Questions for Reflection for Study of Leviticus 21 – 25

Posted on November 22, 2019 by Mark Shields

Over the next few weeks, we will continue to be focused on the purpose of this blog as we continue to use it in helping us to apply His Word in our life.  I’ve found it to be a great tool in my journey through the Bible and you, my readers are keeping me accountable to daily Bible reading and study.

We live in a busy world with busy schedules and being able to share some thoughts about this journey with others across this world through the Internet is truly a blessing. Questions for Reflection will stimulate thought and offer ideas for applying biblical principles at work, at home, and in all we do.

Here is a link to all the devotionals done so far

Index of devotionals

Anyone can join in as we journey together.

Also, the concepts presented in God’s Perfect Timing offer ideas for using our time wisely and the lessons of God’s Plan for Us gives a method towards making an impact in the world in which we live.

The reading plan below will be used to hold me accountable to sharing about God’s word. As I share about my study of the book of Leviticus over the next few weeks, it’s important to have a plan. I’m thankful that Jesus is God’s plan for us and by accepting Christ as Savior; we have taken the steps necessary to make this day amazing!

Questions for Reflection

Leviticus 21
In what ways are the laws of purity for priests stricter than for the congregation? When do your daily activities conflict with what God demands of you to be holy? How do you resolve the conflict? Why? What physical characteristics disqualify Aaron’s descendants for serving at the altar? Why, do you think?

Leviticus 22
What types of uncleanness (Chapters 11-15) disqualify a normally qualified priest for serving at the altar? What types of thoughts and actions prevent you from coming into God’s presence? How can you be clean?

Leviticus 23
What offerings and activities are involved in the annual feasts observed by the Israelites? What attitudes toward God underlie the feast celebrations? In what ways do you remember and celebrate God’s care for you?

Leviticus 24
What are the daily rituals of Aaron? What is the sin of Shelomith’s son? What do you learn about God’s justice from the general law he gives in verses 18-21?

Leviticus 25
What are the attitudes which the Israelites are to show toward their neighbor? What should be your attitude toward your personal property? The poor? What are the concepts of rest, liberty, and redemption? In what ways do these concepts relate to the Sabbath? To the jubilee years?

Feel free to respond with a short note or a comment about any of the questions above. Also, I welcome any other thoughts or ideas, favorite inspirational videos, photos, or favorite Bible verses. Just add them to the comments or to a Facebook page I’ve set up at this link: This Day With God. 

Resources and Supplementary Helps Used in Posts
Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print. 
“Sermons.” Sermons | FUMC Waco. N.p., n.d. Web.  <https://fumcwaco.org/resources/sermons/>.
“Bible.” The Bible – The Word of God – ChristNotes. N.p., n.d. Web. 2017. <http://www.christianity.com/bible/>.
Nicholes, Lou. “Recent Commentaries.” Family-Times.net – Devotional Commentary Index. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.family-times.net/commentary/>.
“Bing.” Microsoft. N.p., n.d. Web. Images >.
“BibleGateway.” BibleGateway.com: A Searchable Online Bible in over 150 Versions and 50 Languages. N.p., n.d. Web. <https://www.biblegateway.com/>.

To store up thoughts that are good for the soul, listen to a sermon. Download the free app in the App Store or on Google Play. Look for First Waco.

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Praise for the Way to Peace and Eternal Bliss

Posted on November 21, 2019 by Mark Shields

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

Highlighted in the post “The Road Less Traveled” are God’s commands which allow us to receive the greatest yield on our endeavors as we journey through life. We can concentrate on what is most important.

The road less traveled leads to peace and eternal bliss. Receive a blessing from today’s inspiring video Only Jesus by Casting Crowns. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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The Less Traveled Road

Posted on November 20, 2019 by Mark Shields

Underlying all the commands in Leviticus 19 is devotion to God rather than idols. To the sanctity of God’s Law as laid out in the Ten Commandments. To have attitudes of respect to parents, the elderly, and to fellow neighbors. Common sense attitudes for a society that helps rather than harms one another.

The application of these commands has universal purpose even today. God is great and a society that follows these commands will glorify Him with a culture for greatness. The Ten Commandments allow us to pay attention to the most important issues along our journey through life together.

Just like in the day of Moses when the people created many gods, the gods we create like money, sports, job, and even family are full of promises we can’t keep but the ONE true God has come through on a promise through His Son which has opened the door to an awesome future. So let us accept this promise and take the less traveled road of self-sacrifice but the one that leads to eternal paradise.

This day with You Lord will be amazing because we will keep focused on what matters most. Each of us has a purpose You have given us and we will be available to use this purpose  for Your glory. Our attention is undivided; thankful for the path You have provided. It’s a wonderful time to give praise for the ways You have guided. Amen.

 

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Honor God with Your Bodies

Posted on November 19, 2019 by Mark Shields

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. – 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

I’m in the process of developing a Bible study tool that allows creativity and sets your imagination free. I use a reading plan of the Bible and share thoughts from these readings. Yesterday, I shared the post “Wholesome Dwelling for the Soul”.

The Bible is all about gaining wisdom because we are learning from the past, praying in the present, and listening for instructions toward the future. I also use poetry, past experiences, and photos to crystalize God’s Word in our heart so we apply it in our daily activities.

I also use music. Today’s video Beautiful Day by Jamie Grace highlights the need to let God take you away on a beautiful day by getting your worship on and trusting that things can’t go wrong. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Wholesome Dwelling for the Soul

Posted on November 18, 2019 by Mark Shields

This day with God, be the person that He desires you to be by following His instructions for they are a prescription for keeping a sound mind filled with wisdom and a sound body that makes available a wholesome dwelling for your soul.

Let us take in the commands from His Word today as we read Leviticus 18. This is the second chapter in which God deals with special areas of our life that must be respected and kept holy. The first was the sanctity of life in Leviticus 17 and now explained are basic instructions on the sanctity of sexual relations.

Obey these instructions for your own health and for the health of societies around the world. The results of obedience to God’s instructions are overall well-being for the individual and society as a whole. God wonderfully made you and wants what is good for you and He knows what is best for you more than you do.

Always strive to invest in a body through which Christ lives. Similar to a physical workout, we build muscles of faith when we study God’s word, pray, and listen for direction from the Holy Spirit.

 

This day with You Lord will be amazing as we simply do Your will. Things will fall into place because of grace. We have a Savior and are inspired to be at our best behavior; following where You lead and doing good deeds; accepting the truth and teaching our youth; learning Your ways and giving You praise. Amen.

 

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