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aspiritual Bible Study:Sweet Savor Offerings - Subscribe
Sweet Savor Offerings 02.01.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday February 1, 2008 and today we are beginning our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 1 -- 3. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the several types of burned offerings; the meat (meal, grain) offering and the peace offering.

The book of Leviticus was written by Moses to the people of Israel. There are 27 chapters contained within the book and the purpose of it was to show Israel how to live as a holy nation in fellowship with God and to prepare them to extend the redemptive plan of God to all nations.

The first three offerings mentioned in the first three chapters of Leviticus are called sweet savor offerings, which means they were voluntary and pleasing to God. "And the LORD called unto Moses, and spake unto him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, If any man of you bring an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd, and of the flock. If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt offering; and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him....an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD" (Leviticus 1:1-4,9b).

The first offering mentioned is called the burned offering (sacrifice). It symbolized the offerer giving his own life in full submission to God and without a selfish motive. The offering was to be a bull, lamb, goat, turtledoves, or pigeons, according to the financial ability of the offerer. "If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD. 10And if his offering be of the flocks, namely, of the sheep, or of the goats, for a burnt sacrifice; he shall bring it a male without blemish. 14And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the LORD be of fowls, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons." (1:3,10,14). If the offerer owned a herd, then he offered a bull. If, however, the offerer possessed only flocks, then his offering would be a lamb or a goat; for either of these men to offer pigeons would have been offensive to God. But, if the offerer were so poor that he did not own a herd or a flock, then an acceptable offering could be the less-expensive turtledoves or young pigeons.

The procedure for the burned offering was for the offerer to lay his hands heavily upon the head of the animal, symbolizing the transfer of sin from the guilty to the sinless, atoning for his sin. Often an ox that normally plowed in a field or pulled a cart was the sacrifice. It was chosen as a Burnt Offering sacrifice because it represented the most valuable of all clean animals. It was killed and then burned outside the gate and consumed to ashes. Only then, did it ascend to God as a sweet savour unto the Lord. There was a transformation that took place from the time the powerful ox was plowing the fields until the time it was reduced to ashes. The blood offered to God indicated that a life had been given as a substitute for the one who had sinned. This was a foreshadowing of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, who became the ultimate sacrifice to atone for all of our sins.

We, too, are like the powerful oxen, proud of our talents and abilities. But they must be reduced to ashes to become a sweet savor unto the Lord. This does not mean that we can not enjoy what we have and do, it means that God must take place before them. We can have everything we need, want, and desire just as long as we put God first.

The second offering was meat of grain or unleavened bread, "And when any will offer a meat offering unto the LORD, his offering shall be of fine flour; and he shall pour oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon: And he shall bring it to Aaron's sons the priests: and he shall take thereout his handful of the flour thereof, and of the oil thereof, with all the frankincense thereof; and the priest shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD: And the remnant of the meat offering shall be Aaron's and his sons': it is a thing most holy of the offerings of the LORD made by fire." (2:1-3). The third offering was meat offered as a peace offering, "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. And he shall lay his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation: and Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire unto the LORD;" (3:1-2).

Surrendering our will to do God's will becomes our sweet savor offering unto the Lord. By voluntarily putting Him first brings great victory into our lives.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the grain offering which was made without leaven (symbolic of sin) (Leviticus 2:11). "For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15).
Today's Psalm: 119:108
"Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 27
Dear Lord,
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock." Thank you Lord, Jesus for becoming the ulitmate sacrifice to save me from my sins. In Your mighty name, Jesus I pray......Amen.

Have a great and wonderful day/night and weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

P.S. Due to schedule conflicts I will not be able to post tomorrows lesson until the evening, sorry for any inconvience.

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aspiritual Bible Study: Sin & Meat Offerings Feb 3rd, 2008 11:17:32 am - Subscribe
Sin & Meat Offerings Feburary 2, 2008

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday February 2, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 4 -- 6. In today's lesson we will read and learn more about offerings, the sin offering; trespass offering; and further directions concerning burned offerings, meat offerings, and sin offerings. We discover how sin is confronted and how people guilty of sin can approach the holy sinless God.

There were certain conditions necessary to make a sin offering acceptable to God. Every man had to bring his own sacrifice to God. The worshipper had to offer it willingly and take a personal part by laying his hands on the head of his sacrifice to make it representative of his sins. Then he slew the animal, and the body of this sin offering was burned outside the camp. Consequently the camp would not be defiled, because, as the intermediary between God and man, the Lord dwelt in its midst. But only the priest could offer the blood sacrifice. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 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: If the priest that is anointed do sin according to the sin of the people; then let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned, a young bullock without blemish unto the LORD for a sin offering." (Leviticus 4:1-3)

In other offerings, the offerer came as a worshipper, but here he came as a convicted sinner. The sin offering was a distinct witness to the fact that sin exists within the heart of all mankind and that God has provided just one sacrifice for sin which can redeem and restore a sinner.

The sin offering typified Christ who would die in the sinner's place. Animal sacrifices served their purpose until Christ shed His sinless blood on the cross for man's sins. Today by faith, the sinner believes that Jesus died in his place and receives Christ as Savior and Lord of his life.

The meat offering was never meat but meal or grain (meat is an old English word used for food in general). It could be brought with either the burned offering or the peace offering; but it was never to be brought with the sin or trespass offerings. "And this is the law of the meat offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the LORD, before the altar. And he shall take of it his handful, of the flour of the meat offering, and of the oil thereof, and all the frankincense which is upon the meat offering, and shall burn it upon the altar for a sweet savour, even the memorial of it, unto the LORD. And the remainder thereof shall Aaron and his sons eat: with unleavened bread shall it be eaten in the holy place; in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation they shall eat it. It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my offerings made by fire; it is most holy, as is the sin offering, and as the trespass offering. All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations concerning the offerings of the LORD made by fire: every one that toucheth them shall be holy." (6:14-1cool.gif. The Lord's portion was burned on the altar, signifying that the offerer was now in a right relationship with the Most High God. The grain was usually crushed and ground into fine flour which was sometimes mixed with oil and/or frankincense, but always with salt, and then baked. Frankincense, as it burned with the offering, gave forth a satisfying odor symbolizing that the prayers and intercessions of all who are in covenant relationship with God are satisfying to Him.

While the burned offering expressed a consecration of self, the meat offering was a consecration of service. It also illustrates the life of Christ, the sinless Savior, Who laid aside His glory as the God of creation to be crushed as a grain of wheat by the mill of humiliation.

Today, we are blessed to not have to obtain God's forgiveness by sin and meat offerings. Our Lord Jesus Christ took the place of all that, He died for us and the only thing we have to do to be forgiven and seen perfect in God's eyes is to ask Him for forgiveness. However, to obtain forgiveness we can't shift blame on to others but we must confess our own sins. We must be true in our hearts and realize that we have sinned. True repentance will result in the obedience to God's Word, and will be evidenced by a transformed life that will shine far above any life that you lived without Him.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the body of the young bull which was burned outside the camp (Leviticus 4:12). This pictures Jesus as He suffered outside the gate (Hebrews 13:11-12).

Today's Psalm: 135:14
"For the LORD will judge his people, and he will repent himself concerning his servants."

Have a wonderful day/night and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Peace Offerings Feb 3rd, 2008 6:59:08 pm - Subscribe
Peace Offerings 02.03.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday Feburary 3, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 7 -- 8. In today's lesson we will read and learn about peace offerings; the regulations concerning all offerings; the ceremony of Aaron and his sons for the priesthood, and the priests' offerings.

The law of the Peace Offering is given last. It was the only offering shared by three parties, the priest, his sons, and then the offerer and his family. It was a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise and was presented for some special blessing or vow of dedication. It could also be a freewill offering for special occasions when the worshipper desired to express his praise, love, and thanksgiving to the One True Holy God. "And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which he shall offer unto the LORD. If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried. Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings. And of it he shall offer one out of the whole oblation for an heave offering unto the LORD, and it shall be the priest's that sprinkleth the blood of the peace offerings." (Leviticus 7:11-14)

The sacrifice for the peace offering was to be a bull or a ram. Birds were not acceptable for a peace offering as they were too small too share. The animal had to be unblemished, characteristic of the perfect, sinless Christ. "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, He that offereth the sacrifice of his peace offerings unto the LORD shall bring his oblation unto the LORD of the sacrifice of his peace offerings. His own hands shall bring the offerings of the LORD made by fire, the fat with the breast, it shall he bring, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the LORD. And the priest shall burn the fat upon the altar: but the breast shall be Aaron's and his sons'. And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest for an heave offering of the sacrifices of your peace offerings. He among the sons of Aaron, that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right shoulder for his part." (7:29-33). The special feature of the peace offering was the sacrificial meal wherein the priest and the worshipper shared together what was offered, and part of the offering was presented to God upon His altar, as though it were being consumed by Him. It was a joyful, fellowship feast celebrating restored peace and communication with God. After these sacrifices the worshipper was acceptable to God. What joy there is in knowing the peace of God, which passeth all understanding

The peace offering was the last one to be offered because there could be no peace or fellowship with God until all the regulations of the sin and trespass offerings had first been obeyed. In all the offerings, the Lord's portion was presented first. We are never to give the Lord what is left over after every other obligation or desire is met. We are to put Him first above all things, God provides us with everything we need, want, and desire, but in order for that to happen we need to put Him first. He loves us so much that He came down here in the flesh of Jesus Christ and became the sacrifical offering that took place of every offering (flesh and meat) for us to be forgiven and accepted as sinless in His eyes.

Trust in the Lord, put Him first and see the blessings pour in, as we live in obedience to God's Word it allows us wonderful peace and fellowship with our Savior not to mention with other believers as well. It is also a reminder that we are not to forsake each other, but to encourage each other, for we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God. "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promisedwink.gif And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." (Hebrews 10:23-25).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through Moses as he consecrated the priests who were called for the ministry of the Tabernacle (Leviticus 8:1-36). Jesus Christ is the only One who sets the believer apart for service. He even tells us today who He has called us to be a part of His ministry. "Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you." (John 15:15-16).

Today's Psalm:119:16
"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

Today's Prayer;
Dear Lord,
You bless those who follow You and delight in Your commands. In the midst of inner turmoil or outer conflict I will not be shaken for my heart remains steadfast trusting in You and Your overall plan for my life. I want to remain firmly grounded as I overcome the daily obstacles common to all who live on earth. Help me to learn the valuable lessons along the way as I press on toward the goal for which You have called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Help me to remain faithful to Your commands, to forgive others, to encourage others and not to forsake them as you have forgive me of all my sins. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and may God bless you in all the you do today.
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Importance of Obedience Feb 4th, 2008 2:31:03 pm - Subscribe
Importance of Obedience 02.04.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday February 4, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 9 -- 10. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the first offerings of Aaron; the offerings for the people; the sin and deaths of Nadab and Abihu; and the restrictions for the priesthood.

As we learned previous lessons the sin and the trespass offering were mandatory and were the first two offerings to be presented. They were required to restore the broken relationship between God and sinful man. Moses said to Aaron to offer his sin and burned offering to make an atonement for himself and to the people as the Lord had commanded. "And Moses said, This is the thing which the LORD commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the LORD shall appear unto you. And Moses said unto Aaron, Go unto the altar, and offer thy sin offering, and thy burnt offering, and make an atonement for thyself, and for the people: and offer the offering of the people, and make an atonement for them; as the LORD commanded....And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people, and blessed them, and came down from offering of the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and peace offerings. And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto all the people. 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 9:6-7,22-24).

Nadab and Abihu were sons of Aaron, the high priest. They were appointed to serve as priests, assisting him in conducting sacrifices and worship service. Some time after being consecrated as priests, they took fire for altar sacrifice as if it did not make much difference where it came from or how it was administered. Unfortuantely they died from the result of that. "And 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. Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace." (10:1-3).

What a fearful report of Nadab and Abihu who were struck dead while they thought they were serving the Lord, but they failed to recognize the importance of obedience to the authority of God's Word. Scripture points out that ignorance of the Law does not excuse failing to obey the Law of God (Romans 2:11-16). Disobedience to the will of God is sin and must be repented of and atoned for, even if the disobedience is unintentional.

How often the enthusiasm for God and activities are mixed by showing a proud spirit and seeking personal pleasure. Christians are often willing to do the will of God when it happens to coincide with their desires to get attention. They enjoy the recognition and opportunity to display their abilities and beliefs yet mixed motives and pride become great hindrances to humility and they walk away from doing God's will in the process. The basic principle of a successful life is for us to recognize that we are nothing in ourselves, everything in life that we possess is a gift from God, including life itself. Without God no matter what we have we are always searching for more because deep down we are lost and void. King Solomon who wrote the book of Ecclesiastes dedicated the entire book on the importance of keeping God in your life no matter how successful you are as all is vanity without God.

Many people choose not to follow the will of God for fear that they can not have things or obey rules in order to be accepted. The truth of the matter is that no matter who you are you have to obey some kind of rule, whether it be parents, a boss, the law, or the government, even the President has to obey rules. No one is exempt from obeying some kind of rule. However, what distiguishes Christian's from the world is that we follow a great and mighty God that not only provides us with our needs and desires He also gave us eternal life through Jesus Christ and when our time us up here on earth we will join Him in the glorious Kingdom of heaven.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the sacrifice of a lamb without defect (Leviticus 9:3). Jesus is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

Today's Psalm: 19:4
"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
Thank you for blessings me with a new day here on earth and thank you for the many blessings you give me each day. Lord, thank you for the gift of Salvation and free will. You love me so much that you have even given me the choice to follow Your will or my own. Lord, I choose this day to follow Your will for my life, walk with me, guide me and teach me Lord. Forgive me of my sins, forgive me for the ones I am aware of and the ones I have commited unintentionally. Direct my path and show me the way You intended for me go. Help me to stay focused and continue for Your glory. In Jesus' name.....I pray....Amen.

Hae a wonderful day/night and week.
God bless,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Cleansing Feb 5th, 2008 2:32:52 pm - Subscribe
Cleansing 02.05.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Tuesday February 5, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 11 -- 13. In today's lesson we will read and learn about health and dietary laws; the cleansing of women after childbirth; and the signs and laws concerning leprosy.

God has specific laws concerning clean and unclean animals, childbirth, and the dreadful leprosy (a type of sin). Over 40 times in the book of Leviticus we read, I am the LORD or I am the LORD your God; and more than six times the Lord demands that You shall be holy; for I am holy. "For I am the LORD your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 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 11:44-45). Both inward and outward, morally and spiritually, we must separate ourselves from all that defiles our bodies or suffer the consequences. The Israelites were to eat clean food; have clean bodies, clean clothes, clean houses, clean personal hygiene; and be a clean nation (chapters 11-16).

The word unclean is used more than 100 times in Leviticus. It was necessary that every unclean thing be removed from their lives. God also required that the Israelites separate themselves from heathens, idolatry, immorality, and even unsanitary habits. The people of God were not to intermarry with Gentile unbelievers. The many sacrifices, rules, and regulations given concerning what is clean and what is unclean (what defiles a person), lead us to understand how sin separates us from God.

These requirements for holy living are also a daily reminder to every Christian today. As we read through the Bible, the Holy Spirit will lead all who are true believers to daily experience the lordship of Christ over their thoughts and conduct that whatever you eat, drink, or do, do it all for the glory of God.

God left nothing to human opinions or contemporary trends. It is our responsibility to learn how God expects us to live. If we neglect reading His Word then it becomes easy to substitute human opinion for the Holy Spirit's guidance. As we compare our ways with the Word, we discover the will of God.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the clean food of the believer (Leviticus 11:1-47). Jesus is the Bread of Life and supplies us with the living water we need to be nourished in mind, body, and spirit.

Today's Psalm: 24:4-5
"He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 51
Dear Lord,
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. In Jesus' name, I pray.....Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and God bless you.
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Seperation From God Feb 6th, 2008 2:25:28 pm - Subscribe
Seperation From God 02.06.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Wednesday February 6, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus, please read Leviticus 14 -- 15. In today's lesson we will read and learn about purification after having skin diseases; signs of leprosy; uncleanness of men and women; seperation from sin; and the sacrifice for cleansing from defilements.

All lepers were consigned to isolation beyond the reach of human aid because of their disease. They would surely defile everything and everyone they touched. "He is a leprous man, he is unclean: the priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is in his head. And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be." (Leviticus 13:44-46).

The word leprosy struck terror in the heart of an Israelite for two reasons. First, the person who had leprosy became an outcast from society. He was forced to leave his home, his family, friends, and the place of worship. He was only able to exist outside the camp. When anyone went near him, the leper had to cry out the warning: Unclean, unclean. But perhaps the most horrifying reason leprosy was so feared was that there was no known cure for it. At first leprosy seems harmless, a small white or pink spot on the skin and, in its earliest stages, it is totally painless. The spot might remain for months or even years before it begins to develop further. Eventually, leprosy produces an extremely repulsive disfigurement of the entire body, including spongy tumor-like swellings on the face and head.

In the following chapters God gave specific instructions for those who were declared lepers and all people and things who were around him. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought unto the priest: ....And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days....Then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest go into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house be not made unclean: and afterward the priest shall go in to see the house: And he shall look on the plague, and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow strakes, greenish or reddish, which in sight are lower than the wall; Then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days:" (14:1-2, 8, 36-3cool.gif

Leprosy illustrates how sin may first appear as insignificant, harmless, or painless. However, like leprosy, sin immediately separates us from God and makes us unclean. People controlled by sin exist in a state of living death, they have to continue over and over again to try and make things right only to be plagued by it. However, God has given us a way to be cleansed from all that through our Lord Jesus Christ. When we turn to Christ, truly repent, and forsake our sins, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins, and to cleanse us from all sin no matter how big or small.

As we prepare for a season of reflection and atonement for our sins we learn that "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9). Once we accept that we are sinners, want to be forgiven, and want Jesus in our lives the Holy Spirit will enable us to be transformed and renew in us a right relationship with God. "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:1-2).

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the priest who made atonement for the leper (Leviticus 14:20). The priest was symbolic of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom we have now received atonement. (Romans 5:11).

Today's Psalm: 18:32
"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 27:1-6
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.
Take some time today to reflect on the year past and asked God to forgiven you of any forgotten sins as this is Ash Wednesday, the day for atonement.

Have a wonderful day/night and God bless you.
Christina

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aspiritual Jesus Said: You Have Everlasting Life Feb 6th, 2008 9:18:50 pm - Subscribe
You Have Everlasting Life 02.06.08

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." (John 3:16-18 KJV)

As we begin the season of lent God spoke to my heart about writing a message relating to Ash Wednesday. Many people mistake the reason for this special time of year. Many will follow religious traditions such as anointing their foreheads by a priest or minister with ashes, they will mourn and spend the day in sorrow in hopes to insure their salvation. Indeed the ashes represent our bodies which turn to ash when we perish. However, although our bodies may turn to ash, it is no reason to mourn as our spirits live on and join Jesus in heaven.

There is only one way to insure Salvation and that is by accepting Jesus into your heart. "But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:22-23).

Once you accept Jesus into your heart nothing can take away your Salvation. No matter how bad you have been you are not saved by your works, but by your faith. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." (Galatians 2:16). Now, with that said God still wants you to do good things, it is by following His Will that you will receive your rewards in heaven. In fact, once you accept Jesus into your heart the Holy Spirit grabs hold of you and transforms you day by day and you will find yourself eager to do God's will.

Jesus said, Whoever believes in Him (Me) shall not perish, but have everlasting life, that means eternal and forever. So, rest assure once you accept Jesus into your heart you have eternal life and do not have to keep questioning yourself. Instead of using this time to question your salvation use it as a time to ask for forgiveness of your sins from the past year and become to closer to God by cleansing yourself in His Word.

To learn more about Salvation and the Easter season please visit:
www.aspiritualguide.net/salvation.htm
www.aspiritualguide.net/abouteaster.htm

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aspiritual Bible Study: All Sins Are Forgiven Feb 7th, 2008 2:38:45 pm - Subscribe
All Sins Are Forgiven 02.07.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Thursday February 7, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus, please read Leviticus 16 -- 18. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the Day of Atonement and the scapegoat.

The Day of Atonement was the most important day in the He brew calendar. On the Day of Atonement. "And this shall be a statute for ever unto you: that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, ye shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether it be one of your own country, or a stranger that sojourneth among you: For on that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the LORD. It shall be a sabbath of rest unto you, and ye shall afflict your souls, by a statute for ever. And the priest, whom he shall anoint, and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest's office in his father's stead, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments: And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation, and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests, and for all the people of the congregation. And this shall be an everlasting statute unto you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel for all their sins once a year. And he did as the LORD commanded Moses." (Levitivus 16:29-34).

In addition, on this day, two goats were brought for the corporate sin offering. The high priest received them at the Tabernacle Door where he cast lots to select one to be sacrificed and the other to be released into the desert. The first was sacrificed as a sin offering and the second was the scapegoat. The peoples' sins for the past year were transferred to this scapegoat by the high priest laying hands on the goat. It was then led into the wilderness beyond the camp. It then departed from human view, symbolically carrying the sins of the congregation away. "And he shall take the two goats, and present them before the LORD at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. And Aaron shall bring the goat upon which the LORD's lot fell, and offer him for a sin offering. But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness." (16:7-10). The sacrificed goat represents the sufficiency of a blood sacrifice for it is the blood that makes an atonement. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin. The scapegoat represents the fact that all our sins are forgiven and forever removed as far as the east is from the west. Jesus Christ became the blood sacrifice that cleanses all our sins.

We need to realize that these two goats represent the two-fold purpose of our Lord's death on the cross. Our sins are forgiven and forever removed from God's sight. Our peace and fellowship with God are restored by the blood of Christ. Many have confessed their sinful past lives. However, not realizing this fact, many Christians continue to pray for God to forgive them many times and continue to carry the unbearable guilt of those past sins. He does not want us to carry the guilt of confessed sins. In fact, it is an insult to God as it infers we don't really believe He has forgiven us.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the two goats used on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:cool.gif. The slaying of the first goat signifies that our peace with God was restored by the blood of Christ. The scapegoat signifies that our sins are carried away and forever forgotten by the Lord.

Today's Psalm: 103:12
"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 25:1-7
Unto thee, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. O my God, I trust in thee: let me not be ashamed, let not mine enemies triumph over me. Yea, let none that wait on thee be ashamed: let them be ashamed which transgress without cause. Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old. Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

Have a great and wonderful day/night.
God Bless you,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: Love One Another Feb 8th, 2008 2:44:22 pm - Subscribe
Love One Another 02.08.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Friday February 8, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read Leviticus 19 -- 21. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the laws of holiness and justice for the people and priests; the penalties for idolatry and immorality; and the laws regarding defilement of priests.

The Law and all the ordinances were given to the nation of Israel as a means of revealing to the world the wisdom and loving kindness of our Heavenly Father. "And if a stranger sojourn (visit) with thee in your land, ye shall not vex (upset) him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in meteyard, in weight, or in measure. Just balances, just weights, a just ephah (measure), and a just hin, shall ye have: I am the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my statutes, and all my judgments, and do them: I am the LORD." (Leviticus 19:33-37).

The instructions against fraud, hatred, an unforgiving attitude, and immorality, are summed up in one Commandment: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Other Commandments call for reverence for parents and the aged and compassion for the suffering and the weak. All these reveal the loving concern of the Creator God who cares for all His people. Love in the heart of God is the source of everything that is good, His character of loving kindness should be expressed through His people. We are the means that God has chosen to express His love to the world.

Most of us, somewhere along the way, have at times thought: "How can I possibly love some people I know. However, it takes a Christian who, from his heart, seeks to manifest the nature of Christ his Savior who has forgiven his sins and loves those we consider "unloveable." It is of utmost importance that we sincerely express His love and compassion without exception. In doing so it not only blesses us it let's God know that He is in control and will handle person Himself.

The priests were to represent the Lord God before the people at all times They were also to represent Him in their own personal lives and family relationships, lest the sanctuary of God be profaned. "And the LORD said unto Moses, Speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them, There shall none be defiled for the dead among his people: But for his kin, that is near unto him, that is, for his mother, and for his father, and for his son, and for his daughter, and for his brother. And for his sister a virgin, that is nigh unto him, which hath had no husband; for her may he be defiled. But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself." (21:1-4). Since the priest represented the Most High God surely a comparable high standard of conduct should be required of an elder, minister, or pastor today who is a spiritual role model representing Christ.

The priest's right ear, right thumb, and big toe of his right foot were to be anointed with blood. The blood-anointed ear was a reminder to listen to the voice of God above all others; the blood-anointed hand was a reminder of the priests' privilege to serve in the Tabernacle; and the blood-anointed foot was a reminder to walk in obedience to the Word of God. Since the priest was the spiritual leader among his people, the sacrifice for his sins required a young bull, the most highly valued animal. In comparison, this was the same sacrifice required for all the sins of the congregation. As a representative of God, a priest who disregarded the qualifications for service shall removed from the priesthood. A spiritual leader must set the example and abstain from any conduct that might influence others to be less than their best for Christ.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the source of true guidance, in contrast to evil guidance (Leviticus 20:6-cool.gif. Jesus, who is The Truth also sent us the Spirit of Truth who guides us into all truth.

Today's Psalm: 73:24
"Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory."

Today's Prayer: From Psalm 31:1-5
In thee, O LORD, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me; deliver me speedily: be thou my strong rock, for an house of defence to save me. For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me. Pull me out of the net that they have laid privily for me: for thou art my strength. Into thine hand I commit my spirit: thou hast redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.

Have a wonderul and great day/night. TGIF! Enjoy your weekend and be blessed.
God Bless You,
Christina

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aspiritual Bible Study: The Presence of God Feb 9th, 2008 5:08:35 pm - Subscribe
Presence of God 02.09.08

Hello Friend/Guest,

It is Saturday February 9, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Leviticus. Please read, Leviticus 22-23. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the Sabbath, Passover, Day of Atonement, and other feasts.

The Passover was the first feast of the Israelites' religious year. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, Concerning the feasts of the LORD, which ye shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my feasts. Six days shall work be done: but the seventh day is the sabbath of rest, an holy convocation; ye shall do no work therein: it is the sabbath of the LORD in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of the LORD, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their seasons. In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. " (Leviticus 23:1-6). The Feast of Unleavened Bread was to remind them of the Exodus from Egypt and to also represented the sinless nature of Christ. Israel's abstinence from leaven (yeast breads) for seven days was a reminder that they were a holy people separated unto the Lord God.

It took seven weeks to harvest all the early crops, beginning with the barley that ripened in the spring. After that came the harvest of olives and the vineyards, followed by wheat, the final summer harvest. Just as there was a day of Firstfruits in the spring to indicate faith in the coming harvests, the Feast of Weeks, also known at the Feast of Harvest, expressed thankfulness for the completion of the summer wheat harvest. Later it was called Pentecost, from the Greek word pente meaning five and pent konta meaning 50. The Greek word for Pentecost is pent kost. This feast took place on the 50th day after the one sheaf (bundle) offering of the Feast of Firstfruits. "And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete: Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD." (23:15-16)

On the annual Day of Atonement the high priest offered sacri fices first for himself and then for the sins of the nation. Only then was he prepared to enter the most Holy Place to offer incense (symbolic of prayer) before Jehovah. He passed beyond the veil hidden from the people, including all other priests, and he was alone in the presence of our Creator. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a day of atonement: it shall be an holy convocation unto you; and ye shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire unto the LORD. And ye shall do no work in that same day: for it is a day of atonement, to make an atonement for you before the LORD your God. For whatsoever soul it be that shall not be afflicted in that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. And whatsoever soul it be that doeth any work in that same day, the same soul will I destroy from among his people. Ye shall do no manner of work: it shall be a statute for ever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. It shall be unto you a sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even, shall ye celebrate your sabbath." (23:26-32).

While individual Israelites under the Old Covenant did not have the privilege of coming into the presence of God, Jesus under the New Covenant has made a way for us to enter His presence any time and we are encouraged to do so with confidence. "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16). Only a few pass beyond the view of people, to be alone in the presence of God, and to take time to pray and fast as did the early church.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed in the seven great holy days of the Lord: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of Firstfruits, Feast of Pentecost, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles. Jesus Christ is our Passover sacrifice, our Bread of Life. He is the Firstfruits of them that died. And now through our Lord Jesus Christ we have received atonement for all sins. And He sent the Holy Spirit at Pentecost.

Today's Psalm: 132:11
"The LORD hath sworn in truth unto David; he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne."

Today's Prayer: Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Have a wonderfully blessed day/night and enjoy your weekend.
God Bless,
Christina

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