Dear Father, A man came to Jesus and asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded, saying, "Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." But the man went away grieved, for he had great possessions. It is easy to make an entirely literal interpretation of what Jesus meant when He said, "Sell all you have and take up your cross." It almost as though a man with great abundance cannot successfully combine both his possession and fellowship with You. But this understanding is altered when we look at it through the analogy of the cross. To carry a cross, we need our hands and shoulders. More explicitly, we need our entire body, inclusive of our hearts. It means doing away with whatever can become a distraction. In essence, Jesus wasn't saying, "You can't combine wealth and devotion." He was saying, "Whatever has your heart other than Me can prevent you from following Me." Solidarity is not determined by verbally pledging commitment, but by the structure of our priorities. In school, I was taught about opportunity cost-- what we do when we cannot afford to have both of our desires, and, in choosing one, we let go of the other. It applies differently to every one of us. For some, the exchange may seem insignificant, like the midnight sleep that prevents necessary fellowship with You. So perhaps the best way to look at this is to ask: What can stand in the way of my commitment to You? That thing is the distraction from the cross. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #thecross #wealth #fellowshipwithGod #koinonia

Dear Father, A man came to Jesus and asked, "What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?" Jesus responded, saying, "Go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me." But the man went away grieved, for he had great possessions. It is easy to make an entirely literal interpretation of what Jesus meant when He said, "Sell all you have and take up your cross." It almost as though a man with great abundance cannot successfully combine both his possession and fellowship with You. But this understanding is altered when we look at it through the analogy of the cross. To carry a cross, we need our hands and shoulders. More explicitly, we need our entire body, inclusive of our hearts. It means doing away with whatever can become a distraction. In essence, Jesus wasn't saying, "You can't combine wealth and devotion." He was saying, "Whatever has your heart other than Me can prevent you from following Me." Solidarity is not determined by verbally pledging commitment, but by the structure of our priorities. In school, I was taught about opportunity cost-- what we do when we cannot afford to have both of our desires, and, in choosing one, we let go of the other. It applies differently to every one of us. For some, the exchange may seem insignificant, like the midnight sleep that prevents necessary fellowship with You. So perhaps the best way to look at this is to ask: What can stand in the way of my commitment to You? That thing is the distraction from the cross. Translations; Slide 1: English Slide 2: French Slide 3: Bengali Slide 4: Hindu Slide 5: Urdu #LettertoGod #thecross #wealth #fellowshipwithGod #koinonia

📅 BIBLE STUDY — February 4 | Leviticus chapter 3 Introduction Leviticus chapter 3 explains the peace offering, which was unique among the sacrifices because it emphasized fellowship, gratitude, and communion with God. Unlike the burnt offering, which was entirely consumed, the peace offering was shared between God, the priests, and the worshiper. It celebrated peace with God, restored relationship, and joyful gratitude for His provision and mercy. Context Summary The peace offering followed the burnt offering and grain offering in Israel’s worship system. It was brought voluntarily and symbolized harmony between God and His people. The shedding of blood showed reconciliation, while the burning of the fat showed giving God the best portion. The peace offering teaches that true peace with God leads to thankful worship and obedient living. Verse-by-Verse Teaching Leviticus 3:1 (NKJV) When his offering is a sacrifice of a peace offering, if he offers it of the herd, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD. Teaching: The peace offering required an animal without blemish, showing God deserves what is pure and whole. Application: We should approach God with sincerity and integrity, not careless devotion. Leviticus 3:2 (NKJV) And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of meeting; and Aaron’s sons, the priests, shall sprinkle the blood all around on the altar. Teaching: Laying hands symbolized identification, and blood symbolized reconciliation. Application: Peace with God requires acknowledgment of personal responsibility and God’s provision for restoration. Leviticus 3:3 (NKJV) Then he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the LORD. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, Teaching: The fat represented richness and abundance, reserved for God. Application: God deserves the best portion of our lives, not what is leftover. Leviticus 3:4 (NKJV) the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove; Teaching: Specific instructions showed that worship must follow God’s design. Application: Obedience matters in how we worship and serve God. Leviticus 3:5 (NKJV) and Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar upon the burnt sacrifice, which is on the wood that is on the fire, as an offering made by fire, a sweet aroma to the LORD. Teaching: The peace offering was built upon the burnt offering, symbolizing peace after atonement. Application: True peace with God flows from forgiveness and surrender Leviticus 3:6 (NKJV) If his offering as a sacrifice of a peace offering to the LORD is of the flock, whether male or female, he shall offer it without blemish. Teaching: God allowed different offerings based on ability, but still required purity. Application: God welcomes all worshipers equally, but holiness is always required. Leviticus 3:7 (NKJV) If he offers a lamb as his offering, then he shall offer it before the LORD. Teaching: The offering was always presented directly to God. Application: Worship is ultimately about honoring God, not impressing others. Leviticus 3:8 (NKJV) And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering, and kill it before the tabernacle of meeting; and Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar. Teaching: Repetition emphasizes the seriousness of reconciliation. Application: Peace with God is costly and should never be taken lightly. Leviticus 3:9 (NKJV) Then he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering, as an offering made by fire to the LORD, its fat and the whole fat tail which he shall remove close to the backbone. And the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, Teaching: The fat tail was highly valued and given fully to God. Application: God deserves our most valuable devotion. Leviticus 3:10 (NKJV) the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove; Teaching: God is specific about honoring Him properly. Application: Careful obedience honors God and deepens our relationship with Him Leviticus 3:11 (NKJV) and the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire to the LORD. Teaching: The offering was described as food for God, symbolizing acceptance. Application: God is pleased when we give Him our best in worship. Leviticus 3:12 (NKJV) And if his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the LORD. Teaching: God accepted offerings from different animals, showing accessibility. Application: No one is excluded from worshiping God when they come in faith. Leviticus 3:13 (NKJV) He shall lay his hand on its head and kill it before the tabernacle of meeting; and the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar. Teaching: Again, blood symbolized restored relationship. Application: Peace with God always requires reconciliation on His terms. Leviticus 3:14 (NKJV) Then he shall offer from it his offering, as an offering made by fire to the LORD. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, Teaching: God consistently claimed the fat as His portion. Application: God deserves priority in our hearts and lives. Leviticus 3:15 (NKJV) the two kidneys and the fat that is on them by the flanks, and the fatty lobe attached to the liver above the kidneys, he shall remove; Teaching: Precision showed reverence for God. Application: Worship should be intentional and respectful. Leviticus 3:16 (NKJV) and the priest shall burn them on the altar as food, an offering made by fire for a sweet aroma; all the fat is the LORD’s. Teaching: All the fat belonged exclusively to God. Application: The best and richest part of our lives belongs to the Lord. Leviticus 3:17 (NKJV) This shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings: you shall eat neither fat nor blood. Teaching: This rule preserved reverence for life and holiness. Application: God sets boundaries that protect our spiritual health and honor Him. Conclusion Leviticus chapter 3 teaches that the peace offering was a celebration of restored relationship, gratitude, and fellowship with God. It shows that peace with God comes through sacrifice, obedience, and reverence. Today, this points believers to a life of thanksgiving and communion with God, made possible through His provision and grace. #LordsbookDailys #ThroughTheBible #Leviticus3 #BibleStudy #PeaceOffering #FellowshipWithGod #GetInTheWord #FaithOnline #ChristianCommunity #GrowInFaith

"Fellowship with God: A Life of Joy" https://youtu.be/oU6glBKPNj4 🌟 True joy is found in fellowship with God! In 1 John 1:3-4, John invites us into a deeper relationship with the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. This fellowship isn't just about being close to God—it’s about experiencing fullness of joy that comes from walking with Him daily. We are created for this kind of connection, a bond that brings joy, purpose, and peace no matter what life throws our way. How are you cultivating your fellowship with God today? 🤝 📖 “And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.” – 1 John 1:4 (KJV) #FellowshipWithGod #JoyInChrist #AbundantLife #ChristianFaith #1John1 #WalkWithJesus #TrueJoy #FaithJourney #ChristianEncouragement