I don't know that I've ever cried over Leviticus---
It's hard to read while I'm thinking about how desperate I am and how does this apply?
I've been so thinking about my sin, surprised by it.
And wondering as I read a Love Letter quote:
Because Jesus offered Himself to God for my sin,
He is no longer mad at me for my sin.
I can't get over the truth that He paid for my sin and He's not mad at me for still messing up.
There's such hope for my sin this day.
I should look before me, every step.
I'm such a mess this morning---but a Saved Mess, a Glorious Mess!
We are all a work of heaven. The things only God can do---like, change us.
"Keep the fire burning. It must not go out." Leviticus 6:13.
Nine words amaze me in Mark 6: They [disciples] went out and preached that men should repent. Mark 6:13. They didn't use programs or pomp. They offered their words, cognizant of their daunting weaknesses, expecting no salary, demanding no recognition. They were very aware that the townspeople were offended by this Carpenter performing miracles. Mark 6:3. They moved not as celebrities but as servants in dependence on His Strength. They went out.
Is the church today calling people to repentance or relevance? At times, it seems we want to protect Jesus from not being liked, so we sell soft. Lower the lights. Up the beautiful music. Put on quite the performance. Make Him likable. And be sure to deliver a sermon that meets the needs and problems and diseases of everyone in the pew. What should a church be all about?
What about a sermon that changes you? Herod says he respected John---even "enjoyed listening" to him. Mark 6:20. How many enjoy the sermon and walk into their week to treat their husbands with distance; treat their co-workers with arrogance; treat their families with unkindness; treat their world with a lack of respect for the dignity of man---and never call it sin. I do---and I don't want to stay that way. We will all fail this week in our relationships---and we all can can repent and turn to God to make us new again.
PHOTO: Ezri is a work of heaven.
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