AN ACCEPTABLE OFFERING
Suggested Reading: Leviticus 9-10
(click scripture link to read online)
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in these caves in the region known as Qumran. These scrolls are a collection of 972 texts consisting of Biblical manuscripts from the Hebrew Bible and extra-Biblical documents found on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea, from which they derive their name.
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where Reynold took the photo, click HERE.
Key Verse: Leviticus 10:11
…and that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord has spoken to them by the hand of Moses.
In today’s reading, we learn about the conduct of the priests and the judgement of God on misconduct. There are most serious consequences to the failure to follow God’s instructions, particularly for those whose calling is in leadership. The priests were not to drink any intoxicating beverages. Why? They must be fully aware at all times in order to distinguish right from wrong, the holy from the unholy, and the clean from the unclean, so that they could, by example as well as words, teach the people God’s ways. How often have God’s leaders, and followers alike, lost our ability to discern what is right and then do it. The book of James should be regular reading for us, not just when our reading schedule requires it. It’s the New Testament book of Christian conduct. Consider the purpose of the Law for those who believe in Jesus… read Galatians 3:23-27.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Thank You, Lord God, that I live in the time when I know Your grace, and I am justified by faith, not by the works of the Law. May I never take careless advantage of Your forgiveness, but may I live, as my Dad prayed every day, “With the smile of Your approval on my life.” In Jesus’ Name. Amen!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I had the honour of interviewing the Hon. Joseph R. Smallwood, Premier of Newfoundland, and one of our Fathers of Canadian Confederation. He said, “I don’t drink alcoholic beverages because I may be just one drink away from becoming an alcoholic, and I don’t wish to take the chance of destroying my life and hurting everyone around me.” At 15 years old in the United Church in Brockville, I went forward to the front and signed a pledge that I would not partake of intoxicating drinks throughout my life. It was at what was called, “a temperance service.” I’ve never been sorry I did this. Keeping that promise has enabled me to minister with integrity to many alcoholics and those who became chemically dependent. I had a great, great grandfather who was an alcoholic, who lost the farm, and who simply disappeared. His son, my great grandfather, Joseph Mainse, was converted to Christ and that changed the entire direction of my family.
Yours for knowing right from wrong and the holy from the unholy,
David
Thank you for your meaningful words today.
I thank you David for your encouragement in my life. I feel blessed by your 100 words and prayers everyday.
Thank you
Yes, thank you, David, for sharing your Christian commitment to, and practice in, temperance from alcohol. I swore the same oath with the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, in Kingston.
Alcohol is an easy way for the devil to wreak havoc, and pull people into addiction, without their even realizing it. Satan laughs when he sees all the destruction he has caused. But mightier are we who hold close to the Word and cling to the Cross of Jesus.
Isn’t it amazing how the sins of father can re h down affecting generations? Likewise, the righteousness of a father can also affect future generations as is apparent in your story about your great-grandfather, David. Our Christian conduct is paramount at all times. One never knows whos eyes (or little set of eyes) are watching. We need to live a life of integrity worthy of the Bible and our Lord Jesus.
* can reach down
Thank you for shariing your christian commitment and we need to follow the example
Have a good day today
Lianne Hogg
Thank you so much for your honesty.This year,I had a lot of grief-lost my dad and my mom 4 months after.I tried alcohol for relaxing.I was controlled by what I saw when young.I can easily take a sip and stop.Praise god for his strentgh.
David,you are a remarkable man of God.Continue your blog always a blessing to read.Simple,honest with God,s words.
Thank you David for sharing so much about your life! On Sunday, I visited a church, where they intended to show a special video. The machine failed (Thank God He doesn’t!), and the Pastor was left with an hour to fill. He asked “How many of you have ever asked your Pastor for his or her testimony? Or do you assume that because they are in the ministry, that they are saved?” He then gave his own testimony – of being raised a Communist in Scotland, and his brother leading him to Christ. It was thrilling – and it gave me a new insight into Pastors. I have grown by what you have written daily, and especially by what you share from your heart! A friend (Dorothy Ozard) used to pray daily “Lord fill me so full of Your Spirit, that when I tip over, only You pour out” – along w/this, I will add your Dad’s words. God Bless you…Ellen Palser
Loved seeing where the Scrolls were found today!! Thank you for including the pictures every day!!
I go to the cardiologist today to find out the results of the ultrasound on my heart on Monday. I had a double bypass in 2006 and now (6 mos. ago) they have found a slight blockage in the bottom of my heart. This is a check up. Will find out the results at 3 p.m. today!!
Stay well yourself!!
Nancy
thank your David for your words today. I saw firsthand too much of what alcohol can do to lives and families…the effects can be far reaching like ripples on water. I am sad to say I did partake (minimally & only socially) when younger but soon realized my potential to become addicted and that frightened me and I have abstained since. I believe it was the Lord’s intervention even then although I was not walking with Him in those years.
It is so heartbreaking to see how drugs of various kinds, prescription and not, have also become a great enslaver that is ruining so many lives today.
P.S. I live in a seniors building and it is surprising to see how many of my senior neighbours are smoking marijuana on near daily basis, and not always for pain control, but as recreation with others of like mind, same as one does with alcohol, and some are even ‘dealing’ in small way, and encouraging others to smoke it too.
The Lord heals the brokenhearted as we cast all cares and concerns on Him. ” The Lord’s prayer” suffices, and the 23rd Psalm. His grace is sufficient. He will perfect that which concerns us. God is faithful. He is our help. His Love endures forever!
Thankyou so much David, for your faithfulness to this blog. Your insights to Leviticus have been a blessing, and sharing and learning with like-minded brothers and sisters in the Lord is so wonderful and heartwarming.
God bless each and every one!