Sunday, March 3, 2013

Vows and Promises

March 3, 2013


Leviticus 27:14-34
Vows are obviously important to God and they are to be taken seriously. Not just the vow that we make to God, but vows that we make to each other such as in marriage, raising kids, dedicating our house and behavior, our money, time and talents.  Back in the day, people were held accountable for breaking vows – not in today’s world.  If one tried to break a vow, they had to pay a heavy price for it.  Now days, vows and promises are broken every day with little or no consequence.  While the person who broke the vow, such as in marriage, may be temporarily happy - indulging in a momentary weakness of the flesh while not caring about the effects on others.   Lives are destroyed.  Children are torn apart.  The vows that we break with our families and in our marriages are devastating – but nothing compared to a vow broken with God.  All of the crazy rules in Leviticus would never have been required if not for sin – our flesh gets in the way squashing our passion for the Gospel, makes us selfish with our money, and overall prevents us from truly worshiping God.

Numbers 1:1-54
Another start to the next book in the Pentateuch, and I pray that the Spirit keeps me in tune and causes me to understand the Scripture.  So, why did God number the people?  The smallest group was made the most important to take care of the tabernacle and the holy items.  I think God speaks to us in this passage to command us to be holy and honor the holiness of God in all that we do.  Only those who had been chosen were allowed to be near such holy things.  No one is worthy to have close fellowship with God, but those who are Christ’s followers have been washed by His blood and grace.  We have the Holy Spirit living inside us – we are blessed beyond measure to have what God’s chosen people back in the day never had.  As followers of Jesus we should commit our lives to preventing sin, but first preventing the temptation that leads to sin.  We should be forever cautious about being entangled in the sin of this world, and focus our minds attention and hearts affection on loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  I tie this back to the previous chapter in Leviticus – vows in marriage, and keeping ourselves from temptation that may result in breaking those vows.

Mark 11:1-25: 

As the Spirit conforms us to the image of Christ, we learn in the passage that Jesus coming into Jerusalem boldly and fearlessly shows us that He did not fear heading straight into his enemies.  If I were His disciple at that time, I probably would have been asking why Lord are we headed straight for those who want to take You down? Maybe it’s because I hate confrontation.  Only by the power of the Holy Spirit can we face our enemies in a godly way with no fear and complete trust in the Lord.  I know that He has my back and goes before me!   Jesus was looking for fruit and found none – though there should have been some hanging on the trees even though it wasn’t just the right time for harvesting.  The example He makes though is not for the trees of course – it’s for us.  I think of Christ’s return… will he find fruit in my life?  Or will I be a dried up tree?  What do they do with dried up trees????  They are thrown in the fire.  Not that I doubt my salvation, but if we are truly His – there WILL most certainly be fruit in our lives.  But for those who reject the message of Jesus – will wither without the Living Water. 

Psalm 46:1-11
Trust in His power!  Trust in His sovereignty!  We are in the battle and though Jesus we have the power to trust God and His presence in our life to see us through any storm.  He is a present help in danger!  Praise God! Jesus is our Rock and only in Him do we find firm footing. If we have the Word dwelling in us, we shall not be moved!! Lord help me trust You and not be afraid.

Proverbs 10:23
Only foolish and wicked men divert themselves with doing harm to others, or tempting to sin. 
God is so faithful to place this series of Scripture together in just the perfect time that I needed to hear it.  Constantly praying for wisdom and discernment in the most difficult life decisions.  He WILL speak to you!!!

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