One Year Bible, February 19

LEVITICUS 7:28-9:6
Aaron is "the anointed priest" (8:12). He was called of God, brought before the Lord and the people, washed, clothed, anointed, hands filled, sanctified, and crowned. His primary function was to minister to the Lord (worship). He had no inheritance but God. He was clothed in linen from head to foot (holiness and righteousness). Then he wore a blue robe, (representing Pentecost and the filling from Heaven with the Holy Ghost), that went to his knees. Over all that, he wore the ephod which went shoulders-to- waist and spoke of dwelling in the presence of God in ceaseless intercession. When he was fully clothed, he represented glorified man. "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." (Romans 8:30)

RESPONSE:   Don't forget the banqueting table! It was prepared before the Lord and eaten in His presence. Sometimes it gets eaten "in the presence of my enemies" (Psa 23:5), who have to look on while I dine with Jesus, totally satisfied. I'm sure Aaron even looked like the royal priest that he was. Very kingly in his robes, bells jingling as he walked. And why not? He served God! I always think about that when I dress for church. I wear the best that I have - because I am going to be in God's presence as His wife! I want Him to be proud of me.

MARK 3:31-4:25
Our call to follow Jesus comes BEFORE the demands of our earthly family. Jesus must be first. Those who obey God's will are all spiritual family members, regardless of any human differences.

The sower, the seed and the soil: The effect of the Word of God depends on the condition of the hearer and how it gets received. If the hearer isn't really paying attention because he is hardhearted and resistant to God, the Word doesn't penetrate. If he just listens with his head and not his heart, it won't last either because no real change took place. But sometimes the Word even penetrates the heart and we see some changes take place, but then "stuff" comes into the life, distracting them from God, taking up their time and energy, and God gets pushed to the background again. This is no secret, but it can happen to anybody. If we don't guard and act on what we already know, and keep on moving on with God, getting to know Him better, we can get to the place where the Word of God doesn't do us any good!

RESPONSE:   God, I want my heart to always be "good ground". Keep me soft and deep. Help me remember to always turn back to You when I get busy. Don't let me go more than one minute without thinking about You. I don't want ANYTHING to crowd You out - not even the things I do in Your Name.

PSALM 37:12-29
The Wicked: Their plans against the upright will come back on their own heads. Their wealth and power can't buy them what they really need. In the long-run, the wicked can't win. They lead wasted lives and finally they self-destruct, having no one to blame but themselves.

The Righteous: Although we are gnashed on by the wicked, it is only temporary, and they can't take away anything that really matters from us. We may appear to have nothing, but in reality we possess it all (the earth). In fact, when we give, we are in no way diminished! We can be cast down, but never destroyed. God never forsakes us and even our children are blessed.

PROVERBS 10:5
It is harvest NOW - so get to work! Don't be lazy or dense and miss all your opportunities!

RESPONSE:   I was knocked down, but not out! Not because I am so tough, although I might be, but because Jesus had His arms around me. HE is tough! He is also savvy and sees it all. It is much more exciting to overcome something than to have NOTHING happen to us. If my witness upsets some folks, I'm all for stirring it up! You can dislike me if you must, but DON'T YOU DARE IGNORE ME!