Scripture~
Leviticus 2-4, Psalm 46, Luke 10

     I have found it even more difficult to do my devotion in the morning after the family is awake; phone ringing, daughter calling, tv blaring . . . there’s got to be a time to do this and do it where I can be focused and devoted on God and His word. I may have to start getting up at six am or something . . . but this has to start happening.
     I mean no disrespect for the scripture . . . no disagreement; but I am so thankful that the old testament way of seeking forgiveness was made complete in the sacrifice of Christ. If one person sinned they had to do this if another person they did something different, if a priest sinned they did something else . . . mercy. Again I don’t mean any disrespect at all . . . just seems horribly complicated when compared to the perfect plan of Christ’s sacrifice in the fullness of God’s will. However, I have often thought that the old society’s were smarter than we give them credit. To see the detailed of the anatomies in speaking to the sacrifice in how they are handled; the detail to how kidneys, liver, entrails, dung, fat, the fat on the entrails . . . it’s almost written like a medical journal or something. Of course, again, this speaks to a book that was written by the Creator Himself, so it’s no wonder that so much knowledge is contained within it’s pages.
     The Psalm . . . what a peace that comes with this passage. Often I have found myself on the receiving end of hatred or evil, at times there’s pressure of having funds to pay bills, or making sure my family has proper medical care; but through it all, there is God. In the greenest valley’s AND the driest deserts; there is God. Ever-present, ever-knowing, ever-loving, ever . . . the peace that comes with knowing that while the world my “melt” around us . . . we serve the Lord our God, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
     The new testament passage reminds me that I am His ambassador in this world, that we “are as sheep amongst wolves”. As light that walks into and among the darkness, we are tasked with sending out peace . . . do I do this? I think for the most part, but do I always? This is cause for consideration; for review and self-evaluation. Because, even if I do everything, but I don’t speak to those who need Christ, what good am I? There are times I think the parable of the good Samaritan is more than just teaching us about being kind to our neighbors . . . I think it also speaks to . . . well, what if the world in it’s pain is the man who was beset by robbers. So I ask myself, am I the priest, the Levite, the Samaritan?

     Lord I am thankful for Your perfect will, the forgiveness plan that has purchased me from bondage to sin & death. You not only purchased me by taking my place in death; but You rose again and go with me through the mountain-tops and valleys of my life. I praise you oh God for your goodness; be with Your servant as he goes into the world, seeking to serve you daily. Thank you blessed Father