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We talked yesterday about God's of the Body and Blood of Christ that has been give to the Church. And we celebrated that sacrifice through Communion or Eucharist yesterday.

A couple of follow-up thoughts.

Steve Mattison shared Hebrews 9:22 with me and I thought I'd pass that along to you:

...the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. (Hebrews 9:22 NIV)

Seem strange to "cleanse" with blood, doesn't it? We typically think of blood as a stain we're trying to get rid of? We buy cleansers and bleach to remove blood from clothes and carpet.

So how do you think blood cleanses?

While you're pondering that one, let me share one other thing I came across. I was reading through the Book of Leviticus in my brand new copy of the Wesley Study Bible, New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). A note on "holiness" seemed relevant.

"Many of the rules and regulations about being clean seem complex and, perhaps, confusing; nevertheless, we can learn about holiness from them.

"Holiness is not merely an inner experience; it is a way of shaping every aspect of ordinary life to please God. Holiness involves all our habits, manners, and behaviors. Not only is holiness the offering of ordinary life to God but also it is a goal for ordinary people.

"One does not have to have extraordinary gifts to be a holy person, only a willingness to do everything in a way that shows reverence for God."

(The italics were mine.)

My prayer for you today is that God would unload a burning passion upon you to shape every aspect of your life to please Him.

My prayer for you is that the Spirit would give you the gift of a heart, mind, and body that are willing to do everything in a way that shows reverence for God.

Grace & peace