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Morning Devotional...


The Peace Offering

"This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that one may offer to the Lord" (v. 11).

Leviticus 7:11–21


Given the complex legislation and rituals found in the Mosaic law, it can be easy to assume there was no room for spontaneous praise under the old covenant. This would be a false assumption, however, because God has always been delighted to receive special offerings from those whose hearts have been set apart to serve Him (Deut. 10:12–22). When worshipers under the old covenant wanted to present a special offering before the Lord that was not part of those rituals for propitiation, dedication, or expiation that everyone had to offer (Lev. 1–2; 4), a peace offering was brought to the sanctuary out of the overflow of the worshiper's heart.

Today's passage describes what was involved in the peace offering, which could be given any time people wanted to celebrate the peace they enjoyed with God. The peace offering was given under three circumstances — for thanksgiving, upon the payment of a vow, or as a free expression of the worshiper's goodwill (7:11–18). Freewill offerings were given in response to God's unexpected or unsought generosity. A vow offering was brought to celebrate an answer to prayer after a person vowed to praise the Lord if He answered the worshiper's prayer. The peace offering for thanksgiving is probably better translated as a "confession" or "praise" offering that was given when someone was in dire need of deliverance. All of these peace offerings are seen in Scripture. Hannah's lavish offering when she dedicated Samuel to the Lord is an example of a peace offering given to commemorate the payment of a vow (1 Sam. 1:21–28). Psalm 22:22–31 was probably part of the liturgy that could be sung when peace offerings for deliverance or freewill peace offerings were given.

The peace offering was the only sacrifice worshipers could eat. Only part of the animal and cereal was offered up, and the rest was left for the person bringing the offering and anyone else in the vicinity of the sanctuary to consume (Lev. 7:11–18). Being at peace with God is a special occasion indeed and worthy of celebration with a great feast. For many Israelites, this may have been the only time they ever ate meat. Moreover, strict cleanliness laws had to be followed regarding the eating of the sacrifice (vv. 19–21). Though at peace with the worshiper, our Creator remained holy and could still not tolerate any impurity in His presence.

Coram Deo

The spontaneous expressions of gratitude portrayed in Israel's peace offerings remind us that we should never forget or take lightly the peace we have with our Lord. Being called and justified, each time we think on the truth that Christ has brought us peace with God we should be moved to praise Him and to declare the good things He has done for us to others. Do you view peace with God as a cause for perpetual joy?

Passages for Further Study

Genesis 31
Leviticus 3
Luke 2:8–21
Ephesians 2:11–22


From Ligonier Ministries, the teaching fellowship of R.C. Sproul.http://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/peace-offering/

Good afternoon, friends,

Buddy, I appreciate the reading about the Peace Offering.

This has been another rest day for me. May our Lord grant me the strength to carry out my duties tomorrow at the family member's funeral tomorrow.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

       

I had a post almost ready, and it went Poof!  Then when I reloaded the page, Larry's post also disappeared! 

We attended church today.  Darrel was happy to be back, and some of the men came out and helped me with the unloading of the wheelchair and pushing him up the ramp.  Bless them!

I'm not going to repeat all I had typed--too long--but we are resting today!!    Feels good, too!  My back is hurting from loading the heavy wheelchair into the car; so Darrel says next time he will just use the walker.  He's getting stronger each day, but still has quite a lot of pain in that leg.

God bless you all.

Oh, dear!  Larry's post is still missing!  I'm so sorry!  Hope someone smarter than me can put it back!

Did you miss me?  Or didn't you even know I wasn't around?

I spent last week with my #1 son and what a wonderful week it was.  He was here mostly to help with chores I can't do any more - heavy moving of things like heavy trash/garbage put out to be picked up, climbing for things like light bulbs and smoke detector batteries...  we went out to dinner one night and for another night I made his life-time favorite dinner.  In between chores we talked.  And talked.  And talked.  I dearly love my daughter-in-law and cherish time with her, but this was the first time in years I've had a one-on-one time with him and it was wonderful.

Hi everyone on a glorious day here in South Carolina.  The temperature remained in the low 90's yesterday and will do the same today.  Not much on the schedule for today except plan on attending a noon meeting.  The yard has been watered this morning as have my flowers on the porch and my other morning chores completed.  Just stopped writing to go to the fruit stand but found it had been removed, probably because it is on a property that has a big fireworks store.  Maybe it will be back in operation next week. 

Jeanne, I think I well understand how significant your few days with you son has  been.  I know I value any time I have with my son. 

Janet, my posting isn't missing it is just that this is a new week.  If you look at the end of last weeks postings you will find it.  Great that both of you were able to attend church yesterday.  Glad you asked for help with the wheelchair and hopefully Darrel with be able to use the walker by your next church day.  I just wrote to my son offering our transport chair to use with his wife as it is much, much less heavy than the wheelchair.  However, the wheels are small and it really isn't easy to push up an incline.  I had quite a bit of experience pushing Stacey in it when we took her in the car.

Ruth Ann, take care of yourself this week and try not to overdo.  Your family will understand.

Buddy, thanks for the fine devotional thought for this week.

Thanks for telling me, Larry!  I thought I had deleted your post and felt awful about it! 

I guess I get another demerit today, even though I tried to take it easier.  Darrel had three appointments, and just getting him to all of those wore me out.  We did both get a little nap this afternoon, though, so that does help.

NEWS FLASH!!!  JOHN ARRIVED THIS AFTERNOON AND PRESENTED OUR BETH WITH AN ENGAGEMENT RING!!!

Of course, she is glowing, and her smile stretches all the way across her sweet face!! I had to make another trip to town to see the ring!  I only got to say hello to John, as had to hurry home.  Someone from church was to bring us supper, but they haven't arrived yet!

If they aren't coming, I need to know that. 

I messed up, but the news is there, anyway.

YES, Jeanne, I missed you, but so happy you had that special time with your son!

Just as I was pondering whether to get help with housework ----- the household insurance went up drastically for we were anticipating it to go up - but we have had two new roofs within two years and they restained the deck for us.  Also, we went to early service and Don lifted his glasses & dropped one hearing aid - returned to the pew and someone had stepped on it.  We don't know about that yet. 

Jeanne:  I forgot - I think you offered to post a photo of the quilted wall hanging for me but now I forgot which site.   I can attach the photo to an email for you.  Was it Soda Shoppe? 

Janet!  A wedding is coming.   

Wishing everyone refreshing rest!

Carol, sorry about all the extra expenses!  Darrel lost both his hearing aids in the wreck and we couldn't find them.  So he's waiting for a VA appointment to see if they will replace them.  Also had to get new lenses in his glasses because his were ruined.  Always something to take that little bit we thought would be left, huh?  But God is our source!  Hugs to you!

Hi everyone.  It looks like another nice day here in South Carolina.  Our main activity is to get to Aldi's this morning, something we have been putting off for several days.  One of the yardmen is trimming our yard and next door the cement mixer is going already as the men are here to lay some more blocks on the foundation of the new house next door.  So it is noisy here and only just now a little after 8 pm.  Tuesdays are not a day to try to sleep in.  Our DIL was back at the doctor's yesterday and found that her pneumonia is back.  I expect she will spend a few hours with us this afternoon when our son goes to work. 

Janet, you all needed some good news and Beth's engagement obviiously fills the bill.  Did she know she was getting a ring?  Has John completed his move to Kansas now. 

Carol, sorry to hear of the accident with Don's hearing aid.  Those things are so little it isn't hard to see how that could happen.  Maybe when you all recover from these new expenses you will be able to find a housekeeper.  We are still looking as neither of the two ladies Pat left messages for has returned her calls. 

Larry and Carol, your comments regarding housekeepers make me very thankful that our Senior Center pays the housekeeper we have!  I do tip her each week, and we write a nice check to Sr. Ctr. a few times a year to help out.  We have a great Sr. Ctr.!

Darrel's first full therapy session yesterday went really well, though somewhat painful.  Anthony had him do a lot of exercises with the broken leg.  Then we saw our primary doctor, and he suggested Darrel start using weights and resist bands to strengthen his arms and upper body. I will go see Kristi and borrow the needed equipment.  When he feels up to it, I will start taking Darrel to the gym to do the exercises, so Kristi can instruct him.  It will be several more weeks until he can be out of the moon boot; then Anthony says MONTHS of therapy, to get him back 100%.  But we are so very thankful our lives were spared that day!

Today I don't have ANY appointments on the calendar!!  WOO-HOO!!  Feels so good not to have to rush around.  The church ladies didn't bring the expected supper last night, so we made do with what we had.  It would have been nice to know ahead and not after the time we usually eat, that nobody was coming.  Some kind of mix-up, I guess.  But it's okay.

I'm waiting for John to come and get his shower, then I will help Darrel get his, and then I will take mine.  In the meantime, I guess I will cut Darrel's hair.  He's looking pretty shaggy. 

I wish you all a lovely day in God's care!

Group Hug to all today.  Take care of yourselves - rest, hydrate and feed your souls.

Hi, friends,

With the funeral and visitation yesterday and then the military burial today, there was plenty of standing and walking. After eating lunch with family members today, I ended up taking a nap.

Congratulations to Beth and John!

Y'all have a good rest of the day. Take care, and know I'm listening a lot to the conversation and praying as we go.


Ruth Ann

Hi everyone.  I will be very brief today.  About 7:30 this morning I got a call from my son asking that  his mother and I come at once.  We left immediately and went to his house.  His wife, Sheila, passed away this morning sometime after 6 am.  He had given her the medicine she needed to take but she was able to get down only one pill.  When he checked on her a bit later he found her dead.  We have been with him all morning helping with arrangements with the Cremation Society.  We had to come home because Pat didn't take her medicine this morning and she needs it.  He will be coming out to the house a little later this afternoon.  Please keep our son Scott in your thoughts and prayers for a few days.  His wife has been his life and he is devastated.  I am so thankful we moved here when we did. 

Oh, Larry!  I'm so very sorry this has happened.  And I know you and Pat are thankful you were here these past months to support Scott and Sheila, and to be here for him in this time of great sorrow and need.  I will be upholding the three of you in my prayers.  Hugs to you, my friend.

Prayers for Larry, Pat and Scott and all who knew Sheila. 

Praying for Larry, his son and extended family.

I'm so saddened to read your post, Larry.  My deepest sympathy to you and Pat.

I've opened a topic where we can all share messages of condolence to Larry and Pat and Scott.

http://www.christianphotographers.com/community/index.php?topic=13331.0

Hi, friends,

With sadness we live today as we learn of Larry's news.

I'm in today and hoping to go out tomorrow to take care of some matters.

May our Lord be with each of us today.

Ruth Ann

 I amso sorry Larry i will keep y'all in my prayers

Hi everyone.  We seem to be getting a break from the heat as only to get up to 90 this afternoon but some chance of thunderstorms.  I think I will go downtown later this morning and have coffee with my friends and stop at Walmart for a few items.  There are no appointments on the calendar for today.  Scott was over and had dinner with us last evening. 

Thank you each and everyone for your kind thoughts and prayers for Scott and for Pat and I.  They are very much appreciated. 

    Larry..  It was great talking to you on the phone.  Noreen and I will be remembering you all the rest of this week and we will lift you up through our heavenly Father.  May the Lord be with you.

Janet :  It is so good to here that  Darrel' is doing so well praise the Lord and I know that he will continue to get stronger as he trust's Him.  The news's about your daughter getting engaged is wonderful  so happy for you.

To all Noreen is coming along so good and she has a machine that she uses to keep the bend in her leg and it is working right now at a 110 % bend most people have a 120 % so this is a miracle that she is able to have this after such a long time of no bending for 8 months.

  May the Lord richly bless you all.  Gordon and Noreen.

Hi, friends,

On this rainy day here in Nashville, I've been taking it easy.

Asking God to strengthen Larry and his family, and others as the needs arise.

May our Lord bless y'all today.

Ruth Ann

Larry, my thoughts and prayers have gone with you today.  May God comfort your hearts and give you peace.  Glad you got a little break from the heat.

We had a little shower this afternoon, and I thought it just a sprinkle, but wwhen I went out to get the mail, our gauge showed a quarter of an inch! 

My sweet Abby went and bought the groceries we need for the family gathering this weekend and brought them up so we could put them in our refrigerator (no room in theirs!)  She also volunteered to do the grilling, as Darrel cannot stand yet, or not very long.  No weight yet on the broken leg!  What a wonderful Girl Abby has grown up to be!   

Church friends brought us sloppy Joes, cut-up veggies, chips and dip and a lemonade pie for supper!  And it's plenty for some more meals, too.  What a blessing.  I am washed out by noon every day, so afternoons are really hard, and not having to cook helps so much.

See you later!

Just had to post this to Larry.....I am so sorry to hear of your son's loss.  It is never a good time to lose someone.

Hi everyone on a rainy Friday morning.  Since about 4 pm yesterday we have had an inch of rain, which is much appreciated.  We have a good chance of further rain in the next day or so.  Yesterday evening we met Scott at Appleby's for a good dinner.  He had actually had some good news yesterday as he started to deal with the business matters always associated with someone's death.    I won't go into details as that is his business but just say some of the worries he was facing have been eliminated at this time.  Today I am going to go with him to the Cremation Society to finish up the needed paperwork and pay for their service.  I think that will be it for activities today. 

Gord, as always I enjoyed our conversation and was so glad you called.  Great news on Noreen's recovery.  I know the rehab portion is a task but sounds like she will soon have a complete range of motion. 

Ruth Ann, some of that rain you have been having finally got over to us.  Glad you were able to take things easy yesterday. 

Janet, I know every drop of rain in your area is much appreciated and a quarter inch is a nice amount.  What a sweet gesture by Abby to get the groceries and to offer to do the grilling.  I sure know how much those meals brought in by friends help out during times like you are experiencing. 

Ed, thanks for your comment and you are right in that even though one can sometimes almost see this coming we are really never prepared for the actual event. 

I want to wish you all a happy and FREE Independence Day tomorrow!

Hope I feel less tired next week.

Hi, friends,

Well, it was a long day today. I took the disabled lady to Walmart, which took 7 hours. Then, a stop at a good barbecue restaurant for sandwiches and soft drinks.

Taking the groceries out of the trunk and getting them to her apartment and then unloading them left me hot and tired, but I still needed to go to the car again to get my own groceries. She buys for an entire month, so the first cart was loaded down with her purchases.

Gladly, I settled into my big, soft green, recliner chair to cool down and rest.

Y'all have a good rest of the day.

Ruth Ann

Janet:  In many cases your insurance company or the other guys will pay for such losses like your hearing aids and glasses.  My brother an insurance agent for a major US insurance company told me to submit an itemized list to the appropriate insurance company.  The local agent may tell you "It isn't covered" but in reality, submitting an itemized bill to the parent company worked.  2 different insurance companies did reimburse me.

In my two cases, one, the loss of a pair of shoes damaged and lost wages because of a foot injury while working/volunteering in the church and the other my clothing damaged in a car accident.

It might be worth the cost of a stamp.