"Set yourself yourselves apart to be holy. for I am the LORD your God. Keep all my decrees by putting them into practice, for I am the LORD who makes you holy."
Leviticus 20:7-8
Leviticus 20:7-8
My Take Aways
Something Old:
Leviticus 20:8
To keep His commands I must live them out-put them into practice.
Something New:
Leviticus 20:5-6
Spiritual prostitution
New term and new concept. Not one I am fond of.
Something to Do:
Oh, I want to be faithful to only you dear Jesus. Forgive for my unfaithfulness.
27 Comments:
Wow Wendy, I too am tracking right with you today! I underlined the same verses and looked up the word for "spiritual prostitution" on studylight.org. The Hebrew word used is zanah (zaw-NAW) and means in part:
* to be a harlot, act as a harlot, commit fornication
* to commit adultery
* to be a cult prostitute
* to be unfaithful (to God) (fig.)
I also do not like the use of this term in conjunction with my name!
I also was intrigued by the time spent on Molech again. I read a commentary by David Guzik and here is what he had to say about this terrible practice (WARNING, this description is graphic and disturbing):
"Molech was worshipped by heating a metal statue representing the god until it was red hot, then by placing a living infant on the outstretched hands of the statue, while beating drums drowned out the screams of the child until it burned to death."
He went on to say about Lev. 20:5:
"i. Sadly, even a man as great as Solomon at least sanctioned the worship of Molech and built a temple to this idol (1 Kings 11:7). King Ahaz of Judah gave his own son to Molech (2 Kings 16:3). One of the great crimes of the northern tribes of Israel was their worship of Molech, leading to the Assyrian captivity (2 Kings 17:17). King Manasseh of Judah gave his son to Molech (2 Kings 21:6). Up to the days of King Josiah of Judah, Molech worship continued, (and only ended) because he destroyed a place of worship to that idol (2 Kings 23:10)."
How horrible! Even with clear instruction from God; even with the concept of being set apart and holy, even Solomon gave in to spiritual prostitution!
Greg Laurie wrote recently:
" Those who want to live by the law are in trouble, because the Bible says, "For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God's laws" (James 2:10). God's law was never given to make a person righteous; it is a moral mirror that shows us our true state before God, to drive us into the open arms of Jesus. The law says, "You are not good enough. You need God's help."
I am not good enough. I need God's help. I have been set free from the Law of sin and death, and am now subject to the Law of the Spirit which is truth and life! Thanks be to Jesus Christ! Amen.
Thank you, Wendy, for once again being transparent with us, today on your quest to keep yourself apart from things of this world that are not holy, that are not good for us. I watch almost no TV (okay, I love "House Hunters"), read mostly Christian fiction, and usually avoid the newspaper. Sometimes I feel like a bit of a weirdo because of this, and sometimes others (even family members) make me feel like a weirdo because of this, but it leaves me with lots of space in my thoughts to think about God, to pray, and especially to keep a cheerful and positive outlook, as I don't fill my mind with the junk of the world. Thank you for encouraging us to "set ourselves apart".
Nancy, I hope you and Tom are staying strong, and that your appointment went well yesterday. By the way, my soon-to-be (June 6) son-in-law will start a Residency in Neurology in July! I am praying for you daily, Nancy.
Does anyone know how Brandee is doing?
Peace, my friends, and have a blessed Tuesday.
Michelle in New England
Hi again,
I just found Brandee's post from last night about her migraines. So sorry, Brandee. Prayers for your recovery!
Michelle in New England
Good Morning! I have been catching up on all the blogs written over the last few days and Praise the Lord they have all been answers to my prayers in one way or another. The Lord is definitely working and I am so thankful for this journey with everyone! What a wonderful way to start each morning! Thank you, Wendy!
Bethany-OH
Wendy, I, too, underlined your verses today, and noticed how, yesterday we ended with the same thoughths! Again too, in verse 22 it says, "You must keep ...and put them into practice...I....have set you apart from all other people (24)..."I have set you apart from all other people to my very own" (26). Then, we end today again with Him saying, "Faithfully keep all my commands by putting them into practice for I am the Lord" (22:31).
The more we read the Bible, the more His Spirit begins that process of transforming us. As He pursues us, we want to separate ourselves, we desire to please Him.
When we sit back and think about, "What is most important to us?"
Our 'real god' is basically what we find the most fun thinking and talking about. What is on our mind all of the time? What is our preoccupation? What takes the place of worshiping the Lord?
The Lord is so very gracious. I know with me, He has gradually done His 'piece of work' over the years, not all at once! :) I, daily watched a certain 'soap,' too, and enjoyed those D. S. novels! :) And, I will say, shopping was a favorite past-time! Decorating too was high on my list!!! But, God, over the many years kept pursuing me, and loving on me, and drawing me so close to Him. Now, if/when I have open time, it's the Bible that I first want to dig into!
But, there is an "area," currently, that He is working on. Aaahhh, my time! Specifically, my time on the computer! ouch!!! Ya'll's blogs are so fun to read; I could spend days pursuing them!
You all have a wonderful day! Hugs and prayer's coming your way! Lori
PS Wow, Karen...you opened up that Spiritual prostitution, big time! How horrific!
good morning ladies of God!
setting apart.... coming out of the world and being transformed, from glory to glory....
i also gave up a 'soaps'...i gave up the news too...my spirit is very susceptible to taking up the 'tone' of whatever i see/hear/watch, and i found i was very saddened, down, skeptical, etc after watching the nightly news.... PTL, i'm much better now that i've given it up!
i now try instead to fill that time by reading and listening to Christian stuff, and it warms my heart when i hear my daughters also humming those tunes...
in fact, i just finished a FABULOUS book "Matthew's story' by tim lahaye and jerry jenkins, the 4th story in the Jesus Chronicles...great lenten reading, and a wonderful dig into the Gospel of Matthew!
my 'unholy' tug this morning is 'gossiping'... i love to know things, and share things...i've been working on it for years, and am worlds better, but it is a huge spiritual battle...PTL i'm getting better, but i have to rid my spirit of this root of pride, that wants to be self-righteous and judge others' choices...ouch, it looks so bad in print, i am fighting the urge to delete what i've just written....help me Lord!!
well, confession is good for the soul!
have a Blessed day, my friends,
amy jane
Hi GIG! I settled on Lev 20:23:
"Do not live according to the customs of the people I am driving out before you. It is because they do these shameful things that I detest them".
Do I look like the world around me? Much of the time, yes.
For Lent I have given up facebook. Facebook was something new to me in the past few months and I found myself gravitating to it many times a day to "see what everyone was up to"...it was wasting time that I could spend doing something better. I have urges each day to log into facebook, but then I deny myself and it makes me think of God and how He denied Himself for me. That makes facebook seem so trivial then.
Thank you for your honesty Amy Jane..I'm glad you didn't delete your confession...I too have struggled with gossip/judging...God has done a mighty work there too for me, but there is still room for improvement...old habits die hard.
Today, let's not look like the world. Let's look like a follower of Jesus.
Morgen
Not Done with the reading yet but stopped and watched the video, great stuff. I underlined 20:7-8 also and in vs 23 thought about Romans 12:2 also. Thanks Wendy for your openness, it is very encouraging.
I looked up Molech didn't know who that was Ugh yuk - a sun deity that they would sacrifice their children for the sun to return, Lord Keep my eyes on you always. I have known a couple of co-workers in the past, that are from a culture that ask the gods for permission for everything, even naming their children... makes me sad for them. Anyway I need to finish reading.
Have a great day everyone!
Lynn
Hello friends,
Though I haven't been posting much I have been keeping up.
Wendy. Wow. Wendy. Oh girl. You hit it today.
I had also underlined and noted the times the Lord spoke of setting ourselves apart, making ourselves holy because He is holy....
Our little family is on some kind of journey right now of that sort. Michelle, we are right there with you on "feeling like some kind of weirdo."
As part of our new homeschool curriculum, we are a part of Bill Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles (Youth Conflicts). We are watching his seminars that help with the curriculum. These very things he has been hitting on.
We are "cleansing" our house from movies, to toys, to even certain foods. We are cutting the TV out of our daily lives. It has been quite a process but amazing to watch as we see the Lord blessing our obedience.
One biggie was all the Star Wars toys our son had. Let me preface that this was something the Lord laid on our hearts for our family. They had become almost like an idol for our son. We got rid of it all. ALL. The change in our son has been nothing short of amazing.
For me? I have struggled with tithing to the Lord like He has called us to. (I handle our finances). I have been struck with the sheer disobedience that is! Today further struck me. I must commit to keeping my commitment to giving Him what is His anyway (duh, right?). I had been looking to keeping the tithe as extra security instead of trusting the Lord to care for our needs and "rebuking the destroyer."
I could honestly go on and on here. But I will restrain myself. This is just going right along with everything we are being taught as a family right now.
As an aside, if anyone ever has a chance to go to a Bill Gothard seminar, please do. It will be well worth your time and effort.
Thank you all for your faithfulness and the words that you give to all of us. This is a wonderful fellowship.
Wendy and girls, thank you for these wonderful comments. I am so amazed at all we are learning each day. I can't wait for my time to study the Word and then sit back and listen and read the comments which are another teaching tool.
Something that I have given up, and I posted about on my blog, was having my quiet time instead of early morning LONG runs. I am not doing super long runs right now, and it is really strange. After 13 yrs of running, I am in a new place. I know this is where God needs me to be during this season...spending more time with Him. It is a struggle, let me tell you! I still run, but the amount of time has been lessened.Races are much shorter too! But I look forward to my time with Him. PTL!!
Y'all have a great day!!
Hugs!
Susan
Blessings of this day!
This morning my notes turned to prayer:
Something Old:"in all future generations none of your descendants who has any defects will qualify to offer food to his God" Lev 21:17
New:"...all who commit spiritual prostitution...."
To Do:"Do not bring shame to my holy name" Lev 22:2, 32
Lord, how often do we live as if we are not yours. I hang my head for the times I have looked to other sources for guidance and support when all the time you are with me, longing for me to turn to You. I long to be pure in you and to bring glory to your name - to come to your table with a right heart, to offer myself and my gifts with a cheerful heart and a right spirit. I thank you dear Jesus for your sacrifice that I might stand before you in the presence of God with no defects, pure and blameless. I thank you for your sacrifice that we not be required to die for our sins. In your precious name I pray this morning. Amen.
Amazed by grace,
Liz
Alaska
Saying good morning from a tire store somewhere in So Cal. Had a flat tire on my way out this morning. Of course I was clueless & thought the road was just very bumy. Good thing someone waved and waved at me so I stopped. Praise God I didn't have a blowout!
Karen, thanks for the info on Molech. How gruesome. Courson said we still sacrifice to a modern day Molech but our society does not wait until the babies are born.
Amy jane, I hear you. I struggled with this problem just last Sunday ~ after church, too! Ay yi yi.
My focus was the specifics re the priest. I thought it was odd that he has to meet certain physical requirements per Lev 21:
*no shaved head, cutting of beard, flesh bc it was the practice of the egyptian death cult
*21:18(a) blind man: speaks of lack of vision. Someone w/o vision can't be used in ministry
*lame - a priest must be able to walk,not leap in emotion nor run in fervor but simply walk in steadiness & consistency
*21:18(c) he had a flat nose - priests must hv a good sense of smell in order to discern whether something is true or false, in order to sniff out and identify strange doctrine wc can so easily cloud and confuse a church
*21:19(a) or a man that is brokenfooted - priests are to have the ability to stand firm no matter the obstacles
*21:19(b) or brokenhanded. True priests must hv the ability to reach out to those who are beaten or bruised.
*21:20(a) or crookbakt...a priest shd have a backbone. Think of Pilate who caved under political pressure.
*21:20(b) or a dwarf...a person who isn't growing or expanding in his knowledge of the word and of the Lord is not qualified for service.
There's more but the tire is installed now and I just got a call fr the school that my son needs something so going back home. Eventually, I will make it to work. In time for lunch.
Have a great day, everyone!
Hi Everyone,
Missed you all the past few days :) Thanks for the prayers. The headaches are better today and I have been able to catch up on my reading. This H1N1 is rough. I am so thankful though that my lungs have stayed clear and I have not had the coughing, I know of some others right now who the coughing is just almost unbearable. My son's school has really been hit hard. He told me there were 7 more out just in his class alone yesterday. Thanks again everyone for your prayers.
Wendy, your teaching today hit the nail on the head for me. Since being sick I have been spending lots of time on the couch and have been watching Creflo Dollar and this week he is talking about Romans 12:1,2 and renewing our minds and how we can't stop at salvation. We have to renew our minds if we want to live a victorious life, to be set apart, to be holy and reflect the image of Christ. If we don't renew our minds we will keep reflecting the image of the world. When I was saved and began following God six years ago God did a house cleaning. I stopped watching soaps operas, I stopped watching talk shows, I stopped reading romance novels. It has only been in the last year that I have begun reading fiction again and it is only Christian fiction. As you all said, it can make other people think you are weird, but I know these are the things I need to do in order to walk in victory and to dedicate myself to the Lord. There is still a big area that I need to do this in and it is what God is working in me right now- shopping and the way I handle money. I will share that the Lord has been dealing with this in me for a LONG time and I never fully gave it over. God has a way of getting our attention one way or the other and if we don't do it willingly He will discipline and bring hardship to get us to see the light. This is where I find myself right now. I did not get it friends, I had head knowledge but my heart-my PRIDE- would not say yes to God and kept saying yes to the world. What did God do? Our heat and air unit broke, we had to buy a new one. Two weeks ago we found out we had corroded pipes under our house that had to be replaced. My husband and I had no debt but our house payment and a credit card that we used too often. I kept using it even when I knew God was saying to stop. Now we have this HUGE repair bill for these two home things and debt that has to be paid off. Now we are sacrificing, now we are giving up extra stuff to get this debt paid off by summer. I am thankful guys, I am thankful that I am seeing the truth and that I am changing. It will mean freedom in this area. Joyce Meyer is talking about this on her program this week as well. Saying no is hard, but it is harder to stay the same in bondage :) I am excited about change!
You all have a blessed day.
Brandee, TN
Wendy,
thanks again for wonderful teaching. Loved the tie to Rom. 12:2 on renewing our mind.
God cleaned house for me on romance novels (I'm even ashamed at times to confess how much I was into that!) and just getting hooked on night-time soaps...Friends, ER, Alias, etc. I don't have "a show" anymore and am quite silent at the lunch table with co-workers who track 4-5 shows a week! It all sounds exhausting to me now. I even cringed a little when a dear friend of mine who knew about my romance novel stint gave me a "Christian romance novel". I didn't even know they existed, but loved the stories! I also realize I can only listen to Christian music. I enjoy all kinds of music really, but my "everyday" music HAS TO be Christian.
Have a great Tuesday everyone.
Valerie, Louisville KY
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Grace & Peace - found your information about the rules for priests really interesting.
Brandee-appreciated the comment you made about not giving God control over finances willingly will bring God's discipline through hardship. We are there right now.
I found in today's reading something that maybe I am not understanding right. But when I read Lev 20:4 - if the people of the community ingnore those offering sacrifices (sinning) and ignore (turn their heads the other way) and don't punish like God has commanded that He will cut them off from the community. Is that what our country is doing or our churches by seeing people sin and turning the other way like it is none of our business? Am I understanding this the right way? I would appreciate input with this verse and the way you read it.
It is hard, very uncomfortable, to say something to someone that you know is blatantly sinning. They will probably tell you to keep your nose out of their business. Even if it is another profession Christian. Not judging but following what scripture is blatantly speaking about. Or do we just pray and not speak to them?
Thanks!
Hi!
Wendy, thanks for being so honest about the ways that you strive to keep yourself 'apart.' I read really fast and so used to read romance novels because they are cheaper and more readily available than other types of fiction books, but I realized that I was conditioning my brain to expect my husband to be some kind of sweeping romantic all the time - which he isn't, and it's wrong of me to expect that. I tossed them all. I've never really been into traditional 'soaps,' even though I grew up watching them with my mom, but there are two shows currently on TV and being aimed at teens that I've recently both started and stopped watching. I watched because they had an all-over, including Christian, view of problems in our society, but they skewed the Christian viewpoint and have it all wrong now - and as my husband pointed out, 'What good is there in watching that?' Food might be another; I'm realizing this Lent as I fast just how much unhealthy food I used to eat and am trying to use this time to make new, better healthy habits. I need to take better care of this temple.
Grace and Peace, thanks for the list! Where did you find it? Courson??
Brandee, I'm glad your migraines are moving out!
Karen, thanks for the information about Molech. I was wondering who that was. How horrible!
Have a great day!
Hi Wendy and Everybody,
Today I feel so at home, after reading all of your comments. Been with yhea's since the beginning. But that is the most I can do most days. Just might start jumping on the wagon here with yhea'll. Your opening my eyes to so much. Don't know if I would ever be able to give much advice...I so much am into the learning phase.
Set apart that is how I feel alot of days. Everybody seems to do what this world is doing....but for me God has this stubbornness in me to not go with the flo. It just doesn't seem right much of the time. TV we have a TV but when everything went digital is when we have it no more. The TV sits in its spot in the entertainment center....but only gets watched on weekends. (We do have net-flex). Have to say I am with so many of you I don't miss it. Hear so many complaining about the economy, but there they sit with 4 or 5 TV in their homes and paying over $80 bucks a month for it. and an additional 5 bucks per TV. This I don't understand. It seems with this there is no closeness with the family.
Karen, I was wondering when I read the reading last night what Molech was? and meant? Thank You for the info. God we sometimes think he is so mean...but ALL the time it is for our good.
Wendy, I enjoyed what you said about the blood yesterday.
Blessings Everyone....each one of you today made my day. (I'm not a weirdo).
See You All Tomorrow.
R
Amy, I wanted to comment on what you said about the romance novels setting ourselves up to expect too much from our husbands. That is SOOO true! It can be a trap, it can make us have unrealistic expectations on them that they can never meet. It creates disappointment and dissatisfaction in us that Satan can use. I feel VERY, VERY strongly about this because of the road I have walked and what Christ has brought me out of. We have to keep our minds pure of anything that would cause strife in our marriage, be it books, music, TV, movies, etc. Marriage is falling apart in our culture. It is sad to see what all Satan is using to make that happen.
The first of the year God told me to separate myself from continuing my education to get a Master's in nursing. He has instructed me and led me in so many ways this year and a lot of it has come from this Bible study and the comments from each of my GIGs! How awesome He is when he shows up and shows out in our lives! I pray that He will walk with me and that I will be strong enough with His help to be holy and faithful and obey as He leads me.
Brandee,
Exactly! I started listening to KLOVE right after we got married because I loved the encouragement and never listen to any other station now. I've always read Christian fiction, but now read it exclusively - and I love the happy, positive ideas I find within the pages. Even the money-saving websites that I read on a regular basis are written by Christian people, and it makes such a difference! There are other women out there who are trying to honor their husbands, raise their children in a Deut. 6 kind of way, who want to dress modestly, who want to honor God with their money, etc. I'm rarely interested in anything that doesn't have a basic Christian beginning, because while it may not have anything NEGATIVE in it, that also doesn't mean it has anything POSITIVE that will help me in my daily life - and ultimately, that's what I want, even out of entertainment. I want to read/watch about people who struggle with gossip and WIN, who STAY in their marriages, who PRAY for their families, etc. Why should we give our attention to anything else??
Amy,
Yes, it's Courson. I guess I inserted two paragraphs before I started typing the list.
Brandee,
Glad you're back and commenting! I only had a touch of something the last few days and had a horrendous headache yesterday so I cannot imagine what an H1N1 is like. I hope you and Will get better soon!
Since I was waiting for the tow truck earlier, I did not finish watching the vlog. Did Wendy ask for the things on which we are being called to step away? Mine would be tv watching, too. Specifically during the live telecast of American Idol. (How's that for a title?) I used to be glued to the tv on Tues & Weds nights. Now, I can watch or not watch. The desire is no longer there.
Oh btw, my daily saga continued. When I got to work, my DH called and said I forgot my debit card at the tire store. Good thing they are honest and contacted him. Inspite of the morning's events, I still have peace and did not get upset. That's what the Word of God can do!
There are so many wonderful comments but I cant read them all.
The reading of HIS word daily is something that is a work of God in me. I also don't read any other reading except for Christian books. My Friend asked me the other day what is your favorite book, I answered The Bible. Thank You Lord for your word.
I too noticed that "Spiritual Prostitution" in verses 5-6. I had gotten to an appointment early today and read today's reading in the parking lot so I couldn't look it up until tonight. I tried looking it up on Bible Gateway, and then on to webster.com which took me to the word prostituded, def. 2: to devote to corrupt or unworthy purposes. Made me think of that scripture "Where your treasure is there will your heart be also." (Matt. 6:21 & Luke 12:34) Didn't think to use that studylight site, I'll have to remember that next time. But the point is the same: when we put anything or anyone before God, we are committing Spiritual Prositution. Ouch! Not a term anyone wants with their name, specially me. Looks like several of us found that as something new to look at.
My to do: Faithfully practice God's commands and keep myself seperate from the world. (And be holy as God is holy.)
Thanks Wendy, and everyone, for sharing your insites today!
Just want to say a quick thankyou Wendy and to all you ladies. God is sooo good to connect a beginner like me with so much wisdom of His Word.I certainly would not have any of this understanding without you. Thanks again
Praying for the unsaved and thankyou for praying for my unsaved family, it means a lot and I truly appreciate your prayers. I am putting all my trust in the Lord and thanking Him for the mighty work He is doing around me.
Susan x
Hi everyone! I've been faithfully following along and just loving everyone's comments. This community of faith blesses me so much.
Focusing on being "set apart" is priority in my life. So much so that I'd say that Jesus is my hobby! I love to garden, craft, sew, and home decorating, but these things have had to fall to the wayside so I can allow Him to prepare me to serve Him better. I just love being in His word, I look forward to being in worship (and wish the services were longer!), and I love being around other Christians who love the Lord! I can't get enough of Him and my deepest desire is to purge all the junk in me and allow His Holy Spirit to fill me to overflowing so others can know the joy of Jesus too.
Like many of you have stated, I was hooked on soap operas since childhood, but once Jesus got hold of me, I quit cold turkey. All they do is recycle sinful behavior and desensitize us towards it. For years I was hooked on romance novels too. Whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things. Phil.4:9 is the standard by which to judge whether or not I should be involved with something. I have given up the news; it was such a waste of time trying to keep up with all the negative stuff going on and it frees me to devote more time to Bible study. My focus is to be more attuned with the issues that touch God's heart and bringing those things to Him in prayer.
Right now I am working at combatting all the worldly pressures coming at my daughters in 6th and 3rd grade. Things like getting a cell phone, Facebook, game systems, etc. I consider all these things a complete waste of time, addictive, and idols in the making so my answer has been "no way!" So many kids are addicted to texting and they don't even know how to properly relate to one another. I remember how much time I wasted playing video/arcade games as a kid and how addictive they were, and I don't want my kids to get caught up in that. We listen to Christian music exclusively in our house and it blesses my heart so much when my kids sing along and understand the deep truths in the lyrics.
I am so thankful for the work has done in me so far and continues to do. May he continue His work in me to make me holy as He is holy.
Thank you everyone for all your great insights. It has been such a joy to be on this journey together this year!
Kim in IL
Ladies,
Have you ever heard of this little poem...
Good, Better, Best, never let it rest, until your Good is Better and your Better Best.
Many years ago I adopted this little diddy to apply it to how I use my time. There are so many choices out there these days. This helped empower me to think through my choices and be intentional about how I set time apart.
Blessings, Robin
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