191. Wala ka sa Lolo ko. He is grateful, he was redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

2 September 2021

“‘It must be without defect.’”

Leviticus 22

21 “‘When anyone brings from the herd or flock a fellowship offering to the Lord to fulfill a special vow or as a freewill offering, it must be without defect or blemish to be acceptable.’”

1 Peter 1

18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 

19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

We have been redeemed by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus at the cross in Calvary.

We can only offer a deep sense of gratitude for our Lord Jesus who paid the penalty for our sins, a debt we cannot pay.

"As God was setting up the rules for the Israelites on giving offerings one of the things He stated was that the offerings had to be without defect. 

Although animals are no longer offered as sacrifice or an offering to God, people do bring offerings to God.

Spending time with God in prayer is often hurried and as a last minute thought. Giving praise to God is often just a short quick praise or thanks with little to no thought or heart put into it." From https://www.google.com/amp/s/insightsfromtom website/2019/02/06/leviticus-36-offerings-without-defect/amp/

Giving Our Best

By: Xochitl Dixon

From Our Daily Bread

"The Israelites struggled with giving God their damaged goods too. When He spoke through the prophet Malachi, He rebuked the Israelites for sacrificing blind, lame, or diseased animals when they had strong animals to offer (Malachi 1:6–8). He announced His displeasure (v. 10), affirmed His worthiness, and reprimanded the Israelites for keeping the best for themselves (v. 14). But God also promised to send the Messiah, whose love and grace would transform their hearts and ignite their desire to bring offerings that would be pleasing to Him (3:1–4).

When we consider all God has done, we can rejoice in celebrating His worthiness and giving Him our very best. 

Reflect & Pray

Why are you sometimes tempted to give God your leftovers or damaged goods? In what ways will you give Him your best today?"

I owe the Lord Jesus my second life. By His grace, I live life with enormous gratitude.

One day my children's children will say, "Wala ka sa Lolo ko. He is grateful, he was redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect."

May I enjoin you to take sincere time in prayer and reading God's Word? 

The pandemic has brought so much suffering, let us implore God's compassion.

We as a people need to humble ourselves and pray and seek His face and turn from wicked ways, then He will hear from heaven and forgive our sins and heal our land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

""The multitude of your sacrifices - what are they to me?" says the LORD. "I have more than enough of burnt offerings, of rams and the fat of fattened animals; I have no pleasure in the blood of bulls and lambs and goats. Come now, let us settle the matter," says the LORD. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land" (Isaiah 1:11, 18-19). My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise (Psalm 51:17, 5, 1, 15). Lord, I praise You, I worship You, in Jesus' name. Amen.

20 January 2018"

May you be blessed with God's Word.

Maraming salamat.