October 6, 2023

The issue of children disappearing and never being seen again has become common, especially for children coming across the border without a parent. Only God knows what has happened to them. Our government may close its eyes and allow the perpetrators to go unpunished, but God won't. His word is clear that those who sacrifice children for ungodly pleasures or Molech/Baal should be dealt with by the severe punishment of death. If the people don't handle the situation, or they protect them, God himself will kill them! He doesn't mince words here. 

And if the people of the land do any ways hide their eyes from the man, when he giveth of his seed unto Molech, and kill him not: Then I will set my face against that man, and against his family, and will cut him off, and all that go a whoring after him, to commit whoredom with Molech, from among their people. Leviticus 20:4-5

Unnatural sexual sin is not okay. No matter how much you dismiss or accept it as normal, God doesn't. Like any other sin, it can be forgiven because of God's grace. When Jesus heals us from our ungodliness, he tells us to go and sin no more. Is there propitiation for your sin if you keep doing it? Does the Old Testament punishment come into play at that point? I don't know, but I wouldn't want to test God on this issue. But then again, anyone who would try God by continuing their sin should be concerned about their salvation. It all goes back to setting ourselves apart for God's purpose and being holy because He is holy. Sinful behavior separates us from God and puts us against Him. That's a dangerous place to be, especially being the Old Testament punishment for sexual sin is death. 

And ye shall be holy unto me: for I the LORD am holy, and have severed you from otherpeople, that ye should be mine. Leviticus 20:26

October 5, 2023

Once Moses had taught Aaron and his sons the expectation of God upon their lives and their duties to him, he had to teach the rest of the congregation of Israel what God expected of them. Yes, he had given them the Ten Commandments, but Moses realized that the law must be repeated to concrete them in their minds; this is something you will find throughout scripture; if you read it straight through, you will notice that he restates himself often and gives us many chances to firm up his precepts in our minds. However, the most essential part of what they learned, and we need to take it seriously, is how to reverence God and love him more than anything. Because he is holy, as his children, we represent him, so he expects us to be holy. We must show the world that although we live in it, we are separated from it because Jesus has parted us out as holy. Our lives should reflect him to encourage others to join God’s kingdom. And, as often as you can, share your testimony so others know how good God is and how wonderful our Savior is for drawing us out of the filthy world and setting us apart as a holy people. 

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy. Leviticus 19:2

October 4, 2023

Unbelief will be an atrocity when that unbeliever takes their last breath, especially when they see the truth about who God is and realize there is no turning back and no longer any redemption like they had while they still lived. The most horrifying things seen on earth are no comparison to what an unbeliever will face in hell, and yet, while living, they continue in their despicable ways because they don’t believe God is the only god. And here, we in the United States, a country founded on the principles of Christianity, allowing those who proclaim the falsehood that any couple-match is acceptable love to overtake and sully our land with their abomination. Though that is not the only abomination in the eyes of God, it says a lot about who we have become in the short 200-plus years as a nation. Our only hope at this point is an intervention of God himself. We’ve gone too far down the path of destruction. The Church has been complacent in not calling out and stopping the continuation of such sin; how will God deal with us? 

The Matthew Henry Commentary says this: “Lay the ear of faith to the gates of the bottomless pit, and hear the doleful shrieks and outcries of damned sinners, whom earth has spued out and hell has swallowed, that find themselves undone, for ever undone, by sin; and tremble lest this be your portion at last. God's threatenings and judgments should frighten us from sin.”

There is a list of sexual abominations in Leviticus 18, and some are repeated in the New Testament, which shows that even though we are under the new covenant, these things are still abominable to God. 

Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination. Leviticus 18:22

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

October 3, 2023

We don’t realize how important some things are to God—for instance, blood, which is the life of any creature, according to scripture. The Israelites are fresh out of Egypt in Leviticus 17 and had picked up some bad habits of worshipping creatures rather than God, so he had to manage them by requiring that they only sacrifice animals, sheep, goats, and ox, at the door of the tabernacle. It was a big deal to kill an animal; it was against the law to treat it as if it weren’t important. After killing something, if you didn’t follow the procedure for cleansing, you would be cut off from your people, which means you die. While in Egypt, they probably followed what the Egyptians did, set up alters anywhere, and worshipped “devils,” which in the Strongs translates to “he goats.” It makes sense why Baphomet looks like a goat and children are sacrificed to him, even today. No matter how you explain it, there is only one God; anything or anyone else worshipped is the devil. God had to clarify that only he is to be worshipped, and blood is essential. The only reason we have eternal life is because Jesus poured out his blood for us on the cross; he covers our sins. Only His blood and sacrifice can give us eternal life. God’s requirement for the Israelites was a shadow of what we have in Jesus. He fulfilled that portion of the law, and no other sacrifice is required. 

And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations. Leviticus 17:7

October 2, 2023

I’m not going to lie; I wanted to skip Leviticus 15 because I thought it was gross and that no good could come from it, but I was wrong. During a church service, the pastor mentioned the woman with the issue of blood, which brought to my attention the New Testament comparison, which makes covering Leviticus 15 much more effortless. I’m always floored when the Holy Spirit throws the truth in my face. Now you can understand why I shied away from commenting on it, especially since it mentions issues with men and women! 

In biblical times, if a man or woman had trouble with bodily fluids, they were considered unclean; everything they touched, slept on, or sat on was considered unclean and must stay outside camp. Once healed, they must make an offering to cover their sin. It was quite a ritual of washing their body, clothing, and anything else their body touched. Understanding this law clarifies the story of the woman who had fought for twelve years to become healed of her bleeding. I bet she was tired of not being accepted in society and living outside the city. She shouldn’t have been near Jesus that day or around the other people. With all the crowd surrounding Jesus, imagine how many people touched her and are now considered unclean. She was desperate and knew her only chance to become healed was to touch Jesus’s garment, not making him unclean, but only the tiny part of his hem. Thank goodness for a loving Savior; he called her out, but only to show the crowd how strong her faith was. 

We are so fortunate that we do not have to follow the law of Moses with all the ritual cleansing and sacrifices and that we are part of the new covenant that only requires that we have faith and trust in Jesus. Not only that, but I’m grateful for how loving Jesus treats us, especially when we take advantage of him by sullying his garments every time we sin. Every word I read in Leviticus makes me more grateful for our Savior. 

Thus shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness; that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them. Leviticus 15:31

And he said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace. Luke 8:48

October 1, 2023

Over the last month, I’ve spent some time preparing the ground and planting seeds in the garden. I expect to harvest some vegetables by December, but others, like lettuce and greens, will be ready in a few weeks because you only harvest the outer leaves. Here in Florida, we are fortunate to harvest fresh produce year-round.

I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring; none of us do, but worldly events are escalating to the point where I need to prepare for the collapse of the supply chain and learn to provide food and medication in case of a disaster. I’ve begun canning food so it’s shelf stable in case the electrical grid is destroyed. This probably seems crazy to some, but if nothing happens, I have quick and easy heat and eat food for our meals. Jesus warned us of the impending dangers. 

The enemy has placed his people in high office, and they are currently running our country and other countries into the ground and creating chaos around the world. Get your head out of the sand and start praying and preparing. What is more crucial is that your family and friends know Jesus. Warn them, but remember that it’s up to them; loving Jesus is personal and cannot be forced. 

What’s happening now is biblical!

And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. Matthew 24:7-10

September 30, 2023

The cleansing process for someone who had leprosy, to allow them back into the temple and among society, was quite an ordeal. You can compare leprosy to sin; as we learned in the September 28, 2023 lesson, it was an act of God’s judgment upon a sinful person. The lepers were separated from everything they loved and made to live outside of camp. Though there is a lot to this procedure, one significant example of this process is the ritual of offering the doves. They were to bring two; one to sacrifice over a bowl of water where the blood mixed with the water, and then the other was to be washed in the blood and water, then released. 

Much of what we learn in the New Testament is lost because we’ve not studied the Old Testament. I am overwhelmed by the details missed because of only lingering in the New Testament. 

Initially, the leper had to go to the priest to be diagnosed with leprosy, similar to us recognizing our sinful state and being separated from God like the leper sent to dwell outside of camp. The disease could be long or short, depending on how long God intends to keep them in that state. Once healed, they were to bring the two doves to the priest. That’s when he killed one and released one. 

All this said was to prepare you for the short comparison. So, the washing of the living dove in the blood from the one that was sacrificed, and the blood mixed with water is much like the blood and water that poured out of Jesus when they pierced his side as he hung on the cross. We are like the living dove, cleansed by the living water of Jesus and set free from our sins. 

He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38

And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water: As for the living bird, he shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. Leviticus 14:5-7

September 29, 2023

According to the Jewish calendar, tonight at sunset begins the Feast of Booths, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles. It is also called a Harvest Festival by some. It is the last feast that the Lord commanded the Israelites to keep as a remembrance of their dwelling in tents when they left Egypt. It is a feast where they build a hut outside their homes and spend most of their time during the week of the feast. I would say that it’s like camping or glamping because they don’t have to sleep in it, but should have all their meals in it. 

Ye shall dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths: That your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Leviticus 23:42-43

Jesus taught in the temple during the Feast of Booths. Part of the tradition was for the men to pilgrimage to Judea. His disciples wanted him to go with them to show himself to the world, but he warned that it was not yet his time. However, he secretly departed to go there to teach in the temple after they left. He had healed a man on the Sabbath, and the people sought to kill him. The priests were known to break the sabbath law to complete the eighth-day circumcision of baby boys, but when Jesus made a man whole, they protested that doing that wasn’t allowed. Jesus pointed out their contradiction, which they didn’t like. Many people believed in him; however, the Pharisees heard some people complaining and sent an officer to arrest him, but it wasn’t his time. Jesus honored God by keeping the feast.

Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. John 7:33-34

September 28, 2023

I’ve always wondered why, when lepers approached Jesus, he didn’t flinch or mind touching them to heal them. From the scriptures in Leviticus and the commentary, it seems as though it’s not contagious but God’s judgment upon that particular person. It’s as if they wear their inward sin on the outside of their body. That’s why they must go to a priest to judge whether they are clean or unclean rather than a doctor. It makes perfect sense, as some ailments are products of worry and anxiety. Back then, the lepers had colonies and had others to commiserate with and wallow in self-pity, never to be healed. Here’s a thought: if you are in social groups that dwell on unhealthy issues, it may be a good idea to get out of them and get in a group that speaks life and peace over you rather than the negativity often produced by those who are not healed through salvation in Jesus. It is thought that leprosy came from Egypt, and those who didn’t leave the Egyptian traditions behind got it. Another point, especially for a Christ-follower, is to leave your old ways behind. Jesus set you free, so don’t return to your old ways, inviting sin to corrupt your body again. 

As a side note, they had to uncover their head but cover their upper lip, which reminds me of what the government recently did to healthy people, causing them to feel forced to wear a mask, knowing it was ineffective. Their goal was not to protect others but to demoralize and dehumanize them. Never comply with their mandates again. It was the news topic recently, but the idea seems to have disappeared as quickly as it reappeared. 

When a man shall have in the skin of his flesh a rising, a scab, or bright spot, and it be in the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy; then he shall be brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests: Leviticus 13:2

Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 1 Timothy 5:24-25

September 27, 2023

For a woman, the most painful time and the most joyful time happens simultaneously: childbirth. Before Jesus came and made us whole, women who bore a child were considered ceremonially unclean and were not allowed to enter the sanctuary until the blood from childbirth stopped flowing. After that, she must present a sin and peace offerings to the LORD; then, she will be clean. 

Now, we stay secluded to protect the newborn because of the fear of sickness and disease from other people, but we don’t have a specific timeline. God no longer separates women; we are whole because of our salvation.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:28

Now, the most joyful time in our lives doesn’t come with shame. We are purified and no longer considered unclean. The more I learn about the Old Covenant, the more I am grateful to Jesus for having set us free. Today, thank Jesus for his atoning sacrifice that has made us whole, pure, and one with him. 

And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son, or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering, unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, unto the priest: Leviticus 12:6

September 26, 2023

If ever there were laws in the Bible that I’m glad were repealed by God, it’s the laws about unclean animals because “I love me some bacon!” And though I cannot eat shellfish because it makes my throat swell and my skin itch, it is delightful to those who can eat it. Through these laws, God was teaching the children of Israel to set themselves apart from the rest of the world, but nothing that God created is unclean. There are some things in this law that you don’t have to tell me not to eat, like bugs; I won’t even touch the clean ones! Yuck! Because of Jesus, the food laws are no longer an issue, and if you eat some of the things mentioned in these laws, you are still clean and holy. It is not food that makes you holy; it is Jesus! Jesus sanctifies us because we trust in him. However, like my shellfish allergy, there are some foods that, because of our body’s reaction, we should avoid for our health, but that is not everyone’s burden. 

Enjoy the good things, and remember, everything the government proclaims as healthy may not be. The sooner you learn that they are liars, the sooner we get out of our mess. Even our food is part of the awakening process. 

For I am the LORD that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. Leviticus 11:45

Jesus said: “Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.” Matthew 15:11

September 25, 2023

There are moments in God’s word that bring astonishment, and Leviticus 10 opened my eyes about being cavalier in our calling as priests in the kingdom of God. Viewing God as always loving without respecting his majesty might be a mistake. Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, made that mistake and paid for it with their lives. The rituals of the Tabernacle were very new, and they were still learning; however, Moses had taught them what God expected and may have thought that their position exempted them from following God’s specific rules, similar to what I’ve heard some Christians use as an excuse to go ahead without permission and ask forgiveness later. That’s a bad idea and reprehensible behavior that is unbecoming of a Christ follower. If you think that God only zapped people dead in the Old Testament, remember Ananias and Sapphira, who dropped dead after lying to the disciples about how much money they got for their land? I’ve had to repent for disrespecting God’s deity and honoring him as he deserves. Yes, he is loving, but we must respect him as our Almighty Father rather than treating him as a fellow human; he expects more from us. God is not to be toyed with.

Today is The Day of Atonement. I’ve confessed to God for not showing him all due respect, honoring his majesty, and not taking my position seriously. I’m not sure why I’m still alive. I’ve repented and will try diligently not to dishonor him by my lack of respect for his position. I’m thankful he brought it to my attention so I can do better. What do you need to confess and repent to honor Jesus today on this special day? 

Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD. Leviticus 10:1-2

But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:15-16

September 24, 2023

The study of Leviticus is showing me some comparisons between our salvation in Jesus and what God required of the Israelites' rituals of sacrificial offerings. 

The Tabernacle was prepared, set, and ready, like when seeds are planted, and the Holy Spirit begins touching our hearts. The Tabernacle was cleaned and made holy, and then Aaron and the priest were consecrated. After that, Aaron made an offering for their sins and then an offering for the people's sins. While the people were watching, God appeared as a fire consuming their offering. 

And there came a fire out from before the LORD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt offering and the fat: which when all the people saw, they shouted, and fell on their faces. Leviticus 9:24

Belief in Jesus leads to salvation, baptism, consecration, and becoming clean, like the priests. Then Jesus became our sacrifice for sins; then it was animals, but now we have the more worthy offering. And upon accepting Jesus as our offering for sin, God appears in the person of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the fire of God; do not put the fire out! That would be like removing God from your life. Do you see the comparison?

Side note: Did the people scream out of shock and then fall on their faces in fear? I would have! It's like when you have those God moments when he shows you how close he is, you're overwhelmed, and fear strikes you, knowing he is paying attention to you.

September 23, 2023

Like the priestly family of Moses through Aaron, whom God chose to carry out the duties of the Tabernacle, you were also chosen when you accepted Jesus as your Savior. Then, your baptism was like being anointed into the holy priesthood, which gives you a certain responsibility to live a consecrated life, much like the Levitical Priests. Dressed impeccably in the righteous garments of Christ, you were appointed and anointed by God through Jesus to carry his light and truth, the Urim and the Thummim. The consecration of the priests included anointing with oil and smearing of blood on their right ear, right thumb, and right big toe, which is symbolic of listening to the word of God, doing his work, and walking and persevering in his ways. It seems like a heavy burden; however, Jesus implores us to leave it on his shoulders and learn from him. 

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

And he put the breastplate upon him: also he put in the breastplate the Urim and the Thummim. Leviticus 8:8

September 22, 2023

Have you had to sacrifice a relationship to maintain your peace? It may be that certain people bring you anxiety, so you have to remove them from your life to save yourself from pain. That doesn’t mean you hate them; you value your peace. Their sins against you may have created that animosity, and you have had to distance yourself from them to maintain a healthy heart. Sometimes, we have to make hard choices. We all want peace, and God knows that, so there were rules and sacrificial offerings to Him for peace in the Old Testament. Jesus came to bring peace and gave us the ultimate sacrifice.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. John 14:27

If it’s impossible to separate yourself from the one stirring up your anxiety, offer prayers for Jesus to protect your emotions as you deal with them. Jesus gave us the Holy Spirit as our comforter; hide in him when you need ultimate peace.

Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings. Leviticus 7:13

The Day of Atonement begins on Sunday evening and ends on Monday evening. Continue to pray and confess any sin that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Ultimately, a sin-free life brings peace; Jesus is the answer to that prayer. 

September 21, 2023

We had to go to Miami for business and stayed in a new high-rise downtown across from the port. It was very high-tech and took some time to get used to. Though it might seem efficient and allow more people to have a waterfront view, staying in a building with fifty stories is a little concerning. What if there was an emergency and the elevators were not working or if there was a technical glitch? That’s a lot of stairs to have to maneuver. I would be especially concerned if it were my home. I don’t even want to deal with one flight of stairs, much less 50. It had a nice pool and gym, and it was across the street from a very cool mall, but what I loved most about the trip was the drive through the Everglades. Seeing the enormous river of grass does this Florida girl’s heart some good. However, driving across a road that cuts off its flow and seeing the canals diverting the water irritates me, but I feel God will soon restore it to its former beauty. 

Do you realize that when you accepted Jesus as your Savior, God forgave your sins and restored you to the beauty you were before sin touched you? That’s why you must maintain that beauty by repenting daily. I’m a country girl and go outside without shoes. Repenting every day is similar to washing my feet when I return inside; I don’t need to wash my whole body, just my dirty feet. I’m thinking, but cannot be sure, that repenting during the days leading up to The Day of Atonement may have been a practice in getting the people used to confessing their sins daily. 

Today, if you have harmed anyone by your actions, try your best to restore them. Zaccheus, of the New Testament, who was a tax collector, made restitution to those he had taken advantage of and made an offering to God, whom he also offended by his actions. See Luke 19:8.

Or all that about which he hath sworn falsely; he shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more thereto, and give it unto him to whom it appertaineth, in the day of his trespass offering. Leviticus 6:5

September 20, 2023

Richard and I have had more than our share of court appearances. When someone doesn’t pay their rent and won’t move out, we have no choice but to seek a legal remedy, but it’s always a last resort. We are not a charitable organization, so to reclaim our property, sometimes the only remedy is to take the matter to court. When you stand before a judge, you must tell them the truth about what you know without hiding any facts. If you don’t, you become as guilty as a wrongdoer. The law God handed down to Moses for the Israelites makes it clear we still have an obligation to confess what we know today. 

And if a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness, whether he hath seen or known of it; if he do not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. Leviticus 5:1

When Jesus stood before the high priest, he kept silent until he asked whether he was the Christ, the Son of God. That’s when he confessed what he knew.

Jesus saith unto him, Thou hast said: nevertheless I say unto you, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven. Matthew 26:64

If Jesus told the truth and the consequence was death on the cross, you can tell the truth in any legal matter. You obviously won’t face death on the cross like Jesus did, at least not here in the United States. 

To participate in the days leading to the feast called The Day of Atonement or Yom Kippur, make a point to confess your sins. God wants you to take responsibility for the sins you know you committed and ask for forgiveness.

And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing: Leviticus 5:5

September 19, 2023

Even though Leviticus is a little boring, we can always glean something from it. Chapter 4 shows that God is understanding of our ignorance. He knew the people didn't comprehend every law completely, but even then, they were held accountable and must repent. If a priest or an entire congregation sins, they must sacrifice a bull. That was a pretty hefty price for sin back then. Even by the standards of today, that's a serious price. However, I noticed that a priest is held to a higher standard than a ruler. If a ruler sins, he must sacrifice a male baby goat and a common person is held to less account can sacrifice a female baby goat. 

These scriptures show why things are wonky today; common people are held more responsible for their actions than preachers or lawmakers; we don't see many of them paying the price for their sins nowadays. I'm waiting on pins and needles for that to change; what a glorious day to finally see the governing authorities pay the price for their malfeasance. Not only them, but it will also be fantastic to see the false preachers and teachers held to account for leading the common people down the wrong path. I suspect there may be a lot of unlearning that needs to take place and a relearning of the truth in our future. Wait for it; it will happen!

Today, as we approach the Day of Atonement and diligently ask forgiveness during these holy days, repent of any unintentional sin.

I can't imagine sacrificing one of these sweet cows.  

Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a soul shall sin through ignorance against any of the commandments of the LORD concerning things which ought not to be done, and shall do against any of them: Leviticus 4:2

September 18, 2023

If ever there was a moment I needed peace, it’s this morning. I’m writing my post in a waiting room with many chatty people. When I opened my Bible to the next chapter, it focused on peace. I guarantee you that it’s not a coincidence. However, being I’m in Leviticus, to get peace, you would need to slaughter an animal as a peace offering to the Lord. Thank the Lord for his ultimate sacrifice and for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit, our Comforter. Imagine being in so much turmoil that you felt the need to offer God a peace offering by cutting the throat of an animal; that’s not my idea of peacefulness. You can also see how necessary the Holy Spirit is when you observe the actions of the unbelievers and how much drama and eventful their lives are. Having Jesus is more than escaping the consequences of our sin; it is also a life lived knowing an incredible peace while living in a world contaminated by evil. I’ll bet it enrages the devil knowing we feel settled even among the chaos he created. Don’t get me wrong, we will always have some upheaval because the enemy hates that we trust in the Lord; however, even in the stresses of this world, we have the peace of the Holy Spirit that passes all understanding. If you are feeling turmoil today, ask the Lord to give you rest from your anxiety. Leave your troubles with him and realize he is in control and you are in his hands. 

Don’t forget, we are in a holy season. Make it a habit of asking forgiveness daily, but make it a point during the season of The Day of Atonement, which is just a few days away. Though it’s not a requirement for believers, as those adopted into the family of God, it couldn’t hurt to celebrate what Jesus has done for us. 

And if his oblation be a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. Leviticus 3:1

September 17, 2023

Did you know that the Lord loves country-fried steak sprinkled with salt, biscuits, and grits? It says it right in Leviticus 2. It doesn’t say he had gravy, but they could have made it with all the flour and oil poured on the altar. Also, possibly a few crackers for an appetizer. Look, I was a bit shocked, too! For him to be so royal and mighty and to know that he’s a little bit country might help us understand him better. Well, maybe I’m being a bit liberal with the scriptures, but looking at them from a different perspective might concrete them in your mind so you can understand what was happening back then. We all love to eat, and the smells from the Tabernacle during sacrificial days must have been amazing. 

It was a lot of work back then to have your sins forgiven; even then, you had to go back the following year to do it all over again. Jesus came and made the ultimate sacrifice to make repentance much easier for us; all we have to do is pray, and he washes away our transgressions on the spot. Here’s a thought: God loves the smell of the food cooking, so why not invite him to your table every time you eat? God doesn’t change, so we know he still loves country-fried steak, biscuits, and grits; don’t sit down to eat without praying to him. Invite him to join your table and thank him for his sacrifice.

Biscuits and crackers: “And if thou bring an oblation of a meat offering baken in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.” Leviticus 2:4 

Country fried steak: “And if thy oblation be a meat offering baken in the fryingpan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil.” Leviticus 2:7

With salt: “And every oblation of thy meat offering shalt thou season with salt; neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy God to be lacking from thy meat offering: with all thine offerings thou shalt offer salt.” Leviticus 2:13

Grits: “And if thou offer a meat offering of thy firstfruits unto the LORD, thou shalt offer for the meat offering of thy firstfruits green ears of corn dried by the fire, even corn beaten out of full ears.”