Feb 22nd We had a great time in class today. There were several people absent and some made sure we knew why they were out. There are a few people having difficulty reading every day and they admit things go better for them when they put The Lord first by reading and praying early each day. We had a table exercise today where verses were assigned to be read and discussed with a report by each table as to the most significant truth in the verses. It was not as smooth as I had planned so we will do a different type program next week.
The home work for this week was a handout to be completed and verses concerning assurance of salvation to be read and studied. Our goal is to read "to know Him" and this reading will influence our faith and evidence of our growth will soon appear.
Leviticus gives us insight to God's concept of Holiness and how offerings were to be made by the priest. Emphasis was made concerning sanitation, cleanliness and health issue demonstrated by leprosy. God wants His people to be different, to follow holiness and not practice pagan rituals. Sanctification is our responsibility as we realize who we represent and the impact of disobedience. Be right and then Do right.
Mark records many events where Jesus did miracles, healed some people and had compassion on those who were following Him. His parable of the sower and the explanation for the disciples was similar to that of Matthew. Perhaps the term "broadcast" is appropriate here in that the sower would spread the seed by the handful on the area to be sown and the seed would fall as the Lord allowed. It is fair for Him to expect that the seed that fell on good ground would produce 30-60-100fold just as He has the "right" to expect a like production of fruit in our lives.
Psalm 37 is one of my favorite readings because of the direct and plain teaching for believers. The "how to" for living a good and clean life in a bad and dirty place are clear and specific. Hope you enjoy your faith today and grow in Grace and knowledge of Him. pj