SOAP 02/11/2014 Leviticus 17:7

Today's reading: Leviticus 15, 16, 17; Acts 18

S) "⁷ They shall no longer sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat demons with which they play the harlot. This shall be a permanent statute to them throughout their generations."

Leviticus 17:7 (NASB)

O) So, despite all the work being done around camp to honor The LORD, and despite His very clear and present sovereignty, there are still Israelites sacrificing to idols. God simply will not tolerate that sort of adultery toward Him.

A) It's easy to scoff at the Israelites. Their name says it all, in that they will strive with The LORD, but it's easy to forget that "hindsight is 20/20." Essentially, having the Bible written out for us, the very revelation itself, of God, is in hindsight. So, while it may seem so obvious to us now, it wasn't so obvious then. Aside from all of that, here we are in full view of God's ultimate plan, from The Fall right on through The Resurrection, and still there are areas in my life that I am giving away that really belong to God. When I'm worried about something, where does my mind go? Toward God, or toward something or someone else? When I am confused about something, where do I go for answers in my life? Where is my money spent? What are my obsessions? Am I giving to someone else, what really belongs to The LORD? Whether it's my money, attention, time, devotion, strength, intention, adoration, words, or anything else I can give, I must first determine if it belongs first to God. If so, I need to give it without hesitation. If not, I need to prayerfully consider where He wants me to place it.

P) Father, I never want to give away what truly belongs to You. I declare and submit that all I am, all I have to give, is Yours to have. Let me be mindful, and use Your Holy Spirit to convict me, to give to You all that You require and whatever You desire. Let me turn, first to You, and then wherever You direct me after that. It's a big undertaking to be so completely and utterly consumed by a desire toward Your will, but I want to be completely faithful to You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.