Grace of God – Be Still…

Psalm 19:7-14 – More Than Just Words

Why should we listen to God’s Word? The psalmist gives us eleven verses full of reasons and benefits. We can’t really deny any of these descriptions. Yet it’s almost as if they are shared in defense of God’s Word, as if God’s Word were under attack. I see evidence of such an attack all these years later, don’t you?

Some people view the Bible as a book of rules or just a collection of words. It’s much more than that. The psalmist uses words like “instructions,” “decrees,” “commandments,” “commands,” “laws,” and “a warning.” Those are some direct and descriptive words. What a good reason to pay attention! For those of us who have always wanted an “Instruction Guide for Life,” we need look no further. Continue reading “Psalm 19:7-14 – More Than Just Words”

Leviticus 16:1-34 – Day of Atonement

Read Leviticus 16:1-34

Once a year, the high priest (starting with Aaron) would enter the most holy place where God’s presence was found. The process of forgiving sins would begin. Atonement is a big “churchy” word that means payment for sins to get right with God. As we see in our text, the Day of Atonement is when animals would be sacrificed to cleanse the people from their sins.

As Christians, we know that Jesus has accomplished this work for us, and the atonement for our sins is complete in him. Before Jesus came, this yearly process was repeated year after year for the forgiveness of sins. Today, the Jewish community still celebrates this holy day, now known as Yom Kippur. Animals are no longer sacrificed, but it is a day of fasting when Jews reflect on the past year and ask God for forgiveness for their sins. Continue reading “Leviticus 16:1-34 – Day of Atonement”

Job 20:1-29 – Where’s the Grace?

Read Job 20:1-29

Zophar never comes right out and calls Job wicked, but it is implied. Again, I marvel at how much these “so called” friends of Job know about wickedness and the fate of the wicked. What do you make of their descriptions?

What is your take away from this reading today? Did you see anything to help you recognize what might be wickedness around you disguised as good? In Job’s case, he is a good man disguised as evil. At least that’s they way his friends see him. What can be reassuring is that evil will not last. As believers, we know God has the final victory. Wrath will one day fall on the wicked. Continue reading “Job 20:1-29 – Where’s the Grace?”

1 Chronicles 21:18-30 – Build an Altar

Read 1 Chronicles 21:18-30

In this reading, we learn more about Araunah the Jebusite and the angel of death that was standing by his threshing floor. You may recall in our last reading how at the last minute the Lord called off the angel’s mission of destroying Jerusalem. But the angel remained ready, with his sword drawn, bringing fear to David and Araunah.

For some reason, the angel gave David’s seer, Gad the message to build an altar right there on Araunah’s threshing floor. David was very quick to be obedient. It appears Araunah was also anxious to give the king whatever he asked for. David didn’t want to take advantage of Araunah’s generosity, so payment was made.

1 Peter 5:10-14 – God’s Grace For You

Read 1 Peter 5:10-14

God’s fingerprints are all over this text. God’s kindness is the reason we have everything we have. The inheritance God is holding for us is beyond valuable. It’s all because he sent his son, Jesus, to rescue and redeem us.

How do we respond to God when he picks us up, brushes us off, and puts us back on track, on his firm foundation? Peter gives praise! “All power to him forever! Amen.” How can we help but overflow with gratitude for the grace God extends to us!