Apr 6th

Leviticus 9     Proverbs 24     Psalms 10     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

In Leviticus 9 we read about another climactic event the history of God’s people: Moses informs Aaron and his sons that the Lord is commanding them to prepare through offering sacrifices, so that the glory of the Lord may appear to them (v6). Just as in the previous chapter Aaron and his sons do everything as the Lord commanded through Moses and their obedience is rewarded: the glory of the Lord appears to all the gathered people and fire comes out of the presence of the Lord and consumes the offerings on the altar, resulting in the people shouting for joy and falling face down.

Reading the beginning of Psalm 10 after this can seem a bit like an anti-climax: the psalmist feels that God is distant and describes the arrogance of wicked men and the suffering caused by them. However he goes on to call out to God for rescue from the attacks of the unscrupulous, acknowledging that God sees trouble and grief and finishes by praising God for his justice.

Prov 24 continues warnings against the consequences of wickedness, foolishness, dishonesty and revenge and reminds the reader that God sees, judges and repays evil.

What do we need to sacrifice so that we can see the glory of the Lord?

 (members of a mums’ group)

Apr 5th

Leviticus 8     Proverbs 23     Psalms 9     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Reading Leviticus 8 I was struck by how many times the phrase “as the Lord commanded him” is repeated. It is very clear that everything in this chapter happens under God’s direction. Moses and the people of Israel listen to God and then follow His direction down to the smallest detail. Because even the smallest detail matters to God.

When we want to live fully for God and consecrate our lives, every area of our lives and every details within that matters to God. Let us seek God’s guidance and direction by His Holy Spirit every day afresh and be listening out for Him to speak into our lives – either through his written word or in other ways.

And what a wonderful God we have. Psalm 9 reminds us of that. Even when facing “enemies“ or adverse situations, we can trust that God is righteous and reigns with justice. He is a “refuge for the oppressed” and a “stronghold in times of trouble”. He will not forget the needy. Let our response be like that of the psalmist: to praise God with all my heart and tell of His wonderful deeds!

PS: In my study bible it says “The praise of God in the Psalter is rarely a private matter between the psalmist and the Lord. It is usually a public (in the temple) celebration of God’s holy virtues or of his saving acts or gracious bestowal of blessings”.

(member of a mums’ group)

Apr 4th

Leviticus 7     Proverbs 22     Psalms 7-8     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Psalm 7

David wrote this Psalm in the face of Saul attempting to take his life (Samuel 24:9-11). David, instead of striking back, asks God for justice and sings praises even in the face of potential death.  What a challenge to us! When we face difficulty how do we respond? Next time you encounter trials remember David...He:

1. takes refuge in the Lord (v1)

2. asks God to judge him according to his righteousness (v3-5)         

3. declares God Most High as his shield (v10)

4. praises the Lord (v17)

Psalm 8

What an amazing psalm of praise – declaring Gods glory and the beauty of creation. Spend time today reflecting on God’s creation and praising him for it.

Reflect also on the awesome truth that despite how small we are in the universe God cares for, loves and cherishes us. In response write your own psalm of praise to God.

(member of a mums’ group)

Apr 3rd

Leviticus 6     Proverbs 21     Psalms 5-6     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

The Lord speaks to Moses about rules for living right with the neighbour, when acknowledging guilt from wrongdoing to the neighbour, restitution is carried out via the priest as atonement and forgiveness of sins. Additional rules and regulations are mentioned for Aaron and his sons regarding the Burnt offering, Grain offering and Sin offering.

In Psalm 5 one senses a cry for help from wrongdoing by persons mentioned in verses 4-6. However verse 3 reminds us that all requests are laid down to the Lord and waiting expectantly for the Lord for the answer/s. As there is a promise “Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favour as with a shield” (verse12)

Psalm 6 starts with a cry for healing verses 2-3. Then there are tears, lots of tears of sadness described in various ways. Is there some frustration, disappointment, unhappiness that makes you weep with self pity, pour it all out to God. The following: Psalm 18 v 2, Psalm 34 v 17-19, Psalm 42 v 5, 2 Corinthians 1 v 4  or just one verse could remind us of who God is. Could it be that weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning?

Lots of tears also can be of joy, gratitude or thankfulness, think of Psalm 100.

In Proverbs 21 as well as rules and guidance there is some humour as it talks about relationships see verses 9 and 19! Read again, Proverbs 21 verses 30 and 31 and think about what these verses could mean to you.

(member of a mums’ group)

Apr 2nd

Leviticus 5     Proverbs 20     Psalms 3-4     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Leviticus 5 focuses mainly on unintentional sin. Proverbs 20 might help us to reflect on some of the areas in which we sin unintentionally. We could feel overwhelmed as the psalmist feels at the beginning of Psalms 3-4 but the atoning sacrifice has been made by Jesus and our sin has been dealt with so we can lie down and sleep in peace (ps 4:8).

However as in Psalm 4 the Lord has set apart the faithful for himself (vs 3) and calls us to search our hearts (vs 4), so we should boldly pray to God to convict us of our sin and lead us to holiness(vs 5) and then our hearts will be filled with joy (vs 7).

Reflection questions:

Ask the Lord what sins he would want to highlight in your life so that he can bring healing and wholeness through repentance, and receiving God's forgiveness and truth.

Reflect on David's ability to sleep in peace even though he is surrounded by enemies, reflect on where you may need to receive God's peace in your life.

(member of a mums’ group)

Apr 1st

Leviticus 4     Proverbs 19     Psalms 1-2     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

In Leviticus 4, The Lord gives rules and instructions to Moses for the Israelites about sin: when committed by the anointed priest, the whole Israelite community, a leader, and any member of the community, there is no perfect person. This leads one to think of atonement and value the forgiveness of sins.

In Psalm 1, verses 1 to 3 one is reminded that a person that delights in God’s law and who is able to meditate, night and day reaps benefits and is likened to a  tree by streams of living water, yielding fruit and prospering. Fed by God s word to stand strong and prosper.

In Psalm 2 reference is made to rulers and kings of the earth. When we listen or read the news about poverty, justice and unrest in certain countries do you pray and say “Blessed are all those who take refuge in the Lord”?

There are many practical things/sayings in Proverbs that apply to our daily living. Proverbs 19 v 8 refers to wisdom and understanding  However, in Proverbs 19 verse 21 “ Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

As we meditate is it just a daily action or do we listen to God? Are you seeking Gods purpose and will, then listen perhaps God is speaking to you.

 Read Psalm 119 v 105 and v133.

(members of a mums’ group)

Mar 31st

Leviticus 2-3     Proverbs 18     Judges 21     (Click on the Reference to go to the passage)

Proverbs 18 A Strong Tower

The name of the Lord is a strong tower the righteous run to it and are safe v 10

Last summer we visited a Citadel which had provided the inhabitants of the island with safety against enemy attack over hundreds of years, The Bible has much to say about the Lord being our Citadel or our Strong Tower. King David writes The Lord is my rock my fortress and my deliverer my God is my rock in whom I take refuge, my fortress refuge in times of trouble. Psalm 18 v2.

The name of the Lord means the Lord himself. His name expresses his nature and qualities ‘I am who I am’ (Ex 3 14 -15) He is strong and mighty The Almighty God, Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace the Faithful one.

 ‘The righteous run to it’, as followers of Jesus we are righteous not because of anything we have done, but because of Christ. We can run to him on all occasions and in all circumstances. In the midst of life’s most challenging times He is our rock, our strong tower, our refuge, and place of complete safety.

The story is told that in 1898 the Rev Top­la­dy was out walking in Bur­ring­ton Coombe near Cheddar Gorge and was over­tak­en by a thun­der­storm. He hid in a cleft in the limestone rock to shelter from the storm, and it was whilst he was there that wrote the well known hymn ‘Rock of Ages cleft for me. Let me hide myself in thee.’

Whatever storms face us today let us be quick to run to God, knowing that he is the Rock of Ages our Strong Tower and a place of refuge.

(husband and wife)