He Provided for Our Purifying

Leviticus 12:5

"If a woman gives birth to a daughter, she will be ceremonially unclean for two weeks, just as she is unclean during her menstrual period. After waiting sixty-six days, she will be purified from the bleeding of childbirth."

Lord, I don't get why the waiting time for purification was twice as long for a baby girl than for a boy. Would you please help me to understand?

Matthew Henry says, "Why the time of both these was double for a female to what it is for a male I can assign no reason but the will of the law-maker; in Christ Jesus no difference is made of male and female." Gal. 3:28; Col 3:11

Henry goes on to point out that the ceremonial uncleanness represents the fact that we are all born into sin. Ps. 51:5. "And the exclusion of the woman for so many days from the sanctuary, and all participation of the holy things, signified that our original corruption (that sinning sin which we brought into the world with us) would have excluded us forever from the enjoyment of God and his favours if he had not graciously provided for our purifying."

Lord God, I praise you for providing for my purifying. Through Jesus' death on the cross you cleared a way for me to be able to enjoy you. I praise your holy name! In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

Christ Paid the Penalty

1 Peter 3:18

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit.

1 Peter 3:18

Christ Paid the Penalty

Christ Paid the Penalty

1 Timothy 2:5

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.

1 Timothy 2:5

Christ Paid the Penalty

An Eye For An Eye?

Exodus 21:23-24

But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.

Lord, you gave us this rule to keep punishments from going overboard, not to give us permission for revenge. We humans can tend to get carried away with wanting retribution when we've been wronged or injured in some way. Left to our own devices, minor arguments can quickly escalate into full on wars.

When my feelings are hurt or someone has wronged me, help me to look to YOU, Lord, instead of letting my emotions run away with me. Help me to follow Jesus' example. In, Jesus' name, amen.

1 Peter 2:21-23

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps. He never sinned, and he never deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted. When he suffered, he did not threaten to get even. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.

MEMORY VERSES

All Have Sinned

Romans 3:23

For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard.

Romans 3:23

All Have Sinned

All Have Sinned

Isaiah 53:6

All of us, like sheep, have strayed away. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.

Isaiah 53:6
All Have Sinned

I Can't Throw the Stone

John 8:7

They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!"

Lord, help me to not be quick to condemn others for their sin. I am just as sinful as anyone. It's only your grace, mercy and continual forgiveness that saves me.

Romans 8:12-14

So, dear brothers and sisters you have no obligation whatsoever to do what your sinful nature urges you to do. For if you keep on following it, you will perish. But if through the power of the Holy Spirit, you turn from it and it's evil deeds, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

As I'm learning to walk in victory and having some success in not doing what my sinful nature urges me to do, don't let me look down on others who are still struggling to learn this.

I can't help thinking of the parable of the proud Pharisee and the repentant tax collector from Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:14

"I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Lord, I praise you for pointing this out to me before it becomes a huge issue in my walk. I have looked at others, who I know have heard the Freedom Workshop message, and wondered, "Why aren't they getting this?" Lord, please forgive me for my self-righteous attitude. Next time I'm tempted to do this please remind me of what you just taught me.

Other believers are in process, just like I am. Of course, if I see a brother or sister engaging in blatant, habitual sin, then I need to lovingly and with YOUR words, rebuke them. But not when they are simply stumbling along as they strive to obey you.

I can, however, remind them to run to you. And I can share the truths from Romans 8:12-14 with brothers and sisters in Christ who may not have learned them yet.

I praise you, Jesus, for the changes you are working in me. I want to decrease so you can increase. I want to be more and more like you, who did not condemn the woman, but told her, "Go and sin no more." In Jesus' name, amen.

MEMORY VERSES

James 1:14-15

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. Those desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

James 1:14-15

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Love Not Sacrifice

Proverbs 6:4

Don't put it off; do it now! Don't rest until you do.

Proverbs 6:4

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 9:12-13

When Jesus heard this, he said, "Healthy people don't need a doctor -- sick people do." Then he added, "Now go and learn the meaning of this scripture. 'I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.' For I have come not to call those who think they are righteous but those who know they are sinners."

The Pharisees were so caught up in their self-righteous sacrifices to God that they totally missed the true purpose of worship, which is to know God and to show mercy to others.

Micah 6:6-8

What can we bring to the LORD?

Should we bring him burnt offerings?

Should we bow before God Most High

with offerings of yearling calves?

Should we offer him thousands of rams

and ten thousand rivers of olive oil?

Should we sacrifice our first born children

to pay for our sins?

No, O people, the LORD has told you what is good,

and this is what he requires of you:

to do what is right, to love mercy,

and to walk humbly with your God.

Hosea 6:6

I want you to show love,

not offer sacrifices.

I want you to know me

more than I want burnt offerings.

Lord, may I never get so caught up in serving you, that I neglect to show love to the people around me! Help me to know you and to show love. Help me to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with you. In Jesus' sweet Name, amen.

God's Intentions

Psalm 119:133

Guide my steps by your word, so I will not be overcome by evil.

Psalm 119:133

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

Matthew 5:43-44

"You have heard the law that says, 'Love your neighbor' and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!

Most of us assume that this is a contradiction of the old testament law found in Leviticus 19:18. But if you read it you will find nothing about hating your enemy.

Leviticus 19:18

Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself, I am the LORD.

Many of these old testament laws, which were intended to extend mercy, were twisted by human reasoning and tradition. They became instruments of revenge instead. Jesus was bringing us back to the mercy that was intended by the law and at the same time blasting the mindset that would misinterpret these laws for their own purposes.

Lord, help me to discern your true intentions in your word and not rely on the human reasoning and traditions that are so often attached to it, even my own. Your intentions tend toward mercy and grace leading to repentance. Please help mine to be the same. In Jesus Name, amen.