Claim Your Blessing

Today’s Reading: Numbers 26-29; Luke 2

Family and inheritance.

How many of us are able to see our children?

How many of us are able to share  our history and our beliefs with our children?

How many of us are able to know our father and mother?

How many of us are able to know our grandparents?

How many of us are able to know our great grandparents?

Sometimes we take for granted the experiences that we have with our relatives. Sometimes, we take for granted the ease of speaking to our relatives whenever we want.  But for others, these experiences we would love to have just a glimpse or a whisper from my loved ones. There are so many legacies and inheritances that we receive from our predecessors, and we can give to our successors.

In Numbers we are given a glimpse of the transition of inheritance from the tribe of Israel :

“The sons of Joseph according to their clans: Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 The sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the clan of the Machirites; and Machir was the father of Gilead; of Gilead, the clan of the Gileadites. 30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Iezer, the clan of the Iezerites; of Helek, the clan of the Helekites; 31 and of Asriel, the clan of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the clan of the Shechemites; 32 and of Shemida, the clan of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the clan of the Hepherites. 33 Now Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the clans of Manasseh, and those listed were 52,700.”

Numbers 26:28-34

“Then drew near the daughters of Zelophehad the son of Hepher, son of Gilead, son of Machir, son of Manasseh, from the clans of Manasseh the son of Joseph. The names of his daughters were: Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 2 And they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the chiefs and all the congregation, at the entrance of the tent of meeting, saying, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness. He was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but died for his own sin. And he had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father be taken away from his clan because he had no son? Give to us a possession among our father’s brothers.”

5 Moses brought their case before the Lord. 6 And the Lord said to Moses, 7 “The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them. “

Numbers 27: 1-8

In today’s reading in Numbers, we have a very important precedent being made. We have individuals claiming their blessing. What makes it more impressive is that these are the daughters of one of the descendants of Jacob.  In this particular passage, the daughters claim their blessings.  These daughters knew their blessing and they were not afraid of claiming their blessing. They did not allow the status quo to dictate how they were going to get their blessing. They knew the Spirit was with them, and took courage in that to claim the blessing. 

This was such a momentous occasion that this became part of the Mosaic law of inheritance. This was one of the first documented places where women were equal to their male counterparts. It is truly amazing how these issues were addressed and settled doing this early part of biblical history. This situation also allows me to question, why can we not continue to have this strong presence of equality into today’s society?

The blessing of the inheritance was seen in two spots in Numbers. The daughters were also part of the census. The census was a historical marker of the inheritance and the counting of the individuals of each clan.  Another important census that is found in our adjacent reading of Luke 2. 

What has God given you or promised you that you have not claimed? God‘s blessings are not contained to who we are. God‘s blessings are not contained on what we look like. God‘s blessings are not only for one gender. God‘s blessings are not only for certain people. God‘s blessings are for all who acknowledge God and obey his word. Are you ready for your blessing? Are you ready to claim your blessing?  

Be blessed

JackAss

Numbers 22-25, Luke 1

As I read today, i wanted to post about Balaam and his donkey, but quickly realized that Jennifer had already done it, brilliantly.  Here is is:

In Numbers 22 yesterday, we were introduced to the Moabite King named Balak.  He was afraid.  Knowing what the Israelites had just finished doing to the Amorites, King Balak and his people were distressed as they looked out and saw thousands of Israelites camped on the plains of Moab.  As any good leader would do, Balak took action.  He sent for Balaam, a “diviner” with an impressive track record, to help him take care of the situation.  “Come now, curse this people for me, since they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall be able to defeat them and drive them from the land, for I know that whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed” (Numbers 22:6).

I find it interesting that Balaam is not a prophet of God. He is a diviner or sorcerer.  However, God still steps in and provides Balaam instruction.  God tells him not to go with the Moabite princes and not to curse the Israelites because they were God’s chosen people.  Balaam desperately wanted the riches and honor King Balak had promised him.  So he persisted with God, hoping to change God’s mind.  Surprisingly, God compromised and let Balaam go. And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men have come to call you, rise, go with them; but only do what I tell you” (Numbers 22:20).  So far so good, Balaam was getting what he wanted (or at least he thought so)!  Here is where it started to get crazy…

Balaam set out on a donkey, but God sent angels to block the way. Balaam was frustrated and beat the donkey because it wasn’t going where he wanted it to go.  THEN, God opened the donkey’s mouth and he started talking to Balaam!  (What, a talking donkey?  This sounds like a bad television show.)  After the donkey made Balaam feel bad for the beating, God opened Balaam’s eyes to see an angel of God standing in the donkey’s way.  Balaam fell on his face.  While he offered to change direction / to turn back and not go to meet King Balak, the angel affirmed God’s earlier instruction, “And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only the word I tell you (Numbers 22:35).  So far so good, Balaam is still getting what he wants!

When we get to Numbers 23, Balaam has King Balak set up alters and offer sacrifices to God. But the outcome was not a curse on the Israelites like King Balak requested.  Rather, having to speak the words God instructed, Balaam blessed the people of Israel.  Four times King Balak requested a curse and received a blessing in return.  By the end of Numbers 24, Balaam and Balak part ways.

This story is hard to follow. I’ll admit, a talking donkey is kind of weird and somewhat entertaining, but what is God teaching us with this story?  Remember – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).  A few key lessons to consider:

  • God is sovereign – The plans of influential and powerful men, like King Balak, will not prosper without the Lord’s permission. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand, (Proverbs 19:21).
  • God uses a variety of means to accomplish his purpose – In Numbers 22-24, God used both a pagan sorcerer and a talking donkey to accomplish his plan. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts”, (Isaiah 55:8-9).
  • Outward appearances aren’t enough – Balaam gave the impression he was God’s prophet; he had King Balak build alters and offer sacrifices to God; he spoke God’s words of blessing on the Israelites. But make no mistake about it, he was clearly in it for himself. Later in Numbers, we will see Balaam wreak more havoc on the Israelites. Unfortunately he never truly put his faith in God.  For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart (I Samuel 16:7).

This last key lesson is where I think the rubber meets the road for many of us.  Remember, God’s plan for salvation requires us to take action. …if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved, (Romans 10:9-10). It isn’t enough to be a good person, to go to Church, to say the right things, to “hang out” with God and to sound godly.  God requires more. He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8-11).

God requires our hearts.  And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength (Mark 12:30).

Complaining

Today’s reading is Numbers 20-21 and Colossians 4.

In our Old Testament reading of Numbers, we continue to follow the Israelites on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land as they wander in the desert. Today we specifically read about some the grumbling and complaints they had.

Why have you brought the assembly of the Lord into this wilderness, that we should die here, both we and our cattle? And why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place? It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink.”

Numbers 20:4-5

From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” 

Numbers 21:4-5

Isn’t this amazing how they would grumble and complain after God freed them from slavery exactly like they wanted and prayed for? We not only can assume they wanted to be free, but we know it from this verse in Exodus.

23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God.

Exodus 2:23

We also know that not only had God freed them, but he also provided manna and quail for them to eat so they would not starve and led them with a cloud during the day and fire by night, Yet, what did they do…complain!

As we judge them, we can start to look at our own lives and realize we complain about many of the things we have wanted, dreamed of, and even specifically asked God for. What are some examples of this?

  • The job we wanted which is now crazy stressful and busy
  • The children we always wanted and maybe even had trouble having that are now causing us headaches or maybe they are even really great children but we just complain about the busyness and that they are expensive
  • The house we wanted and prayed for that stuff is always breaking making it a money pit
  • The sports team we wanted our child to be on so badly and now we complain about the coach

I could go on and on, but you get the point. We now complain about not only things others who are less fortunate would love to have, but the things we specifically wanted and maybe even prayed for which we now have…just like the Israelites.

We know God does not like any sin, but I must believe us complaining, and even just not being grateful, for something we’ve wanted and prayed asking him for has to be particularly unpleasing to Him. Those of us who are parents can probably relate when our kids beg us for a certain food/meal and then don’t like it or they beg to stay up past their bedtime and you let them and they still get angry and complain when it is finally time to go to bed. We even see specifically God’s displeasure because we read he had snakes come into the camp which bit people.

Then the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel.

     Numbers 21:7

God quickly sent a way out though in allowing them to look at Moses’s bronze serpent on a pole and be healed. Thankfully for you and me he sent a perfect way out from our sin and a Savior in Jesus and there is now no condemnation for believers of Him (Romans 8:1).

What can we do to limit our grumbling and complaining to God?

  • Focus on things we are thankful for during prayer
  • Write down each morning 3 things you are grateful for
  • Start a prayer journal so you can even look back at all the prayers God has answered

Doing these things will not only be pleasing to God by limiting our complaints, but will also help us live life with joy and peace in gratitude for what we do have and what God has done and provided. And God receives the ultimate pleasure and joy when we believe in Jesus’ saving grace on the cross which will also in turn cause us to have the ultimate gratitude and joy and peace as well.

PTL!!!

Numbers 15-18, Psalm 113, Colossians 3

When we praise the Lord it brings Him glory. We are called to glorify the Lord. It is something that I am currently focusing on. The area in my life that is needing change is my thought-life. God calls me to glorify Him in every thought that I have. My worries, fears and anxieties often get the best of me and that does not glorify God. I have to stop my thoughts and focus on Who God is and make Him my focus. I am amazed at how many times a day I catch myself having to make this mental flip.

Psalm 113 is a great reminder to Praise the Lord! It is a perfect Psalm to read and think about. We are called to Praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!
You servants of the Lord, praise his name!
May his name be praised, now and forever.
From the east to the west praise the name of the Lord!
The Lord rules over all the nations: his glory is above the heavens.
There is no one like the Lord our God. He lives in the heights above,
but he bends down to see the heavens and the earth.
He raises the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from their misery and makes them companions of princes, the princes of his people.
He honors the childless wife in her home;
he makes her happy by giving her children.
PRAISE THE LORD!

We are called to praise the Lord, to bring glory to His name. We praise Him for His greatness and for the salvation that He has given us. When your thoughts are awry turn to Psalm 113 and read it out loud. Remember Who God is and PRAISE THE LORD!

God’s Guidance and Provision

Today’s Reading:  Number 8-11; Colossians 1

The relation between Numbers 8-11 and Colossians 1 lies in the overarching themes of divine guidance, leadership, and the preeminence of Christ.

In Numbers 8-11, we see the Israelites journeying through the wilderness under the guidance of God. The consecration of the Levites in Numbers 8 emphasizes the importance of leadership and organization within the community, as well as the need for holiness and purity in approaching God. God’s provision of manna in Numbers 11 highlights His faithfulness in sustaining His people, despite their tendency to complain and grumble.

Similarly, Colossians 1 emphasizes the preeminence and sovereignty of Christ over all creation. Christ is depicted as the head of the church and the agent of reconciliation, bringing about redemption and salvation for humanity. The chapter underscores the mystery of the gospel, which reveals Christ in believers as the hope of glory, and it emphasizes the transformative power of Christ’s presence in the lives of believers.

Here are the combined themes of Number 8-11 and Colossians 1.

Leadership and Organization:

  • Numbers 8 emphasizes the consecration of the Levites and the importance of leadership and organization within the community of Israel.
  • Colossians 1 touches upon the supremacy of Christ and His role as the head of the church. This highlights the importance of leadership and organization within the body of believers, with Christ as the ultimate leader.

Holiness and Purity:

  • Numbers 8 underscores the need for holiness and purity in the context of the Tabernacle rituals and the consecration of the Levites.
  • Colossians 1 emphasizes the redemptive work of Christ, bringing about reconciliation and sanctification for believers. This speaks to the broader theme of holiness through the work of Christ.

God’s Guidance and Provision:

  • Numbers 9 describes God’s guidance through the cloud and fire, illustrating His constant presence and guidance during the Israelites’ journey.
  • Colossians 1 emphasizes the supremacy of Christ, who provides reconciliation and redemption for believers, highlighting God’s guidance and provision through Jesus.

Complaints and Grumbling:

  • Numbers 11 recounts the Israelites’ complaints and grumbling in the wilderness, despite God’s provision of manna.
  • While not directly addressing complaints, Colossians 1 encourages believers to focus on the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, discouraging discontentment and pointing to Christ as the source of true satisfaction.

Leadership Burden:

  • Numbers 11 depicts Moses expressing the burden of leadership, leading to the appointment of seventy elders to share the load.
  • Colossians 1 doesn’t directly address the burden of leadership, but it emphasizes the empowering presence of Christ in Paul’s ministry, showcasing reliance on Christ’s strength.

In summary, while Numbers 8-11 and Colossians 1 have different specific messages and contexts, there are general parallels in themes such as leadership, holiness, God’s guidance, and provision. These themes are consistent throughout the Bible, as it relates to making Godly decisions, having faith and perseverance through difficult times, and God’s guidance on navigating the temptations of a sinful world.

Written with the assistance of Chat GPT

How Faith Grows: Lessons from Muscle Hypertrophy

Did you know that when people do strength training it actually tears the muscles? This is intentional. This is how our muscles grow and get stronger. In summary (from Medical News Today):

Muscle size increases when a person continually challenges the muscles to deal with higher levels of resistance or weight. This process is known as muscle hypertrophy. Muscle hypertrophy occurs when the fibers of the muscles sustain damage or injury. The body repairs damaged fibers by fusing them, which increases the mass and size of the muscles.

Consider the metaphor for life and faith. We grow (smarter, stronger, wiser, and even closer to God) when we challenge ourselves out of our comfort zone so this is a challenge to embrace discomfort!

Recently I was given the task of interviewing leaders from nine different Christian mission organizations. While preparing for these meetings I was feeling overwhelmed by the commitment I’ve made to the church. It felt like too big of a task, I felt ill-equipped, not ready, and that someone else would do a better job. I also had fear that these organizations would ask too much of me and I’d let them down. Do you see the theme? It was all about me.

And then I turned it all over to God. My fears, my attitude, my insecurity, my time, my will. And he answered so beautifully, so peacefully, so joyfully.

These missions have been around for many years and serve Jesus Christ with passion, love, and great commitment. The ministries included the following and much more:

  • Bible translation
  • Providing higher education to pastors from India and elsewhere
  • A women’s prison ministry
  • Caring for people at leper colonies
  • Community centers in a Muslim nation
  • Mentoring young people in their faith journey
  • Rescuing women from sex trafficking
  • Teaching English to (and sharing the Gospel with) street children in under-developed nations
  • A local church that was originally founded as a safe haven for prostitutes to leave prostitution
  • A car, computer, food, and clothing missionary supply agency

As I met with each of the ministries I was in awe of what they were doing. How kind, humble, and loving they were, and the impact they are having as they win hearts and souls for Jesus. As we prayed together I felt peace beyond understanding. I felt my heart change to be filled with the desire to take action to support the missions. As I sought to bless these ministries, it was humbling to feel God blessing me through this experience. Just like BJ eloquently shared yesterday, the difference in my life came from living by faith, as opposed to living with faith.

Will you join me in stepping out of your comfort zone today? Whatever you’re uncomfortable with, could perhaps be related to your calling, to live by faith, for His glory. With this, I leave you with a blessing and encouragement to go forward:

Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant,equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. (Hebrews 13:20-21)

Today’s reading: Numbers 6-7; Hebrews 13

With Faith, or By Faith?

Numbers 1-2, Psalm 64, Hebrews 11-12

Most of the time I live with faith.  When I live with faith, it is my companion and my friend.  Because I believe that God is who he says he is, I am confident. Knowing that he can do what he says he can do, I am comforted.  I know nothing can hurt me. I am safe and secure.  All of this occurs because I live with faith.  But, something is missing.  When I survey my life, I wonder if this is all there is.  Don’t you sometimes get that feeling that you are missing something?  That you were created to do something greater?

Hebrews 11 gives us a different picture of faith.  In fact, Paul does not talk about living with faith at all.  Instead, he talks about living by faith.  They are different.  When I am living with faith, I am driving my actions.  When I live by faith, however, God is driving my action,s and when God drives our actions, the impossible is possible.  Consider these examples given by Paul:

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did Hebrews 11:4 (NLT).

It was by faith that Noah built a large boat Hebrews 11:7 (NLT)

It was by faith that Abraham obeyed when God called him to leave home and go to another land Hebrews 11:8 (NLT)

It was by faith that even Sarah was able to have a child Hebrews 11:11 (NLT)

What is the major difference living by faith?  Action.  I think that is why most of us would rather live with faith.  With faith, I can stay in my comfort zone, free of fear, uncertainty and self-doubt.

His Eternal Plan

Today’s Readings: Leviticus 26-27, Psalm 112, Hebrews 10

There have been times when I try to do as much as possible for the Lord.  Reading, praying, serving, and appearing to have it all together in the presence of others.  I think doing these things might make up for the litany of inequities I carry daily.  I’m wrong.  The sufficiency, superiority, and perfection of the sacrifice of Christ were all part of God’s plan.  He knows there is nothing that we can say or do to draw closer to Him.

Reading Hebrews 10 reminded me that it was all part of God’s plan.  He knew there was nothing I could ever do, but I had to remember and believe it was what He did for me.  I need to trust and have faith more each day.  The redemption plan designed by God is pointed to throughout the Bible, starting in Genesis.  Christ’s sacrifice was perfect, complete, and sufficient because it replaced the old, inadequate system.

Christ’s sacrifice is better because it sanctifies the believer.

“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

Thank you Lord for taking away my sins.  That through my earthly shortcomings of thinking there is something I can do to make this up, the only thing You want from me is to believe. To submit my heart to you.  Lord, I ask You to continue to destroy the enemies in my life that keep me from drawing closer to You.

“footstool for His feet.”

Father, thank You again, as always, when we come into Your presence because the first thing that comes to my mind is the need to express gratitude. Thank You for Your Son Jesus who followed Your perfect plan to redeem humanity and be glorified by His death. Lord help us to know You more each day.  Help us to be obedient to Your  Words. Let us confess and let go of all sins we are holding onto. Thank you for cleansing us!  We love You, Lord. Amen

Psalm 112:1 Praise the Lord.  Blessed are those who fear the Lord,
who find great delight in his commands.

 

Sabbatical and Jubilee

Today’s Reading: Leviticus 24-25; Psalms 81; Hebrews 9

“Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭ESV‬‬

In the beginning of the Bible in Genesis,  God worked and toiled for six spans of time that we equate with days.  On the seventh day, God rested and observed what he had created.  He took a pause. God stopped for a moment and enjoyed the view and the fruits of his labor.  He was at peace with creation.  He was absorbing and settling in his relationship with all he made. 

In Leviticus 25, Moses is given rules and guidance from God directly on Mt Sinai.  As we observe in the preparation of the law, God is giving us a guide to live by.   The Sabbath is expanded. The Sabbath is also observed on a yearly (seven years) and then every seventh- rotation of the seven years (49 years) , which God granted as the 50 years described as Jubilee.  

God is putting these set times as a guide for us to breathe.  This is a time that we must reflect and observe with each other and commune with each other.  I have witnessed in myself that there are times that I am constantly working and trying to the next level. I will push myself to my limits and not take a break and see what’s around.  The Sabbath reminds me of the times that I have traveled over the years.  I love to explore and hike.  Sometimes you get into the groove and want to get to the destination, but the journey and the sights that you see on the way is the true essence of the journey.  God created the Sabbath so that we can have a glimpse of the awesomeness that he is surrounding us on our journey of life.  

God created the Sabbath to allow us to have relationships.  He knew that we are a focused group of individuals.  Once we are committed to something that interests us, we will not stop until it is achieved.  God created the Sabbath to allow us to create and maintain our relationships with our creator, with others, and with ourselves.  If we don’t have these time-outs or pauses then we would not stop to think and interact with each other.

I know that some are very skeptical of this Sabbatical year.  They are wondering where would the money or resources come from during this year of rest.  

“Therefore you shall do my statutes and keep my rules and perform them, and then you will dwell in the land securely. The land will yield its fruit, and you will eat your fill and dwell in it securely. And if you say, ‘What shall we eat in the seventh year, if we may not sow or gather in our crop?’ I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, so that it will produce a crop sufficient for three years. When you sow in the eighth year, you will be eating some of the old crop; you shall eat the old until the ninth year, when its crop arrives.“

‭‭Leviticus‬ ‭25‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ ‭ESV‬‬

God will not only provide enough resources for you in the present year that you are producing, but he will also provide enough resources for the following year and the next as you come out of the sabbatical.  He is in it for you and the relationships that you have.  

God is in it for you to prosper and multiply and recharge and refresh yourself. He has many things in store for you if you acknowledge him.  He wants more than ever to have you happy and healthy.  Let us look in our lives and see where we can take rest and enjoy the celebration that God has in store for us. 

That’s Ridiculous

Leviticus 21-23, Hebrews 8

Warren buffet has 10 rules for investing.  When you read them, you will agree that they make total sense.  In fact, they are not even hard.  Look for yourself:

  1. Invest in what you know
  2. Focus on company quality
  3. Seek value
  4. Be patient
  5. View market fluctuations as opportunities
  6. Invest for the long term
  7. Reinvest profits
  8. Avoid debt
  9. Build a concentrated portfolio
  10. Know when to sell

Just think, you could be a billionaire too, if you follow these simple rules.   Take one look at my bank account and you will see how good I am at following these “simple” rules.  If only there was another way.

Wait, what if there was?  What if someone came to you and said, hey, I have a better way.  A new deal.  I am going to wipe away all those rules.  Instead of the rules, all you have to do is follow me.  Give me all of your attention and I will take care of you.  Just believe.  Would you do it?

Isn’t this exactly what Jesus did?  Nobody could keep the rules – the law – so, he changed them.  Once and for all, he eliminated the need for priests and intermediaries, providing a direct pathway to God himself.  He dispenses with the sacrifices too.  Instead, Jesus “is the one who mediates for us.”  But that is not all.  Jesus provides “a far better covenant with God, based on better promises (Hebrews 8:6 (NLT)).” These better promises include mercy for our iniquities and their complete erasure from God’s heart (Hebrews 8:11).

For many, this promise is too much.  It’s easier to believe in the law.  Sure, the failure rate is brutal, but at least I have control over it.  The new way is tougher.  Not because of what I have to do but because of what I don’t have to do. and If I can’t physically do things, I have to rely on one thing; faith.  Do you believe it?

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 (ESV)