Lesson for 2/28

Hey all, the Sunday School lesson for tomorrow comes from Leviticus 23:33-43. "The Feast of Booths"Earlier this month we discussed the Festival of Weeks. Similarly to Leviticus 23:1 - verse 33 starts off with God saying to Moses "Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles (also know as booths, or shelters) for seven days unto the Lord. As you read to yourself, the scriptures bring out the instructions for each day, the types of offerings and what they represent. But the big question is why? What was the purpose of this feast? Well, verses 41-43 brings that out. "Ye shall keep it a feast unto the Lord seven days in the year. It shall be a statue forever in your generations: ye shall celebrate it in the seventh month. Ver. 42 mentions how they were to dwell in the booths for those seven days..The reason for this was 43"So that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God" If you dig deeper, I could imagine this being a glorious celebration for Gods people; as they reflect on how life was before they were even a nation, how their ancestors were only mere tribes moving through the desert under the direction and protection of God. They were in homeless condition, but Israel was totally dependent on God to protect them from enemies.

Even today, we can see how God has brought our ancestors through slavery and segregation. We can even look even more personally and see how we are even blessed to be alive right now! As the Israelties, mentioned in this passage of scriptures were instructed to take time to remember where God has brought them from - we are to do the same. Outside of Sunday service, we, us, christian family today should set time out to reflect on how much God has really done for us, starting with the sacrifice of His Son Jesus, to freedom and equal rights for blacks and whites, to every single thing we have - its all because of the grace and mercy of God!

I'm thinking of traditions such as the Feasts of Booth's; sacred time and fasting where we can stop and reflect on how far and blessed we really are. Something to remember and pass on to the next generation after us!

To God be all the glory! I love each one of you all!

Take care and Happy Black History Month!

Lesson for 2/14

Hey all, The Sunday School lesson comes from Leviticus 23: 15-22. Its titled "Festival of Weeks" To provide some insight, going back to verse 1 of Leviticus 23 -  "The Lord said to Moses,  “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed festivals, the appointed festivals of the Lord, which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies." - One thing I noted and enjoyed when researching the various festivals, was an underlining parallel that points to Christ. ^"16 Count off fifty days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and then present an offering of new grain to the Lord." As you read on you will see that the Isrealites were commanded to bring different items as offerings to God.  ^"Present with this bread seven male lambs, each a year old and without defect, one young bull and two rams. They will be a burnt offering to the Lord, together with their grain offerings and drink offerings—a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the Lord. ¹⁹ Then sacrifice one male goat for a sin offering and two lambs, each a year old, for a fellowship offering. ²⁰ The priest is to wave the two lambs before the Lord as a wave offering, together with the bread of the firstfruits. They are a sacred offering to the Lord for the priest." 
These scriptures bring out the instruction and sacredness of what God wanted from His people. It was to remind them how He delivered them from captivity. To dive deeper and to see the parallel and prophesied meaning of this feast; back to verse 16 - "Count off 50 days up to the day after the seventh Sabbath" The Feast of Weeks is a symbolic festival which pointed to the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birthday of the Church.   Jesus, God's Son, after being crucified for our sins, arose from the grave on Firstfruits. (Which is the first agricultural produce of a season)  He then spent forty days with His disciples in post-resurrection ministry. Acts 1:3 says "After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God." When Jesus ascended in to Heaven, shortly after, (Scholars believe 10 days) -  the promised Holy Spirit came down and empowered the disciples! "40+10=50. "Count off 50 days (v.16)" - and in Acts 2:1-2 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting." Its an amazing parallel, as we know, the Old Testament pointed to the coming of Jesus Christ.

Regardless of how you interpret the Festival of Weeks, aka Pentecost, we as Christians know and believe that Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice and offering. Through him, we are saved! May we continue to love, study and pray to show ourselves approved!

Thanks for reading,

God bless!

Love with Grace

 A lot of Spiritual Growth has taken place since the other day. My biggest revelation is to love with grace! I used to ask, why did God reveal Himself to me, or why did He do this great thing in my life? I don’t deserve it! It’s because of His Grace and unmerited favor! I am typing because this is how I minister to not only the individuals reading, but also to myself. We are saved by grace through Jesus Christ. God gave His Son, Jesus. Through many examples Jesus displayed how we are to forgive each other, especially if we are asking God to forgive us. Well, I believe this goes the same for grace. Our Heavenly Father loves us, yet at times we sin against Him, break His heart, don’t speak up/stand for Him, don’t trust or pray like we should – YET he still blesses us. Let me tell you how, you rise up in the morning, look around and have choices of what to wear, most of us get in our car and drive to our jobs. Those are just some of the basic examples, not to mention promotions, raises, awards, and achievements.  One thing I love reading about the disciples were they were deeply poor and still loved and gave their all to serve! They were being KILLED for proclaiming the gospel of Jesus and were content and expressed joy when God spared and provided for them. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.” – To tie this all together, each and every moment of our lives, we are blessed with grace! So, just as we express forgiveness, show love WITH grace. Meaning, love that person even if they don’t deserve it. They may disrespect, mistreat you, break your heart, take you for granted, don’t appreciate what you do; we are still commanded to do genuinely express love, affection, prayer and forgiveness to each other.  

I believe we are put in areas or situations to grow and learn; because if you don’t – your entire endeavor was in vain. Cease the moment, there’s no mistake we are where we are in our lives; God has blessed each of us and showers us in grace each and every day. We should do the same! Christianity feels amazing; it’s not all about religion and impossible rules – it’s about relationship with God through Jesus. It’s serious. I see it as a revolving door. What God does for us, we should aim to do for others. The temptations to give up, argue and disagree are there; but remember, God is of love and peace. What works for me now is reciting “I must love with Grace” – because that’s what God does for us; He shows us endless love and favor, even when we don’t deserve it.

Thanks for reading!

P.S - Tomorrow's Sunday school lesson comes from Exodus 12:1-14 "The Passover" Read and be empowered; as this is a significant event that took place during Israel's captivity and exile from Egypt.

God bless!