn more about what he has for me.

have a great day!
knut

Matthew 25

In verses 14-30, it talks about investment.  Wise investment vs foolish investment.  I know this isn't a literal story about the investment of money.  But, it brought to mind something I've been working really hard to do lately.  There are about a thousand money decisions that need to be made, in a week, in the life an adult american.  I always try to make sure I'm not doing something willy-nilly with our money.  I know.....kudos, right?  But, lately I've been really focussed on asking God for his advice on money and its usage.  I'm talking about everything from spending on a new fence to putting a little extra in the offering plate for the "year end gift". 
This might not sound like a new idea.  But, for me I've been looking at it differenty.  I'm not trying to think about how I think God would want me to use our money......I'm actually waiting for an answer.  Its been a fun experiment.  Sometimes God has told me to over-extend myself, and to trust him.  And you know what, its worked out everytime.  Its weird how that works, isn't it?  Other times, it becomes apparent the reason I want something has nothing to do with the furthering of his kingdom.

To me, asking a question and not really listening for answer is vastly different than asking a question and expecting a response. 
Its been a good lesson in my prayer life.

tp

Matthew 24

25 “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean.


This one struck home a little because I'm sure for the most part I do a good job of keeping a decently polished and clean outward image for others to see.  But in my heart do I do his greatest commandments of loving him and loving others?  

Well I am honestly trying, but I have a long ways to go on both counts.  We talked yesterday at church about truly having his word in your heart, not memorization but being so into it that you are always chewing on it and applying it to life.  I am loving others I do selectively, I have my relatively small group of people I show love to and others I don't know so well I shoot up a brief prayer for if they are on the prayer list but do I skip doing something for me to go help them...honestly not often.  

So I am excited to keep being focused on cleaning up my inside and as I do this more and more it should show on my outside without any extra effort.

knut