Seasonal Rains

"If you follow My decrees and are careful to obey My commands, I will send you the seasonal rains." Leviticus 26:3-4a

Chatting with a friend last night I know she's waiting for God's "seasonal rains". It's been more than a few months now that her field has been dry. Not barrenness in relationship with God. She's good. But barrenness in results. Pouring out her all and seeing little yield, she longs to know abundance from her obedience. After all, isn't that what God promises here? She'd love any rain, if only a light shower for a short season.

My heart aches for her. I want to see God open the gates of heaven and pour out blessings. It's disappointing, when to our knowledge, we are following the Lord yet the apparent scarceness of fruit from our obedience has us discouraged. 

I think we've all been there. We've followed the Lord with the hope of seeing a particular outcome, but the expectation isn't fulfilled. We were so certain that God would provide with a harvest, but it didn't happen. Some might say, "Obviously intentions were wrong. They were only pursuing the Lord for what He would do in the end." Although that can be true, I don't believe we can attach that to all decisions. I know many motives can be genuine. The steps taken have been a direct submission to a prompting from the Lord, yet the aftermath has been unforeseen and disappointing.

To add to the heartache, "seasonal rains" seem to be falling all around, just not on us. Why is God apparently choosing to bless others while we're giving all our strength to keeping His commands with nothing changing? Feelings of rejection and failure begin to surface and if not arrested quickly can lead to a path of despair. Comparison can be deadly. Opening our computers, we watch as others are successful in the very area our longings go unfulfilled. We might not want to acknowledge or admit it, but we can be jealous over another's victory.

So, what do we do? Collapsing in defeat won't get us anywhere, but I am in favour of a good cry. We have to take time to sit with our pain, we just can't let it linger. We must not allow it to become a lifestyle. Remember our story isn't over yet. Those accomplishing great things sooner had fewer chapters. God isn't writing a short novel with us. It's going to be a classic, best seller and page-turner. We haven't been forgotten. 

"Be assured that I will send My blessing for you in the sixth year, so the land will produce a crop large enough for three years. When you plant your fields in the eighth year, you will still be eating from the large crop of the sixth year. In fact, you will still be eating from that large crop when the new crop is harvested in the ninth year." (Leviticus 25:21-22)

Never let an apparent drought determine the outcome of your obedience. God is working in the soil of your suffering. He is going to come in abundance! Rains are promised and your season is getting closer. In faith, grab your umbrella today and look up!

Praise Parties!

"Then celebrate with joy before the LORD your God..." Leviticus 23:40

I can't recall how long ago my twin sister began hosting "Praise Parties", but we've been marking our calendars with these events for several years. As an extended family, we come together to celebrate the Lord. Each attendee arrives prepared to give testimony to the goodness of God in their life. Some read scripture. Others share a God-story. The musical members might raise their praise through song. We sing. We celebrate. We rejoice. We pray. We enjoy a meal together. We eat cake and ice cream and lift high the name of Jesus. We assemble to purposefully remember and honour Him.

Scripture is filled with celebrations. The Lord desires that His children take time to think and thank. We need to pause and ponder the wonder of who God is and express gratitude for all He has done. Festivals were God's idea and His word has quite the schedule of events to commemorate all His activity and to anticipate all He is yet to do. 

Leviticus 23 speaks of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, the celebration of the First Harvest, the Festival of Harvest, the Festival of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Shelters. These each were not just one day set aside, but weeks of intentionally shifting focus to the Lord. God's call to these purposeful parties was more than food and fellowship. They each realigned His children's thoughts drawing their attention back to Him. In doing so, their hearts were encouraged in the remembering and reignited to keep trusting the Lord to provide as they moved into unknown days ahead. 

It's clear that God values celebration and He knows we need it. I believe we must rediscover the richness of God's calendar. We have to be deliberate in assembling to arrest our thoughts from the cares and chaos of life and make breathing space to anchor our hearts in the faithfulness of God, reaffirming our trust and love to Him.

Regardless of current circumstances, there is always reason to praise. Yes, some days the clouds overhead can make things appear bleak. Disappointments, heartache, fear and loss will threaten to steal our joy. Our very emotions can block our vision of who God is and all He is doing. The enemy will attempt to bury God's character and activity deep in our memories. It's vital that with determination we resolve to meditate on His greatness and goodness. 

Why not start today! Even if you're all alone, throw a personal praise party! I'm sure it will involve a little ice cream!

The Edges

"When you harvest the crops of your land, do not harvest the grain along the edges of your fields, and do not pick up what the harvesters drop. It is the same with your grape crop - do not strip every last bunch of grapes from the vines, and do not pick up the grapes that fall to the ground. Leave them for the poor and the foreigners living among you. I am the LORD your God." Leviticus 19:9-10

Entering the parking lot of the grocery store yesterday, sitting just to the side of the driveway was a woman dressed in Arab attire. Her head was hanging down and she held a sign with words written in smaller print, but I did see "help", "children" and "God bless you." It's not uncommon to see the homeless or those in need in certain areas of town, but this was the first time I've ever seen anyone at this location. As I parked the car, I was wondering her story, and thinking how I rarely carry cash anymore. With credit and debit becoming the primary means of payment during Covid, I almost never have money in my wallet.

I loved reading about the built-in provision for the needy that God commanded in Leviticus. By not completely harvesting the fields, God was making a way for the poor to come and gather food. It was the first welfare program in action. And this wasn't the only assistance the impoverished received. In Deuteronomy God commanded that every three years a special offering be collected for the relief of the poor (Deut 14:28-29, 26:12-15).

The directions in God's law not only promoted generosity in the hearts of the farmers, but the poor and the foreigner were given dignity as they actively worked to provide for their own food. They didn't have to face the embarrassment and ridicule of begging. They were compassionately looked after by the command of God.

So, back to the grocery store. Exiting the building and walking back to my car I looked over to where this woman had been just a few minutes earlier. The scene I saw was so tender to my heart. Two young women had parked near where this lady sat. They had invited her to load her meager belongings into their car. Engaged in conversation they were walking with her towards the grocery store, I'm assuming to make some purchases on her behalf. Although this was all so tender to my heart, what primarily captivated my attention was the look on the woman's face. It appeared as it every care she had was lifted. She was smiling and talking. Her head raised. It was the most beautiful scene. I wanted to run over and hug the two young women. This lady had the joy of not only having physical needs met, but the delight of being seen and the companionship of two new friends.

I'm thinking the warmth of care and conversation will last longer than the donation of any amount of cash. Today may we have eyes to see and a heart to respond to the poor and the foreigner living among us. Lord take us to the "edges" that all may encounter You.

No Longer Obvious

"So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. You must obey all My regulations and be careful to obey My decrees, for I am the LORD your God. If you obey My decrees and My regulations, you will find life through them. I am the LORD." Leviticus 18:3-5

Sometimes it's really hard to tell who is a Christ-follower and who is not. Lifestyles flow together making it difficult to differentiate between those who call themselves Christians and those who have no claim on Christ at all. One area is in the response to sexuality. 

Just recently I heard of a prominent, Christian woman's author and speaker who has not only made some choices that have deeply saddened my heart, but her attitude expressed in words on social media as she speaks of God's provision in her sin, make it sound like He is condoning and blessing the very thing His Word speaks against. Those who comment on her activity are rejoicing and praising with her. 

The lives of those living by God's Word should look vastly different than those of the world, but sadly there is no longer any obvious lifestyle distinctiveness between "Egyptians", "Canaanites" and Christians. Only a couple of days ago I was speaking with a friend who is burdened for ministerial leaders and those attending Bible studies who are consistently in God's Word, but not being transformed by it. Instead, they are neglecting His commands and not only persisting in sin, but justifying behaviour. Like the woman mentioned previously, they are wrapping sin with ribbons of God's goodness and faithfulness while ignoring His clear authority in scripture.

The key verses above are the introduction to God's instruction in Leviticus 18 on sexual conduct. We are living in an age of confused and rebellious morality. The requirements expressed here are not opinions, hopes, or suggestions, but clear directives regarding human sexuality. 

In her recent book, "Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This", Dr. Lina Abujamra writes: "What usually starts out as a small and innocent sin can quickly morph into a cascade of more shocking sins than we ever dreamed we would commit. How easily we lose control. Ironically, in every other area of our lives, we tend to be control freaks."

Why do we not pursue purity with a passion? The sin we should detest has become desirous. It's all about personal pleasure with no regard to God. We seek momentary gratification, redefining truth to justify sinful actions. Labelling everything as "grey" we find ways to express disobedience in a positive light.

Friends, we need to step into the Light. "Secrecy is the soil in which shame grows." Confessing and yielding to the Lord brings change. Self-gratification can be exchanged for Christ-magnification through honesty, confession, repentance and the power of the Holy Spirit. Let's honour the Lord with our sexuality. We can find life, abundant life, through obedience to God's Word.

Quotes taken from "Don't Tell Anyone You're Reading This: A Christian Doctor's Thoughts on Sex, Shame, and Other Troublesome Issues" by Lina Abujamra, MD, copyright 2023, Forefront Books.

Agent of Atonement

"...Through this process, the priest will purify the person before the LORD." Leviticus 14:31b

Disinfecting and washing of hands certainly has become more prevalent over the past couple of years. Nothing like a pandemic to heighten the need for sanitizing. It has become such a part of my life now that I automatically head to the bathroom sink the moment I walk in the door. It's just routine.

For anyone reading through the book of Leviticus, the laws regarding those who are ceremonially unclean can make one nauseous. The description of diseases and contaminations that need cleansing are intense. Whether a physical malady or a household mold, the issue needed attention and a priest was the one who determined diagnosis.

Once identified, a prognosis for purification was given. What may read as strange rituals to us today, were the process by which the unclean would become clean. Whether through isolation, bathing, destroying a defiled item by fire or bringing a burnt offering there were ceremonies of cleansing that needed to be followed.

Why did this cleanliness matter? The Israelites are God's chosen people and they were to be set apart from other nations. Since they were called to be holy as He is holy, these laws were a vital part of keeping them in fellowship with God. 

With the coming of Jesus Christ, a new cleansing was initiated. We all stand before the Lord "unclean". The prophet Isaiah writes, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags." (Isaiah 64:6a) We all need a washing from the Lord. In Psalm 51:2, 7 David writes, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin...Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow."

Cleansing comes from God alone. Our intermediator is not an earthly priest but a High Priest who is more concerned about inner than external purification. It's our heart that needs sanctifying. The agent of atonement is the precious blood of Jesus. It is in this cleansing alone that we are made fully clean. Christ's sacrifice on the cross, and the shedding of His blood, purifies us from all sin. Hebrews 10 tells us that Jesus is the Priest who offered for all time, one sacrifice for sins, and then sat down at the right hand of God.

A forever cleansing is possible when one acknowledges and confesses their sins, understanding Jesus died in their place, putting their faith in God alone for salvation. He was the ultimate sacrifice. Through the shedding of Christ's blood, we can now enter into fellowship with Him. 

As the old hymn lyrics ask, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb? 

Facing Fear

"But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You. I praise God for what He has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?...This I know: God is on my side! I praise God for what He has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what He has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid?" Psalm 55:3-4a, 9b-11a

Growing up in our home my mom often used an expression I never heard elsewhere. She would say that she was talking to herself like a Dutch uncle. Although it made little sense to me, I always understood when she chose to use it. A situation was before her where she needed to consciously and firmly address herself to face something that was causing hesitancy. It was a serious pep talk, spoken with determination.

Reading the words of the Psalmist David, I can almost hear him voicing these verses in a similar fashion. He had been captured by the Philistines and he is alone and afraid. Although having a history of killing a lion, a bear and a giant, he was not invincible, so in his fear he called out to the One who is all powerful and able to overcome.

There are times when we will all face fear. It's an inevitable part of living. My friend Lina Abujamra has said, "What you already know about fear is that you already know about fear." It's so true. It is common to everyone. Fear indicates that something we value is being threatened. What incites fear in me may be different than others, but we all experience situations that make us anxious. It really comes down to how we handle that fear. For some it can be debilitating, becoming all consuming. Like David, we have to learn what to do with our fear.

The Psalmist boldly declares faith in God and trust in His promises in the midst of his fear. He doesn't deny that he is afraid, but he knows who to call for the source of help and begins relying on God in the middle of his fear. Talking to himself like a Dutch uncle, he is preaching truth to himself, repeating with confidence that God is on his side! I love how he even asks himself twice, "Why should I be afraid?" With God there is no need to fear!

What are you facing today that has moved your heart to panic? It's impossible to fight fear on our own; it's a losing battle. Although it can be a protective emotion, guarding us from foolish activity, it can also be a preventive emotion, keeping us from moving forward in trusting the Lord. Our response to fear says more about us than the fact that we fear. Don't let fear be a deterrent, but an avenue for dependence. Quoting my friend Lina again, "Fear that leads you straight to God is worship." Will you choose to worship Him today?

Dart Practice

"...the real danger is wickedness within the city...It is not an enemy who taunts me - I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me - I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you - my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God." Psalm 55: 10b, 12-14

"Why is it so hard to be a Christian at a Christian school?"

The young man's words have echoed in my thoughts for years. Attending a private Christian high school this teen had anticipated finally being part of a majority with those who loved and followed the Lord. Instead, his expectations were met with physical threats from those he had hoped were pursuing Jesus with a similar passion.

It's so hard when "the real danger is wickedness within". We know as believers that the world hates us, but when those within the family of God respond and behave in ways we had not imagined, the hurt is greater. Pain is compounded when it is delivered to us from those whose faith and belief walk the same path as ours. 

Sadly, this behaviour is not contained within the halls of education. Outside the walls of these institutions, homes are actually tutoring these children in lessons that cause division. Denomination against denomination. Church against church. Preference against precept. Relativity against absolute truth. Grey against black and white as every man does what is right in their own eyes. The lines that divide us are not geographical. We don't have to look far to see the conflict still being caused by a recent epidemic, with the fall-out of friendships, not over biblical doctrine, but over vaccines and masks.

Years ago I attended an event that remains etched in my memory. To my knowledge the attendees at this celebration were all believers, yet what I witnessed broke my heart. As alcohol flowed conversation took a turn and jokes became brash, crude and questionable, I was shocked to see what the majority considered "acceptable". I felt like an outsider among my brothers and sisters in Christ. My heart ached.

Yes, it's sad when it's hard being a Christian among others Christians. When the ridicule comes from family, not foe, the pain cuts deep. Within the body of Christ we can become the target for a little dart practice, remarks hitting the bulls-eye of our hearts and we are viciously wounded. Sitting in a circle with other Christ-followers, sharing passionately and with enthusiasm what the Lord is doing in my life, the blank stares and condescending remarks cut deeper than any physical wound. The pain is not just the callus responses, but the agony that these dear friends don't seem to understand my love for the Lord.

Friends, let's be those who offer healing words. Let our actions speak of love and forgiveness. May Christ within prompt decisions today that restore relationships for His glory.

My friend Bev wrote the song below. May it minister to your heart today.