We are to “put to death” sin it says in Colossians 3:5 NKJV. These are some strong words. Why not make the effort to do what is right and bring blessing to others instead of sin and the pain and destruction that can accompany sinful behavior? Be stable in all you do and no matter what, keep trusting in God and be at peace. Worry often just brings extra tension to our situation. There are a lot of good things we can do, but don’t forget to include spiritual things as part of how you use your time. You don’t have to go to extreme risks, but we are commanded to use some of our abilities for the kingdom of God and to also use our spiritual gifts. Live a blessed life and be a blessing to others. 

Since we want to be God’s people, we should behave like God’s people. Sin has a negative impact on us and others. For example, taking bribes subverts justice; those bribing others may get away with crimes against others. All sin is destructive and is wrong. Even small sins can cause harm. 

Also, this portion talks about the many traps of sin that keep us from a relationship with God. For example, sexual sins often keep a person distant from God. We belong to God, and we are to be a holy separate people (and not sin). Also, this portion talks about loving our neighbor as ourselves. Sin not only keeps us from God, but also keeps us from loving others and treating others right.

God gave us the laws in the Old Testament portion to protect us. The quarantine practices in the Old Testament help us to stay safe; it is biblical. When we do what God tells us, we can be blessed by God. When we serve others, God can use us for His purposes. God even used lepers in the Old Testament to discover the invading army had left without taking their supplies with them. 

False doctrines are of no consequence to God. Just because someone wears weird clothes, it does not qualify them to teach about the true God. Timothy was taught the Holy Scriptures from the Old Testament and God will judge us by His truths. He wants us to live by them because He is an all-knowing God, and they are good for us. We will find true light and peace in God's holy words in the Bible. 

Wrong doctrine will lead to our eternal demise. Some people think they can do whatever they want. Shaul said in Galatians 5:21 NKJV, "Just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." And in Galatians 6:7 NKJV, "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked."

In the portion Shemini, fire came out of the sky and consumed the burnt offering; we should remember to do what God says; He is God, and we are not. We should do what is right, so we bring blessing into the world and not sin and destruction. Think about what you are doing and be reasonable. Keep doing the good you learned from the scriptures. Use your time and money well; do not throw caution to the wind. Be wise and stay wise. God gave us a brain so use it. Teach and do what is right, and give your anxieties to God. 

Don’t live a fake worldly life; only seeking baubles and thrills. Many people live only for worldly things. I would not be alive to enjoy anything if I had died in that fire. Unknown to many people is a satisfying relationship with God. God can help us like nothing else or no one else can. We can have a supernatural relationship with God. How amazing is that! Work on keeping God’s commandments and ask for the help of the Holy Spirit. Shaul said, "Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us;" Ephesians 3:20 NKJV. The gifts of the Holy Spirit are powerful; do not ignore them. 

The worldly keep on working to spread their false belief systems. They have devised a machine like plan to spread their false beliefs. Believers in the true God wonder what is going on sometimes as their faith continues to be assaulted by the false beliefs systems of the world. This week, I woke up to hear that the Palestinians attacked Israel again and the President of the United States mandated that all public schools in the United States are to now accept sinful dress codes and sinful sexual behaviors in their schools. If they do not, they will lose their government funding. 

God wanted Israel to do things a specific way; we need to do things God's way and not our way. God's people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge about God and the scriptures. We need to have joy, even in difficult times. Our thoughts can get clogged up with the issues of life and the troubles we face. Take comfort in God and decide to follow Him and do what is right no matter what. We have a lot to be thankful for as believers. Nothing can take us away from God unless we let our own thoughts overcome us. Yeshua said in Revelation 2:7 NKJV, "To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." God, "is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NKJV. 

People in our era have lots of knowledge about everything except for God. 3,000 believed in the Messiah Yeshua on Shavuot (Pentecost) it says in Acts 2. God gave the Holy Spirit on a Jewish feast day; that's why all those Jewish people were at the Temple in Jerusalem. The 3,000 who believed knew their Bible and they were instantly capable home group leaders who had learned the Bible as they grew up. They fellowshipped from house to house and ate together (Acts 2:46). Eating together is something Jews do on Shabbat! Believers observe Shabbat; early believers in Yeshua observed Shabbat because it is one of God's feasts, and they kept God's good commandments. We want what is good; God wants what is good! 

We have so much to be thankful for. God has given us His commandments and the right way to live, and it is a good way to live. Why not have joy! Why be anxious? Keep praying and allow God's peace to fill you up. Allow God to guard your mind through the Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). God tells us to be thankful for what we have been given. Hebrews 13:15-16 NKJV says, "Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased."

God requires a sacrifice for our shortcomings (our sin); Leviticus 17:11 NKJV says, "It is the blood that makes atonement." God made a way for all to come to Him through the Messiah Yeshua. People are prone to sin and doing things their own way instead of doing what is right. Have a God centered life. Do not be shammed or fooled by mankind's ideas. Instead, put godly (good) thoughts in your mind. Control your thoughts with the help of the scriptures. Have a proper understanding of things and act reasonably. We are part of a wonderful body of believers in the Messiah so be filled with joy and be thankful.