February - day 21

Leviticus 16-17 - Because of our sinfulness and God's holiness, the process for purification so that Aaron could enter the presence of God was very detailed.  Because of what Jesus has done for us, we now have access to God's presence through our faith in Jesus.  By faith in Jesus, he took our sin and we got his righteousness in exchange; this is the essence of mercy and grace.  But as we recognize the grace that we have experienced, we should respond in a way that honors the holiness of God and his love for us.  It should change the way we live as we learn to experience God's presence in our lives daily.
God also gave the Israelites specific instructions for sacrifice that would set them apart from the pagan sacrifices in their culture.  Our worship of God should stand out from the way the world worships the false gods of the world.

Psalm 43 - In the midst of the storms of life and grief, we can find hope and joy in God.  He is our light and his truth will guide us to his presence where we will find peace and protection from the attacks of our spiritual enemy.

Matthew 19:16-30 - The question of the rich man was basically what do I need to do to earn eternal life.  How can I acquire it?  Wealthy people often put their hope in what they are about to attain or acquire with their wealth.  Their wealth is where they find their joy, peace, and purpose.  All the things that are meant to be found in God, many often attempt to find in money.  But that false god will fail you.  Jesus tells the man to obey the commands and he asks which one and Jesus names a few, all of which the man says he has kept.  However, when Jesus tells him to go sell everything and give the money to the poor, it exposes the man's false god.  He was not willing to abandon all in order to follow Jesus.  The reality is that many of us have something that we have struggled to fully surrender to God, so that we can full follow Jesus.  Here Jesus says this is why it is so difficult for the rich to enter the kingdom of God because they are slaves to their wealth. 

Acts 26:19-32 - Pauls message was basically the message we see throughout the New Testament - repent and turn to God.  But then Paul says that if you have done this, there should be proof in your life by how you life.  If you claim to be a follower of Jesus, is there proof in your life? Good works do not save you, but because Jesus has saved you, his grace should change you in a way that is seen in the good that you do.  Paul's purpose for sharing his faith was his desire that others would hear and believe.  For the same reason, we should be eager to share our experience with God and invite others to experience God for themselves.