God requires his priests to be holy – set apart from the rest of the people. They minister to a holy God for a sinful people. Because of this, they need to live under strict conditions, to be able to perform their duties. It seems too much, but it shows how difficult it is for man to be in God’s presence.

A very (very) timely reminder today that God deserves the glory, not to us, not to me. His love is steadfast, great is His faithfulness.

Man’s idols cannot speak, cannot see, cannot hear, cannot smell, cannot feel, cannot walk. Those who make and trust in them become like them.

Our God, however, is the Living God! He CAN speak, see, hear, smell, feel, walk. Those who trust in Him become like Him as well. And He wants to bless those who trusts in Him, who fears Him.

Jesus came to save us, to free us. So stand firm – we are no longer slaves to sin.

Without Jesus, sin was master over us. We were powerless to say no, we had to work our way to forgiveness. It was impossible.

Jesus came and paid the price for forgiveness, so that we are no longer required to work for our freedom – all we have to do is to accept his gift.

And what do we do with this freedom? Paul says, “through love serve one another”

“For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” “(Galatians 5:14 ESV)

Jesus also came to give us power against temptation by His example and through His Spirit in us.

How do we tap into this power? By walking in step with the Holy Spirit.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” (Galatians 5:16 ESV)

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25 ESV)

Been down with the flu, among other things.. getting back on track.

The Lord is our stronghold, shelter and shade. Which shows that troubles and trials inevitably come. But God is much stronger than the world or the enemy. Only, we need to be sure that we abide in Him. We are safe if we are in Him. We have joy in Him (a feast of rich food full of marrow, aged wine well refined, yes please). We have victory in Him – no death, no tears, no sin.

“O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you; I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, plans formed of old, faithful and sure.” (Isaiah 25:1 ESV)

Who is this ‘Molech’, or what does it represent? Could I be indadvertedly be moving my family towards this idol?

God’s commands are for God’s children. It is to sanctify – set apart – those who are His to those who are not. Therefore obeying God’s commands are not expected of those who are not His, even though it would be ideal if they did. The commands might not be popular, or might go against people’s thinking, but it is what it is. When my son will ask why we do/believe the things we do, or why we don’t do/don’t believe the things some people do – my answer will be because we belong to God. A great, powerful, loving, and real God – our Creator who has our best interests at heart.