Exodus 35:10-36:38 + Matthew 27:32-66 + Psalm 34:1-10 + Proverbs 9:7-8
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Old Testament – The NIV Study Bible commentary today notes that Exodus 35:4 through 39:43 are for the most part repeated from chapters 25 through 28; 30:1-5; and 31:1-11, sometimes verbatim, but with the verbs primarily in the past rather than the future tense and with the topics arranged in different order. This type of repetition was a common feature of ancient Near Eastern literature and was intended to fix the details of a narrative in the readers mind. I really like in today’s readings in chapter 35 that people freely brought their offerings for the tabernacle (much of which was likely given to them by the Egyptians as the Exodus from Egypt began, as you’ll recall from Exodus 12:33-36), as we see in verses 20 through 22 – “So all the people left Moses and went to their tents to prepare their gifts. If their hearts were stirred and they desired to do so, they brought to the LORD their offerings of materials for the Tabernacle and its furnishings and for the holy garments. Both men and women came, all whose hearts were willing. Some brought to the LORD their offerings of gold–medallions, earrings, rings from their fingers, and necklaces. They presented gold objects of every kind to the LORD.”
Bible.org’s commentary on Exodus Chapter 35 titled “Concerning Contributions” is at this link. Bible.org’s commentary on Exodus Chapter 36 titled “The Tabernacle, The Dwelling Place of God” is at this link.
New Testament – Wow, it is sad and hard to read about Jesus crucifixion in today’s readings. Thank you, Jesus, for what you endured on the Cross for us sinners!
In Matthew 27 verse 32 we read: “As they were on the way, they came across a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, and they forced him to carry Jesus’ cross.”
Verses 37 & 38: “A signboard was fastened to the cross above Jesus’ head, announcing the charge against him. It read: “This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.” Two criminals were crucified with him, their crosses on either side of his….”
Today in Matthew chapter 27 verse 54 we read, just after Jesus’ death on the cross: “The Roman officer and the other soldiers at the crucifixion were terrified by the earthquake and all that had happened. They said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” Reflect on these words of the Roman officers and soldiers for a moment. Do you believe these words of the soldiers are true? If these words are true, what does this mean for our lives today? Are we really living our lives in such a way that reflects that these words are true? Or, is it possible, that sometimes we just say these words of the Roman soldiers, and then just go about our lives as business as usual? If Jesus truly is the Son of God, how then should we be living our lives this very day?
Verse 51 is significant – “50Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” The curtain separating the Most Holy Place was torn in two at Jesus’ death, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Now all people are free to approach God because of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. Hebrews chapter 10 verses 19 & 20 puts it this way: “And so, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. This is the new, life-giving way that Christ has opened up for us through the sacred curtain, by means of his death for us.”
Verses 57 through 60: “As evening approached, Joseph, a rich man from Arimathea who was one of Jesus’ followers, went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. And Pilate issued an order to release it to him. Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a long linen cloth. He placed it in his own new tomb, which had been carved out of the rock….”
Psalms – Psalm 34 verse 9 in the NIV reads: “Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing.” What does fearing God mean to you? Do you think that fearing God is a good or bad thing? Why? Do you think it is possible to both love God and fear God at the same time? What do you think of when you hear the word “saints”? Do you believe that you are a saint? Do you want to be a saint? Are you acting like a saint? Do you believe that those who fear God lack nothing? Why would this be? Bible.org’s commentary on Psalm 34 titled “The Fear of the Lord” at this link.
Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 9 verses 7 & 8 are fascinating to me: “Anyone who rebukes a mocker will get a smart retort. Anyone who rebukes the wicked will get hurt. So don’t bother rebuking mockers; they will only hate you. But the wise, when rebuked, will love you all the more.” I do believe this Proverb is true. If anyone needs a definition of rebuke it is: “an act or expression of criticism and censure.” (and for that matter censure means – “harsh criticism or disapproval”) So, this Proverb teaches us that rebukes of a mocker or the wicked will bring a critical reply or even injury. But that rebukes of the wise can bring love! Powerful to consider!
Worship Video: Reading about Jesus’ crucifixion today reminds me of the song “Above All” and the lyrics: “Crucified. Laid behind the stone. You lived to die. Rejected and alone. Like a rose trampled on the ground. You took the fall. And thought of me. Above all.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtS7UuNI2Vk
Do you worship Jesus Above All? Click here and worship Him!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!” Matthew 27:54 NIV
Prayer Point: Pray that you would daily meditate on what Jesus did for you on the Cross. Pray that you would daily say what the centurion said at the foot of the Cross: “Jesus is the Son of God!”
Comments from You and Questions of the Day: Based on this Proverb above, do you ever rebuke anyone? Part of me thinks that sometimes we can become so scared of what anyone else will think that we say absolutely nothing – even when perhaps we should rebuke someone. When do you feel it is appropriate to rebuke someone? Is it based on a relationship? Is it based on if they ask your opinion on a matter? Will you ever rebuke someone even if not asked an opinion on the matter? Are you careful to not rebuke mockers or the wicked, but only to rebuke the wise? How do you discern who is wise and able to receive a rebuke? Conversely, have you ever been rebuked by someone else? Have you ultimately loved that person for the rebuke? Even if the rebuke stung at the time, were you ultimately appreciative of receiving the rebuke? Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
======= Ramona:
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Reading how the “offering” of talent and material was approached by God and Moses, makes me yearn for this approach, by which I mean, both asking, receiving and giving, in our churches today. There was no manipulation, just the stating of an object of fact, the Building of the Tabernacle,” that God has told Moses to build. The effect of this method, the freely giving of what they had. I think the generosity of the people, their willingness to dedicate their talents and any material goods they had, stems from the “Fear of the Lord.” When you know that God will supply all your needs, and has in the past, when you know within your very being that God has your back and will take care of you, the Fear of the Lord becomes a natural state of being out of which you operate.
The fear of the Lord also causes a Believer to walk in boldness toward the ways of man. We will stand up for what is right and righteous even if no one else in the room is willing to take a stand. Operating out of the Fear of the Lord may not win you friends but it will cause them to respect you even if they are trying to take you out, and I don’t mean to dinner.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= John:
Mike,
“Fear” in the Old Testament when referring to God,(EX. Fear the Lord), has to do with “reverence” or “stand in awe of”, not “being afraid of”.
The Hebrew word transliterated yare’, frequently translated “fear,” also means “religious awe.”
Saints in Psalm 34:9 (Hebrew – “Qadowsh”) would be better thought of as “Holy ones” or those He “set apart”.
So, Psalm 34:9
“Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing”
Could also be considered:
Revere the Lord, you his people set apart,
for those who revere him lack nothing
John
======= Micah Girl:
John is right about the definition of fear, but I think that in addition, there is an element of knee-knocking within appropriate fear of God also. See Luke 12 for several examples of “be afraid” paired with “don’t worry.” I think Jesus teaches us not to fear the small things and the earthly things, but instead to fear God so that we order our days properly.
Luke 12 4″I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.
5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him.”
Another example from Luke 12 is when Jesus teaches (paraphrase): Don’t blaspheme against the Holy Spirit because you fear the authorities more than God, instead fear God and when taken before the authorities, the Holy Spirit will give you words.
Also, following up on our wisdom conversation from yesterday: Look how God has given a spiritual gifting of creativity/knowledge/wisdom in making beautiful things to Bezalel and Oholiab in Ex. 35:30-35. This is a filling of the Spirit of God to accomplish a craftsman’s tasks to the glory of God. Cool.
Micah Girl
======= Luch:
I was impressed this time reading through Exodus 35 and 36 that Bezalel and Oholiah, mentioned previously in Exodus 31 are mentioned again. Their gifts of craftsmanship expressed this way, “The Lord has filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts….And the Lord has given both him and Oholiah…the ability to teach their skills to others.” Erwin McManus of Mosaic, a very artistic and creative church, teaches that ‘creativity is the natural byproduct of spirituality.’ This passage seems to confirm that.
Re ‘the fear of the Lord’, I think ‘to fear the Lord’ means “Take God seriously’. As well, years ago I memorized this little phrase from Bill Gothard, “The fear of the Lord is the continual awareness that God is watching, evaluating and judging everyone of my thoughts, actions, and motives.” I have found those two simple ideas useful in coming to grips with this powerful concept of fear. As well, taking the fear of the Lord seriously has kept me on the path of life.
It’s interesting that in Exodus 20:20 we have a powerful but puzzling thought. “Don’t be afraid,” Moses said, “for God has come in this way to show you his awesome power. From now on, let your fear of him keep you from sinning|”(NLT) Amen, and Amen.
Luch
======= John:
Re: Fear
I did not mean to cause confusion. My point on the concept of “Fear the Lord” is based on the Hebrew word “Yare’”. when used in the Old Testament it is meant to represent “reverence” or “awe”.
When the Old Testament writers wanted to get across the thought of trembling fear, be afraid of,etc. They used the Hebrew word: “Ra`ad”
Of course there are times in the New Testament when the concept is either reverance (worship) or trembling fear. The N.T. writers would use a different Greek word for each of these concepts, just as O.T. writers did in their day.
Sorry for the confusion.
John
======= Angela:
Jesus himself defined ‘fear the Lord’ for us as ‘worship the Lord’ in Matt 4:10. He rebutted Satan by quoting Deut 6:13/10:20. Instead of ‘fear the Lord’ as in the Deut verses, He replaced the phrase with ‘worship the Lord’ instead.
As for the tearing of the veil, although traditional thought on this is that the veil was torn so now man can approach God freely, I tend to think it as God coming out to us instead. The mental image I have is that of God tearing the veil from within the Holy of Holies and stepping out from there. Previously, man has to approach God, who is (in a sense) ‘confined’ at the Holy of Holies. Now, following the death and resurrection of Christ, the Spirit of God is poured out among believers and dwells in everyone of us. So isn’t it more like God coming out to join us?
Just my thoughts.
Angela
======= Kevin:
I think Angela is absolutely right.
Because:
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 18 TNIV)
I really think we need to allow ourselves the freedom that Jesus died for to give us.
Of course we need to hold God in the highest regard and try to honor the ten commandments. But God wants us to be perfect, and only His love will accomplish that in us.
Kevin
======= John:
Angela
Re:veil
Since God often takes the initiative it is a valid thought that God comes out to us vs. the traditional interpretation that we are now free to approach God.
However, There is some clarification in Hebrews 10:19-22
“Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith….”(NIV)
Curtain (Gk. Katapetasma) is the same word as “veil” in Matt 27:51. In fact it is the name given to the curtains that hung in the Temple. Jesus was represented by the curtain. Through his death (torn curtain) we now have a new way of access to God, and of course, it is not at the temple, but anywhere and anytime we want it to be.
I don’t think your thought is totally wrong, but for the Scriptures to be consistent – it seems that the concept is regarding ‘our access to God’.
John
======= Anka:
Jesus was for the first time separated from His father because He carried our sins.I think more than the excruciation pain of the cross,the mockery and abandon of His disciples,being separated even for a little while from His father was a huge blow to Jesus.
By his sacrifice,the old covenant that offered only the atonement of sin through the blood of animals was forever fulfiled by the blood of Jesus.The veil that stopped us from being in a relationship personally with the Father was done away with.Jesus paid the price of our sin on the cross so we may come into a relationship with the God,not only that…HE also interceeds for us as our high priest!………………………………………………………………..
Mae,praise God for your family,as I read today’s psalms”I sought the LORD, and he answered me;
he delivered me from all my fears.”I thought of what great joy it is when a new believer joins our family,when it happens to be your husband and an answer to your prayers I guess your heart wants to leap out of your chest for joy:)
This psalm also makes me think that God’s ways are not ours….David had to put on a humilitating show(my opinion)to escape Abimelech,yet he saw this as deliverance from God….maybe it was….David was still a man after God’s own heart….I pray we all keep on searching for God’s own heart.
God bless you all
Anka
======= Joan:
Mike,
Thank you so much for this one year Bible reading. I just love reading the readings and also the commentaries. I have always read the Bible but have missed some parts. This is so wonderful.
Joan
======== Johnnie:
Today’s reading I focused on:
What can happen when God’s people give willingly?
I know one day I would like to hear, “Bring no more materials! You have already given more than enough.”
Wouldn’t that statement be awesome to hear? Knowing that everything that needed to brought in for a project was covered? Many times this happens, but rarely, if ever, do you hear it.
Johnnie
======= Mae:
Reading Psalms was just wonderful!
34:1)I will praise the Lord at all times.
I will constantly speak his praises.
34:5)Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy;
no shadow of shame will darken their faces.
34:7)For the angel of the Lord is a guard;
he surrounds and defends all who fear him.
34:9)Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
So powerful! Wonderful!
Do you think it is possible to both love God and fear God at the same time? ~ Fearing God is a good thing. It’s not fear in a way of being scared of Him. It’s a good fear. Our pastor preached about it not too long ago. I’ve been going through my noted, but I can’t find it. But it’s good to fear God, in a healthy way. Not being scared of Him, but to fear Him in a way that you don’t want to dissapoint Him. It’s a relationship, just like with my dad. I don’t want to dissapoint him, but if I do, he’ll call me on it and we have a good talk about it. He only wants the best for me. And it’s the same thing with God; He’ll call us on it when we dissapoint Him. He wouldn’t call you on it if He didn’t love you. He’ll correct us, and it’s good that He does, that way we’ll stay awake and aware. That’s how we maintain our relationship with God.
I have to keep this short. I’m going to the International Bible Conference in Zwolle (North Holland), it’s more than an hour drive. Not too bad … We’re leaving in an hour. I’m sooo excited! Pastor Paul Campbell from the US is going to preach tonight. I can’t wait! If anyone wonders; I’m from the Potters House & Open Door. In Holland it’s called “De Deur” (The Door).
Mae
======= Jenny:
Some thing that stood out in Exodus was how God didnt force anyone to do anything, it was if “they were willing”. God never forces Himself on anyone, He desires a willing heart,…and i believe knowing n loviing the Lord, being right with Him, will giving us a willing heart. Just as He wont force anyone to take the free gift of salavation. (though i sometimes wish i could!). God loves a cheerful giver. If our heart/motive is reluctant or bitter at all (in giving to the Lord) we shouldn’t bother b’cos its not that God needs us or our resources…He wants our hearts!
Matthew doesnt go into much explicit detail as the other gospels, but its still so powerful. and it hurts, it hurts to read my Lord endured this awful thing, n for me! I love the others gospels account of the repentative thief on the cross with Jesus.
I also noticed, the women followed Him, but where were the disciples?
This man Joseph, who was wealthy, had his own burial tomb reserved for himself. he wanted Jesus’ body to bury in his own tomb and to wrap the body in fine linen. This man gave up his tomb for Jesus’ body…hmm, I betcha he knew this tomb would be empty in 3 days anyway! =)
The curtain being torn in two is sooooo significant! That was the victory…we now have access to God the Father!!! But, oh what a price was paid! this wasnt cheap, this cost so much and if there were any other way to God, to heaven, Jesus wouldnt haved died! Some say, there are many roads that lead to heaven…what an insult to the price paid! the shedding of the blood of the Son! There is one way and He is it. Narrow minded? better beleive it. the Word says, “narrow is the road that leads to salvation and few shall find it”.
There’s a song I love called Liquid by Jars of Clay…great song… Jesus “didnt die for nothing!”
I love the Psalms, how comforting:
7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him,
and he delivers them.
8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
9 Fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
What an awesome promise.
In Proverbs, VERY wise and applicable to something personal on my heart, going on in my life:
7 “Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. 8 Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.”
Speaking of wisdom, I wanted to add to what we discussed yesterday on wisdom coming from the Word of God. Wisdom is revealed to us from God directly, the holy spirit revealing things to us. King Solomon prayed for wisdom, and look how God blessed him! we too can pray for wisdom. When Peter answered Jesus correctly when he said, “who do you say I am?’ Jesus said, This was revealed to you by God.
Also, one of my fave verses is Luke 10:21… “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure”.
The intellects were blinded, but those who had faith were given much wisdom.
God bestows knowledge, gifts, etc to His children that love and seek Him. we can read the BIble til we are blue in the face and be none the wiser, we need the spirit to reveal things to us. we need God to speak through His word to us! When I went to Israel, we had a tour guide who was very intelligent!! he was born in America and moved to israel, learned Hebew, studied the BIble, knew the BIBle very well, better then most Christains, yet he was an unbeliever. To him the Bible was more a history book. he knew everything there was to know about the history of the Bible. much knowledge, but No wisdom. the enemy blinded his eyes!
So we must seek, run, chase after, and desire wisdom! It comes from God alone and His word is the way which He speaks to us!
Jenny
======= Jenny:
Its me again, haha…i didnt finish reading your blog b4 so i wanted to comment more. To fear God is to have a holy reverence to Him. We can fear things and not love them at all…i have a fear maybe of lions, I respect the fact they could kill me and i would fear being around one, but I have no love for them. With God its not a fear so terrifying that you are frightened out of your socks, its a holy fear, a holy reverence, but also a fear of His power and might.
Some say they are afraid of God and live life like you dont mean it (ive had non beleivers tell me they are scared of God but go on and live an ungodly life. is this fear?) this is fear of punishment for wrong…which is justifiable! But our fear isnt one of punishment, but more awe, reverence.
We who belong to Him are called saints! Do I feel like a saint? NO! would i walk around calling myself a saint? haha, NO! but in the Lord’s eyes, we are His saints!
I feel its appropraite to rebuke someone when I feel the Lord’s prompting. This requires discernment. I cant explain it really, its from God. and I need to make sure it IS from God, not from some sort of selfish hidden motive i have, but from Godly love!
For believers, we need to take caution, are we rebuking for the right reason? Some ppl are sin seekers, they go around rebuking ppl NOT out of a genuine concern for thats person spiritually, but out of perhaps jealousy, own self-disgust (projection). IN fact this has happened to me in the past week, i’ve been rebuked for things people projected onto me. They judged my heart and motives wrongly. this is not loving rebuke, this is fleshly rebuke and I did not recieve it bcos it wasnt of the Lord and I knew it.
There are times i have been rebuked and they were correct. Ive even been rebuked by nonbelievers concerning sprititual things and they were right! (ouch!!!!!). People who rebuke me out of love, where I feel the Lord is behind the rebuke, that I love! (tho at the time it hurts!!) But if its not from God, i can discern and see its their own problem that they are taking out on me. Should I rebuke them for that? sometimes i do, but i really have to wait for the promting of the Lord on this.
Jenny
======= Frederick:
Matthew 27:46 (NIV)
46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi,[b] lama sabachthani?”—which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
It was not only physical pain nor psychological fear of death, the most horrible part of Jesus’s suffering was the separation from God. In order to bear our sins, Jesus had to be forsaken by God and descended to hell for 3 days.
Frederick
======= John:
Frederick,
I understand your assessment of “separation” from God, and “forsaken” by God. Many pastors I respect very much preach the cross with exactly those concepts.
However something bothered me about this and I began to ask myself some questions – well a lot of questions. However, they boiled down to two.
1) Can the Trinity ever be separated? I mean really separated.
2) Would God forsake God (Jesus) who was following God’s plan to the letter?
It was very difficult for me to say – “yes” to those questions. The result was I did some research, and wrote something that will be my next post.
======================================================
“descended to hell for 3 days.”
This concept is intriguing. I know it is taught in some Christian churches. Can this be true?
1) Actually, Hell (Greek: Gehenna) is not open for business right now as we think about it.
a) some would indicate that it is in the future as the final “lake of fire” in Revelation.
b)even if it exists today who is down there – the unsaved. satan is on earth roaming to and fro, so to the demons of satan.
c)I do believe Christ descended into Sheol/Hades after His death. But according to the rich man and Lazarus teaching (is not a parable as parables never mention names) – this is a place of paradise and torment. The two sides are separated by a wide chasm. Would it be possible for Christ to be there telling the OT saints on paradise side what has been going on? While the torment side can clearly hear Christ’s message in their separation – just like in the parable?
Just something to think about. At the cross – Jesus said “it is finished”. The Greek word is used by businessman to stamp bills and means “paid in full”.
I am not sure what descending to hell means to you – but if the debt is paid in full – is there any reason to think Christ would have to suffer more – or have to wrestle with any demons over anything?
Like I said, just some things to think about.
John
======= Janice:
I have been listening to Brian on the Daily Audio Bible and he really brings the scriptures to life. No wonder Jesus cried out in agony –he was not just dying on the cross; he had the sins of the world on his shoulders. He died for us so that we can have eternal life. Thank you, Jesus.
Janice
======= Joyce:
My comment is a question. Maybe I’m visualizing this wrong. If this creating of the tabernacle was occuring while the Israelites were wandering in the desert, how were they able to transport large things like pieces of Acacia wood? And possibly looms for weaving? I know they had cattle and donkeys, but this is hard for me to comprehend.
Joyce
======= Janice:
Joyce, I thought they stayed in one place while the tabernacle was being built. This took a lot of team work and effort. After it was completed, it was moved from place to place which was also a great undertaking, but God was with them. I was thinking as I read about building of the tabernacle and all the spinning and weaving that had to be done that there really seemed to be a change of heart with the people. They were not grumbling — they were working for the Lord, and giving free of everything they have. Do you think they felt guilty for the golden calf? Do you think they realize that they have all this material because God freed them from Egypt? Or do you think they finally realize all the provisions that God has given them and God will continue to provide? I think “Yes” to all of the above, but will it last?
Janice
====== Karen:
As to Mike’s question on rebuke. I have had someone very close to me rebuke me and altho at the first it stung and I may have resented it, after more thought, I realized they were right and then I was grateful for the wake-up call. Knowing this person loves me makes this easier and knowing Jesus loves me & forgives me is the greatest joy. Love in Christ.
Karen
======== Brent:
Exodus 35:10-36:38
Why did the people have this material for the tabernacle? (The gold, thread, wood etc…) For that we must go back to the exodus in Egypt. The people plundered the Egyptians (Exodus 12:33-36). Why so much? For that we need to go back to 400 years of slavery. (Exodus 1:6) The people had been fruitful and multiplied greatly. Why Egypt? For that we must go back to the famine in the land that caused Jacob to send his 10 sons to Egypt and its governor. (Genesis 42). Why its governor? Because Joseph (Pharaohs governor) through Gods wisdom understood the dream of Pharaoh and had prepared Egypt for this great famine. (Genesis 41) Why Joseph? Because his brothers had become jealous of him and had sold him into slavery (Genesis 37) Let us never forget the God is in control. Remember Joseph’s words to his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done. The saving of many lives”.
(Gen 50:19-20) God is so very good!
Brent
======= Jennifer:
What struck me from the repetition of the verses was that all were to bring their gifts and talents to build the Lords Temple. This is as true today and then. I pray that I will always bring my talents and gift for the construction of Gods temple in my life and in the lives of others.
Jennifer
======== Ginny:
I have a friend that kind of rebuked me about the way I was diciplining my children. I know it was very hard for her to talk to me about this issue that God had laid on her heart. It was also pretty hard to swallow. But, it definately was just what I needed. I am ever so thankful for her sharing her heart. It meant the world to me, that she loved me and my family enough to step out in faith and talk with me. This helped in shaping my children in better people than they would have been if she hadn’t jumped in to help direct us. The change in dicipline made such a great change for our family! Thank you Tracy, I am forever grateful.
Ginny
======= Steve:
Proverbs 9:7-8 Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult; whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse. Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
A wise man not only accepts a rebuke, he gleans the wisdom from it and is grateful for it. Before we rebuke someone we should ask ourselves if they are capable of receiving it. If they are not, then it’s unwise to make it. Many gratefully accept compliments but spurn rebuke because they have no capacity to receive it. Criticism received in humility is worth its weight in gold. The wise man knows that criticism has the capacity to open up his blind spots.
Steve
======= Ray:
i just wanna post what Our Lord did for us on the cross. I Thank Jesus for what he did for all of us he did not have to do this but he Did it for All of us….. he Bore the sins dating back to the time of Adam and Eve till Now. and he took our Punishment. he bore the sins of many
if it was not for his Death on the cross we all would Perish… THANK YOU JESUS FOR WHAT YOU DID
Ray
======= Fred:
Just a personal experience. I received a sum of money from the Government. I made a promise that I would donate 80% of that extra money to some Christian organisations. I drew the cheques on yesterday and had them mailed today. I then read today’s Exodus verses, learning that the Israelites were offering their golds and garments to the LORD. I believe God was talking to me that I was doing a thing just like the Israelites did.
Fred
======= Dwayne:
I remember when I first got saved, Jesus Came into my heart and filled me with his love. It was after God gave me a new heart that I was able to become a chearful giver. Prior to salvation, money was one of my Gods. But once I tasted Salvation, I knew God was requiring more of me. As I began to grow in this new life, I was taught the principle of tithing. But God is wanting us to give more than just the tith. There is such a blessing in giving and it can only be experienced as one listens and obey’s the promting of the Holy Spirit.
In regards to rebuking or correcting someone, I have more than once opened my mouth when I should kept quiet. Taking and recieving criticism is not easily received. I’m praying that God will give wisdom in this area. Speaking in the heat of battle always gets me in trouble. The bible says,” Be ye angry and sin not” Some times I want to get the last word in. There are people in my life that I want to change. I SOMETIMES THINK, If I nutched them along they will change. But God is the only one who will bring about the change.
Dwayne
======= Joyce:
Matthew 27:32-66
Reading the New Testament these couple of days gives such an important and needed reminder:
How foolish we humans can be!
How we could greatly offend God our Heavenly Father, and our Lord Jesus, knowingly or unknowingly.
How we need His Holy Spirit to point out to us our sins and wrongdoings each day;
How we need to repent to Him and ask for His forgiveness each day!
May our God continue to have mercy on us!
i’m very blessed to still be following this blog and the bible readings every morning.
May our faithful God continue to use this One Year Bible Blog ministry to bring many to read, meditate and love His Word every day!
This stands out to me:
Exodus 35:20-22 NASB
20 Then all the congregation of the sons of Israel departed from Moses’ presence.
21 Everyone whose heart stirred him and everyone whose spirit moved him came and brought the Lord’s contribution for the work of the tent of meeting and for all its service and for the holy garments.
22 Then all whose hearts moved them, both men and women, came and brought brooches and earrings and signet rings and bracelets, all articles of gold; so did every man who presented an offering of gold to the Lord.
Pastor Don Fortner said in his sermon THE HIGH HONOR GOD PUTS UPON HIS PEOPLE:
“The materials out of which the Tabernacle was made were to be provided by the voluntary offerings of devoted hearts.
Everything offered to God … must be spontaneous and free, not the result of persuasion or of external pressure, but from the heart. · Constrained by love, not by law!
· Motivated by gratitude, not by fear.
· Inspired by reverence, not by reward.”
I need and treasure this reminder.
God certainly doesn’t “need” anything from me. And yet, if I come to offer my service to Him and His people out of my own stirred heart and moved spirit, I pray that it will be pleasing to Him.
May God bless all of you!
Sincerely,
Joyce
======= Jeff:
An observation from today’s readings: Occasionally in our daily readings, I see coincidental links between that day’s OT and NT verses. An example if this occurred in today’s readings.
Mike’s blog description of Jesus’ death (ca. 31 AD) in today’s NT reading:
“Verse 51 is significant – “50Then Jesus shouted out again, and he gave up his spirit. 51At that moment the curtain in the Temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” The curtain separating the Most Holy Place was torn in two at Jesus’ death, symbolizing that the barrier between God and humanity was removed. Now all people are free to approach God because of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins.”
Coincidentally, our OT reading today describes the time in history approximately 1,481 years before Jesus’ crucifixion (ca. 1450 BC) when the curtain in the tabernacle that was torn in two at the moment of Jesus’ death:
Exodus 36:35-36New Living Translation (NLT)
35 For the inside of the Tabernacle, Bezalel made a special curtain of finely woven linen. He decorated it with blue, purple, and scarlet thread and with skillfully embroidered cherubim. 36 For the curtain, he made four posts of acacia wood and four gold hooks. He overlaid the posts with gold and set them in four silver bases.
I suppose it’s just a serendipitous coincidence.
Love today’s music video — ‘Above All’ by Michael W. Smith. Just added it to my iTunes library.
Jeff
======= Jill:
We fear God out of reverence and honor. The way we
We feared our parents as children. Because we loved them so much and didn’t want to hurt them. Should continue that way as adults as we strive to honor our Heavenly Father! Don’t let us ever become complacent in our Christian life where we think we are not accountable for our actions. Continue to fear our God . One day we all have to stand and give account to God for every word and action. Blessings to you all
Fyi it’s no coincidence the readings with OT and NT line Up. They have writers who put these readings together to work this flow. I believe it’s to my knowledge that mike writes and adds his personal blog to make this his own for which we are all blessed! lthankuou Mike!
Jill
======= Carol:
Yes, the veil was torn….Praise God! As I read the Bible, many times I will think that something is rather strange/weird but also so absolutely perfect and true! But, even when I am confused, God spurs me on to continue reading!
The Proverbs 9:7,8 are hard for me to understand and I will do some more prayer and research on this topic! Reminds me of Proverbs 26:4,5 that I’ve always struggled with, that says both to not answer a fool in one verse but then in the next it says to answer a fool.
Carol
========= Sarah:
Hi Carol, thanks for pointing out Proverbs 26:4-5. I looked online and found this explanation make a lot of sense to me.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Proverbs-26-4-5.html
Sarah
======= Mitch:
NT: Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, used his personal tomb (hewn in stone) to bury Jesus. Everyone in the future would be able to view that site. (Spoiler: they could see for themselves the tomb would be empty).
Humorous anecdote: When Joseph went to Pilate to make his request to be allowed to bury Jesus in his personal crypt. Pilate said, “that is very generous of you to give up your burial plot for this man.” To which Joseph replied, “not that big a deal, I am only lending it for the weekend
Mitch
======= Dee:
I love how in Exodus people gave out of their heart, gold, medallions, items of worth for temple. They knew or felt a need and provided. I pray I see and hear needs and help when needed.
Matthew..the passion! That is always so sad. I hate to see what Jesus went through and so many supporters at a distance. The guy Simon..I wonder if he realized what a blessing it was to help carry the load for and with Jesus. Just think if it was us..how would u react..
Psalms..it’s crazy David was acting crazy during moments of Absoloms reign and issues with his son. However joy of Lord was what he had.
Proverbs! The mocker vs wise
I have been given advice before and most all the time I take it constructively and am better because of it
Dee
