Bible in a Year Blog

Exodus 17:8-19:15 + Matthew 22:34-23:12 + Psalm 27:7-14 + Proverbs 6:27-35
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 17 we read about the Israelites defeating Amalekites.  And we are introduced to Joshua for the first time in the Bible in verse 9!  Joshua is from the tribe of Ephraim and he has a strong faith in God and loyalty to Moses, along with leadership skills.  He will be Moses’ successor who leads the Israelites into Canaan 40 years later. Below is a painting from 1915 by Hungarian artist Adolf Fenyes of “The Jews Defeating Amalek’s Army”:

Verse 12 reminded me of how oftentimes we cannot always do things on our own – we oftentimes need our friends help: “Moses’ arms finally became too tired to hold up the staff any longer. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side, holding up his hands until sunset.”  Who are your Aaron and Hur?  Who is holding you up your arms when they get tired?  And whose arms are you holding up when their arms get tired?

In Exodus chapter 18 we read about Jethro’s visit of Moses and Jethro’s wise advice to Moses.  This chapter has been pointed out to me as something I should take heed of a couple of times over this past year or so…  Like Moses in this chapter, I think I have a hard time delegating!  🙂   But, indeed, Jethro’s advice in verses 17 & 18 about how Moses was settling every single case is something I need to reflect upon often: “This is not good!” his father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out–and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself.” How about you?  Are there areas of your life where you are doing too much?  Where you need to delegate to others?  Where you need to “let go and let God”?  Are you wearing yourself out?  Will you follow Jethro’s advice to Moses? Great advice on how to avoid “burnout” in our lives as based on Exodus chapter 18 titled “The Tyranny of the Urgent” is online at bible.org at this link.  Below is an image of Moses as the judge of the people’s cases from today’s readings:

Exodus chapter 19 is a significant chapter because the Israelites arrive at Mt. Sinai!  Exodus chapter 19 verse 3 all the way through Exodus chapter 24 verse 18 is what is called by many commentators “The Sinaitic Covenant.”   You’ll recall that we have already read about the Noahic Covenant in Genesis 9:8-17, the Abrahamic A Covenant in Genesis 15:9-21, and the Abrahamic B Covenant in Genesis 17.  Per the NIV Study Bible, this Sinaitic Covenant was “made with Israel as the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and as the people God has redeemed from bondage from Egypt.  This Sinaitic Covenant is a conditional divine pledge to be Israel’s God on the condition of Israel’s total consecration to God as his people who live by his rule and serve his purposes in history.”  Tomorrow we read about the Ten Commandments!  Welcome to Mt. Sinai!

New Testament – If you are into memorizing Scripture at all, Jesus’ teaching Matthew chapter 22 verses 37-40 is certainly worth memorizing! “`You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: `Love your neighbor as yourself.’  All the other commandments and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.””  So, I think it is fair to say that if you learn nothing else this year in the One Year Bible, please at least learn these 3 verses above. 🙂   However – I am quite sure you will learn these 3 verses and so much more this year!  Then, of course, to take things beyond just learning – we need to be applying the learnings from the Bible this year in our lives.  How about these two commandments from Jesus above – think you’ve learned them?  Now, can you practice applying them to your life each and every day?  How will you go about doing this?   How will you love God with all your heart, soul, and mind?  How will you love your neighbor?  Commentary on verse 39 entitled, “Is Self-Love Biblical?” is online at bible.org at this link.

In Matthew 22 verse 44 Jesus quotes and teaches from Psalm 110.  An interesting trivia note is that Psalm 110 is the most frequently quoted Old Testament chapter in the New Testament.  Must be an important Psalm, eh?   It’s a surprisingly short Psalm I think, in light of this trivia note.  We’ll read this Psalm later this year – or you can read it now at this link.

Matthew chapter 23 verse 5 is referring to exaggerated phylacteries: “Everything they do is for show. On their arms they wear extra wide prayer boxes with Scripture verses inside, and they wear extra long tassels on their robes.”  From bible-history.com –  “Phylacteries (tephillin) are strips of leather to which is attached a very strong, square box made of parchment and painted black. The box contains four parts of the Torah written on parchment: Exodus 13:1-10 and 13:11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21. According to Deut 6:4-9 two phylacteries were used, one for the head and one for the arm. These (called frontlets in Deuteronomy) were put on in such a way that one box rested on the head, between the eyes (seat of the mind) and the other on the left arm opposite the heart (seat of the actions and the emotions, denoting that one loves the Lord with one’s heart).”  This definition and a good picture of what phylacteries look like is at bible-history.com at this link.  And another image is here:

Psalms –  I love verse 11 today – “Teach me how to live, O LORD. Lead me along the path of honesty.”   Teach me how to live…  what a beautiful prayer!  God – Teach us how to live!  Lead us along the path of honesty!  Teach us how to live…   And Psalm 27 verse 14 today is wonderful for us to meditate upon: “Wait patiently for the LORD.  Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the LORD.”  Is there an area of your life where you feel like you are waiting for the Lord to show up?  Do you believe that the Lord will show up?  I pray that this Psalm will encourage within you the virtue of patience.  The Lord will show up.  Be brave and courageous.  Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Proverbs – Today in Proverbs chapter 6 verses 27 & 28 we read: “Can a person scoop fire into their lap and not be burned? Can a person walk on hot coals and not blister their feet?” How do these Proverbs speak to you? For me, it reminds me of the old adage – “If you play with fire, you’re going to get burned!” And, I believe that if there is unchecked sin in our life, we are literally playing with fire. The sin will burn us. If there is a sin in your life you are struggling with, will you pray unceasingly to God to heal you of the sin? And will pray to God to lead you to any resources or counseling or corrective measures that you should take to facilitate the healing process? Will you allow God to discipline you with his holy and healing love? Will you stop scooping fire on your lap? Will you stop walking on hot coals?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Matthew about the great commandments reminds me of the beautiful Chris Tomlin song “Praise the Father:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_SlSggkcqw

Do you Praise the Father? Click here and Praise the Son!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on five verses of Scripture today: “”Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”” Matthew 22:36-40 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would love God with all of your heart, soul and mind each and every day. Pray that you would love your neighbor as yourself.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  In Matthew chapter 23 verse 5 above, I don’t think Jesus was demeaning phylacteries in and of themselves – but, he was demeaning those that used phylacteries only for “show,” for the wrong motives – the wrong motive of people noticing us instead of giving the glory to God.  Which can lead us to this question in our lives today – are there any “religious things” that we do in our life just for “show”?  Just so that others will honor us?  I think this is such a fine line and something that we have to monitor all of our lives.  Are you monitoring yourself when it comes to your faith to make sure you are not doing anything for “show” or for the wrong reasons?  Have there been times in your past where you have done things just for “show” when it comes to your faith?  How did you catch yourself / notice that you were doing something just for “show”?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 17:8-19:15
While reading this passage I became fascinated with the attack of the Amalek on Israel, it seemed unprovoked. So, “Why? After reading several commentaries, it seems that this group of people were either descendents of Esau or descendents of the tribe of Ham (pick one any one, either way the people were Bedouins, nomads who would be coming down at this time of year to graze their extensive flocks and herds. Seeing Israel occupy their official unofficial grazing land would certainly cause the ire of their fury to be vented.
You have heard the voice of God clearly and you have chosen to follow that voice. Along the way you are attacked and you are just minding your own business. What’s up God? Others seeing you occupy their official unofficial territory are coming in for the kill. No questions asked they just see you as a threat to their centuries old grazing land. There is a lesson for all of us in this. Jesus sends we are attacked: this comes with the territory of being a Christian. Now if the attackers are descendents of Esau, God had already stated before your birth that two nations (Gen 25:23), who happened to be brothers but who had differencing mindsets, would always battle. Therefore, if these descendents are “Esau’s”, your long lost brothers, appeasement won’t be possible. Now, if these are descendents from the line of Ham, then they may only see you as not only a threat to their survival, your trampling the grass needed for the flocks to graze. Who ever or whatever the motive for the attack, they want you dead.
All in the day of the life of a Christian. We are in a war zone put your armor on.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= John:

Ramona,
I thought the same thing about Amalek (Esaus’s grandson), but Amalekites are referenced in Gen 14:7 back in Abram’s time. Arab historians also claim Amalekite’s origin is much older than the time of Esau.
More than likely the people were named after being “down in the valley”, and Esau’s grandson was named after them or also after the image of “down in the valley”
So, must be descendants of Ham????
John

======= Ramona:

Thanks John–But they still wants us dead. I think what struck in trying to figure out who was from where, and why, is this: No matter if “family” or just folks looking out for what they have declared is theirs, they still want us dead. You can’t make peace with someone who has war in their hearts.
I also saw this: What we are seeing when people claim territory that doesn’t belong to them, is gang warfare, be it in the valley, on the streets or in the corporate suites, and yes even in our church’s. i.e. “If I was running the single’s ministry, I would do it like …” Well you ain’t and you aren’t and when you try to usurp delegated authority, you are a gang banger.
Must get ready to go to work.
Ramona

======= Luch:

I was struck by the phrase in matthew 23 where it says, “Everything they do is for show” (vs 5). I don’t condemn the Pharisees for I believe there’s a “Pharisee” in every heart, at least there is in mine. I’ve noticed that people tend to be ‘protective’ of the Pharisees but one has to look really hard in the Scriptures to find much good said about them. They were constantly after Jesus. It’s interesting that Matthew 23 comes on the heels of what Jesus taught about a relationship with the Father (Matt 22:34–40) Whereas the Pharisees laid out ‘The Pharisees guide to total rightteousness’ Jesus just said make sure you are rightly related to God, rightly related to others and rightly related to yourself. Therein is authentic spirituality.
As I read these verses I was reminded of Casting Crowns’ song “Stained Glass Masquerade’ which I will include below as a ‘reality check’ for all of us, beginning with me. I want to make sure I don’t use the one year bible blog as another means of external righteousness to boast of. This song helps me to strive for authenticity.
Luch

======== Roslyn:

I am aware that the bible is loaded with metaphorical language and it would be good sometimes if we can focus our commentaries on those metaphors. Taking things literally can be so misleading and even harmful, I think…particularly to the growth of our faith.
Roslyn

======= John:

Roslyn,
I think this is a very important point. I do not like to say ‘I read the Bible literally’. I will say, “I like to read it as plain and strightforward as possible.”
There is plenty of history and narrative, there are parables, similes, metaphors, allegories, symbolism etc.
To me – it is pretty obvious when things go away from historical and narrative. When that is not possible to discern, I look up a half dozen or so commentators I respect, and see what the concensus is and why they believe it to be so.
As I said before – understanding the Jewish customs and cultures make discernment quite a bit easier. Especially in Old Testament and Matthew.
John

======= Ramona:

I’m trying to figure out the time frame of Moses’ Father-In-Law’s visit, was it before or after God gave the Law to Israel? I am asking this question because of the following passage,
When Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, What is this that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning till evening? Moses said to his father-in-law, Because the people come to me to inquire of God. When they have a dispute they come to me, and I judge between a man and his neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God and His laws. (Exodus 18:14-16 AMP).
If this exchange took place BEFORE the giving of the Law on Mt Sinai, Moses’ relationship with God at this point was such that God spoke to him directly because this translations states, “…I make them know the statutes of God and His laws.” Where did the knowledge of God’s law come from? Was this knowledge general knowledge passed down from one generation to the next? On the other hand, did Moses receive this knowledge through direct revelation from God? If Moses was teaching the people the law after the giving of the Law at Sini, then like us, these are some “dense” folk.
Just something that makes you go, “Hmmm.”
Ramona

======= Anka:

The two commandments Jesus mentioned are indeed quite deep…to love God with all your heart,soul and mind…God says be a doer of my word,not just a hearer…there are many things we read in the bible we just shrug off and say,oh I’m too holy to do that now or hey,that was meant for Israel,not me.I pray we all allow God to teach us as Jesus said “But (T)do not be called (U)Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers.
9″Do not call anyone on earth your father; for (V)One is your Father, He who is in heaven.
10″Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ.
11″(W)But the greatest among you shall be your servant.
Different doctrines have divided the body of Christ…I pray we all open our hearts to the One who is our teacher and leave behind our different traditions/opinions.
Love your neighbour as yourself…means dying to self…Jesus left heaven behind to spend 33years here just for us to get saved…we hold on to money,clothes,careers in detriment to our neighbours…that’s just mentioning a few…I pray truly to let go and let God in all the aspects of my life.
Doing things before men….so many times,it’s hard for me to lift my hands up in worship because I think I’m sooooo unworthy….I think what if someone sees me being so holy in church then sees me in one of my bad days outside of church…I know everyone has bad moments/days…but this is one area that I still struggle with and beat myself up on…I still try to be perfect even when I know I’ll never reach God’s perfection,then beat myself up on it when I fall short…..
Oh well,God’s rest to everyone….God bless you all
Anka

======= Ann:

Responding to the above comment about ‘just for show’, I often have to challenge myself as to whether I attend services each week because I really want to learn more about my Lord or is it because this is the thing that is expected of me! hence falling into the category of ‘just for show’. It is quite challenging to ask ourselves if we are attending ‘church’ because that is the thing we have always done and somehow it makes us feel safe but dear fellow beleiver attending church in itself is not enough, we have to have a personal transaction with our Maker and not just attend for show. Does anyone else feel challenged in this way?
Ann

======= Gina:

are there any “religious things” that we do in our life just for “show”? Just so that others will honor us? …. I come from a very “religious” and legalistic background so I have to be honest and say that I’m guilty of doing this from time to time. God is helping me, most definitely, in this area and I’m thankful because it’s one of the character defects in me that I hate the most!!!
I think I read today’s Psalms reading yesterday by accident! But yes, there are 2 main areas in my life that I am waiting on God. I trust that God is totally in control of the situations and has a plan, but right now, I just don’t understand it and that bugs me! But I believe the Lord will show up, in His time, not mine and so I continiue to praise Him and wait.
Who are your Aaron and Hur? Who is holding you up your arms when they get tired? …. I’m glad you mentioned this…I didn’t even look at it this way, as having someone “help” me through a certain time. But what’s really cool about this is that just last night…totally unexpected…I was at my Friday night Life Group/Bible Study and I fell apart…emotionally. I won’t get into all the details but my friends rallied around me and I actually took a really huge step last night. They decided to walk with me through this valley but not as spectators, they have agreed to jump in with me and really help out. I thank God for my life group – I praise God that I have God fearing friends who are not afraid to “love their neighbor as themselves”.
Gina

======= Mae:

Verses that stood out for me today:
Exodus 19:5 “Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me”.
Matthew 13:11-12 “To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them”.
Psalm 27:8 “My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”
Proverbs 6:29 “So it is with the man who sleeps with another man’s wife. He who embraces her will not go unpunished”.
Are there areas of your life where you are doing too much? Where you need to delegate to others? Where you need to “let go and let God. ~ This struggle started a little while ago when relatives of mine came to church. I was happy they choosed to come to God’s house. BUT … there are things I don’t understand, for example: my church believes that we have to be reborn in order to go to heaven, accept Jesus in your life, the 3-infinity, well you all know what I’m talking about. At the end of all services the pastor asks for people who want to be saved, so my aunt KNOWS this is a big issue! But she keeps telling everybody “I don’t need to be saved, I don’t need to get on my knees and do that prayer. I never turned my back to God. So I don’t need to be reborn again”. Well, it’s okay that SHE thinks that way, but now she’s talking into all of my other unsaved relatives with that little story of hers! I mean, that’s just not right!!!! THIS is what my church believes in and my relatives join this church, so my aunt really should stop convincing everybody that they don’t have to be saved! And this passed week I have been suffering with some sort of anger towards my aunt. I had moments that I wanted to call her and lecture her on this. Telling her that she should really LISTEN to the services!!! Telling her that it’s not right to tell different things to people, she’s joining this church, so she should be gospel the right things! But … I need to let go and let God … So I’m breathing in …. and breathing out … breathing in … and breathing out … And I’m praying, praying that I can let go of that uptight feeling I have when I think about my aunt. I don’t like that feeling, it’s not mine, I need to let it go!
Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. ~ Patiently is a new word in my dictionary since I was saved. I used to be sooooooo extremely impatient! I wanted to sow today and see flowers in bloom the next day. And if there were no flowers in bloom I made something up that would look like flowers in bloom. I needed action, I needed something to be going on in my life. I was a huge drama-queen and actress. I wanted stuff going on in my life from the outside. But now a lot of action is going on in the inside. I’m changing, God is working on me and there’s a LOT going on in my head. I’m studying the Bible, I keep myself fresh and I’m more aware of myself and others than I’ve even been before! There’s no hectic in my life anymore, something that I always wanted so badly … but still, there’s a lot going on in my life! I’m patient … I wait patiently for the Lord. I let Him decide whether we’re going to buy another house or live here for a couple of years, when will my husband get his promotion, will Jaden be our only child, will I carry another baby or will we adopt? All kinds of things for my future … but I need to be patient. And I will be! I’ve come to learn that me rushing into things will ending up hurting myself and others.
Mae

======= Bill:

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
…Which can lead us to this question in our lives today – are there any “religious things” that we do in our life just for “show”? Just so that others will honor us? I think this is such a fine line and something that we have to monitor all of our lives. Are you monitoring yourself when it comes to your faith to make sure you are not doing anything for “show” or for the wrong reasons? Have there been times in your past where you have done things just for “show” when it comes to your faith? How did you catch yourself / notice that you were doing something just for “show”? …”
One area where this could be a problem is being asked to pray in public. You start worrying about how eloquent your prayers sound to others and you tend to want to rehearse them beforehand. As an usher in a church I once attended I had to do that occasionally before taking up the offering and I caught myself thinking along those lines. There is a time and place for public prayers but, personally, I have always felt more comfortable praying alone with no one around except God. Jesus said:
“And WHEN THOU PRAYEST, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to PRAY standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, THAT THEY MAY BE SEEN OF MEN. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.”
– Matthew 6:5-6 ( KJV )
EXODUS 17:8-19:15
I agree that this passage is teaching us that we often need support from other believers even as Aaron and Hur so gave to Moses ( 17:12 ). As the Word of the Lord says in Ecclesiastes 4:12, “ And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
The wars with the Amalekites continued until the time of David who finally destroyed them ( 1 Samuel 30:1-17 ) in obedience to God’s command. However, God said that He would have wars with them from generation to generation ( 17:16 ). Therefore this could also apply to all of the nations that have come against Israel in their history up to modern times. I see the Amalekites as being the prototype of all enemies of Israel.
What should be the Christian attitude toward Israel? The same as Moses’ father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, who “…rejoiced for all the goodness which the LORD had done to Israel,…” ( 18:9 ).
I like what God said by Moses to the children of Israel, “…I bare you ON EAGLES‘ WINGS, and brought you unto myself “( 19:4 ). God also said later through the prophet Isaiah:
“ But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up WITH WINGS AS EAGLES; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. “
– Isaiah 40:31 ( KJV ).
MATTHEW 22:34-23:12
The Pharisees often tried to trip Jesus up with their endless questions. Here Jesus stumped them and silenced them by asking some questions of his own. They knew that the Messiah would be the “son of David “ ( 22:42 ) and they were well aware that multitudes in Israel were calling Him that. In quoting Psalm 110:1 Jesus was teaching them that the Messiah would also be God and they well knew that is what Jesus was saying of Himself. This left them speechless ( 22:46 ). I would have liked to have been there to see the look on their faces.
Jesus acknowledged the God-given authority of the Pharisees ( 23:2 ) and instructed His disciples to take heed to their teachings on the law of God. However, Jesus also exposed the hypocrisy of the Pharisees ( 23:3 ) and their seeking glory for themselves ( 23:5 ).
Jesus also warned His disciples of ecclesiastical elitism and to refrain from giving their leaders such titles as “father” and “master “ which exalt clergy over the laity ( 23:8-12 ). Yes, there is God-given authority in the Church but then on the other hand there is a kind of authoritarianism which can be abusive as in the case of the Pharisees.
PSALM 27:7-14
Verses 13-14 ties in to Exodus 19:4 and Isaiah 40:31 regarding soaring on “eagles’ wings.” When we “wait on the Lord “ ( v.14 ) our faith is strengthened by Him and we will not faint ( v.13 ).
PROVERBS 6:27-35
Could there be any stronger warnings from God against committing adultery in these Scriptures? Even thinking about it or entertaining it in our hearts is playing with fire because sexual lust is like a burning fire inside of us which will get hotter and consume us if it is not put out ( v.27-28 ). Yielding to it is self-destructive ( v.32 ). Not only will we be held accountable by God ( v.29 ) but we may also have to contend with a jealous spouse which could even get us killed ( v.34 ).
Bill

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
Bill–thanks for pointing out that lovely verse in Exodus 19:4
“You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.”
I never noticed that verse before, and it lifts my spirit to think of how He carries us to Him.
I also feel similarly about public prayer… even public testimony can turn into a kind of wallowing or grandstanding if we are not careful.
Gina, what a beautiful picture you painted of your Christian friendships and community within the body. It’s important to have people around that we can “fall apart” with–that’s the richest form of community.
My thoughts from the readings today? I am always encouraged the story of Jethro and Moses. What good advice Jethro offered and it speaks well of Moses that he was willing to hear the advice AND apply it.
I liked this verse in Psalm 27:8 this morning:
When You said,
“Seek My face,
”My heart said to You, “Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8
What a beautiful dialogue between God and man. It makes me long to seek His face more intentionally, more constantly, and more completely.
Elizabeth

======= Pat:

My thoughts on Exodus 18:12-13 and 19:17-26
God may appoint and anoint our ministers and leaders but He expects us to do our part to support and help them. It is easy for us to just sit back and grumble that they aren’t handling things well, but that is not what God intends for us to do. Yes, they have a job to do but we also have a job to do. Instead of complaining about what our leaders or ministers are not getting done, we are to actively work with them and help them achieve the goal however possible.
God Bless!
Pat

====== Arielle:

Hey all
I had a question:
1.In Moses’s time why was the staff used for performing miracles or why did GOD have Moses use the staff as the object of power?
Was there any significance of staff in those times?
2. Like for me today, prayer would be my object of power(not necessarily a staff)because I believe in my GOD. Also because in the bible it says when you pray in faith GOD provides for all situations.
Why wasn’t prayer used in those times to perform those miracles in Egypt?
Arielle

======== John:

Arielle,
Second question first.
Prayer is conversation/communication with God. It can be a two way communication or a unilateral (oneway)conversation. It can start by calling on the Lord, or the Lord can initatie the conversation/communication.
So far, we have seen Moses call on the Lord a number of times. We only have the recorded words of Exodus, but it may be that even when not in the text a conversation with God was preceded by a calling to the Lord.
So I do think their was prayer/supplication to the Lord by Moses in these Exodus passages.
======================================================
Good question on the staff.
In Exodus 4:20 staff is called the rod of God (KJV), staff of God (NIV)
Foreshadowing Symbolism:
[My thoughts as I did some research, but the answers are all over the place.]
Staff was a shepherd’s staff. Christ is our shepherd.
Staff came from a tree. If it is God’s staff: we saw yesterday that the tree God chose to foreshadow shows Christ brought healing and righteousness. (cross)
Staff is later enscribed with the History of Moses, and later the history of each tribe on its staff. God is intertwined with the Jewish people through Christ.
Staff is used to part the Red Sea, Christ provides the path to redemption that only the redeemed can walk on to the Promised Land.
Moses struck rock (Christ) with staff. No one killed Christ, Christ gave Himself up for our sins voluntarily. Thus Christ striking Christ once and for all.
Plagues: Staff raised in most plagues, showing the power of Christ to provide signs as to the authority of the Father (for His glory).
Battle in today’s readings. Yes, it shows the body of Christ is to help the leader in faith. The staff being raised symbolizes Christ interceding for His people. As long as it is up and the focus is on Christ (the staff) the battle goes well. But when we get tired and cannot lift Him up to God events do not go well.
Is the staff magical? I don’t think so. You have a designated leader (moses) of God’s people who has a staff that symbolizes a connection with God (Christ). God utilizes the staff at burning bush to give Moses a tangible feeling of connection. Christ’s appearnace on earth the first time should do the same thing for us. Would the miracles have happened without the staff – yes. But the danger there is that Moses may have at some point thought it was him performing miracles – not God.
Rambled a bit, and something I will have to gover the next few years to refine my thoughts.
John

======= Steve:

Matthew 22:37-40 Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind. 38This is the first and most important commandment. 39The second most important commandment is like this one. And it is, “Love others as much as you love yourself.” 40All the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets are based on these two commandments.
Jesus sums up all the scriptures in just a few simple words. Love God with all your heart, soul and mind and love others as much as you love yourself. Every morning I should run quick diagnostic tests evaluating the alignment of my walk with my talk by asking myself if I’m on course on these two commandments. If one of them is off kilter, then everything I do this day will miss the mark. Keeping these two simple commandments puts everything in perspective. For me, loving God with all my heart, soul and mind, starts by spending time everyday in His word, seeking His will and guidance for my life. Loving others as much as I love myself begins when I humble myself before God and also humble myself before others. The less I think about me, the easier it becomes.
Steve

======= Bob:

We learn some great leadership skills in Chaper 18 of Exodus. Jethro shows Moses (and us) 4 great priciples: 1. (Vs.14) Indicates the problem of trying to do it alone. Not Good! You wear yourself out. 2. (Vs. 19) If you are God’s Representative then make sure he is informed and teach people His will. 3. (Vs.21)Select the appropriate hierarchy and list the duties. 4. (Vs.23) Satisfaction comes when there isn’t strain on the system. This leads to some interesting theories in family and corporate dynamics: http://www.genopro.com/genogram/family-systems-theory/
Bob

======= Robert:

Mt. Sinai
I went with a tour group, Christian Journeys a couple of years ago and it was a highlight for the group of 25 people to actually climb the supposedly famous mountain. It was a hard, exhausting and arduous 6 hour hike with camels and donkeys but a wonderful experience and a moment of revelation for many people. Interestingly one of my friends said he could relate to Moses having the weight of his world on his shoulders going up and it being lifted when he realized God could take care of all his burdens. P.S. I was the only one not to go and I’m still not really sure why?
Mathew 22: 37-39
The greatest commandment.
A friend and I were talking about this on Monday and I knew the two parts were actually from the Old Testament but I wasn’t sure until we read it today. Jesus answers an O.T. question with and O.T. answer. Deut 6:5 and Lev 19:18. Imagine, it was always there and it took Jesus to reveal it.
Robert

======= Dee:

I get tickled at times reading your commentary Ramona, definitely some good thought pondering info. Comments/Q.o.t.d, asking about being intentional in our prayer and seeking God or do we do some thing as “show” like the Pharisees with their heavy, big, “phylacteries” that were not only big, but “showy” and they wanted everyone to see. Well. I try real hard to stay grounded. Not be “look at me, look at me” and my good works. In fact, I have a coworker that everytime we have to show approved that we have completed something or if I get called in the admins ofc to help them on the computer, here he comes trying to bm ut in, come to rescue or acknowledgement of I done did that. Look at me, I know how to do the computer issue..etc. so much some times that it frustrates me. That is how I can imagine it did with Jesus. Here you are, meek, humble, came to serve and not be served ( again this is Jesus) and the Pharisees make a spectacle of themselves and make something that could be a really good thing, and twist it for their own gain! Corruption at its greatest! I dont want to be like that!! Amen!
Dee

Exodus 15:19-17:7 + Matthew 22:1-33 + Psalm 27:1-6 + Proverbs 6:20-26
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 15 we read about the prophet Miriam!  You’ll recall from Exodus chapter 2 that Miriam watched Pharaoh’s daughter draw Moses from the Nile when he was a baby and Miriam wisely suggested that she find a Hebrew nurse for the baby (Moses’ mom).  We’ll read about Miriam again in Numbers chapter 12 with a very interesting interaction with Aaron, Moses & God – you can read about it now at this link.  Other female prophets we will read about in Bible include Deborah (Judges 4:4), Isaiah’s wife (Isaiah 8:3), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), Noadiah (Nehemiah 6:14), Anna (Luke 2:36) and Philips daughters (Acts 21:9).  Below is an image of Miriam’s song:

Verse 26 stood out to me in this chapter: “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and laws, then I will not make you suffer the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the LORD who heals you.”  It seems to me that here the Israelites are getting a foreshadowing of the Laws to come.  “Listen to God – do what is right in his sight.  And you will not suffer.  I will heal you.”  We’ll dive more into this when we get to the Laws – but, I’ll say this now and repeat it often – I do believe that the Laws for the Israelites, as we even see in this verse, were born out of compassion from God.  God wanted to preserve and care and heal his people – and imagine living in a desert for 40 years, coming out of slavery…  the laws were beneficial for your very well being and life!

Today in Exodus chapter 16 we read about Manna and Quail from heaven.   Verses 29 & 30 were powerful for me today, as God speaks about the Sabbath: “”Do they not realize that I have given them the seventh day, the Sabbath, as a day of rest? That is why I give you twice as much food on the sixth day, so there will be enough for two days. On the Sabbath day you must stay in your places. Do not pick up food from the ground on that day.” So the people rested on the seventh day.”   You will probably read on this blog over and over and over again about the Sabbath…  I am a huge fan of the concept!  And such a poor practitioner of it…  I honestly think the Sabbath is one of the most compassionate things God ever created for us.  And, don’t get me wrong – my personal view is not legalistic in the sense of the Sabbath….  But….  personally, I think the Sabbath is just such a blessing of a gift to us.  And I think we – I – us – humans – often do such a bad job of really taking a Sabbath.  Really taking 1 day a week to really rest and relax and be with God.  Recently I read in our local newspaper about a Hasidic Jewish rapper who came through our town on tour – yes, seriously, there is a Hasidic Jewish rapper who is getting hugely popular nationally.  Anyhow, the article – in our secular newspaper – wrote about how this rapper will not perform on Fridays or Saturdays in observance of the Jewish Sabbath Law – and Hasidic Jews strongly observe most all of the Laws still today (I believe…  except for animal sacrifices – simply because there is not the Temple in Jerusalem today for the sacrifices).  Anyhow – I’m going off on some tangents here – but, the point is, that when I read about how this guy will not perform shows on the 2 best money-making nights of the week for concerts, because of his observance of the Sabbath – I dare say his love of God and his appreciation of the Sabbath – it really struck me.  And it really reminded me of how really really bad I am at truly resting and being with God 1 day a week.  And I’m not feeling guilty about this per se…  but maybe I am feeling convicted… 🙂   Basically – I am feeling that God is really calling me to slow down and simply rest and be with him 1 day a week.  A Sabbath. 

Verse 31 quick comment – “In time, the food became known as manna. It was white like coriander seed, and it tasted like honey cakes.”  I love that manna means “What is it?”!  That is awesome…  I think you’ll notice throughout our Bible readings this year that names can often be very descriptive of locations, happenings, personalities – and can even be simple questions like “What is it??” Great commentary on Exodus chapter 16 entitled “Boot Camp and “C” Rations” 🙂 is online at bible.org at this link.  Below is “The Gathering of Manna” from 1614 by the Italian painter Guido Reni:

New Testament – Today we read in Matthew chapter 22 the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. This parable has always been so convicting to me personally. It’s basically about a king preparing an amazing feast at a wedding banquet, and inviting a ton of people to come to the feast. But – the people don’t accept the invitation! They are “too busy” – taking care of their fields and their businesses. And I think about this parable in my own life. Am I sometimes “too busy” to accept Jesus’ invitation to be with him? Am I sometimes too focused on my work or my social life or other distractions? Do I get myself so “distracted” that I don’t spend time with Jesus? And in doing this, am I missing out on an amazing spiritual feast? How about you? Do you believe that Jesus is inviting you to spend more time with him? Are you “too busy” to do so? Do you believe that spending time with Jesus will actually be an amazing spiritual feast for your soul? Will you accept Jesus’ invitation to the wedding banquet?

In verse 21 we read Jesus’ famous line “”give to Caesar what belongs to him. But everything that belongs to God must be given to God.”  What you may not realize about the preceding verses is that the Pharisees and the supporters of Herod were trying to trap Jesus.  Per the OYB Companion commentary, The Pharisees, a religious group, opposed the Roman occupation of Palestine.  The followers of Herod – or Herodians – were a political party that supported the policies of Rome and Herod Antipas.  Normally these 2 groups did not get along at all – but they united here to try to trap Jesus.  If Jesus had said it was right to pay taxes to Caesar, the Pharisees would say he is opposed to God.  And if Jesus had said the taxes should not be paid, the Herodians would have had him arrested.  Jesus answer amazed them both…   Below is an image of the Denarius (Roman coin) of Tiberius Caesar. Tiberius (42 B.C. – A.D. 37) became Roman Emperor in A.D. 14. This would have been the picture on the coin shown to Jesus, when he asked in verse 20: “Whose picture and title are stamped on it?”

Psalms – Psalm 27 verse 13 is so beautiful – “Yet I am confident that I will see the LORD’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living.” Do you have this same confidence?  What are some examples of how you have seen God’s goodness here in the land of the living?  What are some examples of how you are sharing God’s goodness with others here in the land of the living?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 6 verse 23 should make each of us rejoice in this amazing blessing of reading – and learning! – from the One Year Bible this year!  “For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life.”  Are you learning as you have read the Bible this past month?  Is reading the Bible each day changing your relationship with God?  Is it changing your behavior in any way?  Is reading the Bible a lamp to light the way ahead of you?  Will reading the Bible each day change the way you live the rest of your life?  Do you believe that the correction of discipline is the way to life?  Will you embrace and pray for and accept God’s holy and divine correction of discipline in your life this year?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings about Jesus inviting us to his feast remind me of the For King and Country song “Fix My Eyes:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lol1tOMR3Y

Where are you fixing your eyes? Click here to fix your eyes on Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “”Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” Matthew 22:21 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that God would show you what in your life He would have you give only to Him.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on God’s words about the Sabbath in our Exodus readings today, do you take a Sabbath?  What do you do – or not do – on the Sabbath?  Does it bless the other 6 days of your week?  How long have you been in the habit of taking a Sabbath?  Is it hard to get in the habit?  Any other “tricks of the trade” you can share with all of us about taking a Sabbath?  Please post up any wisdom you can share about your Sabbath habits in the Comments section below!  Thanks!   You can change our weekly habits here with your Comments!  🙂  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 15:19-17:7
Praising God one minute then bitterly complaining to Him the next, although it was by way of Moses and Aaron. Fickle people serving an all-powerful God. That is the way I am. I am thoroughly convicted by the following passage.
And Miriam sang in response to them, “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and its rider he has thrown into the sea.” Then Moses caused Israel to journey from the Red Sea, and they went out into the desert of Shur. They went three days into the desert, and they found no water. Then they came to Marah, but they were not able to drink the waters of Marah, because they were bitter. (That is why its name was called Marah.) So the people murmured against Moses, saying, “What can we drink?”
(Exodus 15:21-24 NET.)
There are times in our lives, especially when we are new believers, when God moves mightily in our lives to get our attention, to make us go, “Hmmm,” when we experience His signs and wonders. Yet after our faith begins to grow and He does not move in the same way as before when we experience crises, we complain bitterly. We understand that with our children as they grow, we shouldn’t be tying their shoes at twenty. We at first feed them but we should be teaching them how to feed themselves. God brings us out to feed ourselves, to face crises with the skill sets He has developed in us, yet we cry out, “Where are you God?” when crises come.
I’ve heard it said that crises do not come to destroy us they come to reveal the cracks in our lives. The writer of Proverbs puts it this way,
If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. (Proverbs 24:10 AMP)
I think we struggle with this because of fear: fear of being thought of as stupid, inept and just plan weak by others; and the others are not God. If our cracks are revealed in the time of crises then we have an itemized list of things to present to God, not things to cover up with white wash or things to throw back in the face of God.
The key to our handling the kitchen sink when it is throw at us is the verse that caught Mike’s attention, verse 26th of chapter 15, is in the middle of that verse,
Saying, If you will diligently hearken to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight … (Exodus 15:26 AMP). Doing what is right in His sight, not our sight or the neighbor, yes even not our parents or pastors’ sight, but His sight. In order to accomplish that we must know what is right in His sight by knowing intimately God’s Word. God and His Word are one as stated in the first verse of the first chapter of the Book of John. I had a crisis this week and I did not adhere to this concept. I forgot what God had done in my life. Not only did I forget I counted His past works as moot.
Grace and Peace,
Ramona
P.S. At the beginning of the year I informed Mike though e-mail that because there were so many posters to the sight I would concentrate on the Old Testament readings. The following year I will deal with the New Testament then go to Psalms and Proverbs the year after that. So I’m not trying to escape or by pass the questions of the day, some, perhaps many I dealt with last year, but I’m just sticking to the plan.

====== Luch:

I love the idea that God gave us the gift of the sabbath. Jesus said that people were not made for the Sabbath but the Sabbath was made for people. Thank You Jesus for having the last word on this subject. (Mark 2:27) So often religious people take the “Lord’s day” and turn it into a form of legalism as opposed to experiencing the Lord’s day as time to recalibrate and push the ‘refresh’ button on our lives.
And Hebrews 4:11 exhorts us to “make every effort to enter that rest.” Isn’t that encouraging? He makes this comment in the context of people hardening their hearts to the voice of God which implies that when we fail to enter God’s rest, our hearts inevitably become hardened to God’s voice.
Somone has said, ‘The way I was doing the work of God was destroying the work of God in me.” How true. It’s possible to throw ourselves into the “Lord’s work” and destroy ourselves in the process. I don’t think that approach to self management honours God. I heard an old school preacher say, “I’d rather burn out than rust out.” I say, either way ‘you’re out.” How about another option—try ‘living out’. And part of that includes for me anyways, to ‘divert daily, to withdraw weekly, and to abandon annually.’ I find time every day to ‘divert’ with bible reading/journaling but also with physically working out. Each week I take an extended time to refuel my emotional, physical and spiritual ‘gauges’, and once a year I love to take off with my whole family and hit the Great Lakes near where I live in Canada and enjoy God’s wonderful creation.
Luch

======= Richard:

I think the Sabbath is a deep personal expression of love for God. It means different things to different people depending on individual lifestyle. I enjoy heading out to Church on Saturday evenings with the family and afterward (in the summer) heading to the local speedway and taking in a night of racing. My son and I connect like no other event in our week. Luch, my Brother you are “right on” when you speak of diversions, withdrawls and abandonments. As my spiritual relationship with Jesus and God matures I discover the act of PRAYING evolves as well. Our reading today in 15:26 has God begging us to listen CAREFULLY to the voice of the Lord your God. Don’t let your words get in the way of prayer. Take a moment to just sit and say nothing. Feel what your heart is trying to communicate to you. This is the voice of the Lord! My wife catches me in this state sometimes and she is reminded of Spok’s meditation in the Star Trek series.
Richard

======= Anka:

As a recovering bulimic of course the manna bit struck me.God told them not too hoard,they disobeyed.Maybe they didn’t believe God would keep his word and give them more food the next day.So they prefered to ignore God who parted the red sea and did so many other things and listen to their god…their tummy.I’m sure in egypt there must have been times when they weren’t allowed to eat until they finished working…it didn’t kill them.There were times I worked so hard I just couldn’t stop to eat…it wasn’t hard…when I’m fasting I have a hard time ignoring my stomach.
Self control…I often wondered why the Israelites didn’t just ask God nicely…didn’t they see what he did to those who didn’t fear him.Sometimes I got so fixed on the God is love that I forgot he is also GOD.My prayers today now include “please give me a healthy portion of Godly fear” and “burn away my idols”(food in this case).
God bless you all
Anka

======= Gina:

I totally agree with you regarding the Sabbath. I love how you also do not get legalistic about it. I believe the Sabbath is 1 day set apart to rest in God. I do not believe that day must be a specific day as that is not possible for some of us – I know when I worked in retail, my sabbath would have had to be Wednesday as that was my day off. Anyways – I also agree with your convictions about it…I don’t do it enough! But when I do, my Sabbath is usually Sunday. I love to cozy up with a blanket and my bible on Sunday evenings after church and spending time with friends during the day. Mark 2:27 says “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” – And in my study notes it says something that really stuck out for me…”We need to remember to not make the sabbath law more important than the sabbath rest”! That is an awesome statement!.
The verse that stood out for me in Psalms is 14 “Wait for the Lord, be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”. This is hope for me, again, as we jsut heard that my husband did not get a certain job that he applied for – one that would keep him home from his work travels. We were disappointed but my husband is wise and he said to me “God is in control”. And so we continue to wait for God to open another door. I also like verse 8 – “my heart says of you “seek his face!” – your face Lord, I will seek” – I am reminded to seek His face – not His hand.
Gina

======= Bill:

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“ Based on God’s words about the Sabbath in our Exodus readings today, do you take a Sabbath? What do you do – or not do – on the Sabbath? Does it bless the other 6 days of your week? How long have you been in the habit of taking a Sabbath? Is it hard to get in the habit? Any other “tricks of the trade” you can share with all of us about taking a Sabbath?…”
Yes, but I don’t call it “the Sabbath.” To me it’s “ the Lord’s Day” which I observe on Sunday, the first day of the week, based on Acts 20:7 and 1 Corinthians 16:2. Some teach that the Roman emperopr Constantine, who converted to Christianity, changed the holy day to Sunday but I think the Church was already practicing that in the apostolic era at least 250 years before that. The main reason, in my view, why the early Church switched to Sunday is because the Jews persecuted the early Jewish believers in the synagogues and in the Temple on the Sabbath Day. Would you want to go there knowing you were not welcome? The Apostle Paul still went to the synagogues on the Sabbath Day to preach to the Jews but from the Scriptures it appears that the churches by then were coming together on Sunday. My sister is a Seventh Day Adventist who believes in keeping the Sabbath on Saturday as do the Jews and they teach falsely that this is the prophesied Mark of the Beast spoken of in the Book of Revelation.
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:”
– Colossians 2:16 ( KJV )
As an act of worship, I don’t think it matters so much what day of the week we keep holy day but what is important is the principle of it and the spirit of the law in keeping the Sabbath. Therefore, it is not a day to do your own pleasure but rather to delight yourself in the Lord, according to Isaiah 58:13. Therefore, I try to keep the day holy by not doing such things as attending sports events, going to the mall or to the movies. That means if someone offered me a ticket to see the Chicago Bears play in the Super Bowl in Miami this Sunday, for example, I would have to turn it down based on that principle because I couldn’t go without violating my conscience and breaking a vow I made to the Lord concerning not to attend sports events on Sunday several years ago. At the time I did that I was not attending church regularly but I was going to a lot of professional baseball games on Sundays. The Holy Spirit really convicted me about that. If other believers want to do that then I won’t judge them for it but that is just my personal conviction.
As a day of rest, yes, it certainly makes a big difference to have a day off of work to refresh ourselves which is one reason why God gave it to man ( Mark 10:27 ). It makes us happier and more productive employees. In this country many of us have been blessed with both Saturday and Sunday off. What working person doesn’t look forward to the weekend? We have always placed a high value on it but as the nation becomes more and more secularized the Sabbath is beginning to be deemed less and less important in our society. Today there is no respect to God’s holy day and eventually the fruit of that will be no respect given by companies and businesses for working class people’s need for a day off. In fact, I think we already seeing that. Keeping the Sabbath Day holy is one of the Ten Commandments so it cannot be ignored.
“Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
– Exodus 20:8 ( KJV )
Bill

======= Jenny:

Last sunday night the Pastor was discussing the children in the wilderness, how they murmured against God and the great price they paid for it. God will not bless that. He had longed to bless the Israelites but they just complained, grumbled and forgot how bad they had it in Egypt….they looked back on it as if it were the ‘good old days’…which was delusional, they were miserable in Egypt! But they forgot…. Sounds like us maybe…God calls us out of the world and we are saved and grateful..then we see the road getting rough. we may second guess our discussion or have the enemy plant seeds of doubt. We may look back on our days in the world, our old life stlye, in fondness. Many are tempted to go back, many do. We forgot what the Lord delivered us from! Very dangerous thing to do…like Lots wife, she looked back on the ‘world’ (Soddom) and turned to salt. May I never look back into the world and want to be back there. I want to stay far from it! I dont want to look back and think I was having a good time cause i was miserable. God saved me from all that and is taking me to the Promised Land! Lets not be grumblers along the way, just praise Him, thank Him, bless Him! He is soooo good. I love the Psalms…v 4 is part of a song we sing at church =). Also, love matthew. Jesus’ answers are always amazing, of course, cause He is God!
Matt 22: 14″For many are invited, but few are chosen.”.. This kinda sound like its getting into the predestination thing we talked about. Hmm…I’ll let that one alone. That’s for God to know and not for me to even try and attempt to figure out!
Of course the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. We have that verse on a picture in our house and catch myself reading it often. Not only is His goodness in creation which testifies of Him, the beauty He made in nature, all the creatures He made, all this is enough, but the love He pours on us. The mercy! The grace!! How about the love He manifests through others, to us and from us. That is soooo God! I was NOT a loving person B.C. The fact He changed me in such a radical way testifies to His goodness. Everything He is good!
Ever since i returned to the Lord 10 yrs ago…i have pretty much never had a day off until about 3-4 months ago. I worked a lot, every sat/sunday, evening and either worked or went to school or something pretty much every day. of course i maintained church on sunday mornings and wednesday nights wen i didnt work, but never a full day. well about 3 months ago, the Lord allowed me to no longer work sundays, so i church morning n night. Night church is amazing!!!! Honestly, its one of the biggest blessings of my life. Its just straight through the word and the worship is amazing…there is nowhere on earth i rather be! So i guess you can say its a sabbath. I dont really think, oh i must take a sabbath. It sounds ‘religous’, the sabbath was always kind of old testament to me. i just know i want to know the Lord more n go to church n worship n be with other believers, and please Him. So i have a day to just rest in the Lord, yes. haha, i just dont call it anything accept i look forward to it, my day with the Lord. if other things come up, i’ll say no, i’m going to church thanks. But yes, it has changed me, God just heaps blessings and blessings on me for it!
Jenny

======= Mae:

Matthew 22:29-30 stood out for me “Jesus replied, “Your mistake is that you don’t know the Scriptures, and you don’t know the power of God. For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage. In this respect they will be like the angels in heaven”. ~ I like to think about how it’s going to be like when we’re in heaven. I know Gina and I will be neighbours, since we live sooooo far away from eachother now, we’ll be living very close to eachother in heaven, right Gina? There’s a lot of Scriptures people don’t know, they have no idea what God’s power can do. They should read Revelations and watch/or read Left Behind …
Psalm 27:3 “Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident”. ~ I get a lot of things to hear about ‘the reborn me’. It truly feels sometimes lik an attack from a mighty army LOL Even though they won’t attack me personally, you know, face to face. Nope … I will hear things from somebody else. But still, it does feel like an attack. On top of that satan tries to get his ways with me … But I don’t care. I’m confident in what I do. I’m confident that God will let me know what to do. Earlier this week I had a good laugh about the old satan, I mean, he’s defeated already, so … why even bother, you big dummy!!! He’s trying to fight in a game he already lost! I mean, isn’t that just funny? He’s so pathetic! And I will NOT give in to someone THAT pathetic! I have faith in the Lord and I know He’ll always has my back, whatever may happen to me!
Proverbs 6:23 “For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life”. ~ Thinking about Jaden of course. Even though he’s only 4 years old, I can tell by the look in his eyes that he really does know wrong from right already. He started his ‘innocent(???)’ little lies not to long ago … I was shocked! I wondered, when do I need to have Jaden saved? Now? Later? I don’t want to wait too long. Am I being paranoid now? Seriously, I’m actually asking YOU!!! LOL
Mae

======= Bill:

EXODUS 15:19-17:7
Miriam leading the women in worship with timbrels and dancing ( 15:20 ) reminds me of going to a charismatic church with a Christian friend not long after I became a believer. That is the way they worshipped at his church. I thought it was very strange at the time and I was somewhat intimidated by it because I had never seen that done in any other church I had visited before. However, it was a form of worship in ancient Israel and still is among messianic Jewish believers and some charismatic Christians today.
The key to enjoying good health is obedience to God’s commandments ( 15:26 ). So then, we see disease, plagues and sickness linked to sin.
If I learned anything in these chapters it is that God is not pleased by murmuring or complaining ( 16:8,12 ). My wife reminds me of that all the time, lol.
God miraculously provided the need of the Israelites for water ( 15:22-25; 17:1-7 ) and food ( 16:2-21 ) in the wilderness of Sin even though their faith in His ability to provide for them was weak. One of the wonderful and amazing things about God is that He remains faithful even when we are not.
The manna which came down upon the earth from Heaven ( 16:4-15 ) was, of course, a foreshadow of the coming of Jesus Christ. As Jesus Himself said:
“ …Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. …I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
– John 6:32-33, 35 ( KJV )
MATTHEW 22:1-33
The parable of the king who prepared a wedding for his son ( vv.1-14 ) is an illustration of an event still yet to come which is known as the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. The king is God the Father and Jesus is the Son. The Bride, though not mentioned by name here, is the Church. Invitations were first given out by the prophets of Israel to that nation but the people persecuted and killed them ( 22:6 ) for which God judged the nation ( 22:7 ). So God sent abroad other servants who are the apostles and evangelists to other nations with the gospel message ( 22:8-10 ). When the invitations are given some will accept and some will refuse the invitation offering lame excuses ( 22:5 ). Some will try to attend without a “wedding garment “ ( 22:12 ) which is salvation through the righteousness of God imputed to us by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. They will instead come in their own self-righteousness which is as “filthy rags” ( Isaiah 64:6 ) in God the Father’s sight but God will separate them from the guests and He will send them away to await the final judgment ( 22:13 ).
“ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for HE HATH CLOTHED ME WITH THE GARMENTS OF SALVATION, HE HATH COVERED ME WITH THE ROBE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
– Isaiah 61:10 ( KJV )
“ And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great. 6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for THE MARRIAGE OF THE LAMB is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND WHITE: FOR THE LINEN IS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF SAINTS. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are THEY WHICH ARE CALLED UNTO THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”
– Revelation 19:5-9 ( KJV )
PSALM 27:1-14
This world is an evil place but faith in the Lord will help us to see His goodness in the midst of it ( v.13 ). He will strengthen our faith in times of trouble and when our enemies rise up against us ( v.12 ) he will take away our fears ( v.1 ).
PROVERBS 6:20-26
How important it is for parents to be godly and to teach their children the Word of God (v.20 ). In doing so their kids will be better prepared to face the spiritual darkness of this world for God’s Word will be a light to them ( v.23 ). It will teach them godly morals so that they will not be so easily seduced by sexual temptation and walk after their own lusts ( vv. 24-26 ).
Bill

======= Elizabeth:

Bill,
I enjoyed reading through your comments this morning. The Israelites are such whiners in Exodus, aren’t they? I wish my own sin and lack of faith were equally apparent to me! It’s easy to see their flaws across the distance of time and scripture, but NOT so easy to see it here and now, in my OWN life. ; )
Moses nails the problem here:
“Moses continued, “The LORD will give you meat to eat this evening and abundant bread in the morning, for He has heard the complaints that you are raising against Him. Who are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD.” -Exodus 16:8
It makes me wonder…how much of my own frustration with life circumstances or my own anger toward another is really misdirected anger at the Lord?? What does this reveal about the condition of my heart? Do I really trust Him to work it all for my good and His glory?
As Moses says “Who are we?” It’s a great question and points out our tendency to focus on man and blame man. We’d much rather hold another human being accountable (besides ourselves of course!) because if our anger and doubt is toward God, well that opens another can of worms that we don’t feel like dealing with, doesn’t it.
But God himself is the one who orders our days and allows circumstances. And, just as Joseph acknowledged the providential hand of the Lord in his life–
“But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives.” -Genesis 45:5
—we also have the opportunity to recognize His hand working in our own lives–to release others (as Joseph forgave his brothers–and to submit to His will for our lives, trusting that His plans are ultimately for our GOOD and His glory.
The Israelites were shortsighted, Joseph saw the BIG picture. I wish I could say that I usually see the big picture in my own life, but I see a lot of myself in the Israelites–hoarding manna, not trusting God fully. I’d prefer to have all my manna at once so that I could count it up and ration it myself– but this isn’t the way the Lord works.
Elizabeth

======== Russatta:

First of all, the One Year Bible program has made daily devotional fun and easy. I feel like I am growing with each Scripture, ready for spiritual warfare. You asked for our major takeaways. I’ll give you one. The Parable of the Wedding Feast convicted me. I diligently go to Bible study every Thursday and will also go to church. There I will open my Bible. Not at home though! I made a renewed commitment to daily fellowship with the Lord when I decided to read the Bible in one year. This parable just reinforced my decision. Was I really too busy to spend some quality time with the Lord? Did I really have more important things to do? Were my other ventures more fulfilling and joyous? No, no, no.
I look forward to this journey of getting to know my Lord better each day and with every verse. I also look forward to taking notes each day on what was bold print to me. I also look forward to visiting your blog so I can continue to grow spiritually as I learn from others in His community.
Russatta

======= Frederick:

About Sabbath
I always puzzle when I read the Gospels when Jesus healed the sick on Sabbaths. It seems that Jesus was ‘deliberate’ to show to the Pharisees that they were wrong.
Actually, what makes sabbath a sabbath?
Today, I learned that perhaps, it is the heart of the sabbath keepers. If you take a true rest on the seventh day and focus on God, it is the sabbath that God wants. Because God has already provided a double portion on the sixth day. God wants to have the ‘whole’ of you on the seventh day. So, would you still went out to search for Manna on the Sabbath and failed God’s test? It seems that the heart and obedience of the people matter. There is a purpose in the ‘rest’–that you focus on God rather than the worldly matters.
Frederick

======= John:

Frederick,
About the sabbath
The last few years I have also come to see the sabbath as a picture of salvation, and that is why the commandment is so important to God.
Normal picture: You work all week, and you earn stuff, and then you rest on Sunday.
OK now turn into a life picture: Before salvation you do things (work) and you earn stuff – kudos from other people, self-satidfaction, and you think credit in God’s eyes.
When you are saved you enter into His rest. You cease toiling trying to earn your way into His good graces – you cease working – you rest (abide in) the Lord.
John

======= Beth:

I went to Columbia Bible Seminary (for a TEFL degree) and it was there that my husband and I learned to practice the Sabbath. When we first heard the rules of the school … no work, no homework, must attend church… we thought it was legalistic. But that was the first time we truly learned to take one day off a week. The blessing is that it really starts the week over every single week. A fresh start with the Lord and other things every week. The laundry actually stops calling out to us! It is a time to really focus on the Lord (5 kids later it is a bit more of a challenge to actually focus on Him…but that is our hearts desire). It’s faith-growing to trust that whatever you don’t do for yourself on that day, He’ll provide a way for you to do it the next day!
I’m not saying we don’t eat… I just try to minimize the preparations by thinking ahead on Saturday what will be the Sunday noon meal. And then we don’t eat Sunday evenings… except for popcorn and apples or whatever the kids can grab for themselves… cereal or whatever.
So… “try it, you’ll like it!” He is good and His laws are purposeful and for our good! 
Beth

======= Jennifer:

I think a day of rest is important and I often am convicted by the idea of the Wedding Banquet. I am so busy doing, that I am not listening. I have really been trying to unbusy my life, to put Gods priorities as my priorities and to find a way to be in the Lord everyday, but especially on the day of the Sabbath.
Jennifer

======= Steve:

Manna from Heaven
Exodus 16:20 However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. So Moses was angry with them.
Like the Israelites in the wilderness, God provides spiritual manna for us fresh each day and like the Israelites in the wilderness we can’t store or save it for later. Our spiritual manna must be eaten while it’s fresh and be shared with others today, right now, or it will rot. As we eat and partake of the daily manna and share it with others, we empty ourselves making room for tomorrow’s manna. The manna in Exodus was everything the Israelites needed to sustain themselves and it simply fell from heaven each day. Down to the last detail God gives us what we need each day. Jesus is our manna from heaven, our daily bread every day (the way the truth and the life) as we come to Him every morning He gives us what we this day.
Steve

======= Emma:

I heard a wonderful sermon by the late Dwight Prior entitled ‘in who’s image’ in which he teaches about jesus words about giving to caesar what is caesar’s and to god go what is gods, its well worth getting hold of his teaching, he was such a man of insight, but basically what he said is that when jesus said to them, whos image is on the coin, they replied casesars, but they would also know that we are made in gods image, so the flip side of jesus question to them, that really stops them in their tracks is this – we are made in gods image, whos image is stamped on us? Gods! give unto God what is his!
Emma

======= Chris:

The heart of Moses…Often I muse about having been raised with such privilege, though his mother probably nursed him until he was old enough for her to have instilled him with many truths about the Lord. His journey is a testament to how God saved him first from Pharoah’s soldiers, then probably as a young man he felt superior to those harming his fellow Israelites. But God delivered him and he met Zipporah (where is she during this wilderness struggle–though later we see her with her father). Oh, and how God showed him his strength and power while dealing with the Israelites in Egypt and the Pharoah/King in Egypt with all those plagues. What patience God had with Moses, and what devotion Moses showed through all the trials, testiness, and rebellion from the Israelites. Wow! Through it all Moses became the disciplined man who actually was willing to have God kill him rather than take it out on his brethren, and how he prayed. To be so chosen by God as this man! I look forward to meeting him in heaven and talking with him too.
Chris

======= Carol:

I’m very convicted by the verse that states that our complaints are actually not against people/circumstances but are AGAINST God! Yikes! Ok….will be working on that one.
Another convicting thought is to make sure I’m not too busy to spend time with Jesus.
Psalm 27:13 …. I find it an encouraging verse to open my eyes to see the “Lord’s Goodness” that’s always there.
Oh boy, Matthew 22:21 …. give to the Lord…give to Caesar verse reminds me that I give to the Lord my life and that nothing in life is as important as that.
I’m dealing with some particular problems that I thought weren’t related in today’s study but maybe they are. It came to me while I was reading today’s scriptures and blog, that what I have been dealing with for a number of years is very much like their 40 years in the desert and that although I will pray for improvement (of course lol), that I also need to learn to live with/grow in what I am dealing with…. which might not change until I get to the promised land (heaven).
Carol

======= Robert:

Exodus 16
In regard to manna and quail. I like how Bob Deffinbaugh ends his commentary: “May God give us the grace to learn to live with affluence and to avoid the perils of self-indulgence by the development of self-discipline and self-denial in our lives”.
Mathew 22 The Banquet
Some see this as complacency or taking God for granted and others will see it as God’s call to everyone. I sort of feel both at different times. With the call to Worship in the midst of Covid, I feel very complacent. Zoom is there but it’s easy to find excuses to do other things. I really miss Psalm 27:4b, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. At times like now I feel the call to read, study and meditate on God’s Word. That feels good. Satisfying and refreshing. Especially knowing others are doing the same thing.
Robert

======= Mitch:

OT: Sadly I have grumbled also in life. Despite all God has done for me and to me, yet still rebel at times. Empathize with the Israelites, and whether them or myself – just an indicator of our selfish human nature. “What about meeee?
NT: So whose image is imprinted on/in us? God. Do we give him His due? Or do we go through life ignoring Him and attempting to be self- made? Have attempted self-made and have given Him His due (and my submission). The latter is so much better.
Mitch

======= Dee:

God us so good and magnificent!
I love seeing the praises of God’s people and Miriam leading the women in victory praise. Today we heard alot of complaining from Israelites to Moses, Aaron, and essentially God. No water, they wanted or “missed” meat and bread when they were in Egypt and no water again- I have had days like this- it’s a hard place to be when you feel vulnerable, weak in spirit, uncertainty, Thank the Lord for His saving grace.
The wedding feast reminded me of church and the one not dressed properly reminded me of a false prophet, or a wolf in sheep’s clothing. -not having the right spirit-we need to be aware of false prophets.
Love the prayers and Psalms of David. Yes-Lord! You will conceal me in the Temple when troubles come- I delight in your perfections Lord Always.
Proverbs 6:20-26
Stay away from the ones that will destroy you- not worth it to your marriage-it will break you and sentence u to death.
Blessings!
Dee

Exodus 13:17-15:18 + Matthew 21:23-46 + Psalm 26:1-12 + Proverbs 6:16-19
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 13 verse 17 we read what I found to be an intriguing verse: “When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them on the road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest way from Egypt to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  That last sentence really stood out to me.  It makes sense.  It was wise for God to do this.  But… then I think about our lives today.  What if we are faced with a challenging spiritual battle our lives?  Will we change our minds about God and return to our “Egypts”?  Our Egypts might be the places where we are / were comfortable – enslaved to a sin though we may have been.  As I think more about this, I do believe that God is sensitive in our lives, just as he was in the Israelites lives in this verse, as to what we can handle.  I do not think he will send us a temptation or a trial greater than we can bear.  But I also know that trials do come.  And I pray that as the trials come, that we don’t go back to our “Egypts”!  but that we press on toward the “Promised Land”.  Below are a couple of maps – both showing the “traditional” routes of the Exodus.  There have been some other routes suggested in recent years – if anyone has thoughts/info on these alternate routes, please post up in the Comments below.

 

In verse 21 we read: “The LORD guided them by a pillar of cloud during the day and a pillar of fire at night. That way they could travel whether it was day or night.” Do you sing in your church the Rich Mullins’ song, “Lord you’re leading me.  With a cloud by day.  And in the night.  Glow of a burning flame.  Everywhere I go I see you.  Everywhere I go I see you.”?  I LOVE this song – and today we read about where this song came from.  (I think this song is on one of Michael W Smith’s Worship CD’s as well)  God’s presence was made manifest among the Israelites in the cloud by day:

And in the pillar of fire by night:

Imagine seeing these pillars of cloud by day or fire by night and being led by God out of Egypt and in the desert!  And then in Exodus chapter 14 we read about the parting of the Red Sea.  Great commentary on Exodus chapter 14 and the Red Sea is at bible.org at this link.

In Exodus chapter 15 we read an amazing song that Moses and the Israelites sing to God after passing safely through the Red Sea!  Some commentaries say that this is the oldest recorded song in the world! Music played an important part in Israel’s celebration and worship. Does music play an important part in your celebration and worship of God? (I know not everyone is musically inclined, so don’t feel bad if this is not a yes.) In what ways does worship music manifest itself in your life? In church, do you really sing the songs to God and God only? And not worry about what your voice sounds like to your neighbors? In your car, do you ever bust out with some loud and true worship singing to God?  How do you typically “sing” your praise to the Lord?  (couldn’t resist this photo below… 🙂

The other comment to make on the song in chapter 15 is that this song seems to be a very significant development in the relationship of the people of Israel and God.  The people of Israel now seem to really embrace and worship God as their God as we see in verse 2: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” Wow… I love that language.  Is God your strength?  And your song?  Commentary on The Song of the Sea and Exodus chapter 15 is at bible.org at this link.

New Testament – Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 21 verses 31 & 32 is convicting: “I assure you, corrupt tax collectors and prostitutes will get into the Kingdom of God before you do. For John the Baptist came and showed you the way to life, and you didn’t believe him, while tax collectors and prostitutes did. And even when you saw this happening, you refused to turn from your sins and believe him.”  This last sentence is so important for our relationship with Jesus.  Have we turned from our sins?  Do we believe Jesus’ teachings are showing us the way to life?  Do we believe that Jesus is who he said he was?  Do we believe that Jesus can heal us now and free us now from what enslaves us today?  And do we believe that Jesus literally gives us the gift of life everlasting?  Below is an image of “The Parable of the Vineyard” by John S. C. Abbott and Jacob Abbott from the Illustrated New Testament (1878):

Verse 42 is so beautiful as Jesus quotes from Psalm 118:22-23: “Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures? `The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous to see.'” And Jesus – like the son of the farmer in the parable just before this verse – was rejected and murdered.  However, Jesus didn’t remain dead – he rose on the third day and today he is the cornerstone of Christianity.  He is the cornerstone of our churches.  And probably the biggest question each of us needs to ask ourselves – Is Jesus the cornerstone of our life?  Is he the foundation in our life which anchors and directs everything else we do?  If Jesus is the cornerstone of our lives, then indeed as this verse closes with, it is marvelous to see!  Commentary on the Story of Two Sons in today’s Matthew readings is online at bible.org at this link. 

Psalms – Today in Psalm 26 verse 2 we read: “Put me on trial, LORD, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections.” What a powerful reflection from David – God, test my motives and affections.  What are your motives?  Why do you do what you do in life?  Whom are you doing it all for?  What are your affections?  Who do you pledge your loyalties to?  Who do you give your heart to?  Where are you investing your time, treasure and talents?   Have you ever asked God to test your motives and affections?

Verse 8 of this Psalm reminds me of my church and I pray it reminds you of your church as well: “I love your sanctuary, LORD, the place where your glory shines.”  Wow… the place where God’s glory shines!  Yes, I do believe this happens in our churches – even if we maybe don’t notice it sometimes.  When we come together as the body of Christ each week, God’s glory shines! Will you take a moment to really pay attention to God’s glory shining in your church as you attend a service this upcoming weekend?

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 6 verses 16 and 19 stand out to me – “There are six things the LORD hates–no, seven things he detests…..a person who sows discord among brothers.”  This last portion of the list reminds me that each day we can either spread courage/love/positivity or fear/hate/negativity in our lives to those around us.  And I realize that we potentially do some/all of these things at various points in our day or lives.  But, I do believe that as followers of Jesus we should be striving to only sow unity among brothers and sisters – and not discord.  We should be sowing courage – love – positivity in Christ to others.  Investing in others.  Building others up.  Being Jesus to others.  And not sowing discord.  What type of seeds are you sowing each day in your life to those around you?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings in Exodus remind me of Rich Mullins’ song “I See You” sung here by Michael W. Smith:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-siEmwSB4sQ

Have you seen the Lord? Click here and see Him!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.” Exodus 15:2 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would not want to return to your “Egypt” – whatever that might be. Pray that you would keep your eyes, mind and heart fully on Jesus and His Promised Land ahead.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Back to my reflections above on music from the song in Exodus 15 – One thing I personally struggle with is listening to worship / Christian music versus secular music. I grew up listening to all the 80’s / early 90’s bands you could think of. And I have come to realize that many of the lyrics from these bands are really full of hopelessness, existentialism, sexuality, addiction, narcissism, etc. And yet, for some reason I typically still like the tunes… I had one friend tell me that after he became a Christian he literally threw away most of his CD collection – which was all secular CD’s. I guess I still sometimes struggle with being in the world and not of the world. What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you?  Please let me know your thoughts on secular music – do you listen to it?  Do you avoid it?  Are you cautious about it in any way?  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 13:17-15:18
I decided on the first of the year to make Ecclesiastes 7:13, as it read in the NLT be my focal point this year. It reads: Notice the way God does things; then fall into line. Don’t fight the ways of God, for who can straighten out what he has made crooked?
Because of that resolute, this year it seems that without even actively looking those key verses or ideas, finding out how God does things, I am drawn to His examples and so it is with the following verse,
When Pharaoh let the people go, God led them not by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was nearer; for God said, Lest the people change their purpose when they see war and return to Egypt. (Exodus 13:17 AMP)
So often, I fight against doing things God’s way because it doesn’t make sense, but God’s ways are not our ways. When it seems like that which I’m trying to escape from is breathing down my neck and I think I am about to fail because of some unknown sin or missed direction, and or even think God has left me, I am just being used as a set-up for God to defeat that which has threatened me and desires to take me back into captivity.
There are so many things in this reading that I’ve never really studied that can tell me, show me just how God does things so I can fall into line and I will try to study them throughout the day and post back tonight.
Thank you Anka for today’s comments they have given me a lot of food for thought. Roslyn it thrills me heart to have confirmed that Mike’s hard work in maintaining this Blog and the reason for its existence, folks just sharing the thoughts and ideas on what is read, is bring forth much fruit. Thank you Mike.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

My thoughts on secular music..I used to listen to not just the tune but also the lyrics of the songs before I got saved.My favourite songs I realise now were such a good pointer to how I felt inside..hopeless,angry,lost…when I became saved I found some christian music that had nice tunes(some similar to what I liked)and healthy lyrics so the transition was easy for me.I’m not sure what God thinks about the tunes of secular songs…can’t do much harm can they?The lyrics however…can be terrible in some cases,in the case of love songs,if you sing the songs to God(and really mean it)don’t think he’d mind.
My thoughts on today’s reading.Exod 13:22 neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left it’s place in front of the people.
So even though they blew it by losing faith God was still there.It gives me a lot of encouragement to think that even though I blow it a couple of times God still guides me.The part in chapter 14 where God tells them to turn back,then camp in a place near the sea.I just love the commentary from the link Mike gave..it really blessed me because I’m at that point of my life where God guided me to a path that didn’t make sense to me at all and now I know now that he wants to wipe out what’s left of egypt in me.
I used to be quick to judge the israelites that after seeing what God had done in egypt they still didn’t trust him enough then I looked into my life then realised how i grumbled and fretted when God told me to leave my comfort zone..
Then I used to wonder just how silly the egyptians were to see the sea part,the israelities go through and they had the guts to follow.Didn’t they know God parted it for the Israelites and not for them?When i read that the cloud brought darkness to one side and light to one side,then read the commentary too…it may just be possible that egypt in the heat of the pursuit didn’t even know what they had walked into until it was too late.
I loved all the readings so far but today’s hit a strong cord because it’s like finally i understand why I am where I am.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Dan:

I gre up being very involved in music, both secular and sacred, (I sang in a chapel choir, but wasn’t a christian). When I became a Christian I still listened to a lot of secular music, the “worst” of it was depressing out of wedlock relationship songs, or as you said Mike, depressing self centred songs.
However, when I moved to Canada to marry my wife I was exposed to many great indie Christian artists and enjoyed a lot of CCM. We rarely listen to our old music, and don’t think to turn on the radio at all most days. (I find Christian Radio stations hard to take too!) We listen to a great variety of Christian music from praise and worsihp through to alt CCM and indie.
I like to think of it as music with a message.
It bothers me when young Christians cling to their pre-christian brands of music, I think for youth, music is more identifying than many other things in their lives, (after all, “what’s on your ipod?” would be a common question), and answering “50 cent” might compromise your credibility when sharing the gospel.
Ultimately though each to their own, I know that God likes it when our minds are on Him, and that’s more likely to happen (for me) when litening to Christian music rather than secular.
Dan

======= Roslyn:

” Hardening of the heart” made me wonder a number of times as I was going through the readings during these last couple of days. Thanks for the link in which Bob discusses this in-depth but I still continue to wonder…
God appears to continue to harden the hearts of those who are already predisposed to harden their hearts and so they continue to get locked into sin never having the chance to experience God’s grace? So if you are naturally predisposed to do evil as God has chosen you to be so, you are doomed forever.
Roslyn

======= Micah Girl:

I think that if non-Christian music is causing you to despair or lust or doubt God, then you should turn it off. I think there is lots of exploitative music (and tv and movies and magazines) that treat people like objects, glorify violence, etc. and those should make your heart sick and sad. I also think that there is lots of beautiful music in the world that doesn’t name the name of Jesus, and yet it glorifies him by being beautiful and truthful or simply fun. If it is true, noble or praiseworthy it doesn’t have to be CCM (although it can be)… “All truth is God’s truth.” (St. Augustine)
Micah Girl

======= Kitty:

I believe that if we are to be salt and light of the world, we need to understand the popular culture, and contemporary secular music is part of that culture. As long as we listen and understand it, and use it as a link to share God’s love, I think that is ok.
Kitty

======= Laura:

Mike that is a great question that you asked today about music……. I am a hugh fan of CCM music. I too used to liston to all the hard rock and attend many concerts in my day. Now I am quite content to liston to rock that has positive and encouraging words and messages. I am a big fan of KLove radio, which can be heard in almost every state in the US and online. I used to be a financial supporter as well because I believe that God uses Christian music and stations such as this to spread the gospel. I feel that there might be some folks out there who would not darken the doors of a church, but might attend a Christian concert or liston to a Christian radio station, sometimes unknowingly I might add. The music today in my opinion, is modern sounding and keeps up with the demands of the youth and culture (a remark made by Kitty when she justified that it was important for youth to idenfity with something) Why not listion to music they can identify with that has positive and encouraging words sung.
Have you ever had a silly tune that seemed to stick in your head before? I have, and I would rather have it be a tune about God.
Great reading today about the parting of the Red Sea and God’s protection of the Israelites. I have read those verses many times, but enjoyed reading the commentary of Bob D. along with the reading. I don’t often have time to go to the links that Mike gives us with our reading, but I am happy when I do. It often fills in the some of the blanks for me. Mike gave some good advice last week I think it was about reading only today’s reading if you happen to get behind. By following his advice, it will free up more of your time to go to those links. I am glad I did today.
Laura

======= Ramona:

Thoughts from the Train
The Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them encamped at the [Red] Sea by Pi-hahiroth, in front of Baal-zephon. When Pharaoh drew near, the Israelites looked up, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them … Moses told the people, Fear not; stand still (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest. (Exodus 14:9-14 AMP)
When the enemy is throwing everything at you along with the kitchen sink it doesn’t mean you are doomed. It could just be God setting a trap. When the trap is sprung all the enemies arsenal will be taken out in one fell swoop.
The Lord said to Moses, Why do you cry to Me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward! (Exodus 14:15 AMP)
When God has given you instructions, don’t stand around holding a prayer meeting you know what to do. Get to Moving! He is actually preparing a table for you in the presence of your enemy.
When I am finished with Pharaoh and his army, all Egypt will know that I am the LORD!” (Exodus 14:18 NLT)
Don’t’ wait until you get knocked upside the head to recognize that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is God, then it might be to late because you just might find yourself at the bottom of some river.
The cloud settled between the Israelite and Egyptian camps. As night came, the pillar of cloud turned into a pillar of fire, lighting the Israelite camp. But the cloud became darkness to the Egyptians, and they couldn’t find the Israelites. (Exodus 14:20 NLT)
The Presence of God in a place will calm, illuminate or protect the believer. However, that same Presence will vex, frustrate and blind the unbeliever all at the same time. So don’t be surprised when you receive differing reactions out of the same crowd. As long as you have not done anything that is immoral, illicit or illegal and you are not around someone who just has a negative reaction to you that reaction may indicate they are not saved, but not always. You just might have found someone who instead of clicking with you clucked.
Ramona

======= Abby:

This is a great blog. Old Testament is really inspirational and reveals God’s mighty works in people’s day to day struggles.
But as for the secualr music thing, yeah I can admit songs on narcissism, sex, drugs, promiscuity or even modern pop like Britney Spears etc… lands us into negativity and ungodliness. Well, I personally like romantic or soft listening which is mostly about commitment and love, so I dont have much problem. Also, I love Simon and Garfunkel, once again they dont conflict big deal with my Christian beliefs.
But people who listen to extreme stuff, your problems will start only when you start to relate to that stuff and it starts to become a part of you. And then the deception starts. Be careful.
But otherwise, I think it’s perfectly OK to listen to most music that is not typically CHRISTIAN. Hmmm.. by the way, Classical Music and Jazz and the likes are also great harmless listening. So, you see, throwing out all CDs except Christian CDs would be unwise and hysterical.
Abby

======= John:

Mike,
I think we need to keep our minds on GOD, and Contemporary Christian does it for me… Chris Tomlin… Rich Mullins… Third Day… Michael W. who incidentally did have the song, Lord your leading me on his second worship album does the trick for me…
Music is vitally important for us as Christians… So glad there is such a rich history and new fresh songs that are part of GODs repertoire right now…
John

======= Jackie:

I love music of all kinds, but, since I’ve started to listen to Christian stations, I find that I no longer want to listen to any of them anymore. I am happy with the Christian music. I have to admitt, that there are times I cannot understand all the words, and I tell myself that this particular song must be directed to the younger set! lolol They seem to understand it perfectly. My husband still likes his secular stations, and it never fails, if he hears the Christian station, it is playing one of the more upbeat tunes, with hard to hear lyrics. lolol I am winning him over, slow but sure. I liked todays readings. I am struggling everyday, to loose my “egypt” habits. But, I know I will, God has led me back at this time in my life, so, I don’t think he will leave me hanging, now. I know I have his love and understanding,and grace. What more do I need?
I love reading all the comments, thanks to you all!
Jackie

======= Stef:

i have found music to have the power to influence my mood and thoughts,beautiful music whether secular or Christian uplifts me and creates peace in my heart and a desire for purity and love( basically really good stuff).. but then when you add the lyrics you need huge doses of discernment as to whether the beautiful music is enough or are you wearing down your reactions to what isnt right?how long does it take for something to become so familiar to your ears that you dont hear it anymore?most of my friends that iv asked not to use Gods name in vain have said that it was a habit and they werent even aware that they were doing it?so sometimes you just have to protect your soul even if its hard..i find if i listen to a certain cd of don fransisco songs he has a way of making people from the Bible become real to me..his song about Peter after he has betrayed Jesus and is utterly wretched then the chorus of “he’s alive and im forgiven” is so full of joy and wonder i cant listen to it without feeling his joy personally.a lot of the old secular music i really loved is pretty harmless but my kids are faced with lyrics that makes your hair stand on end and it is “in” to listen to it,iv tried finding the coolest Christian cds i can to give them other choices but sometimes the world is just too enticing and i can see that its hard for them….and about the readings i also struggle so with the concept of God hardening ones heart i know that God cannot do anything that would be wrong or unfair so i feel so guilty each time i find myself questioning something.
Stef

======= Dan:

Good comments.. I use to hate the Christian radio stations (too much fake joy for the Lord I thought) but God has totally changed my heart on this. When I travel for business, where bad habits and a return to “Egypt” was a regular struggle early in my walk, I immediately log onto my computer and turn on our local Christian station and it helps remind me of home, my family, and my desire to follow Christ. It is one of the ways I have been able to change the environment of a hotel room and bring Christ into the room with me in a tangible way.
Dan

======= Birdie:

Contemporary music was one way that God used to lead me back to himself. A group of young people (high school and college age) were conducting a prayer meeting in a school basement/cafeteria. They had such joy and such zeal for the Lord and for his Word that I couldn’t help being drawn toward them, and Him, even if I was a bit older than they were. It was one person with guitar and a bunch of others that led the singing which was definitely inspiring, even when they went off and just sang praises, possibly with no understandable words. It really was heavenly.
Birdie

======= Cheryl:

I love all kinds of music-that is music that I can understand the lyrics of- that lets out almost all hard rock and rap-I don’t listen to anything with obscene words or questionable lyrics and I encourage my teenagers not to listen to those songs. I love songs that tell a story like ballads or anything that has beautiful melodies. As a violinist I especially love classical music. In the car or at home while listening to the radio I always sing along, but when I sing on my own I always sing hymns. I don’t think God minds if we listen to secular music on occasion. God wants us to enjoy ourselves and have good times, after all, Jesus’ first miracle was at the wedding in Cana. I think the key is balance and awareness.
I also listened to secular music, but since there is such a variety of Christian music now, I do listen more to that. I don’t believe any music is bad for you, but you need to be leery of content, just like you need to be leery of TV show content ect.
Cheryl

======= Mae:

Music … well … last weekend I traded the Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Madonna, Pharrel Williams cd’s for my ‘homemade worship’cd’s in my car. We don’t have K-love or other Christian radiostations here in Holland. So I downloaded ( I know … illegal, but we don’t have Natalie Grant, Rebecca St James, etc in the stores here) a couple of songs and made my own cd’s. Because some of the music I heard on the radio made me ill. Such as my own cd’s … I still like some of the ‘world’ music, but I know that all of them don’t have songs full of sexuality, addiction, narcissim. It’s funny how I all of a sudden irritated myself listerning to Sexyback by Justin Timberlake. But before my rebirth I danced around the house on that song. Not even realizing what the lyrics were. I’d sing along, but never really listerened. Even though it a song about sexuality, it’s quite empty, eh? I now realize that most of the songs of the world are quite sad … Mostly I just stop listerning to songs that are ‘sad’, they don’t really harm me, but it irritates me. The struggle I have with being in the world is television. I don’t watch a lot of tv anymore. It’s really weird, cause I do watch a couple of shows and there’s adultry, premarriage sex, and I get irritated when I watch it. How weird is that? Maybe it’s the beginning of the end of me watching tv? Well … of course there are plenty of tv-shows that aren’t of a bad influence. Anyway, I am cautious, I think that’s really important.
The verses that really stood out for me are:
Then Jesus asked them, “Didn’t you ever read this in the Scriptures?
‘The stone that the builders rejected
has now become the cornerstone.
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is wonderful to see.’
Anyone who stumbles over that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush anyone it falls on.
Mae

====== Sarah:

I think that there’s absolutely nothing wrong with listening to secualar music whatsoever, unless it’s inherantly evil, which mos of it isn’t. The only things I will ever turn off MTV are the Tatu song (few years ago now) and Beautiful by Christina Aguilara because they have homosexuality in the video which I don’t want to watch and more importantly don’t want my son to watch. Other than that it’s great.
I like music (got no musical talent but like it anyway) and you know you listen to a lot of secualr music and if you really listen to the lyrics a lot of it is actually worshipful we just don;t realise it, Nirvana, one of the most un-Christian bands you can think of did a rock version of Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam, and there’s another secualr song that springs to mind that I can;t remember the artist of called “One of us” and the chorus goes “yeah yeah God is great, yeah yeah God is Good” I think the whole concept of not listening to secular music smacks of being over-pious and seperating oneself from the world complaetely which is a poor witness for God. It’s much better to be in touch with the world, to admire the beauty of the art that man can create and still maintain a Godly morality and lifestyle.
Rant over ;o) PLease ignore all the typos.
On another note I loved the parable of the two sons because it reminded me of the way my friend at church presented it to the children in the family service, she used a digital camera and did slide show using two brothers and their dad from the church, she had funny photo’s of Mark (the dad) telling them each to go and work in ther garden, and the one who said he would but didn’t sleeping, playing on his computer etc and the other one out in the garden with a huge spade. She then asked the children “who was the good boy?” to which my own son (he’s only 3) shouted “ME!” until she gave him a sweetie for getting the right answer! What a great way to explain the parable to the children.
Sarah

======= Jenny:

Of course I love Exodus 14. amazing story. I like v 14 “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” …I know many times we have a tendancy to worry when God is telling us this very thing.
“The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.” Love this (is also a great song by Jars of Clay on the City On a Hill cd!)
v 44 means so much to me. “He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” God spoke to me about it a couple years ago at a retreat and I’ll never forget it! it would be hard for me to explain, it just has sooo much meaning. A pastor spoke on it and it was like a life changing word.
Yes, I struggled with music for years too. In the early 90s pretty much music was my life and some of those musicians were my gods. I too have to be careful what I listen to. I went through a period where i wouldnt let myself listen to anything but Christian but then i started feeling restricted and wanted to listen to other stuff as well, well I know my relationship with the Lord is about freedom. So now I am free to lisen to what I want..the catch, I want Christian music. Occasionally i listen to some secular, but if the lyrics are sexual, referring to drinking, drugs I turn it off. The ones that got me were the narcissistic ones…(Bible dude, we probly had a lot of the same taste) but so many of those songs are on self-pity, self-loathing, you dont even realize they are harmful but I notice when I listen to it, the focus goes onto me! (ugh…then i sit there thinking of myself and of course i get depressed).
Bottom line…where does your mind’s eye focus on when listening to music. If its anythig other then God, be very careful. I do listen to some secular, but in moderation. Its a personal thing to each person…what is God saying to you? One thing we should never forget, music is a verrry powerful influence…its seeps in your brain and can sow bad fruit or good fruit.
Jenny

======= Bill:

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“…What do you think is the line of listening to / enjoying secular music, versus it literally being bad for you? Please let me know your thoughts on secular music – do you listen to it? Do you avoid it? Are you cautious about it in any way?…”
Before I became a Christian in 1978 I was rock music fan. I must have attended more than 200 rock concerts in the late 1960s through the mid-1970s. Much of that music was obviously satanic if you listen to the lyrics. After I was saved I took my LP rock albums and smashed them all to bits with a hammer before I tossed them in the trash. One of the most immediate and dramatic changes that took place in me back then after my conversion was my taste in music. I admit that occasionally some of the secular music does appeal to me but I don’t seek it out . Often I was exposed to it at work and there was nothing I could do about it. When I now hear a rock song I used to love years ago it doesn’t appeal to me much if at all. Today I only listen to Christian music and that is all I will buy. If a secular song gets in my head all it takes to get it out of mind is to play my Christian CDs. I have more than 300 of them. I think it does matter what kind of music that Christians listen to because I believe it does have an effect on us spiritually. I believe that the original purpose of music was to glorify and praise God but that Satan after his fall perverted it.
“ The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. If heed is not paid to this, it is not true music but a diabolical bawling and twanging.”
– Johann Sebastian Bach ( 1685-1750 )
EXODUS 13:17-15:18
As for the route that the Israelites took from Egypt to the Promised Land I believe that the traditional route, as shown on the maps, is accurate based on what I have read in the Old Testament. I have traced it before.
Note how useless Pharaoh’s horses and chariots were in trying to destroy Israel ( 14:23 -28 ). That is because God supernaturally protected them. Military might is nothing to God. Reading of how God drowned Pharaoh’s armies in the sea eerily reminds me of the the enemies of Israel today who have threatened to “drive the Jews into the sea.” Well, that was Pharaoh’s mistake too and they would do well to consider it.
“ The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD.”
– Proverbs 21:31 ( KJV )
Yes, I think music is an important part of worship as apparently Moses and the children of Israel did as well in singing the Song of Moses ( 15:1-19 ). I once attended a church where the song leader couldn’t sing well at all but he was enthusiastic and it was contagious to the rest of congregation. I can’t sing either but watching Him helped me overcome my own fears about singing out loud in church. At first, yes, I was self-conscious about it. I know that God isn’t concerned about what we sound like but rather about whether our hearts are filled with praise and worship.
The Song of Moses will one day again be sung in Heaven along with the Song of the Lamb by the saints of God ( Revelation 15:3 ).
MATTHEW 21:23-46
Another great worship song I love to sing and hear sung by choirs and choruses is ‘Cornerstone.’ Here are the lyrics ( by Lary Goss ):
“Jesus is the Cornerstone, came for sinners to atone
Though rejected by His own, He became the Cornerstone
Jesus is the Cornerstone
When I am by sin oppressed, on the Stone I am at rest
Where the seeds of truth are sown, he remains the Cornerstone
Jesus is my Cornerstone
Rock of Ages, so secure, For all time it shall endure
‘Til His children reach their home, He remains the Cornerstone
Rock of Ages, cleft for me, Let me find my rest in Thee
‘Til the breaking of the dawn, ’til all footsteps reach His throne
Ever let this truth be known, Jesus is the Cornerstone.”
Amen. Yes, Jesus is the cornerstone. When I read this passage I always think about how ungodly men since the dawn of civilization down through the ages, from Babel to the New World Order, have attempted to build their own utopian kingdoms on earth excluding the Lord from their plans. All have failed. Only the kingdom that God builds, with Christ as the cornerstone, will stand for eternity.
Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
– Psalm 127:1 ( KJV )
PSALM 26:1-12
Much is said here that can be applied to local churches. I like to attend churches where people will stand up and give personal testimonies ( v.7 ) of what God has been doing in their lives, where people are clearly happy to be there ( v.8 ) and where they praise the Lord ( v. 12 ). I see two different types of congregations here: one where the people walk in truth ( v.3 ) and another of evil doers ( v.5 ) which would also, as I see it, apply to apostate Christianity which denys the truths of God‘s Word. The apostates tend to blame those who walk in truth and who adhere to sound doctrine for divisions in the Church but the truth is that it is the heretics which cause division. In such a case then, division is a good thing. It is the petty disputes that are a bad thing. Granted there is no joy in attending a church where there is strife and division and where that is present it will make it very difficult to worship.
“ Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be DIVISIONS among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also HERESIES among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.”
– 1 Corinthians 11:17-19 ( KJV ).
PROVERBS 6:16-19
The sowing of discord among brethren ( v.19 ) ties in with what I was talking about in my comments on Psalm 26 concerning heresy and disunity. Those who do this are sowing seeds of lies rather than the good seed of God’s Word and they are bearing “false witness “ ( v.19 ) rather than being true witnesses of Jesus Christ.
Bill

======= Julie:

I love to listen to music. Some is secular and it is just fun but some of the secular music stirs up anger or lust or selfishness and that is when the Holy Spirit convicts me to not listen to it. THere is some Christian music that makes me uncomfortable as well and I can’t listen to that. Perhaps some of the Christian music that I don’t want to listen to is too emotional for me or some of it is just too electric guitar (and hey I did High School in 68-71) and it just doesn’t make good listening. I myself couldn’t throw out music only because it is secular. But I did throw out all the heavy metal garbage. There is the devil’s music and there is God’s music and then there is man’s music. Holy Spirit please help us be discerning!
Thank you for this one year Bible blog, I love it!
Julie

======= Pat:

My comment on music:
Let me share something personal with all of you this morning. I was born a hearing person. I had cancer in 1970 when no one beat the stinking disease. At that time there was not the chemo or type of radiation treatments used today. They inserted pellets of radioactive cobalt and then removed them after a certain number of days. You were literally cooked from the inside out. Well, the Lord answered my prayers and cured my cancer. He allowed me to raise my son and enjoy my beautiful granddaughter. Cobalt had many long-term side effects for those that were lucky to live long enough to experience them. One of the side effects is deafness. I went deaf at the age of 50 and each day I wake up in the silent world I praise the Lord for allowing me to live to experience the silence. Music was always such an important part of my hearing world. Even though I cannot hear worldly music, the Lord has given me what I call an internal iPod. I, of course, am not familiar with the new Christian music that everyone so enjoys today but the old hymns play on my internal iPod so beautifully that they sound like Heavenly choirs produce them. I praise the Lord for allowing me to mentally hear all the old hymns. You know, he even implanted the words of the hymns so that now when the Heavenly music starts I know each word of the song. I’m 67 now and the Lord has blessed with the gift of internal Heavenly music now for 17 years. How loving and precious our Lord is!!!!!!!
God Bless!
Pat

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
Regarding secular music, I was also raised upon the songs of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Although I was raised in the church, I did not know the Lord and my parents did not model active faith or dialogue with me about the culture at all. I was left to form a world view from friends and the music of the culture. Looking back, I think I pieced together my own beliefs and philosophy through the lyrics of these songs. This to me, is the biggest danger for impressionable youth–that they would listen to these songs and latch onto a distorted view of the world.
As a teenager, I listened to these songs over and over again, essentially meditating upon them in my spirit. I internalized their teachings and had to “undo” a lot of the “stinking thinking” once I became a Christian. As an aside, my experiences in secular universities did the same thing–lots of junk packaged as “wisdom” is lurking in secular universities.
However, I don’t believe that all secular music is “bad” nor that all secular universities are “dangerous places”…that seems to be a simplistic view of a complex problem.
I don’t know that it’s the most efficient use of our energy to throw darts at the world…the world is just acting like the world…how else would we expect them to act?
Instead, I think we’ve got to be proactive about forming a clear Biblical worldview and making a point to teach it (and MODEL IT!) to our children. When we can articulate, defend and walk out (not perfection but “walk”) what we believe our children will be more apt to do the same. Then they can approach the culture (whether CDs, movies, politics, university professors, friends, TV shows, or whatever the world will throw their way,) without being tossed about recklessly on its waves.
They need a sound ship and a firm foundation. If we don’t give them this, then there is a big gaping void in their lives that they will be tempted to fill with the “junk of the world.”
I also think of Philippians 4:8 with regard to “negative” media:
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.”
We need to be careful what we dwell upon…and this includes music, movies, literature, ALL media, our conversations, our internal thought patterns, on and on….
Just thinking,
Elizabeth

======= Barb:

I could write pages regarding whether or not we should listen to secular music as Christians. First of all, to answer one of Mike’s questions…no, I don’t avoid it, and I absolutely can’t fathom Jesus wanting us to do so either. I understand that as Phillippians 4:8 instructs, we should keep our minds on whatever is true, honorable, pure, lovely, etc., but we should also remember we are instructed to not be “too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people” (Rom. 12:16). I think as Christians, if part of our servanthood to God is to deliver the news of the Gospels, we need to first and foremost be able to relate to people who are far from Him. And let’s face it–the angst of many secular songwriters reveals the emptiness of one’s soul. IMO, the hopelessness, sexuality, addiction, and narcissistic themes are all indicative of the absence of, and searching for (even if they don’t know it), a Saviour, and these songwriters are the very types of people Jesus would have reached out to when he walked here on our earth, as well as the people who are drawn to that type of music.
Now on the other hand, we Christians are still human and are in need of daily cleansing of sins, so if secular music draws you in and tempts you to sin after listening to it, then by all means, stay away from it. But if you are strong in your faith and secure enough in your walk, I see no reason why you can’t listen to a tune of someone who’s far from God. Just like you can be friends with someone who is far from God. And truth be told, I’m not 100% Good Christian 100% of the time. I screw up; I sin. And sometimes, because of that sin I have really related to a song’s lyrics. The knowledge of this keeps me humble. When I get myself right with God, I can then re-listen to that song with a new and improved heart. And who knows, maybe someday one of these secular songs might draw my daughter in and if it did, I would want to allow her the chance to tell me why she relates to it, rather than just banning it from her ears and giving her the feeling that I’m better than her, or worse yet, that I can’t even relate to her.
Further more, there are many songs I love strictly for the melody, or the way the electric guitar, or bass, or piano… (you get the picture…) sounds. I’ve often found that when I really listen to the lyrics, I’m shocked at what the songwriter is singing about. LOL However, at that point, the music might have already pulled me in.
The bottom line I look for is whether or not a song is gratuitous in sexuality, controversy, etc. And I believe the Holy Spirit prompts me to be disgusted enough to turn it off when that is the case. So when I come across an old ’80’s hairband whose primary interest is kick-starting their hearts… I’ll throw up a prayer to God that they will come to know His goodness and love, and then I’ll crank up my radio and enjoy the rockin’ guitar riffs!
Barb

======== Janice:

Thank you so much for your blog it has really transformed the way I read and worship on my own.
We had a member of our church who had been in a rock band before becoming a christian and I always remember him answering your question about secular music. He asked if we would be able to stop in the middle of the song and worship God. If you can’t (and if you think of some secular songs it would be hard) you shouldn’t be listening to it, but as long as you could (and some songs might actually go along with your worship) he felt it was o.k.
I really agreed with that and try to follow that. Some songs I can actually take as worship songs and I don’t think God would have a problem with that. Others I know I just need to change the station.
Janice

======== Jen:

Gosh that’s a great question. For me personally, I avoid it. I have realized that music is very powerful and that no matter what it feeds into your spirit. For me it is just another opportunity for my flesh to be indulged and my mind not to be renewed. “Do not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Rom. 12:2 1Jn: 2:15
I appreciate this blog very much. Thank you
Jen

========= Christine:

Hi Mike, I stopped listening to secular music back in the early 80’s. What stands out in my mind is a quote from Intgrity Music, “And who do you sing to?” Sometimes I’ll catch a secular song in the store,etc. and can’t get it out of my head. That really disturbs me. They are everything you said they are. I was a teen in the 70’s and now find out that most of the music I so loved was demonically based. I only listen to worship music now. I know Who I want to sing to!
Christine

======= Dave:

Listening now, to the secular music I used to listen to, brings back a flood of memories. Just like the Psalms, secular artists write songs filled with anger, fear, joy and hope. Every song has its time and place. I suppose I stopped listening to most secular music when I found much more meaning and strength in worship music. Although, I have to admit, there’s a lot of worship music out there that feels just as “empty” as secular music. Those songs focus more on the sound than the meaning.
Dave

======== Wendy:

Hi Mike
You asked about secular music.
It is the words that you need to check. What are they sowing into my spirit? Music can be a powerful tool for the enemy. When I was a teenager there was a song that said something like “I can do what I want to do” I went through a rebellious stage. Words like these can sow seeds or water them.
Wendy

======= Jay:

Dear Mike,
Thank you for asking about music. I have been so blessed by the music you post in your blog. I love it, and I thank you. I have developed a playlist in You Tube. When I am particularly moved by a song you select, I post it to my You Tube playlist. Music moves me and you show me the way to inspired music to assist me in my daily prayers and meditations. It’s a great addition to your blog. Can’t thank you enough.
Jay

======== Sherri:

When I first began to listen to Christian music, we didn’t have much variety. Yet I still felt drawn to it and gradually began to desire it over the secular. Today I choose only to listen to Christian radio because it reminds me to keep Christ the center of my focus, not my problems, or my selfish desires.
As a parent I choose to set the example and to show my kids that there is some really great and “cool” Christian music available to them. Although not all secular artist are bad, I still find that the songs are about self, and I already struggle with that.
Sherri

======== Jennifer:

What hit me from the reading of Exodus was the amazing light of God always before Isreal and yet they got used to it after a while and decided that God was not faithful and so ended up wondering the desert. God was a Cloud and light before them day and night. He parted the Red Sea and overcame Pharaoh’s army. Yet, in a little while these people will not trust God to deliver them.
I know this is our way. I wonder if I know that God is still guide shining bright in front of me and if I trust I will be delivered.
Regarding music. I too used to listen to secular music and still have old bands that I like, but I don’t have the same taste and desire to hear secular music, today. It sounds discordant and not what I am looking for. I really love Christian music and don’t know that there is anything inherently wrong with listening to secular music, but I think that as a Christian it does not fit me anymore.
There are examples of music that can plant seeds of sin and that you will just not want to listen to especially if you have children. However, for me I don’t think about listening to secular music or not, I just love Christian music.
Jennifer

======= Steve:

Exodus 13:21 By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.
As we leave Egypt (metaphorically speaking) we exit straining against the gravitational pull of the comforts of this world. We leave because our God is calling us to the promise land, a journey that goes first through the desert, that place of transformation where we learn to let go and trust Him. God leads us with the pillar of cloud keeping us cool in the extreme heat of the desert and the pillar of fire keeps us warm during the freezing night, He provides and protects us on this journey. The amount of time we wander in the desert searching for the promise land is up to us. We can spend our entire life in the desert or we can lay down our desire to lead and follow Him in the express lane of humility.
Steve

======= Sara:

I, too, am so glad you post the music from various Christian artists on this site. This song, in particular, came to mind when I was reading about how the Isrealites wanted to return to Egypt. So I was really moved to watch and listen to it here.
As for the secular music vs. Christian, I grew up on 70’s & 80’s rock and listened to it all the time, but after I dedicated my life to Christ, I really heard the words of these songs through a different filter. The Holy Spirit’s conviction caused me to want to get rid of most of my CDs, mainly the ones with questionable lyrics. And now as a parent, I wouldn’t want my young children to hear and learn the words of those songs either. I am so thankful that we have a great contemporary Christian radio station to listen to and have not even wanted to listen to the others any more.
Sara

======= Cheryl:

The song you quoted today: “Lord you’re leading me.  With a cloud by day.  And in the night.  Glow of a burning flame.  Everywhere I go I see you.  Everywhere I go I see you.” is a Rich Mullins song. Rich is my all time favorite Christian artist. I love love love his music and many times it has centered me back on Christ. Rich passed away several years ago in a car accident. I just know Christ couldn’t wait and wanted him home.
Music is a huge part of my life. I listen to all kinds of music. Christian music is a poweful way to move our hearts and minds back to Christ. I think it’s okay to listen to some kinds of secular music but to always be aware of the power of the lyrics and music to distract us and move us away from God as well.
Cheryl

======= Tammy:

I prefer to listen to christian/worship music and most of the time a CD stays in my car for me to listen to. I too was/am a fan of the 80’s music and once in a while will throw that in the mix too. I think you just have to be careful of what you listen too. I also have the priviledge of having a 12 year old daughter who loves music too. Thankfully she is just as happy listening to my worship music and she has some of own favorite christian bands…even some christian rock bands. At first the christian rock wasn’t my favorite but as I listened and heard their message I was o.k. with it. Just wanted to know the message was o.k. So now my daughter and I go to chrisitan concerts which I enjoy as much as she does. I feel this encourages her to make the right decisions about music. Yes she still listens to Justin Bieber, Adele and others but her primary focus is still christian music. Hope it stays that way. Thanks for the blog….still keeping in there.
Tammy

======= Ginny:

I do a lot of Karaoke at local restaurants and clubs. The interesting thing is that when I sing a song like “I Believe” is when I get the biggest,positive reaction from the crowd. A friend of mine has been practicing “Amazing Grace” as done by Chris Tomlin. We like to inject some spiritual music into the mix. I love that Jeff posted he thinks of Jesus when he hears,”your love is lifing me higher”. Music is a strong part of our worship service at Radiant Church. The music is sometimes too loud and some folks complain but for the most part its an intrical part of the worshiping service. David for all his war-like traits was also a poet. I think that God likes it that we make a joyful sound to honor Him!
Ginny

======= Tammy:

Mike, I work with young people who listen to some very explicit lyrics in today’s music. I tell them this true story:
Years ago, my grandmother was in a nursing home with some form of extreme dementia. My grandmother was a devout Christian and had been very involved in her church. She loved to sing and had a beautiful soprano voice. She had 5 children, including my father. My dad also has a wonderful singing voice and as a boy would sing duets with my grandmother in church. One song they sang as a duet was, “In the Garden.” When my grandmother was old and her mind was diseased, as I remember, she rarely even opened her eyes. She lived in Wisconsin and we live in GA, so we didn’t get to go up to visit very often. On one of the last visits my father was able to make with her, she didn’t speak, didn’t seem to be aware of her surroundings, and he said to feed her you would have to hold the spoon to her lips and she would then open her mouth. Her mind appeared to be completely “gone.” So Dad sat with her and held her hand and prayed over her. Then he decided to use his beautiful voice to sing to her, as a loving act to his mother. He started singing, “I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses…” And ever so softly, my grandmother, who hadn’t spoken in weeks and whose conscious mind appeared completely non-functional, started singing along. Her eyes were still closed, but she sang along to every word of that song.
Music is a powerful tool. The messages that are set to rhythm and melody get planted deep into our minds and spirits in a way ordinary spoken messages can’t. I believe we need to be very careful what we listen to. I know for myself, I can’t remember what I did an hour ago, but I can remember song lyrics from 30+ years ago. And how many of us learned the alphabet and so many other lessons because they were set to music? My heart breaks for this generation because the music seems to be more powerful and intoxicating, and it is certainly more readily available, but the message in the music is more destructive. If these young people make it to my grandmother’s age, what memories will they be able to call up? What message will be on their tongues? Taylor Swift’s? Lil Wayne’s? Rihanna’s? Think about that as you enjoy whatever music you listen to. One day, that message might be all that you remember.
Tammy

===== Kathy:

Over the last few years I have listened to Christian Music in my car…I call it “worship on wheels”!! These song have lots of scripture in them and I recognize that now and smile, for thru these songs the Word of God is being planted in my mind. Sometimes when I have a hard time sleeping one of these songs will be in my mind and it is usually right on target for what is bothering me…God truly is my salvation and song….and He makes me smile in the many ways He is present in our lives.
Kathy

======= Sharon:

Ah, the battle of music. I’ve struggled with that for years. What opened my eyes was becoming a mother, and finally listening to the words that I was singing along with in front of my children. Over the years I’ve tried to find Christian artists whose style I enjoyed as much as my secular interests. It is hard sometimes. I still listen to “oldies” (70s, 80s, etc. lol! ) but I try to avoid any songs that have indecent lyrics or that try to remind me of “my Egypt” past.
Sharon

======= Jill:

Every day I start the day with “God what for want from me? How can I serve you!” The song ” have thine own way Lord comes to me” Then at night I pray the song ” Thankyou Lord for saving my soul, Thankyou Lord for making me whole..” I love worshipping at church with other believers and love worship songs but I still enjoy music from the past. I find some of that has less crude words than of today’s pop music.
I really want to put him first. I feel the spiritual battle within me daily. It’s hard to be at peace. Maybe as grow closer to God the devil works harder at trying to pull us away. Someone told me they were mature in their faith in later years but I feel I was mature in younger years but my experiences as I get older shaped me and changed my life for today. I believe we my tight the spiritual battle till we get to heaven.
May our life line up with God. May our lives reflect him. May we keep parting waters as we plug ahead.
Jill

======= Joyce:

Mike and everyone,
Very grateful for this community!
Very grateful to be able to follow this blog daily!
What Jill said in particular strikes a chord in me: “I believe we may fight the spiritual battle till we get to heaven.”
It’s a comfort and an encouragement to hear another believer states that!
Today have been thinking on this verse:
Exodus 13:17 NASB
17 Now when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, even though it was near; for God said, “The people might change their minds when they see war, and return to Egypt.”
God’s way is not our way; His way may even seem illogical for us.
And yet, we can trust that, when He chooses/paves a certain way for us, He has considered our weaknesses (and our strengths), what we can and cannot handle.
May He bless this blog;
May He bless many believers with the habit of reading His Word daily through this blog;
May He bless many who do not yet know Him with the beauty and truth in His Word through this blog;
Mike, may He continue to encourage you and give you spiritual insights as you write this blog!
Blessings to all of you!
Joyce

======= Joyce:

Concerning music, I would not go so far as to advise someone to get rid of their entire music collection, unless God tells them to do that. However, listening mostly to Christian music stations like K-Love or TheLightFM, can make a huge difference in your mood and attitude. Years ago, I listened to a local rock station on my way to work, a 45 minute commute. I liked the music, but I arrived at work in a foul mood. I switched to a Christian station. The station was not very contemporary at the time, and I hadn’t been raised on that type of music, so I did a lot of eye rolling at the songs! But, I arrived at work in a much better mood! It has been 34 years now, and that station has been a great force for inspiration and godly teaching in my life. ( And, TheLightFM is much more contemporary now.) All because I was willing to be musically uncomfortable in order to have positive Christian input.
Joyce

======== Liz:

I am obviously older than you as the music of my childhood is late 60’s and 70’s rock music. We had very little modern Christian music and none on the radio. At our first church, in our 20’s in 1979, us and other staff couples, decided to burn all of our secular record albums. We concluded, at the time, that if it was not about God or Jesus It was detrimental.
As time went on, and we had children, did that apply to Ring Around the Rosy? Did it apply to poetry? The Land of Counterpane? Mother Goose?How far do we go with this? Do we only watch Christian movies? They were sparse and pretty bad back then. Do we not shop at the Hardware store that the owner or an employee are not Christian? Do you quit a job that the boss is not Christian? How far does this go? Is music special? With all of the Christian artists that are turning from God, recently, maybe there shouldn’t be those kinds of distinctions. We have hymns that the music was originally bar room music and rowdy “modern” music in it’s day.
I know that I am using human reasoning here, but am I? Music is not just (1) honoring God and (2) dishonoring God. There is a third category that does not dishonor God. There is a lot of music that gives me a happy heart that is not Christian per se. some motivates me to get busy and clean my house, some spurs me to sing at the top of my lungs. Some reminds me of good times and certain people. If “Happy Birthday” is okay, there is a place for neutral songs in a Christian’s life.
Liz

======== Mitch:

Music: Child of the 60’s-70’s : Beatles, The Who, zeppelin, etc. atheist until 48, and always enjoyed listening to oldie stations. But was not obsessed by them. Could not tell you more than two lines from any song. So it was music (instruments) that I enjoyed. Now, while I might occasionally go old school on SiriusXM, most days I listen to “the Message” on Sirius, and Contemporary Christian music channel on Cox. Transformation at salvation is interesting and the process of sanctification varies with individuals. God does not use a cookie cutter on His children.
Moses to people – “Stand firm”. Yes, we are to flee temptation, but spiritual battles we are to stand firm (don the armory of God(Ephesians)) in our faith. I have run or avoided in the past at times, but our command is to stand firm.
Matt: two sons parable is exactly what happened to me. I prayed for the truth to be revealed. God did so, and I said “no thank you”. But three weeks later in a fetal position bawling mess I begged him to take charge of my life and bent my knee to Christ. So I get, what Jesus is saying here in this parable.
Proverbs: ?: notice no sexual sins are mentioned on seven detestable things (although some of the elements can lead to sexual sins). Any thoughts?
Mitch

======= Dee:

Such good readings in Exodus today! What I noticed is, first of all, the first of the grumblings occur from the Israelites about them going to do, and muttering to Moses. They said to Moses, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? I thought that was amazing! and not much different than us I guess when we are not as grounded on God as Moses was and trying to listen solely to one being and one person listening to the most High for our counsel. The Israelites went on the journey with Moses, but not out of faith, rather out of pressure, or as “followers” there was no real integrity or grit in this group. Right now they are just going throught the motions until better shows up. They never knew real happiness or peace. They didn’t really know how
to have real joy, joy that only God can give us! Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. 14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” So true words that Moses said and deep down I wonder if Moses really was sure himself about the Egyptians never seeing again.
15 Then the LORD said to Moses, “Why are you crying out to me?
The Lord was basically quoting what Jesus told his deciples in our Matthew readings this week, if you have faith as that of a mustard see and you say unto that mountain be thou removed and cast into the sea and not doubt in your heart, then that which you speak will come true. Moses had to believe that he was already equipped for the job.
I also like the part about: Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long.
We don’t fight against flesh and blood but against the principalities of good and evil. It wasn’t necesarily the Israelites fighting against the Egyptians that day. It was God’s goodness overcoming and empowering Satans darkness. That was the real issue and one that the Israelites and us today have to realize and allow the battles to belong to the Lord! For He is Good, His Mercy endureth Forever!!!
Dee

Exodus 12:14-13:16 + Matthew 20:29-21:22 + Psalm 25:16-22 + Proverbs 6:12-15
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Month One – Today we wrap up Month One of our One Year Bible readings! Congratulations! Your marathon pace is looking great. The wonderful habit of reading from God’s Word every day is starting to settle into place in your life. Keep your eyes forward on the path before you this year and your eye on the prize! As Paul tells us in Philippians 3:14 – “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Let us each press on toward the goal!

Old Testament – This is a big day in our readings today – The Israelites officially begin their exodus from Egypt!  Today in Exodus chapter 12 we read about God instituting the Festival of Unleavened Bread along with Passover.  These both are still observed today by practicing Jews.  Verse 14 states the importance of these festivals to the Israelites:  “You must remember this day forever. Each year you will celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD.”

 

Chapter 12 verses 29 & 30 tell us: “And that night at midnight, the Lord struck down all the firstborn sons in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn son of Pharaoh, who sat on his throne, to the firstborn son of the prisoner in the dungeon. Even the firstborn of their livestock were killed. Pharaoh and all his officials and all the people of Egypt woke up during the night, and loud wailing was heard throughout the land of Egypt. There was not a single house where someone had not died.”  Below is Dutch painter Laurens Alma Tadema’s “Death of the Pharaoh’s Firstborn Son” from the year 1872:

Verses 37 & 38 are amazing: “That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children. And they were all traveling on foot. Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds.”  600,000 men equals probably at least 1.2 million people all together – and probably close to 2 million.  This is a massive Exodus!  Verse 38 is very interesting in that some Egyptians were joining the Israelites in this Exodus!  Think these Egyptians believed in God?

In Exodus chapter 13 we read about God’s instructions for the dedication of the firstborn.  Note that based on this law that Jesus, the firstborn of Mary & Joseph, was dedicated to God in the Temple in Jerusalem as we read in Luke chapter 2 verses 21 through 24: “On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.””  I think it’s also interesting to note that Mary & Joseph did not present a lamb, but a pair of doves or two young pigeons.  This portion of the law came from Leviticus chapter 12 verse 8: “If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering.””  Below is an image of Jesus being dedicated in the temple:

Bible.org’s commentary on “The Passover and the Plague of the Firstborn” is at this link.

New Testament – Today in Matthew chapter 21 verse 22 we read these words from Jesus: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.””  This is a powerful verse if you really stop and think about it…  Do you believe Jesus’ teaching here?  Do you believe that if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer?  I do believe this… but then there is always in the back of my mind – “but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed.  But then they weren’t…”   I don’t have any easy answer on this one.  I have to believe there are probably some good resources out there for this tough question?  If you know of any resources / books on this subject of prayer – or, more specifically, unanswered prayers – please post up in the Comments section below?  Thanks.

Whoo-hoo!  Today is Palm Sunday in our Gospel reading today!  🙂  Hosanna in the Highest!  Hosanna means “Save Now” – Amen!

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 21 titled “The Triumphal Entry” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 25 verse 22 really stood out to me today: “O God, ransom Israel from all its troubles.”  As I read this, the Christmas carol, “O Come O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel” comes to my mind.  Indeed, God would answer this prayer of King David’s and send his Son to ransom Israel!

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 6 verse 14 today tells us: “Their perverted hearts plot evil. They stir up trouble constantly.” This is a powerful reminder of the utmost importance for us to guard the condition of our hearts continually!

Worship Video:  Reading about Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem today reminded me of the Christy Nockels song “Hosanna:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfeN__usTzs

Are you praising “Hosanna?” Click here and praise Hosanna in the Highest!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Matthew 21:22 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would believe in Jesus unfailingly each and every day. Ask for things in prayer that you believe are the will of the Father.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  It’s interesting to me how fast January seems to have flown by. February is now before us. I don’t know about you, but I set some big goals and resolutions this year and somehow I’m suddenly a month behind on progress on those goals. However, even though I am feeling behind on some goals for this year, I know that ultimately my life is in a very good place because I am moving forward with my relationship with God. Reading and studying God’s Word every day is a higher priority than any of my other goals and resolutions. Those other goals and resolutions can wait. My relationship with God cannot wait. As long as I am in a growing and loving relationship with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, nothing else really matters. How about you? Are there some goals and resolutions for this year that you feel like you might be behind on? Do you agree that reading from God’s Word each day and growing in your love relationship with God is more important than those goals and resolutions?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 12:14-13:16
Random thoughts and impressions I jotted down as I read the Old Testament today.
Also, take your flocks and your herds, just as you have spoken, and leave. But bless me (Pharaoh) also.” (Exodus 12:32 NET.)
When I read this I thought, “Did Moses “Bless” Pharaoh? Was there some kind of bank of heaven where Blessings are stored up for certain people and applied accordingly? Pharaoh would have to rely on the mercy of God because he did not have a relationship with the God of gods and I think God’s Mercy had run out on Pharaoh.
The Lord gave favor to the people in the eyes of the Egyptians, and they gave them whatever they wanted, and so they plundered Egypt. (Exodus 12:36 NET.)
The word plunder implies war and those that plunder are the victors. Israel had been in a battle; however, it was God fighting their fight against the ineffective gods of Egypt. To the victor belong the spoils of war. Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans, Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us. (Romans 8:37 AMP). What does it mean to be more than a conqueror? To gain victory automatically bestows title of champion, but to be more than a conqueror has not been something I’ve contemplated. Israel’s march out of Egypt carrying her treasure with them made her more than a conqueror without having lifted up one weapon, God did it all.
This night had been reserved by the LORD to bring his people out from the land of Egypt, so this same night now belongs to him. It must be celebrated every year, from generation to generation, to remember the LORD’s deliverance.(Exodus 12:42 NLT)
After rereading the above verse in other translations, I realized this particular rendition brought something to the story I had never seen before, God’s timing. In Eternity past God had reserved that specific night for Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt. If God is the same yesterday, today and forever, can the things, which so easily beset me, the things I have allowed to entrap me, can the day of my deliverance also have been set in eternity past? Hmmm
“If an immigrant is staying with you and wants to keep the Passover to GOD, every male in his family must be circumcised, then he can participate in the Meal–he will then be treated as a native son. But no uncircumcised person can eat it. (Exodus 12:48 MSG)
God has always provided for those outside of His Covenant to enter in and become His People. As for the congregation, there shall be one statute both for you, and for the stranger that sojourneth with you, a statute for ever throughout your generations; as ye are, so shall the stranger be before the LORD. (Numbers 15:15 JPS)
Finally the passage I had found so very intriguing three years ago and that continues to fascinate me today.
Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem by [substituting for it] a lamb, or if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and every firstborn among your sons shall you redeem. (Exodus 13:13 AMP)
The previous verse states every firstborn sons and male animals MUST be presented before the Lord, yet the donkey could be redeemed. Why? It is because the donkey is a work animal and can be ridden by man, or is there some other thing going on?
Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey as He entered Jerusalem during His Passion.
When He came near Bethphage and Bethany at the mount called [the Mount of] Olives, He sent two of His disciples, Telling [them], Go into the village yonder; there, as you go in, you will find a donkey’s colt tied, on which no man has ever yet sat. Loose it and bring [it here]. (Luke 19:29-30 AMP)
Jesus, the Lamb of God came into Jerusalem on the back of a young donkey. Not only did he Redeem man from his sins, he redeemed that donkey from having its neck broken.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

====== John:

Ramona,
Donkey is an “unclean” animal, so the firstborn of a donkey could not be offered in sacrifice to God. There must be a substitute to sacrifice in place of the Donkey, ergo the sheep or lamb. Thus the donkey is redeemed – saved from being killed and saved to do the beast of burden work in Jewish households.
Once again Jesus is associating with the unclean, at this point in time not as popular an animal as in the past, and humbling himself by being on a lowly animal.
John

======= Anka:

I do wonder about matt.21:22 as well.Even though Jesus said we receive whatever we ask for in prayer we often see that’s really not the case.I had a Pastor whose wife died of breast cancer..he never believed she would die he actually thought he heard God say she wouldn’t die..I think sometimes God reminds us of his sovereignty through unanswered prayers…if we were given anything we asked for we may get conceited,take God for granted or forget we are bought with a price and belong to God so we can’t just order anything in faith…I would really welcome any biblical insight to unanswered prayers…I know james4:3 say we don’t receive cos we ask with the wrong motives…in my pastor’s case I don’t think that was the issue..the death of his wife raised questions on his sermons of healing,it discouraged so many…I don’t honestly believe there’s any one straight answer…I do hope I’m wrong.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Ramona:

Anka–You wrote: >>>>>I had a Pastor whose wife died of breast cancer. he never believed she would die he actually thought he heard God say she wouldn’t die..>>>>
Remember the words spoken by Jesus,
Now as for the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living!”
(Matthew 22:31-32 NET.)
I believe we need to rethink the meaning of death in God’s economy. Death is not the cessation of life upon the earth, death separation from God This flesh and blood body is our earth suit. We are spirits made in the image of God who is Spirit [God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24 KJV]
Your former pastor asked the right question and received the true answer, his wife’s body may no longer exist on the earth, but her spirit is with God.
God is the god of the living not the dead. Death, a Believer’s Death is only moving from the physical realm to the Spiritual realm. That is why Paul tells us we are not to morn as unbelievers. In my church and in many churches they hold Going Home Parties or Celebrations for the saints who have gone home to be with the Lord, not funerals.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

I think I didn’t express myself well…my Pastor believed his wife will be healed…he even told me at a point that the cancer was in remission and she would soon give a testimony in churh.I know and believe your comments about death but what about the one that said he bore our sicknesses and that by his stripes we are healed…Abraham…Isaac..all of them died old but not with disease…I have been told several times that it’s not God’s will for us to be sick…but yet christians die of disease…some don’t..I have heard testimonies of people being raised from the dead..being healed of cancer…Oh well…How can you explain the sickenes present in christians when Christ is said to have borne them already…and that we are healed already by his stripes….Well I honestly think God doesn’t owe us an explanation…I could have died but he saved me so I should be grateful for what I have…can’t help wondering though…
Anka

====== John:

above comments made me relive tough times in my life when my own mother a faithful christian died of breast cancer…
she had the old hymn on her mind during her last month of life, “Whiter than Snow…the hymn talks about perfect healing… being perfectly whole…
With hindsight I see GOD did heal her perfectly…so I ask all my friends when they need prayer for sickness I will pray for partial healing because complete healing will only happen when we are in GLORY with HIM! A request that mom prayed for and got!
Could be that the dear pastors wife mentioned above got the better end of the deal, than us that remain..she got to go be with JESUS… as Paul states far better…
John

======= Dawn:

1 month down!
Thank you guys for a great site and collecting this helpful information and interesting images.
Your dedication certainly help spur me onto regular reading and spending time pondering God’s word.
I often read the passage in the morning, then listen to the bibleonradio.com broadcasts with my family before or during dinner. It’s about the only time my 3 year old sits quietly listening!
Thanks again guys!
Dawn

======= Chris:

Oh goodness, how I”m enjoying this Bible reading. I wish I had known about it long ago. Can anyone tell me why they didn’t put yeast in the bread. Blessings
Chris

======== Anka:

Yeast: well it seems that on the one hand,putting in yeast would mean the dough has to take time to rise and God wanted them all dressed up and in a hurry to leave check exodus 12:39 it said there was no yeast cos they didn’t have time to prepare….there are some commentaries that suggest the yeast signifies sin..in matthew 16:6-12 jesus uses the word yeast to mean wrong teachings of the pharisees and sadducees….you should check out bible.org they have nice commentaries…I love this site as well…I learn so much.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Peggy:

As I read Mat.21:22Ifyou believe, you will receive what you ask for when you pray. It really stood out to me. I have started writing down my prayer request, and I have been so amaised of the answered prayers too. My other thought was that I’m glad the Lord doesn’t answer all my prayers, because I might be in big trouble. I’m so glad he knows what is best for me.
Your comment about being behind with your new years resolution, well I’m not because mine was to read the bible in a year. Happy New year, and thanks for this web site.
Peggy

======= Stacey:

I recently read a book called “Praying Backwards” by Bryan Chappell. It tries to address a lot of the questions about “unanswered” and “answered, but answered as no” prayers. I found the book quite insightful. Blessings to you all as we continue in month 2.
Stacey

====== Rick:

Our minister did a sermon on the passage of, if you believe and ask anything it will be given to you. It was a powerful message to me, and I could hardly wait to get somewhere alone to start asking for “things” but when I started to pray, I realized God had already given me more than I could even think to ask for, two children that no amount of money could replace, a wife that loves me, a place to worship that I leave knowing that God was there speaking to me. All I could do was say thank you Lord, thank you Lord…
I am truely enjoying this trip through the bible, and the interesting commentary. I read it early in the morning and it realy helps me start the day with a positive mind-set.
Thank you,
Rick

======= Nancy:

My thoughts on God answering prayer if we believe. I feel that if it is God’s Will he will answer the way we want Him to answer the prayer. His answer is not always what we want. We must pray for His will, not ours. I do believe also that death is a form of healing. Remember when Paul prayed three times for God to heal him, but God said my grace is sufficeint. It’s hard when a loved one is sick and dying, but we must know that God is in control and He knows what is best. Thank you again for this site and I am really enjoying it. The pictures make the scripture come alive for me. God Bless You.
Nancy

======= James:

Matthew 21:22 – “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”
I am a minister, and I have prayed with people and see them miraculously healed, I have prayed for others who died. Including my mother who died in 1988 of cancer that came back from years before. When my mom was first healed many years before, many doctors, etc., could not understand it. She was supposed to be dead.
Finally, after many years 100% free of cancer the church she attended felt enough time had passed and knew she was healed, the very week days before she was to testify she had pain (cancer) attack her. She went forward in pain and gave glory to God. But she started to get sicker and sicker, until finally she went home to be with Jesus at the young age of 57!!! What happened? This was a woman of faith, a woman who walked with God. The most Godly woman I have ever known. My mom touched many lives. I miss her so very much. So now do I pray for sick and diseased people, absolutely! AND when I pray I believe for the LORD to touch their bodies. I have seen gradual healings and instant. But REAL healings all the same. I feel that the LORD wants me to leave my mom’s situation with Him. No questions asked, in eternity I will understand it fully and will see my Lord NEVER failed me.
I love to pray for the sick and believe for God to move. And to see other cancer patients or sick people whom God isn’t finished with yet get healed. So no matter what the outcome continue to pray for the sick. Just like we pray for the lost regardless of the outcome.
Also my brother-in-law got saved at my moms funeral, as my pastor was told by my mom before she died, to have an alter call at her funeral. My brother-in-law now over 17 years later is a strong Christian in the LORD. AMEN! AMEN!
James

======= Pat:

HEALING: God always heals the believer – either here on earth or in heaven. We should always pray for healing but for healing as God knows is best for the one that is ill. Mike, the thing that we forget is that this earthly body was not meant to last for eternity. Yes, God can and does heal here on earth but God also knows when it is time to condemn and dispose of our temporary housing. Just as an engineer determines if a building can be made safe for future occupation or if it should be condemned and torn down, our Great Engineer knows what the body would have to withstand in the future and if it is worth preserving. God determines whether to heal the physical body here on earth or whether to replace our temporary housing with a beautiful spiritual body. Only He knows what the physical body would have to endure in the future and what pain the person would have to face should the body be healed of its immediate illness. Only He knows what is best for all concerned in the long term and only He can determine the type of healing that is best for everyone. God always answers our prayers regarding healing and He heals in the way that it is best for the one that is ill! When God replaces the body with a spiritual body, He leaves behind for their loved ones beautiful memories and the strength to endure the separation. When a Christian passes, they step off the earth and into the hearts of all that love them so the deceased is forever with them until the time we are all reunited in the heavenly realm.
God Bless!
Pat

======= Melody:

Pat I truely love what you stated above….I lost my father 2 years ago and my father in law a year ago…it has been a tough adjustment but this statement makes it much easier. Thank You.
I too enjoyed the passage of believe and you receive. You may not always get the answer you want but God knows best.
Melody

======= Luch:

In regards to prayer I think verses like matthew 21:22 “you can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” tough verse. I have not seen this happen much in my life. I have prayed for many things. Some small some big. Did God answer? I’m sure He has but there have been times His answers have not been forthcoming inspite of all the faith i mustered up.
Do I pray any less? No. Like C.S Lewis once said words to this effect, “I pray because it’s the air I breathe. I can’t help myself. I just pray.”
Best resource on prayer on ‘unanswered prayer’ is jerry sittser’s classic “When Your Prayers go unanswered.” This written by a man who has experience the tragic loss of his mother, daughter and wife in car accident. Also the author of A Grace Disguised. I have totally found sittser’s works to be deep, meaningful and relevant on my walk with Jesus.
As a result I pray more rather than less in spite of prayers not being answered.
Luch

======= Penny:

Greetings to all!
James, I really appreciate what you wrote concerning your mom. My mom became paralyzed four years ago. Though the paralysis is limiting, the pain is like acid burning on the inside of her. I left working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Africa (which I loved) to care for her (which is not a burden for me). Initially I responded well, but seeing the pain steadily increase up close and personal paralyzed my faith. I had truly believed Matthew 21:22. But I became unable to pray for physical healing and really believe I’d see results. I could pray for strength, peace, endurance etc. or for healing for others, but not for my mom who is a beautiful godly woman. This really grieved my heart.
Last week I just started a wonderful study by Beth Moore called Believing God. It hasn’t answered all my questions about healing, but as I delve into who God is and meditate on the completeness of His compassion, and the greatness of His power within us, who believe, my hope is being restored and the fire of my faith is being fanned once again. I want to shout “God You are good!” I’m excited to continue this study and would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with questions like, “Is God who He says He is? Can He do what He says He can do?” Now I say, indeed He is and indeed He can, whether my physical eyes see it or not.
Penny

====== Mae:

Verses that stood out for me today:
Exodus 12:51 “On that very day the Lord brought the people of Israel out of the land of Egypt like an army”.
Matthew 21:16 “Yes,” Jesus replied. “Haven’t you ever read the Scriptures? For they say, ‘You have taught children and infants to give you praise.”
Matthew 21:22 “You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Psalm 25:21 “May integrity and honesty protect me, for I put my hope in you”.
Proverbs 6:14 “Their perverted hearts plot evil, and they constantly stir up trouble”.
I didn’t start the readings on January 1st, I started October 29th 2006, which means that today is my 94th day on this study. My relationship with God defenitly grows by reading from God’s Word each day. I’ve come to understand the services in church better, I’m more aware of the Holy Spirit within me and my life changed so much! I love reading the Bible so much! You have to see my Bible … so funny! Different colors Post-its stick out of it, all verses and chapters that I wanted to mark. Too bad I can’t post pictures, but it’s hilarious to see, believe me! I’m on 3 Biblestudies and I enjoy all 3 of them, for me it’s important to be guided. I’m still a baby, reborn not even 6 months ago … I need someone to guide me during my little baby-steps! I had a wonderful talk yesterday with my Pastor, he told me that my enthousiasm (spell check please) made him happy and that he wished that everybody was like me. My enthousiasm is infectious, he can tell that, so he hopes that I will ‘infect’ a lot of people by just doing the things I love to do for God. “You’re doing good!”. I was so happy to hear that! I listen to my heart and my heart is where God is …
Mae

======= Cheryl:

I have always prayed and I believe that all prayers are answered, sometimes the answer is yes, sometimes it is no, and sometimes it is wait-not now. I know God answers-when I was pregnant with my twins it was high-risk and I was told my babies would die, but they were born healthy and will be 17 next week. My son is in Iraq, 2 days ago his hum-vee was hit by a road-side bomb but he and his team are all fine-the hum-vee had just been outfitted with special armor [the armor of God :)] the day before!!!
My sister’s husband is not a believer-we have been praying for him for many years.(My sister turned to Christ several years after their marriage). He is a manager of a band and the leader of the band has just been diagnosed with cancer-37 yrs old and it is bad. He was married last Saturday in the hospital chapel and it was a very God-filled service; my brother-in-law was very shaken. Maybe God is using this man and his illness to bring my Brother-in-law to Him. I pray for them all and God’s wisdom-and His plan and His will. Would you please pray for them as well.
Cheryl

======== Jenny:

“If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.” Oh yes, I struggled with this so much! I have prayed for things that God said no too many times. from guys, to passing my cpa exams, to my mom beating cancer. God said no to all.
Was it my lack of faith? No…lets take a look at this. “Whatever we ask for”…well, we could interpret this to mean, anything we want (well, Is God our personal genie? that I can go to and he’ll give me anything I want. No!)
we have to factor in, God has our best interests in heart. We often pray for ‘our’ will to be done. In fact we should be praying that our will would conform to His! Our wills have to be in line with what God wants to do and many times he will say no, or say wait.
BUt thats not my will, I want what I want now!!! haha, But its His will. we may want things that God knows will destroy us, we may want things, but God says wait…when you are inline with Me, you will have it. He often time has bigger and better things in mind for us. a silly example, but say I pray for a flower. God may say no, when it the end, He wanted to give me a gigantic rose garden.
An example my pastor used last sunday was Samuel’s mother. This woman was barren and prayed and prayed for a child. Never happened….God made her wait. Why? We go on in the readings and see she came to a point where she was desperate, so she said to God, if you bear me a son, I will give him back to You!
(1 Samuel 1:11 Then she made a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”)
This is what God wanted from her, but she didnt come to this place til she waited and waited. God wanted a man to use and this woman was so desperate for a son, once HER will was in line with God’s, He granted her request.
Even if our requests are totally reasonable, like for healing, not something silly like to win the lotto, haha. But God knows the outcome, He knows how to grow us, He has a plan and our wills must be in line with His. Many things I pray for God says wait. ugh! But everytime He has made me wait, when He finally answers my prayer with an affirmative, I see it was best this way and sooo worth it. I couldnt have leanrned the things I did had I not waited. When God says no, somethings I think. WHY GOD? I just dont understand!
But I see later God had my best interests in mind, things I couldnt see or know at the time. many times I can look back and say, whoa! thank you God for saying no! I’m sooo glad He didnt give me what I so desperatly ‘thought’ I wanted.
Bottom line, God knows what we have need of and He knows us better then we know ourselves. He knows the whole picture, we only see part and its often distorted. In the end, its to His glory that He fulfills His plan in our life and this is very joyous for us.
there are times when God says yes right away and honestly I’m shocked cause I’m so used to waiting. I’m still waiting on the Lord…that is the Christian life, to wait on the Lord. and we will see in Exodus a great example of waiting on Him and the consequences of murmuring, complaining, and being ungrateful. Lets be grateful no matter what, thank God for his answer whether it be yes, no, or wait (my least fave is wait) but whatever His answer, it is PERFECT!
awesome in matthew, His hour had finally come for Jesus to present Himself to the people as the Messiah. We read this at church last night sunday in the book of John. My pastor was saying, this is the most radical statement anyone made. He made Himself to be equal to God which was blasphemy in the Pharisees eyes. (therefore they sought to kill Him). Some peopl say Jesus was a good man, a good moral teacher. But here He proclaims Himself to be the promised messiah! He is either a lunatic or really is the Messiah…one cant take neutral ground on this. He no doubt is the promised one of God! God Himself, incarnate.
I love Jesus’ answer to the chief priests when they were outraged by the ppl worshipping Him: “Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have perfected praise’?”
Love Psalm n Proverbs too!
Jenny

======= Bill:

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“…How about you? Are there some goals and resolutions for 2007 that you feel like you might be behind on? Do you agree that reading from God’s Word each day and growing in your love relationship with God is more important than those goals and resolutions?…”
Well, I did fall a behind a bit in the ‘One Year Bible ‘ course for 2007. I think that I may have missed about six days this month but I intend to go back and make it up. One of my goals is to stay committed to it to the very end. I had purposed at the beginning of this year, one way or another, to spend more time in the Word of God and in prayer. I have understood for many years that this is vital to spiritual growth and cultivating a personal, intimate relationship with the Lord. Whenever in times past that I neglected that I suffered spiritually because of it. I have more free time now than ever before so there is no excuse.
EXODUS 12:14-13:16
“Leaven” is symbolic of sin. The children of Israel were commanded to eat “unleavened bread “ because it foreshadows Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life ( John 6:35, 48 ), who was without sin ( Hebrews 4:15 ). For the Church it represents how we have been purged of our sins by the blood of Christ and how we have been made “a new lump” ( 1 Corinthians 5:7 ) or a new creature in Him. It reminds us that we are called to live holy lives and to adhere to sound doctrine for Jesus warned us to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees ( Matthew 16:6-12 ). The Passover feast is intended to be a “memorial” ( 12:14 ) for the Jews in much the same way that the Lord’s Suppers is intended to be celebrated in the Church “…in rememberance “ of Jesus ( 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 ). The Church doesn’t celebrate the feast of Passover because Jesus Christ Himself is our Passover lamb. He is the blood-stained door by which we enter into salvation and by which we will be preserved when the wrath of God passes over us. Glory to the Lamb of God for He is worthy to be praised!
“ Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as YE ARE UNLEAVENED. For even CHRIST OUR PASSOVER is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with THE UNLEAVENED BREAD OF SINCERITY AND TRUTH.”
– 1 Corinthians 5:7 ( KJV )
I don’t think it is any coincidence that almost immediately after all of the firstborn of Egypt died by the plague of the Lord that God ordained that the firstborn of Israel be consecrated to Him ( 13:1-16 ). There is also a foreshadow of Christ in the consecration of the firstborn as well:
Jesus was “ the firstborn of Mary” ( Matthew 1:25; Luke 2:7 )…“ the firstborn among many brethren” ( Romans 8:29 )…” the firstborn of every creature” ( Colossians 1:15 )…” the firstborn from the dead” ( Colossians 1:18 ) …and by Him is the “church of the firstborn” ( Hebrews 12:23 ).
MATTHEW 20:29-21:22
The day that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on donkey and was hailed by the multitudes as “the son of David “ ( 21:9 ), the rightful heir to throne of David, he fulfilled the messianic prophecy spoken by prophet Zechariah of Him ( 21:4 ) more than 400 years before His birth:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.”
– Zechariah 9:9 ( KJV )
It wouldn’t be long though until the multitudes would turn against Him. The shouts of “Hosanna” ( 21:9 ) would soon be turned to shouts of mocking and the crying out to “crucify Him!” ( 27:31 ). Instead of being crowned the King of the Jews He would wear a crown of thorns. So He was crucified for the sins of the world, rose again on the third day and ascended back into Heaven to wait until the Father sends Him again back to the earth. In contrast, when Jesus comes again the second time, He will be riding a white stallion ( Revelation 19:11 )and He will be wearing many crowns ( Revelation 19:12 ) and He will sit on the throne of David in Jerusalem ruling over the nations with a rod of iron for a thousand years. He will be universally acknowledged and worshipped as the “ KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS “ ( Revelation 19:16 ).
PSALM 25:16-22
‘ O Come O Come Emmanuel ‘ is my favorite Christmas carol. I love the lyrics to that song! I have a burned CD with no other song on it but that one, sung by various contemporary christian music artists.
“Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles” ( v.22 ). What a timely Scripture for the world today as we find the nations gathering against Israel in these last days over the controversy of Zion! The Jews have had nothing but trouble for 2,000 years in the nations where God had scattered them after their rejection of their Messiah and now that the Jews are returning to the land as God foretold would happen in the latter days, the prophesied “time of Jacob’s trouble” ( Jeremiah 30:7 ) seems to be drawing near. That prayer of David says it all. I am praying today in agreement with David‘s prayer and my prayers are with the Jewish people and the state of Israel. I feel in my heart that God is going to answer this prayer very soon.
PROVERBS 6:12-15
Verse 13 always makes me think about non-verbal body language sometimes speaks louder than words and which everybody is expressing in one way or another. Many people can read it and interpret it very well. Even if some cannot, God always can. So it says to me that I need to be more aware of how I am carrying myself. Obviously the body language spoken of here is wicked in God’s sight.
Bill

======= Debi:

No prayer goes unanswered…we may not get the answer we think we should, but God ALWAYS answers. Years ago I had a little pekingese dog who was my “child”, and when she became terminally ill, I asked…no, begged God to heal her and let me keep her. When we had to let her go to sleep and I took her to be cremated, I was devastated, and really close to being angry with God. The lovely Christian fellow who ran the Pet Cemetary turned me around tho. when I recited my tale of how I had stayed up night after night praying to God for a healing, and He had not answered my prayer, Brother Ben told me this. He said, “God did answer your prayer. She IS healed, and at peace, and will never hurt again. She is with Him, and you can’t hope for a better answer to your prayer!” Major kick in the pity party for me!!! HE ALWAYS ANSWERS!!!
Debi

======= Pat:

My thoughts on Exodus 12:32
“Take your flocks and herds, as you said, and be gone. Go, but bless me as you leave.” (NLT)
Every time I read about the exodus Pharaoh’s words “Go, but bless me as you leave” jump off the page at me. Here was a man who had belittled God asking Moses to bless him as he left. Even though Pharaoh didn’t believe in God he recognized that there was something special about our God and His people.
I truly believe that nonbelievers today note that there is something special about true Christians and our Lord and Savior. Some yearn for what we have and yet they still don’t open up their hearts to Christ. Some so fear us that they want to eradicate us. You don’t fear and seek to eradicate something unless you see it as holding some special power that can inflict pain on you in some way or special power that can demolish all that you put your trust in. Some mock us but even their mockery shows that there is something special about us or else they would just ignore us. Yes, our Heavenly Father is special and all-powerful and we as His children are also special. The worldly people have always known this and yet they still aren’t willing to give up the worldly ways they cherish and get the fulfillment that only Jesus Christ can provide. How sad that is especially since Christ has made it so simple to be one of His flock. All it takes is just acknowledging and loving the Heavenly Father and allowing Him to acknowledge, love and bless us as one of His children!
God Bless!
Pat

====== Sharlotte:

Before our own list of wants and wishes are expressed in prayer shouldn’t we be praying the will of God in our lives. Who are we to think that we know best. God knows our needs and wants before we ask so when we ask for God to take those needs and use them for His will our prayers are answered each and every time.Praise God He doesn’t leave it up to our asking and planing but instead works our wishes into His plan! Remember how Jesus taught us to pray Our Father who art in heaven–Thy will be done–.Ask and it shall be given you- Gods will each and every time.
Sharlotte

======= Joyce:

I too have endured much loss due to seemingly unanswered prayer. The biggest heartbreak was the death of my 12-year-old son Matthew, in 1991. My husband and I have struggled with faith ever since.
However, recently I read an inspiring article forwarded to me by a friend. It told the story of a couple unpacking boxes they had carted around for 20 years. In one box they found a prayer list that they had prayed over for a time, (before a move.) Twenty years later they discovered that every prayer on that list had been answered, and several in a way far beyond anything they could have imagined.
It has inspired me to write a list!
Joyce

======= Jill:

Many years ago I was involved in an excellent Bible Study called Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby.
I kept all my notes from the study, as I have often gone back over them, especially when I am reading about Moses and the burning bush.
This past time looking over the notes, I too came across a list of prayer requests, that I wrote down at the time I did the study for the first time, well over ten years ago. Like Joyce’s article that she read, I too was surprised at how each of the prayer requests had been answered!
What a wonderful, loving, faithful God, who remembered and answered my prayers long after I had stopped praying them!!
Jill

======= Janet:

Some interesting nuggets throughout the Exodus passage. I didn’t pick up on the mixed multitudes and realize Israelites and others were fleeing to the wilderness to worship God. It was clear how OBEDIENT the Israelites were following the plagues. Do you think the darkness in Ex 10:21 is the same darkness at the Crucifixion?
The symbolism between moving mountains and solving great problems is very helpful. I’ve stumbled over this passage for years and finally an explanation that ties together another piece of Scripture I didn’t get before (bind on earth…), faith and prayer according to the Will of God.
Thanks!
Janet

======= Jennifer:

Mathew 21:20-22 discuss our faith and with our faith we can move mountains. We must pray with confidence and expect our prayers to be answered in Gods time and way. However, if we have faith all our prayers will be answered.
I wondered if sometimes I only have faith in what I think God can do, do I put God in a box and pray for what I think is possible. He says my faith can move mountains.
That is incredible!!!!!
Do we believe it though?
Jennifer

======== Steve:

Matthew 21:22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
This mind-boggling statement by Jesus was made immediately after He cursed the fig tree. The fig tree like the Pharisee looks good on the outside but doesn’t produce fruit. The fig tree lost it connection and purpose, (apart from the vine we can produce no fruit). The word of God is our root to soil connection, the place we receive nutrients from God that make us grow and produce good fruit. Jesus is telling us through connection and faith in Him, nothing is impossible.
Steve

======= Robert:

I am thankful that I am still on target in the One Year Bible Reading program. Time does go fast. I agree with you that the most important goal is reading and studying God’s Word. Other goals should be secondary to that one.
Today, I was impressed with what David said in the Psalms about how he asked God for integrity and uprightness to preserve (protect) him. Righteousness has protective power – like in Ephesians 6 when the breastplate of righteousness is mentioned as part of the armor for the Christian. To know that righteousness protects helps me to understand the importance of living a righteous life and that it is worth it.
Robert

======= Amanda:

My only resolution this year was to finally read the entire bible. Thank you for making it so easy for me. I really appreciate all the hard work you put into this blog. THANKS!
Amanda

======= Gail:

Yes Mike, thank you so much for all your hard work here. I started out with good intentions around the second week in January, but have missed quite a few days in January, but I will catch up when we start again. I was so thrilled that the Lord just happened to have me stumble onto your blog as I have such a difficult time with understanding what I read in the bible. You make it easy for me. I really enjoy reading your commentaries and overviews before I start each daily reading as you write it so that I understand most of it. I also find Bible Gateway’s readings very easy to read, and I hope they all are that way throughout the yearly read.
God Bless
Gail

======= Jeff:

Mike,
I believe God hears all our prayers. We sometimes think He doesn’t answer them, but that is usually because they are not answered in the way we wanted. Occasionally, He answers our prayers in the way we are hoping He will. But often, God chooses not to do anything about our requests. Sometimes He does act, but it might not coincide with what we wanted. So, the bottom line is we have to trust that God is still working His will; and we have to be man (or woman) enough to accept that — and with gratitude.
Jeff

======= Connie:

Mike,
I did pray for you and the blog. It has meant alot to me over time.
And I appreciate your sweet spirit and your efforts to bring us all closer to our Lord. Be encouraged, my brother.
Connie

======= Patty:

Mike, I’ve commented before under a different (now obsolete) email account. So thankful for this site, and your continued commentary on the One Year Bible. The 1YB changed my life reading through it for the first time in 2000 (and subsequent years). I love this verse you mentioned and wish I had it on a T-shirt: “The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my victory. He is my God, and I will praise him; he is my father’s God, and I will exalt him!” It expresses what changed that year for me as I pondered all the connections and mysteries in His Word. Even becoming a Christian at a young age, and ‘growing up in the church,’ your life will change…you will BECOME…as you meditate continually on the letter He’s left us.
To answer your question about singing…my voice is just passable. Meaning I can carry a tune, lol…and even pick up an alto for most pieces I hear and sing, probably due to hearing my mom harmonize in church each Sunday. But I’ve found even those not overtly blessed musically can still worship Him musically…if not with voice or an instrument, then perhaps via jogging, dance, or other activity done while listening to worship music. For me, I love to skate at a local rink wearing an iPod playing my favorite worship songs. During the day the rink is practically deserted and my best worship times have been there skating to “I Can Only Imagine” (‘will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of You be still?’), “Holy, Holy, Holy,” and other inspired pieces. If the day comes when I can no longer skate, then I imagine I’ll put on the tunes each morning and still bike or walk and whisper-sing to the music. And when I can’t do that, I’ll probably creep in my walker to the songs, imagining myself dancing with my Creator. Because there’s just intangible blessing and happiness doing so–He is the One, after all, who keeps this heart dancing and singing even as this relentlessly aging body tries to keep up.
Patty

======= Susan:

I was struck by the instructions concerning celebrating Passover, not to break any bones of the sacrificial lamb. This is yet another reference to the One who saved us. None of Jesus bones were broken when he died on the cross for us. I love finding reminders in scripture concerning Jesus. Exodus 12:46
Blessings
Susan

======= Mitch:

My goals:
Instead of saying “God” (acceptable to many non-believers), say “Jesus” more in conversations.
Incorporate (lovingly) the phrase “Everybody spends eternity somewhere” in conversations.
Always remembering: the strength of my words reflects the strength of my relationship.
My belief regarding prayer : believing and you will receive is the key word “believing”. If you are saved and are serving your Lord (King) Jesus then as you learn to pray you are seeking to ask for things in His will. If it is in His will you will receive. If not: No is a valid response, it may be in the Lord’s time not yours, and I have learned to shut up during prayer and listen – and have been amazed at what had been brought to mind when silent listening for the Lord.
Mitch

======= Noel:

Some one said there’s is always in the back of my mind – “but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed. ?
God is so good that He will give you EVERY good thing? It’s true; the Bible says that “no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” That means every good thing is yours, and Jesus really meant it when He said it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom! Remember Mathews 10:28 -30
If people weren’t healed on this side of life I’m sure everything was answered and more on the other side. Corinthians 2:9 KJV
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, Neither have entered into the heart of man, The things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Isaiah 64:4 Encourages Us to Rest Trustfully in God
It means to rest trustfully in God, in his goodness, in his wisdom, in His love, in his sovereignty, in his power. When we are waiting, we long for this or that to happen, for God to move in this or that way.
Noel

======= Dee:

I love love love your analogy Ramona! Have to read it almost everytime I blog. Thank you sweet lady!
Exodus 12:14-13:6
The Passover and the ceremony reminds me of a 21 day fast. The Israelites are doing so in remembrance of the Lord and what He delivered them from. -the blood poured out reminds me of God’s blood shed and poured out for forgiveness of others and the bread “unleavened bread”., reminds me of His body broken for us, so its like a communion n fast all in one, that’s what it reminds me of.
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Lots going on here however, everything is leading up to His Triumphal Entry, Palm Sunday!! and not long before the Last Supper will occur, the betrayal will take place soon, the Garden scene will occur and the crucifixion. So so much in these sections. However, Jesus did heal two blind men (however, I always thought there was just one blind man by road he healed in bible translations before…_), he told the disciples to go into town and get a donkey, a young colt, which was also foretold in scripture-the Leaders of the day became jeolous of the attention and honor Jesus is getting. Jesus cursed a fig tree for not bearing fruit when he passed by and was hungry.. (also showing and allowing the disciples to witness…the power of words and if you believe..that will come to pass)..and Oh..before that he took care, cleaned house, took names @ temple. lol!! 
Psalm 25:16-22
Part of David’s prayer. A Penitential prayer
He feels like no one cares and he is all alone-and everyone is out to get him. He hopes that maybe integrity and honesty protect him, he seeks refuge in the Lord. I know I have had moments of uncertainty and just sometimes people are mean-Everyone goes through something -how we react is going to definitely determine the outcome.
Proverbs 6:12-15
That is a sad outlook of worthless, wicked people-its sad to be on earth and not shining light to the world. Makes me want to pray for those to see You and learn from mistakes and grow in You Jesus. Amen!
Dee

Exodus 10:1-12:13 + Matthew 20:1-28 + Psalm 25:1-15 + Proverbs 6:6-11
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Old Testament – In Exodus chapter 10 today we read about the Plague of Locusts!  In ancient times locust plagues were greatly feared and were often considered to be a sign of divine judgment.

 

Next up is the plague of darkness.  Some Biblical commentaries have found Pharaoh’s statement to Moses to be quite appropriate and ironic that he said this during the plague of darkness in 10:28: “The day you see my face you will die.”  Apparently Moses couldn’t quite fully see Pharaoh’s face during the plague of darkness?  Makes sense to me.  Commentaries have also suggested that this verse was a death threat to Moses, and that this death threat was responded to with the coming plague on the firstborns of Egypt, including Pharaoh’s son.  Below is an image of the plague of darkness:

In Exodus chapter 11 we read in verses 4 & 5: “So Moses announced to Pharaoh, “This is what the LORD says: About midnight I will pass through Egypt. All the firstborn sons will die in every family in Egypt, from the oldest son of Pharaoh, who sits on the throne, to the oldest son of his lowliest slave. Even the firstborn of the animals will die.”  And an appropriate image for this announcement might be this – (except for the fact that they were in the midst of the plague of darkness… so this image should have the lights turned off.  Oh well… 🙂

Today we read in Exodus chapter 12 about God giving Moses and Aaron instructions on the First Passover.  Verse 2 stands out: “From now on, this month will be the first month of the year for you.”  Here we see that God is actually instituting a new religious calendar for the Hebrews with the month that Passover is in being the first month of the calendar year.  This month is in the March-April spring timeframe and is called Abib or Nisan in Hebrew.  The feasts that were and are celebrated in this 1st month were – Passover, Unleavened Bread, and Firstfruits.  Here is a very interesting note on the Jewish calendar from the NIV Study Bible – “In the ancient Near East, new year festivals normally coincided with the new season of life in nature.  The designation of this month as Israel’s religious New Year reminded Israel that its life as the people of God was grounded in God’s redemptive act in the Exodus… Israel’s agricultural calendar began in the fall, and during the monarchy it dominated the nation’s civil calendar.  Both calendars (civil and religious) existed side by side until after the exile.  Judaism today uses only the calendar that begins in the fall.”   Below is an image of the Jewish religious calendar:

The significance of Passover was that God was introducing the concept of a sacrifice or a substitute for a life.  The lamb was sacrificed as a substitute for the Hebrews first-born sons.  The blood of the lamb was placed on the doorposts as a sign that the household had sacrificed an innocent life – the lamb.  By the blood of the unblemished/perfect lamb, the household was protected from death.  This is a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ministry.  Jesus is the sacrificial lamb for us.  He was a substitute for us and our sins.  He was an innocent unblemished/perfect lamb – sinless.  By Jesus’ blood, we are protected from eternal death.  Do you see the parallels between Passover and Jesus’ death on the cross?

Exodus chapter 12 verse 11 is of note: “Wear your traveling clothes as you eat this meal, as though prepared for a long journey. Wear your sandals, and carry your walking sticks in your hands. Eat the food quickly, for this is the LORD’s Passover.”  By wearing their traveling clothes, the Hebrews were faithfully acknowledging God’s Word that they would very soon be freed from slavery and bondage in Egypt.  The Exodus would soon begin! And the traveling clothes signified that the Hebrews were ready for the journey!  How about us today?  Do you think that God may still call us on journeys today?  Do you think that God might be calling you on a journey here in this new year?  If so, will you be ready for the call?  Will you wear your “traveling clothes”, so that when the “Exodus” comes, you are ready for it?  Below is a sketch by 19th century English painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti showing the Israelites wearing their traveling clothes for the Exodus:

Bible.org’s commentary on the plagues of Exodus titled “The Finger of God” is at this link and commentary on “The Passover and the Plague of the Firstborn” is at this link.

New Testament – Matthew chapter 20’s parable of the vineyard workers is one that I have at times had challenges with.  I, like the workers who labored all day, would think – “that’s not fair!”   Well…. but then I came to realize that I believe this story is a parable of Grace.  God’s grace.  And you know what – God’s grace is not “fair.”  And thank God for this being so!  God’s grace is so powerful and all-encompassing and life-giving and healing and saving.  And God’s grace is offered to me.  And to you.  And to our neighbors.  And to everyone.  God’s grace is offered to people that have sinned against God.  Me.  You.  Our Neighbors.  Everyone.  God’s grace is offered to people who become Christians early in their lives and live wonderfully giving lives.  And God’s grace is offered to people who become Christians on their deathbed after living destructive lives, but who finally repent and surrender to God.  God’s grace is given freely.  Like these workers in this story, we may accept God’s grace at different points in the “day” of our life.  Though, of course, some never do ultimately accept God’s grace and there is grave risk as the day grows longer…  How about you?  What part of the “day” are you in?  Have you accepted God’s gift of grace?  Will you do so today?  While it is still “today” for you?  Below is an oil painting by Rembrandt from 1637 of “The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard”:

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 20 verse 16 has always been convicting to me: “And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then.” I see the wisdom in this verse… but yet, I still think that I try to be “first” in many ways in my life.  I don’t like being “last”.  I like being honored.  I like being the star.  I don’t like being the servant.  I don’t like to be the guy supporting the star.  And yet, Jesus is calling us to be last.  To serve others.  To let others go first.  How about you?  Are you trying to be “first” in your life?  Or do you see the eternal wisdom in being “last”?  Continuing this thought of serving others – below is a painting from 1856 by British painter Ford Maddox Brown of “Christ Washing St. Peter’s Feet”:

As this chapter proceeds we read about Jesus prophesying his own death and resurrection.  And then, we see Jesus prophesy about the end of James & John’s life when their mother and they ask to sit at Jesus’ right & left in heaven.  Check out verses 22 & 23: “”You don’t know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I am about to drink?” “Oh yes,” they replied, “we are able!” “You will indeed drink from it,” he told them.”  You will indeed drink from it…  James ended his life being martyred for his faith in Jesus.  And John ended his life in exile on the island of Patmos, where he wrote the book of Revelation.  And I wonder again about us today…  sometimes we hear about the “health, wealth and prosperity gospel”, and think that’s what we’ve signed up for as Christians.  But… do you think that it might be possible that at some point in your life that you might be called to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow that Jesus drank from?  If you are called to drink from that bitter cup, will you indeed drink from it?  Below is a painting by Flemish artist Pieter van Mol from the early 17th century of “Jesus with the cup”:

The last 10 words of verse 28 remind me of the Passover Lamb / Jesus parallels discussed above in this post: “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.”  Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for many.  Do you believe that Jesus came to give his life as a ransom for you?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 20 titled “Workers in the Vineyard” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 25 has some amazing verses today!  I think I could write some reflections and questions on each of the verses today…  Maybe a good thing for each of us to do is to re-read this Psalm today and really reflect on what the verses are saying to our hearts.  David wrote this Psalm as a prayer for God’s mercies when he was suffering affliction for his sins and when enemies were seizing this occasion to attack him.  It’s a very penitential Psalm.  One that we might need to pray to God from time to time as David did. I do like verse 5 a lot and I believe it will speak to each of you going through the One Year Bible this year – “Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you.”  Do you believe that reading God’s Word each day is allowing you to be led by God’s truth?  Are you being taught each day?  Then – that last sentence in verse 5 is amazing.  I cannot honestly say that all day long I put my hope in God.  I pray that I do… but I think sometimes I drift away from putting my hope in God and I put my hope in myself – or maybe even sometimes I lose hope!  I get discouraged about a situation.  I get stressed.  I worry. If we put our hope all day long in God, do you think we would get discouraged, stressed, or worried?  I don’t think we would…

Psalm 25 verse 15 really stood out to me today – “My eyes are always looking to the LORD for help, for he alone can rescue me from the traps of my enemies.”  I have come to realize more and more lately that the Enemy is indeed constantly setting traps for us.  I don’t mean to scare anyone here – but I think this is something very important for us to realize.  It has been said that the greatest trick the Devil can play on us is to make us think that he does not exist.  If we don’t think the Devil exists, then we logically won’t think that he’s setting any traps for us.  Let me assure you – this is clearly Biblical – the Devil exists.  Evil exists in this world.  Temptation exists.  And evil does not rest.  However – the good news – God is so much bigger and stronger and brighter (and this list can go on) than the Devil – the Enemy.  David says in this Psalm that his eyes are ALWAYS looking to the Lord for help.  Why?  Because God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit alone can rescue us from the traps of the Enemy.  Again, the traps are out there for us in this modern world.  The temptations and dark alleys and wrong turns call to us unceasingly.  But – again, great news here – we can be saved from all of that nonsense; all of that darkness; indeed all of that death, through a relationship with Jesus.  Jesus saves.  Jesus saves us from ourselves.  From our sin.  And from the Enemy that sets traps for us.  Like David in this Psalm, are your eyes always looking to the Lord for help?  Please don’t ever take your eyes off God and His mercies, power, and strength.

Proverbs – Okay, Proverbs chapter 6 verses 9 through 11 make me smile.  I do absolutely see the wisdom in these verses… but reading the word lazybones makes me smile.  Is this a New Living Translation thing??  I honestly wondered for a split second if I was getting The Message translation on this Proverb somehow today!  🙂  These are powerful words of wisdom I think for each of us to consider: “But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When will you wake up? I want you to learn this lesson: A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest– and poverty will pounce on you like a bandit; scarcity will attack you like an armed robber.”  It is pretty amazing to consider that this Proverb also tells us to take a lesson from the ant!  The seemingly lowly ant!  We’re told to emulate.  I love that… and it’s so true.  The ant works hard for its keep!  What lesson can you learn from the ant today?

Worship Video:  Today’s Pslam of course reminded me of Third Day’s song “My Hope is You” which I think is based on this Psalm. Here they are singing it at their final concert ever at Red Rocks in 2018:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zebrk3yFoaU

Where is your hope these days?  Click here to put your hope in Jesus!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest- and poverty will come on you like a bandit and scarcity like an armed man.” Proverbs 6:10-11 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would work hard in the Lord 6 days a week, and take 1 day a week of Sabbath rest and worship. Pray that each day that you work that you will work for Jesus – no matter what your job is. Pray that you would get plenty of sleep each night, but not too much. Pray that you won’t be lazy.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on the lesson from the ant in today’s Proverbs, how do you balance working hard in your life with getting proper rest and relaxation?  How do you find the balance?  I think balance in our life is a challenging thing to find in almost all areas of our life.  We have to be vigilant about balance in all things, or else we’ll lose our balance.  I know there is the modern day adage of “Work Hard and Play Hard.”  But I’m not so sure about this adage…  seems to me like you could end up being a selfish workaholic weekend warrior who spends money and time only on your own gratification with this adage.  I hope that wasn’t too harsh?… 🙂  I do agree that we need to work and play – but I’m just not sure about playing hard.  I’m thinking the adage should maybe be “Work Well and Play Well” or “Work Smart and Play Smart.” Or something along those lines.  Please post up in the Comments below how you balance work and play and rest in your life?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 10:1-12:13
Some quick thoughts on today’s Old Testament reading.
And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover, the man Moses was exceedingly great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and of the people.
(Exodus 11:3 AMP)
Leadership can get you in trouble by the choices they make. Moses had favor in Egypt with the Egyptians but not the Pharaoh. Can the words in the above verse be made in your corporate organization, country, city, town, village, church and household about the effect and affect you are having on those submitted to you? Just change the name Moses, Egypt and Egyptians and then fill in the blanks. Those of us on this site who are in leadership positions should stop and ask themselves the question: How am I leading? What am I leading the people under me into? Am I being stubborn refusing to lead by way of the Master causing destruction and suffering by my decisions, or am I closely listening to the voice of God and truly serving my customers, citizens, and employees? Is there a Moses in your organization proclaiming warnings that the people respect but you are ignoring? Just something to think about. Hard hearts are not a phenomenon to Ancient Egypt.
And you shall eat it thus: [as fully prepared for a journey] your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment [proving their helplessness]. I am the Lord.
(Exodus 12:11-12 AMP)
Hearing the voice of God and obeying immediately. Being prepared to escape from our captivity should be something we must always strive to maintain. There was a window of opportunity that was getting ready to open up and Israel had to be ready. I have known that voice of immediacy, sometimes followed it, and sometimes I didn’t. For the times I did not heed, I really do not know where that path to freedom would have led me. The text doesn’t say if any were left behind, but what left out of Egypt, as we will read, was a “mixed multitude (12:38).” Not only did those who the message was directed to taste that freedom, but the people who observed those given the message, those in the “mix” got in on the deal. So not only are we to listen to that “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), but if we fail to do so we need to keep an eye out for those who do.
Grace and peace,
Ramona
P.S. Could it be that getting into the Word, “Seeking First The Kingdom …” is the key to staying in Balance? Hmmm

======= Anka:

I was abit amused at the details that went in to prepare Israel for the exodus in chapter 12.The lamb lamb portion was to be decided according to how much a person could eat,cloak tucked in to the belt(so they wouldn’t trip I guess)…it sounds a bit like a mother fussing over her kids getting them ready for a trip.Just like the part in genesis before God drove Adam and Eve out,he actually made clothes for them,he could have just thrown down some animal skin for them to figure out what to do with them…but he made them coats!
As I read about the hardness of Pharoh’s heart and God’s part in it,I began to ponder a bit about our will…God’s will.He says I put before you life and death..chose life…he put the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil,told the couple which to touch but ultimately the choice was theirs.God is knows it all,knew us before we were born,the choices we’d make so i think he knew what pharoh was like already…the idea of killing the first born wasn’t put into pharoh by God…pharoh was just evil.The first 6times i read in genesis about pharoh’s heart upto the plague of boils..it’s doesn’t say God hardened pharoh’s heart..Moses shows us there are times God hardens pharoh’s heart..there are times pharoh does that himself..or he would have just said all the time that the Lord hardened pharoh’s heart I guess.I think God already knew the choices pharoh was going to make so he placed him to live in a time that would suit God’s purpose.
In this days of us demanding our rights,demanding justice it seems we forget we are God’s…he loves us but if he chose not to it wouldn’t make him less God..or good(since he created it anyway).God chooses whom he has mercy on.Who are we to judge his actions.He made the distinction between right and wrong not us…even if he slays us…we should pray that our heart is steadfast.Personally I’ve been praying for a good dose of the fear of the Lord in my life so I don’t ever presume to question him…
God bless you all
Anka
PS..my views about certain issues may be wrong..I’m open to any corrections.
God bless you all

======= Micah Girl:

Starting my day this year faithfully and consistently with the One Year Bible has been tremendous for helping me achieve balance. Right after I work out spiritually, I work out physically, and then I face the challenges of my day. I’m a bit of a free spirit when it comes to schedules, and so starting my day off right means that the rest of my day is more structured and focused and flows much better. I’m even blogging more consistently.
Micah Girl

======= Jan:

Regarding Mike’s question: “But… do you think that it might be possible that at some point in your life that you might be called to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow that Jesus drank from? If you are called to drink from that bitter cup, will you indeed drink from it?”
In my life, there have been circumstances that I didn’t have a choice whether I wanted to suffer or not & I think that is the way it is with most of our lives in Christ. If we are truly in Him and/or sons or daughters…we will suffer with the sufferings of Christ…there is no getting out of it…that is why we are taught to count it all joy for the trying of our faith.
Jan

======= John:

Mike
“And so it is, that many who are first now will be last then; and those who are last now will be first then.”
My view of this passage is that some who have had discipleship for a long time may not have done as well serving God as some that had it for a short time. Thus the shorter time disciples may have higher rewards (in heaven). Thus the “last” becoming “first”.
Both groups are equal in salvation, but differ in rewards.
John

======= Jim:

Not that I don’t like to hear your statement, John, your last line. That’s too damning, it makes me cringe!!!
Jim

======= John:

Jim,
“Both groups are equal in salvation, but differ in rewards.”
This makes you cringe?
Ok, Ok I know – it is the Bundy/Dahmer comment. On a measurable line of sin, we are some finite distance from Bundy/Dahmer. We may be far from them on the line – say a million miles. Without Christ we are an infinite distance from God. There is no way to get to God without Jesus’ sacrifice.
A million is less than infinite, so therefore we are closer to Dahmer/Bundy. Again this is without Jesus’ sacrifice for us.
The point is not how close we are to the deviants, but how far we are from God when not covered by the blood of Christ.
John

======= Stephanie:

about balance..i find with having a family and a father living with us( being, wife, mother and daughter)my balance is affected by family needs, the only way to manage is we get up very early, i do breakfast and make the days lunches see my husband off to work and then from 6.15 till 7.15am is my private time i can do my Bible reading etc then i wake the kids up and what i call “real life” starts and only stops again at bedtime.i am blessed with a profession( im an artist) that i can fit in inbetween..the balance seems heavy towards caring for my family but every now and again when i feel im not achieving or get frustrated i realise one has different phases in your life and this is the phase that God has given me that family is my job and to treasure it , it wil pass so swiftly.i cant work out a balance of i spend so many hours working for God and so many for home but i try to weave being a Christian into everything i do, seeing friends, working with a Church mums and tots group,being a governor at school,trying to give joy with my paintings and chatting over copious cups of tea( the cure for all ails in the uk).i read a very good saying once..it said you dont lack the discipline to get up early in the morning for a quiet time but you lack the discipline to go to bed early the night before to make the getting up early the next day possible.i fall down horribly here and often burn the candle at both ends trying to cram everything i want to into one set of 24 hours so maybe this wasnt a very useful comment on how i achieve balance but i would sincerely recommend the early mornings to anyone it starts the day off well( thats of course by the time you manage to start focussing and have had your first cup of coffee 
Stephanie

======= Beth:

With regard to balancing work and rest in my life, I have been thinking about these words from Oswald Chambers:
“Consecration is the act of continually separating myself from everything except that which God has appointed me to do. It is not a one-time experience but an ongoing process. Am I continually separating myself and looking to God every day of my life?”
With me, I think this is key: there are lots of things I like to do and many things that cry out for doing, but only a few are really needful in the eyes of the Lord.
Beth

======= Mae:

Reading Exodus is so powerful! Moses’ story is just so wonderful! I can’t stop reading it! I’s be ready for a journey every day! If God would ask me to leave Den Bosch and move to another city, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I don’t have travelling clothes LOL, but I am ready. Every minute of the day. I can leave, just like that.
Matthes 20:28 stood out for me “For even I, the Son of Man, came here not to be served but to serve others, and to give my life as a ransom for many.” ~ I absolutely believe that Jesus came to give his life for my sins. I believe that I was saved by Jesus’ blood. He is my personal Saviour. Accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour gave me my ‘ticket to heaven’.
I love Psalm 25:7 “Do not remember the rebellious sins of my youth. Remember me in the light of your unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord”. ~ I trust God that He washed away my sins and I trust and believe that my sins before my rebirth are gone. That’s my freedom being a Christian …
Mae

======= Jenny:

great readings today. i always had a kind-of respect for ants…they never stop working n they work together, its kinda neat how God made them like that…and they all look exactly alike. I’ve always liked Prov 6:10-11. Its very important we be hard workers, no matter where we work, wat we do, do it unto the Lord and you will find fulfillment. Doesnt matter if you have a high paying, high-skilled job, or a low-skilled min. wage job. Do it unto Him.
Remember, its a good witness! Christians should be the hardest workers! (and our hearts’ motive shouldnt be solely for money, but to please God…I pray about this every day before work).
I love Ps 25:14 “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him”. this is sooo true, we have sumthing others cant attain. nonbelievers dont get it. We have His secret, how awesome! i’m keeping this short today
Jenny

======= Jeff:

I am always asking myself the same question if I am spending too much time at work vice spending family time and time reading and reflecting on the Bible. I don’t want to look back on my life and regret the time I spent at work instead of with my family. But I do have to work to support my family. It is a tough decision to make. I talk and pray about it with my wife often. I always let my family know that I love them. I wish I could stay home all day with them and just enjoy being with them. But we were ment to be social beings and to interact with others in life. I try to bring my Christian faith and attitude to work with me and to try and pass that along to people I meet. I believe it works by the way I treat others and how they in turn treat me. this is one of the things I want to teach my children how to do because this is not a perfect world and trying to balance raising a christian family and living daily like a christian takes a lot of prayer and communication with your family. I remember a quote from a famous mathemitician (althouh I can’t remember his name). he said he would rather spend all day reading scripture but since that was not possible he might as well do math. what I took from this was that we would all love to spend all day reading our bible but we have a job or a responsibility that God has called us all for in our daily lives that we must do. also I try to burn the candle at both ends often. I do believe waking early is good. it is a great time to read the bible and then to use the lessons you learned in the day you are about to begin. but I will often stay up late and then my early wake up time for bible reading gets replaced by my snooze alarm. this is an area of my life I need improvement and help with.
Jeff

======= Bill:

QUESTIONS OF THE DAY:
“ Based on the lesson from the ant in today’s Proverbs, how do you balance working hard in your life with getting proper rest and relaxation? How do you find the balance?…”
Well, let me first just say that I would rather be the weightlifting ant at the gym rather than the ant working in the coal mine anyday…lol…but that won’t pay the bills. I was into bodybuilding when I was in my 20s and 30s and I have also done manual labor. Periods of rest and relaxation are crucial if you want to be able to do either well. In my younger days it wasn’t easy working 10 hour days, going to the gym for two hours after work and then coming home and trying to spend time in God’s Word. Later on I finally got my priorities straight and the time with God became more important. It was better to skip the workouts than my devotional time. Trying to cram all of that in a 24 hour day didn’t always leave much time to get much needed sleep. Time management is not something I have always been very good at but I know that is the key to find balance in your life.
EXODUS 10:1-12:13
I love the boldness that Moses showed in speaking the Word of God on religious freedom to Pharaoh: “ Let my people go, that they may serve me “ ( 10:3 ).
Many of the plagues that the Lord put upon Egypt will also be repeated again during the coming Great Tribulation. In the case of the locusts though there will clearly be a difference. In Egypt they hurt every green thing ( 10:10-15 ) but in the Tribulation Period they will hurt men ( Revelation 9-11 ). Ironically, environmentalist extremists and Gaia Mother Earth goddess worshippers would probably be more upset by the plague in Egypt because of the harm done to the environment.
The plague of darkness, “…even darkness which may be felt “ ( 10:21 ) reminds me of the time I visited Onondaga Cave in Missouri one time. After we descended deep into the cave the tour guide turned off the light switch for a few seconds to show us what it would be like in the absolute absence of any light. It was oppressive darkness and you could actually feel it. It was totally unlike any darkness I had ever experienced. I imagine it was like this in Egypt and I also imagine that it will be like that in the “outer darkness” which Jesus spoke of ( Matthew 8:12; 22:13; 25:30 ) for those who end up there. As in the case of the locusts, there will be similar plague of darkness during at the outpouring of the 5th vial judgment in Great Tribulation ( Revelation 16:10 ). That darkness will be felt too because they will gnaw their tongues because of pain. All of these plagues of darkness are a taste of Hell on earth.
MATTHEW 20:1-28
What James and John suffered for the cause of Christ has been the norm for most Christians down through the Church Age. I would recommend that every Christian read Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Christians have never had it so good as do so many of us here in the United States do when it comes to wealth , prosperity and religious freedom. Though I am thankful for the blessings of God that we enjoy in this country there are times when I think maybe it is a detriment. It has made us soft. We generally have no inkling of what it means to suffer for the Name of Christ. If persecution were to arise tomorrow because of the faith I don’t know that we are prepared and I am including myself when I say that.
PSALM 25:1-15
Speaking of persecution, David also knew something about that ( v.19 ).
In this passage it is also promised that we will know his will ( v. 12 ), and that we will understand the mysteries and the truth of God if we fear him ( v.14 ).
PROVERBS 6:6-11
The lesson to be learned from the ant in the proverb is that he worked hard while he had the opportunity to do so and put up in store for the day when he could not work. Likewise we as Christians should prepare for the future but live as if Jesus Christ could come back at any moment. It also reminds me of Jesus’ words, “ I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” – John 9:4 ( KJV )
Bill

======= Gary:

Mike,
Thanks for your ministry of encouraging many to read through the Bible. I am grateful for your participation/leadership in this work of the Lord.
Regarding life balance, I have always been led to view our life in Christ not from the perspective of balance, but from the perspective of ‘abandon’. From Matthew 16, we read “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” I want to abandon my hopes, dreams, and desires in exchange for service in the kingdom of heaven. God can use us in His service in ‘all’ circumstances of our life. As we grow in spiritual maturity, we can serve Him in all areas of our life and at all times of the day and night.
We can pray through our calendar each day to seek his will for those things that go on our calendars, and seek his guidance in each activity of our day. One friend of mine prays to see each meeting of his day as a divine appointment. We know Christ goes with us through His Holy Spirit, so each activity of the day can be redemptive.
I like the idea of abandon. More of Him in service to His Kingdom.
Gary

======= Elizabeth:

Hello Everyone,
Regarding Proverbs 6 and the ant, one thing I admire is the ant knows what she’s designed to do and does it without being commanded or reminded:
“Without having any chief, officer, or ruler,
she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest.”
-Proverbs 6:7-8
I believe our primary “work” in this world is to glorify God in whatever He calls us to. Inherent in our daily work–no matter how menial or cerebral– is the opportunity to glorify Him by doing a job well and unto the Lord, not unto materialistic wants or to satisfy our hungry egos.
With regard to the ant’s work ethic, I love working alongside people who are like her, people who diligently complete their work, even when no one else is around to supervise them or give them pats on the back.
I also think the proverb suggests that there are appropriate seasons for different kinds of work. What’s appropriate work for one season may not be for another. We need to be sensitive to God’s timing in things.
Our work is much more than just our paid employment, (although of course that’s a necessary chunk of it)–there is work to be done in our family, community and church every day. And I agree Mike, it’s got to be a balanced portrait– we should not neglect our family for our job or the church for our family or our family for the church (!)
We can make an idol out of any work–even work for His church.
Just thinking,
Elizabeth

======= Arielle:

I totally agree with your comments on the story of the ants, Elizabeth!
In proverbs it says that the ants toil day in and day out without a leader or governor. They know that is the right thing for them to do and they don’t need anyone to tell them that. What if all of us did that in our Christian growth, huh! We would have been far better off. We sometimes put aside, what is the easiest to put aside. And that sometimes becomes our Christian growth or our bible study or our daily fellowship with the divine One. I know at least I do, either because I have important things going on in my family life or at work. We know we are responsible to meet expectations of people or family first. And the easiest thing to do last sometimes becomes our time with GOD. I wish we could find that perfect balance to put GOD first and give HIM the full glory all the time. I remember our church priest mention in one of his sermons one day, if each of us could take a vacation or a day off from work or our regular routine just to do things that would give glory to GOD , that would be awesome. That sounds crazy but, but what if we did that? I bet there would be 100 or more angels praising GOD for us, “saying they got it right this time” 
Another verse that stood out to me was:
Mathew 20: 16 “So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last.”
I think this is what it means. We are all equal in the kingdom of heaven. There is no first or last or what CHRIST says in the verses above is first = last. Be it a person who followed CHRIST 10yrs ago or a person who received CHRIST yesterday. All who have heard the Promise, salvation is theirs and we become members of the same kingdom. We are all one body and are at peace with one another. It greatly resonates with our memorizing verse:
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.” Colossians 3:15 NIV
Regardless of who were are we all reap the same benefits in the kingdom of heaven, for there is only one GOD and we are all children of the same Father. We will all be treated equally!
Arielle

======= John:

Elizabeth,
“I believe our primary “work” in this world is to glorify God in whatever He calls us to.”
Amen, Amen, and Amen.
“Whatever He calls us to” is His Will. As we advance on our walk and begin to understand the Father’s Will – we know Him better. By knowing Him better, we are becoming more like Christ who knows the Father perfectly.
By submitting our will to His Will and obeying (is not that what Christ did here on earth the first visit?) – God will be glorified – not us.
From the beginning to the end this is all about the magnification of the Glory (all God’s Characteristics) of God.
John

===== Deborah:

I connect to your thoughts on balance, Mike! At times, we have such tunnel vision.
I know balancing work and play, action and rest, rejoicing and weeping. . . leads to a fully human life. When I’m sensing a need to improve one area of my life, I find it helpful to prayerfully consider all the areas of my life that help me walk as one who is fully alive in Christ and fully human. My key areas happen to be Spirituality, Relationships, Wellness (health, fitness, leisure, fun), Surroundings (local to global), Finances, Work, and Creativity. Then I ask myself how satisfied I am with each of those. I take my disatisfaction to God in meditation and prayer. Then, I listen and watch for resources to help me raise a sense of balance in the areas that are weak–even if it means moderating some of the others. I keep returning to the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3 – “For everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven.”
I also appreciate a quote from G.K Chesterton, “Let’s rally the really human things.”
Deborah

======= Rita:

Whenever i work hard, i really want to rest hard also..the Lord is really teaching me to balance everything in my life. what i like in today’s passage also is that the Lord can harden the heart of the pharaoh so that His glory will be revealed, at first i don’t understand..why is God trying to control, where is what we call “freewill”? later did i realized that the Lord is indeed in control.:) He is Sovereign and in this way, i am reassured that God can do everything. He can fulfill His plans and purpose in our lives for His greater Glory. isn’t that a great comfort for us..though some of us are called to sacrifice for the Lord, we can be martyrs for Jesus and not have all the riches and power in this world but we are assured that He knows what He is doing and what’s important is not the lives we have but His glory tobe revealed always. May the Lord bless us as we journey with Him, as we acknowledge that the devil is present but OUR God is greater than the devil,evil or any temptaions. Simply because HE IS GOD! Godbless.:)
Rita

====== Raeann:

Why did GOD harden Pharoah’s heart against the Hebrews?
Raeann

======= Beth:

Raeann,
“Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.”
I think Pharaoh’s heart was hardened so that the power and might of the Lord could be displayed in an undeniable way. The Egyptians would HAVE to acknowledge God as God after all this. And not just the Egyptians, the Hebrews needed to know His power. They had been there for 400 years. Their founding fathers had been Joseph and family who had died a long time ago. I am guessing their faith had waned just as we witness the faith in America waning — after only 200+ years of establishment as a Christian nation. The people needed the works to see God’s power so they would re-develop the fear of the Almighty.
And all this so God could show them His mercy and grace and goodness. So the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart was really mercy… for them and for us. His ways are not our ways… but He is good!
Beth

======= Steve:

Matthew 20:10 The workers who had been hired first thought they would be given more than the others. But when they were given the same, 11they began complaining to the owner of the vineyard.
As I read this verse my thoughts turned to my own entitlement issues and priorities. A shift is occurring, my desire to put God first is increasing, yes, I’m even beginning to see fruit in this area but the entitlement battle never stops. The longer I go without feeding the belly of entitlement, the clearer the picture of the prize God has prepared for me. Spending time in God’s word each day, looking at the lesson He wants me to see, equip me for today’s journey. The path becomes abundantly clear when I humble myself before God.
Steve

====== Robert:

My main problem with time management is procrastination. Real deadlines I respect more than the ones I need to make so as not to be up against the last minute. Procrastination causes me to be less creative and produce a lesser quality of work.
The lesson about the ant speaks to me to get better and do not procrastinate. The ant not only works without a ruler, but also does what needs to be done within the proper time frame, ie.. working in the summer and harvesting for the winter. What an important lesson. Windows of opportunity may not stay open very long.
Robert

======= Bev:

Reading the Word is the way to keep in balance and keeping your eyes on God. He will lead you where you need to go. A while back we were talking about God speaking to us and my pastor said to be careful about feeling a calmness only. I didnt understand right away but now I see that God’s Word is how he speaks to all of us and we can hear it if we study it faithfully. When calmness comes upon us we need to remember to still check our decision with the Bible. I thought that was a given. I will be glad when it becomes second nature to check with Him on all work done during the day. How much better would it have been to have the Bible instilled in me as a child so I would have the answers already in my heart. I love you Jesus.
Bev

======= Jill:

21 “What is it you want?” he asked.
She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” Wow this hit me! How often do we ask of God ” please let it be me! Or please give me _ God!” It’s not for us decide. We are again trying to control God to make demands of him.
Secondly growing up we sang songs of Gods grace. “Marvelous grace” for ex. or the verse “let your speech be full of grace seasoned with salt that ye may know how to answer every man” Did we really understand what Grace was? I didn’t. It wasn’t really preached on the pulpit. More judgement was preached. Less Grace. Did I grow up allowing others grace in my life if I wasn’t taught it?
Overnight it just hit me along with a woman who came into my church introduced the word. After that my life changed. But it took many years to truly understand what grace meant till I lost something valuable to me. I demanded of God ” how dare you take this from me! I’ve been a good Christian all my life (50 yrs)!!”
God answered me ” whoever you show mercy and grace to comes back to you” he allowed me to go thru a valley to learn what grace is.
To those who don’t understand Grace read what Matt 20 says about it. Really study Grace and your life will change. Life is not fair but God is.
Jill

======= Carol:

I’m seeing a correlation between these ancient times and our world now, and what we read in Revelations. With so many things happening in the world that are being allowed and/or caused by God…. people/leaders have their hearts hardened and do not turn to God. In fact, many/most seem to be running away from God, either denying him or changing Him into their own image of who they think a God should be like.
Something interesting I noticed today was that the Land Owner/God went out to get his workers. They weren’t lined up outside of his property…but he went out to gather them/choose them. And he didn’t ask for their qualifications/experience with this type of work either.
I will be using this Psalm for repentance/prayer and thank you for pointing that out!
Yes, keeping our eyes on God, our hearts filled with Him and our mouths praising Him, is so important in staying away from the many temptations that face us.
Oh, and I like the word “sluggard” much better! It seems to be a much harder hitting word!! haha
Carol

======= Bob:

PASSOVER
I have celebrated the Passover a few times at congregational festivals. It is very rewarding to have all the elements explained like the lamb shank, unleavened flatbread, bitter herbs, etc. Also it isn’t complete without the kids running around looking for the hidden matzah bread.
Mathew 20:20-23 Soccer Mom.
Aren’t kids moms great! The mother of Zebedee’s sons just wants the best for them. I can see my wife doing this. She is an ambitious mom that wants her boys to be the “strikers” on the soccer team. The lesson here shows great wisdom because it says that we should seek others to intercede for us, (especially in prayer). Thanks mom.
Psalm 25:15 Snares
Mike, I really think you brought up an excellent point about the traps we are susceptible to. I try to pray every night that wonderful verse in the Lord’s Prayer…and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Not only for myself but for the whole family!
Bob

======= Mitch:

Some thoughts:
OT: interesting exercise is to take the events of Jesus’ last week prior to crucifixion and match them up with the instructions given on treatment of spotless lamb in today’s reading on Passover.
NT; parable of workers seems to be an answer to Peter’s question at end of chapter 19. “We followed you from beginning-what do we get?” The parable probably is better seen as workers getting a reward/gift rather than wages. God’s gift of salvation is not dependent on what you do or for how long – it is a free gift as long as you come aboard (agree to plan). As long as you have a breath you can say – Yes to Jesus and get eternal life. First shall be last and the last first – to me – is just saying it is a tie – no matter the timing we all are winners of the exact same reward/gift.
Mother asking for her sons’ seats at Jesus’ table in the kingdom – may have the same idea as most Jews of that time – that the messiah would have a kingship and kingdom when he arrived. She was probably thinking of the now not eternity or the last days.
Mitch

======= Dee:

I do believe that seeking the Lord first is a key to balance. My house may not always be clean, my surroundings may be crazy but I would rather give priority to the one that is deserving the most and that is Jesus. Be a Mary in a Martha world.
What I got from the Exodus readings today was this: God can bring distinction and honor wherever He wants -And you don’t have to be perfect just be willing to hearken to His voice. Rejoice your Exodus is coming!!
Matthew 20:1-8
We must learn in God’s Kingdom He operates differently than the world. We must be humble, kind and giving and not compare ourselves with others (which is hard for me at times). Not envious over anothers pay.
Ps25:1-15
I am so grateful the Lord gives me life and that my sins as a youth are washed away. Thank you for loving me Lord.
Proverbs:
Be like an ant-diligent, hard working and not intentially sleeping to avoid the work.
Amen!
Dee

Exodus 8:1-9:35 + Matthew 19:13-30 + Psalm 24:1-10 + Proverbs 6:1-5
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapters 8 & 9 we read about many of the plagues!   I’ve got to say, for some reason the plague of frogs really resonated with me in today’s reading.  I’m not sure why – but for some reason I could really envision frogs being everywhere…  and how disgusting this would truly be…

An interesting thing I read in a commentary today is that the plagues were direct attacks on the Egyptian “gods”.  For example, the Egyptians had a god named Hopi, who was god of the Nile river.  Hopi couldn’t stop the river from turning to blood. They had a cow-goddess named Hathor, who couldn’t stop the livestock from dying.  They had a sun-god named Amon-Re who couldn’t stop darkness from coming over the land. (in tomorrow’s readings).  God’s plagues were going after these false gods – and showing to Pharaoh and the Egyptians, and the Hebrews too I think, who the one true living God is, was, and forever shall be.  Did you ever stop and wonder if there were masks out there that depicted the various plagues of the Exodus?  Me neither.  But they exist!  🙂

Chapter 8 verses 18 & 19 stand out: “Pharaoh’s magicians tried to do the same thing with their secret arts, but this time they failed. And the gnats covered all the people and animals. “This is the finger of God!” the magicians exclaimed to Pharaoh.” The magicians tricks were beginning to fail!  They realized that God was creating the plagues with their exclamation, “This is the finger of God!”  God’s name & fame was becoming known.  Have you seen or experienced the finger of God in your life?  Below is a super-sized image that will give you an idea of the grossness of the plague of gnats:

Chapter 9 verse 16 is powerful: “But I have let you live for this reason–that you might see my power and that my fame might spread throughout the earth.”  In the New Testament, Paul quotes this verse in Romans 9:17, which we’ll view in context here from Romans 9:14-18 – “What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.  For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.”   Wow… great stuff in this Roman’s verse… it does not depend on our desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.  Do you believe in God’s mercy?  Will you relinquish any of your own desire or efforts over to God’s mercy?  As you probably have seen by now, I’m trying to cover many of the plagues in today’s readings with images… so now I give you pharaoh and the flies!  🙂

Exodus chapter 9 verse 20 is also powerful, as we read about some Egyptians beginning to believe in God: “Some of Pharaoh’s officials believed what the LORD said. They immediately brought their livestock and servants in from the fields.”  How about us today?  Do we believe what the Lord says?  Like these Egyptians in this instance, do we then also immediately do what the Lord says?  In verse 27 Pharaoh finally confesses his sin: “Then Pharaoh urgently sent for Moses and Aaron. “I finally admit my fault,” he confessed. “The LORD is right, and my people and I are wrong.”  Though he doesn’t stay repentant for long.  How about us – do we confess our sins to God – and then not stay repentant for long?  Can we instead confess our sins to God and make a complete U-turn – go completely in the other direction and not look back?  Below we have the plague of hail – and I guess that fire is from the lightning strikes.

Bible.org’s commentary on the plagues of Exodus titled “The Finger of God” is at this link.

New Testament – Today in Matthew 19 we read some challenging verses about the Rich Young Man.  I have read some commentaries say that we don’t need to take Jesus’ words literally that each of us must sell all of our goods and give to the poor.  However, these words in context to this rich young man were indeed to be taken literally by him – and he knew it.  He wouldn’t do it.  Jesus called him to do this, I think, because the young man’s “stuff” was an impediment to his relationship with God.  Perhaps the young man literally valued his stuff more than God.  So – while the commentaries say that we don’t have to take Jesus’ teaching to this young man literally, I do think we should keep in mind that Jesus may ask of us something along these lines.  Jesus may ask us to pack up and become a missionary.  Or maybe he’ll ask us to leave a high powered, high paying job, to go serve the poor in our town.  Or he may ask us to not spend our money on luxury items, but to invest in micro credit loan programs in third world countries.  So – while this may seem like Jesus was asking a lot of this rich young man, keep in mind that Jesus asks much of each of us.  And really, Jesus simply asks us to follow him.  Will you follow Jesus?  No matter the cost?  No matter what you have to “give up”?  Will you follow him?  Below is a painting by Heinrich Hoffman from the late 19th century of Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler:

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 19 titled “Wealth and the Kingdom of Heaven” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 24 is a beautiful Psalm!  Check out this brief snippet of commentary on this Psalm from bible.org: “The Israelites have returned from a battle with the Canaanites. They are proceeding up to the sanctuary on the holy mount to give praise to Yahweh for the great and mighty victory in battle, carrying with them the Ark of the Covenant, the symbol of Yahweh’s presence with them. As they approach the gate, they are met by the Levites who function as gatekeepers. It is their part to ask who may enter the sanctuary of the Lord; and it is the priests’ part to answer with the stipulations from the Law. Whoever meets these qualifications may enter and fellowship with Yahweh… The psalm then concludes with the worshipers calling to the gates to make way for Yahweh to come in to His sanctuary, for why should the King of Glory stoop to go under a doorway? ”  This quote is from, and there is much more commentary on Psalm 24, at bible.org. (also, any Chris Tomlin fans out there will definitely recognize this Psalm – on his CD “Arriving” I think the 2nd or 3rd to last song is called “King of Glory” based on this Psalm – it’s the best song on this overall fantastic CD in my humble opinion! 🙂

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 6 verses 1 through 5 were intriguing to me.  I guess my first thought was that getting our own selves in debt is bad enough – but then to be a guarantor for our friends debt?  Well, these verses certainly warn against doing this.  Let us avoid debt!

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of Mandisa’s song “Overcomer:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8VoUYtx0kw

Do you want to become an Overcomer?  Click here to Overcome!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “Everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you will place your relationship with Jesus and spending eternity with Him above all else.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on the Proverbs verses today about debt, does anyone have debt-relief resources, websites or books you could share with everyone in the Comments section below?  I’ve heard Financial Peace University is good and I hear there are some other good Christian financial management / debt relief books & seminars out there.  I’m personally not that familiar with them – well, I did run sound once at a church for a 4 hour session on one of these seminars once, and it was quite good….  it’s amazing how wise it is to get out of debt and to save $.  I’ve often heard that it is wise to give 10% of your income and save 10% of your income with each check that comes in.  What’s your reaction to this type of formula?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 8:1-9:35
Irrational, Illogical and Unreasonable, that is the mental state of the latter Pharaoh. That is the state of someone’ mind who is in sin, in this case, deep in sin. According to the writer of Proverbs, he is a fool because a fool cannot be reasoned with or even see reason (Prov. 12:15;17:10,16;26:12).
The first time we see these three character flaws in the Pharaohs is when the order goes out to have all the male infants killed. From a business and economic point of view that is a stupid move. Egypt’s economy was based on slave labor thus the death of all the males would over time deplete your work force. Now we see the current Pharaoh, or it’s the same ole’ Pharaoh, but now he is an older fool, actually increasing his own people’s misery, the people he is suppose to be protecting. I don’t know but I hope if I had had an up close and personal relationship with a bunch of frogs, I trust that I would begin thinking about the power, or precisely the lack of power my gods, were showing and rethink my belief systems. And if asked for a timetable to get rid of said frogs, I wouldn’t say tomorrow, I would say, “Right Now! Thank you very much.”
Now regarding God hardening Pharaoh’s heart bear with me as I use an illustration. In Biblical Text, both Old and New, soil and or the ground has been used as simile for the heart of man. We find this in the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:3-9,19) and in the Prophets Jeremiah (4:3) and Hosea’s (10:12) writings. God can either harden your heart, like Pharaoh, or soften your heart, like the Apostel Paul, based on the condition of the soil and the environment you allow yourself to live in.
Two people can have a garden separated only by a fence. One person constantly “works” the soil and keeps it watered, the other does not. Seeds are sown in both patches of land. When the sun (Son) comes up and it is in the heat of the day, the seeds sown on the soil that is worked will produce a crop of what has been planted, but that same sun (Son) will cause the unworked unprepared ground to harden further giving the birds a firm table to eat from.
Regarding the Rich Young/Old Ruler (He could be anyone of us no matter our gender). Please note that Jesus did not recite to him the entire 10 Commandments. The Commandments are broken up into two parts, man’s relationship with God, man’s relationship with each other. Jesus only gave him the Commandments that dealt with man’s relationship with each other not the ruler’s relationship with God, that relationship with the one that was off. If you don’t have the first half of the commandments down pat, you will not be able to do the last half. Keeping that in mind if you go back and reread the story again, you will find a deeper meaning to what Jesus was trying to teach that young man.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Debby:

Mike,
In your weekly edition you said:
The significance of Passover was that God was introducing the concept of a sacrifice…..
God had already introduced the concept of a sacrifice and, though not said directly, I believe this may have been the reason God was displeased by Cain’s offering.
Genesis 8:21, especially Genesis 22:7-13 and other times of altars and sacrifices in Genesis/Exodus pointing forward to Christ’s sacrifice.
Thought: why are the Israelites (Jews) not still offering sacrifices today if the promised Saviour has not yet come?
Debby

======= Ramona:

Debby–If you “Google” the words, “Temple Sacrifice” you will find many useful sources. I will post the link of one I just read and which is not to extensive, http://www.beingjewish.com/unchanged/sacrifices.html. There are a few which are very lengthy.
May I ask those who are new to reading through the Bible to exercise patience as many of your questions will be answered as we read the bible. When I began reading through the bible 17 plus years ago, I didn’t do it with a group and I didn’t have the money to purchase commentaries, so I either made mental notes to myself or asked God why. Everyone of my questions were answered in the scriptures, though it may not have been in the time frame I wanted but the answers appeared at the right time.
Ramona

======= Ann:

Jesus was adamant that people keep his commandments which are ‘not grievous’, saying “If ye love me, keep my commandments” and making other statements about our need to obey. Why would he do so if after his death on the cross the Law, the Ten Commandments, would be done away? He never made any suggestion that they would be optional!
Also, if the Holy Spirit is supposed to be our guide and helper, it seems to me that he would be the one to enable us to keep the commandments. Instead, some churches today teach us that since we can’t keep the commandments, we are excused from trying very hard, which makes Jesus a liar and the Holy Spirit a fraud! How can this be?
Thank you.
Ann

======= Ramona:

Ann,
I don’t think anyone has posted that we don’t have to keep the Law. The point is when one is in Christ and has a relationship with Him, the one who came to fulfill the Law, we through Christ keep the Law. There is no way that we can keep the Law and the Law is more than the 10 Commandments. The Ten Commandments are like our bodies’ skeleton, there are other Laws (muscle, sinews and flesh) that hang on that skeleton.
By the way, scripture says that you just can’t break one law for there are at least 613 laws. If you just break one, even if you rationalize that out that it was a little one, a “white” lie one so you can justify yourself, the text says you have broken ALL 613 of them.
If indeed you [really] fulfill the royal Law in accordance with the Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as [you love] yourself, you do well. [Lev. 19:18.] But if you show servile regard (prejudice, favoritism) for people, you commit sin and are rebuked and convicted by the Law as violators and offenders. For whosoever keeps the Law [as a] whole but stumbles and offends in one [single instance] has become guilty of [breaking] all of it.
(James 2:8-10 AMP)
When we get to the part of the Pentateuch that describes all the offerings and sacrifices one had to present, burnt, sin, guilt, wave etc. we will see that the Temple Alter was just one big “barbeque.” (Folks that is a joke).
Jesus is our sacrifice once and for all, it is when we come to understand not only what Jesus has done for us and realize He is all that we need, then our fleshly desire to steal, commit adultery, fornicate, covet, etc, will fall away and we will rest in what He has done for us.
Also I need to correct a word. In my comment about the Rich Ruler I wrote:
“Jesus only gave him the Commandments that dealt with man’s relationship with each other not the ruler’s relationship with God, that relationship with the one that was off.”
It should have been:
“Jesus only gave him the Commandments that dealt with man’s relationship with each other not the ruler’s relationship with God, that relationship WAS the one that was off.”
Ramona

======= John:

Mike’s ?
re: giving
Psalm 24:1
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it,..”
That is the way I see it.
If you are blessed above average then, in my opinion, one should make note of the following comment.
“Proportionately: In the New Testament, set amounts of compulsory giving (as in the tithe) have been replaced by the grace principle of voluntary, purposeful, and proportionate giving. The new standard for today is “as He may prosper” (1 Cor. 16:2),….”
– from bible.org link in Mike’s commentary
I like the “guidelines for giving” (scroll down) and the explanations given at this link.
John

======= Roslyn:

The analogy of “the little children” is a beautiful imagery for me. We’ve lost much of our innocence if not completely as we, our thinking and our lives, get more complex and/or complicated. We’ve forgotten to be humble, in fact we don’t even know how anymore. We refuse to be flexible, receptive and response for we have gotten used to the comforts and routine of our daily lives. Our curiosity, spontaneity, and open-mindedness have all been set aside for as adults we seem to “know everything” or we have become “experts” at something.
Indeed, unless we become like “little children,” we’ll never see God’s kingdom or partake of it here on earth!
Roslyn

======= John:

“God helps those who help themselves first”
I found out a few months ago, that this is not from the Bible. I was shocked.
GOD HELPS THOSE WHO HELP THEMSELVES – “Some faith adages roll off the tongue, like ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ But the saying is not biblical and, in fact, violates a primary scriptural teaching that only God determines a person’s destiny, according to religion analyst George Barna (the phrase) is an ancient proverb that shows up in the literature of many cultures, including a 1736 edition of Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanac.
As opposed to:
Jer 17:5 (NIV) This is what the LORD says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the LORD.”
Prov 28:26 (NIV) He who trusts in himself is a fool…
John

======= Veronica:

Re: “God helps those who help themselves first”
You’re 100% right John. Those who help themselves usually end up with more problems. I remember hearing the proverb “One man’s words are breath to another’s nostrils” and I read proverbs trying to find it, as proverbs of the Bible were the only proverbs I knew of at the time. And as you can see my name being Veronica many have asked if I was named after Veronica who had wiped Jesus’ face. I looked that up and it is nowhere in the Bible.
Did anyone notice how the Egyptian magicians only made matters worse by copying the plagues rather than making them go away?
Veronica

======= Dave:

Hey Guys- before leaving the notion of “God helps them who help themselves”, God asks Moses “what do you have in your hand?” when Moses frets about getting in front of Pharoah (a staff). Jesus asks “What do you have?” when the disciples fret about feeding the thousands (some fish and loaves). It seems that, sometimes, God expects some initiative and action on our part before showing His glory. Of course, He doesn’t need us to bring His Kingdom, but He has taken the risk and chooses to work through broken man. I find that when I pray for those in need, I hear God telling me “Try doing something yourself. You can offer a word of encouragement, money, or whatever is needed. I’ll meet you there. ” Have a blessed day!
Dave

======= John:

Dave
Good point.
To me it is about orientation. If we are oriented initially towards God in prayer and thought, and then take action – that is no problem.
If we are oriented inward, toward ourselves, take action and expect God to jump in with help. Well, he may or may not, depending on his soverign plan. the problem is leaving God out of the equation in the initial phase.
If Christ is the example, we know that He kept the Father in the initial phase of any situation. He constantly prayed in the Will of God, and did nothing the Father did not tell him or allow him to do. (sort of a paraphrase from gospel of John and I am sure we will talk more about it when we get there.)
Of course our communication is not as highly tuned as Christ’s, but the example of praying and consulting first should be the object lesson.
John

======= Jeff:

In reading the wonderful parable of the Rich Young Man, Matthew 19:16-17 says “And behold, one came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing must I do that I may obtain eternal life?” Note: The young man didn’t say what must I believe?; or how can I obtain the faith necessary to get eternal life”? The young man said “what … must I do?”… and Jesus said to him “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” My sense is that One refers to God, life refers to eternal life, and commandments refers to the 10 Commandments.
This is a very direct instruction by Jesus telling us to act in accordance with the commandments. Doesn’t this requirement conflict somewhat with the notion that we are justified by faith alone (i.e. saved by God’s grace through the faith He gives us)? Uh oh. Here we are again with the faith versus works questions.
I guess what I’m thinking now is that the “justified by faith” that Paul uses in Romans 3:28 & Galatians 2:16 seems insufficient. Paul’s saying in Ephesians 2:8-9 that “we are saved by God’s grace through faith” seems more complete and more truthful but still seems to fall slightly short of the mark. Personally, I feel more comfortable saying “we are saved by God’s grace through our active faith.” “Active” conveys the idea that if you have faith, we can’t help but respond in service to God and in trying to lead a more righteous life (we won’t suddenly become perfect and without sin, but we’ll have the grace to keep on trying).”
And thankfully we don’t need to strive to be perfect. In verses 25-26 later in the same parable, Jesus’ disciples asked “Who then can be saved?” Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” There’s God’s grace!!
Your comments please.
God’s Grace to you,
Jeff

======= David:

The story of the rich young man provides a poignant contrast between God’s grace and self-reliance to satisfy the requirements of God’s perfect law.
As Jeff highlighted above, this man asked “What good things must _I_ do to get eternal life?” Not “How can I be saved?”, let alone “Lord, be merciful to me a sinner.” The young man had a watered down understanding of God’s expectations, and had deluded himself into believing that he was actually meeting the law’s demands.
If we insist that our actions be judged objectively on the basis of the law apart from God’s grace, the law crushes with requirements that we cannot meet.
Conversely, when we recognize the full weight of the law and see how there is no way we can measure up, we fall before God pleading for mercy. “Lord, there is no way I can meet your requirements. Cover me with Christ’s righteousness.” And when with humility and repentance we ask Him to save us, he freely does so.
I see an important lesson of the story being that salvation does indeed require perfectly keeping the law—but that “there is only One who is good” (vs. 17). Left to ourselves, salvation is impossible, but “with God all things are possible” (vs. 26). It is Christ’s goodness which satisfies the demands of the law, and not our attempts to be good.
Interestingly, wealth has the tendency to encourage self-reliance—which is always at odds with the kind of relationship God desires with us. (Hence the reason it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven in vs. 23.) It was for a specific reason that God gave the Israelites manna for only one day at a time (Ex.13:19). He wants our explicit trust in all things, including our salvation, rather than proud self-reliance.
David

======= Anka:

Pharaoh’s heart…In Egypt,pharaoh himself was considered a god,in spite of God showing him and the Egyptians that He was the only God by displaying His power against their gods,few of them repented.
This brings me to the verse,many are called,few are chosen.Like pharaoh,many repent for a season yet refuse to follow God.I’m not even sure repent is the right word…repentance is to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one’s life…Pharaoh felt God’s power,knew he couldn’t compete with it but gave it his best shot and lost.There are many who refuse to acknowledge God’s will as supreme,refuse to give their ways even though they know it’s wrong….satan has seen God’s power but is still convinced he can beat it…isn’t that what’s at the back of our minds when we refuse to walk according to God’s plan…When you see such display of power and refuse to bow to God’s sovereignty…it’s pretty obvious there’s nothing that will convince you.God gave even pharaoh a chance…maybe pharaoh was made pharaoh for this purpose because God saw before hand that his heart would never accept God’s will….I believe yes,God has the power to change our hearts,but that would be violating our “rights”to free will wouldn’t it.I pray daily for God to work in me to will and do of His good pleasure….not my will but God’s be done.My will rises up from my sinful nature,my selfish and stubborn heart,my limited wisdom….I’m sure I’m better off doing God’s will.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Pat:

Something about the fourth and sixth plagues in chapter 9 really confuses me!
As all the livestock belonging to the Egyptians were killed by the fourth plague, the Plague of Livestock, where did the livestock referred to in sixth plague, the Plague of Hail, come from?
9:6 “All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.”
9:19-21 “Give an order now to bring your livestock and everything you have in the field to a place of shelter, because the hail will fall on every man and animal that has not been brought in and is still out in the field, and they will die. Those officials of Pharaoh who feared the word of the LORD hurried to bring their slaves and their livestock inside. But those who ignored the word of the LORD left their slaves and livestock in the field.”
It wasn’t the livestock of the Israelite slaves because 9:26 states, “The only place it did not hail was the land of Goshen, where the Israelites were.”
If any of you have an explanation for this or a good commentary on this, would you please share it?
Thanks bunches and God Bless!
Pat

======= Lesley:

To Pat’s question above about the livestock … I wondered this, too!
I checked the verses on the NET Bible, which offered this insight:
With the plague on the cattle, where is says “all livestock” died … “The word “all” clearly does not mean “all” in the exclusive sense, because subsequent plagues involve cattle. The word must denote such a large number that whatever was left was insignificant for the economy. It could also be taken to mean “all [kinds of] livestock died.”
Also, with the plague of hail, the Lord referred to killing all “animals.” So this would include dogs, cats, etc., whereas the earlier plague focused specifically on cattle, horses, donkeys, camels and “herds.”
Still confusing.  But I hope this helps!
To Mike’s question about debt …
Pro 22:7 states: The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
I know there are debates on tithing in the OT versus NT. But I think it’s clear that Jesus expected his followers to give to the poor.
People who over-spend and are in debt simply cannot give to the poor or support their churches. They are too busy paying off their credit cards! Also, as Proverbs states above, people who are in debt are slaves to that debt … they must focus their energies on getting out of financial servitude, rather than serving the Lord.
Dave Ramsey (the guy who does Financial Peace University) has a great radio show and web site (www.daveramsey.com) that talks about these principles. He encourages a Christian approach to money management … save, rather than spending with credit cards; pay off debt; save for retirement; and – most importantly – create true wealth so you can GIVE to others!
If you’re interested, check out the “baby steps” section of his web site.
Lesley

======= Cherie:

Pat,
Excellent question!
‘As all the livestock belonging to the Egyptians were killed by the fourth plague, the Plague of Livestock, where did the livestock referred to in sixth plague, the Plague of Hail, come from?’
I didn’t know the answer – but I found this explanation in today’s commentary…
Some have asked, “If all the cattle died here, how, then, can we later (vss. 10; 20-21) read of other livestock which is killed in the thunderstorm?” Hannah (p. 113) suggests (1) hyperbole or (2) only all the animals in the field were killed. A better suggestion may be that the Egyptians purchased cattle from another country. To allow some time for the Egyptians to begin to recover from one disaster, only to lay them low again, is of much greater economic consequence.
Isn’t God amazing!?
Cherie

======= Mae:

The readings from Matthew are really powerful!
Matthew 19:14&15 “But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. ~ I’m so happy Jaden (my son) is joining Sundayschool, that way he gets to know who Jesus is. I really want Jaden to go to Jesus and in his sweet little ‘kid-way’ he truly is!!!! Jaden talks about Jesus and that’s just so adorable! The other day he said “Mommy? Jesus lives in my heart, right? That’s a good thing! Jesus can’t live in my stomache, because there’s all my food!”. I love how open and pure the love is that Jaden has for Jesus. He doesn’t really understand it yet how it works, but he’ll learn to.
Matthew 19:30 “But many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then”. I know people who come to church every Sunday, which I’m really happy about. Because in my opinion they really need God’s word. I know, I’m not the one to judge them and they don’t have responsibility towards me. But even now when they come to church every Sunday, they care so much about status. Need to have the big new Mercedes, their designer clothes, expensive 12 course dinner with the finest wines and champaignes. It’s just so hard for me to understand WHY wealth stays number 1 for them? We keep hearing it over and over again, we also know about demon mammon … Even with Christmas they wanted to rent a castle, including caterers and housekeeping. I mean …… Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Isn’t that about something else? We can celebrate Christmas homeless underneath a bridge … I just don’t get it! I’m so passionate about Jesus Christ … and sure, I like having a job, I like having a car … my husband will be a manager soon instead a senior engineer … sure, we’re happy about it. But I don’t want him to use his elbows and smack everbody down the ladder while he’s climbing up. And he’s not like that at all. He’s just being patient, doing his job and knows that he’ll be rewarded. Status, money, being rich … that’s not what we are aiming for in life. And it hurts me that other people are going blind for their wealth …
Mae

======= Carissa:

Can we confess our sins and make a complete U-turn… Sure, It’s not always easy though. There are examples from my life where it’s ‘easier’ for me to denounce some things than others. The awesome thing about it is it gives me a REAL conscience–not just Jiminy Cricket sitting on my shoulder to answer to!  So, I can put myself in Pharoah’s shoes on some occasions but untilmately, I do know what is right and what I need to go to God for strength to fight against!
I really appreciated the New Testament tale of the rich man today too. Really brings home how much I enjoy and admire things that I have or things that I want.
Carissa

======= Jenny:

man, that Pharoh is stubborn! About the rich young ruler in matthew, we dont know what he did. i bet he thought it over a lot. i wonder wat he chose. But it shows how it is so hard for a wealthy person to enter in heaven b’cos they trust in their wealth. Or a very intelliegent person may trust in their knowledge but have no fear of the Lord n no wisdom. Success, fame, wealth, power…all these things are warned about because we can trust in them and not the true living God. The poor, the down and out, the crippled, the sick…this is who /jesus ministered to. they saw their need for Him! Of course the poor and needy and middle class still may reject Christ.
Point is, we all at one time have had something as our god. God will let us know individually wat it is n say, forsake that, put it aside n follow me. What consumes us? What do we live for? What do we think about most? (i do believe even ppl can becomes gods in someone’s life) a few times i’ve been sharing with nonbelievers and they were open…then next thing, they met mr/mrs right and the person loses interests in seeking God, cause they know have their wonderful bf/gf to distract them n be their god. I have seen this happen quite a few times in ppl’s lives n its sooo sad. they get so wrapped up in this person, they are no longer open to the things of the Lord.
I also ave seen many devout believers compromise and date a nonbelievers. They compromise more here and there, next thing I hear they are living with this person out of wedlock. When I see them they are unrecognizable, they are back in the world, they talk like nonbelievers (cussing), they act like worldly ppl (drinking, sexual activity). They gave it up! For what? a relationship that kicks God out of their hearts and they risk the danger of walking too far from the Lord. NOT worth it! It hurts me, I have seen this happen to many believer friends.
If God says leave a realtionship, b/f, g/f…leave!!!! Just leave. I have had to do this, its very painful yes when you love the person, but God said, leave this! You cant be with hIm and serve Me. So i obeyed God…it hurt like crazy for about a year (my first love) but today I’m grateful! I found him on myspace like 10 yrs later, he’s married, a drunkard, pot smoker. THANK GOD I obeyed Him!! I’m so glad thats not me married to him!!!
If God is telling you to leave an ungodly b/f, g/f…do it! Obey Him, deny yourself. Look at what Christ went through. You will be blessed. Its so worth it to obey, no matter the cost now.
Jenny

======= Arielle:

Jeff
This is how I looked at it.
Laws are as important as having faith. Laws show us what we need to do to live a life that is pleasing to GOD or in short how to live a righteous life. It helps humans differentiate what is right and what is wrong or what is pleasing to GOD and what is not pleasing to GOD. If laws were not there we would have started making our own laws  and said this is how we need to live. Who are we to say what is right and what is wrong? What is right to someone might be wrong to the other person.
But just because we have the laws to follow does not mean we can be saved either. We can only be saved or put right again with GOD, only if we are born again in CHRIST (Last Adam) and washed off the sin we inherited from the first Adam.
That promise of salvation was in the scriptures long time ago. It was told in the Old Testament time and time again that a messiah would come to save us. Therefore, those who ‘Believe’ in this ONE PROMISE and hold onto their faith (very important!), be it people from the past (people before CHRIST) or present (All the people after CHRIST, including us) or those who are to be born in the future will definitely be saved by the grace of GOD.
CHRIST knew where the rich man’s heart was, He knew he did not fully believe in the promise or have faith in the truth and that he blindly followed the laws to a righteous living. Hence the second question to the rich man about leaving his wealth. It was only a test I think. The story of the rich man I guess is to show us or help us measure our faith. Is our faith in CHRIST strong enough to let go of our worldly possessions. We just don’t realize all that we have Is from GOD 
Just a quote I thought I’d share also:
“For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17”
Arielle

======= John:

Jeff and Arielle,
Arielle – Great comments and spot on. One thing to add about your comments on OT, present and future believers. At the point that the person’s heart was right AND they believed righteousness is imputed on them (saved).
In Hebrews Abraham was a believer when he left Ur (Mesopatamia). His faith was still childlike (like a “baby (new) Christian”, and it wavered (Egypt experiance), but Abraham never lost his imputed righteousness. God will bring a believer along and there will be stumbles, but he will never forsake us or leave us once we make the original commitment to believe. We are his sheep and He knows us – even if our faith wavers or we go off the path. God will lovingly bring us back, or perhaps chastise us into returning, but we can never be separated from the Father after a true conversion. (Rom 8:38)
This will be reinforced all through the Bible and I will try to remember to keep pointing out God’s unwavering commitment to believers.
======================================================
Jeff
Let’s look at the conversation.
You are correct the man asked what he had to do to get eternal life.
IMPORTANT: Jesus was not teaching how to obtain eternal life. Jesus was answering the question given the parameters the rich young man laid out. What can someone do to obtain eternal life (heaven). Obey the Law (commandments).
That is true. The Problem is NO ONE can do it. The Law was never meant to save, but point out God’s standards for perfection. Everyone has sinned (even the young rich man) –
“There is none righteous,not even one” (Romans 9:10, Psalms 14:3, 53:3)
Only one did not sin
(break the Law) and that is Christ.
The Law is meant to show how inadequate we are, and make us ask the question – ‘there must be another way’ – enter the gospel and believing and receiving Christ.
There is no way the rich young man loved each and every fellow man as himself. This is an internal command that takes the kind of heart we do not have before becoming a believer. Even then God has to keep working in us to bring us to the point where we can follow that commandment.
Christ knew the young man’s heart. Arielle is correct – this is a test. Christ is saying – OK you say you love your neighbor as yourself – go and sell all you have and give it to him what is yours.
IMPORTANT: Christ says “If you want to be perfect…Note: Man is not now perfect, but if he wants to be, then there are two conditions for him. Give up your riches (the most important thing in his heart) AND COME FOLLOW ME. This would be the belief part as Arielle referred to in her post. The first prioritizes the man’s heart and puts God first, the second takess an act of faith and belief. If the man did those two things he would be perfect (righteous) in God’s eyes.
The man did not, bit he may have later as a lot of commentators think this man was Mark (Gospel writer). We will pick that up in later gospels.
======================================================
NOTE: The thing I had to give up in my in my heart was my incredible Pride. I believed intellectually and prayed to God for salvation and Christ intellectually – But I was not saved. It was not until the point where I got down on my hands and knees, sobbing, and screamed out “I Can’t do it, you win, please God take over my life and do with me as you will, I accept Jesus as my Lord and Savior”. It was AT THAT extremely humble and submissive moment that I KNOW I was saved, and the things that happened in that room that night in 2004 only God and I know about – but it was real, palpable, and accompanied with a great feeling of peace, joy and happiness.
I was blessed. Not everyone gets such a real and dramatic conversion. What happened that night allows me to never entertain the thought of doubt about salvation. I have strayed,been angry at God, disobeyed, and distanced myself from the Father, but I have never doubted His existance, His Promise, and my role as His sheep.
John

======== Chris:

For me, the 2nd 10% was easy. That was mine and I thought it “guaranteed” the security I wasn’t going to get from work. The 1st 10%–the first fruits–well I was pretty much agnostic at the time and money was my god, so that was mine, too. (And in my wallet it would stay.) It wasn’t until I trusted in Jesus (in my late 40s) that I WANTED to give back to Him and I finally understood that it was only through the gifts He had given me that I was able to breathe, work, love, earn and live. So I experimented … to see if I would miss the money, and to my surprise and excitement, I didn’t. Instead, I got joy. Oh, some months are leaner than others, but we always make it. It’s not the legality of the tithe, but the desire to tithe. It has given me a wonderful freedom. I pray I will never tithe because of the law, but that I will always tithe because of the heart. (One of my children taught me a great lesson on this when she tithed on a gift I gave her. My first thought was ‘I’ve already tithed on that money. You shouldn’t too.’ — Was I ever wrong.)
Chris

======= Jennifer:

I think the story of the rich man asking about what he can do to get into heaven and Christ gives this list and then says follow the commandments. He replies that he does this, but really the first commandment is the most difficult. Put no Gods before God and if this young man did this he would not bow to wealth, but give it to God. I am always checking my own motives and careful to know that it is very easy to begin to serve modern idols, than to God. How do I spend my time, what do I allow into my life, etc. Sometimes we are like Pharaoh and the idol is ourself. In his belief system he was God and sometimes we think of ourselves in that same way.
Jennifer

======= Steve:

For me what stood out in today’s readings was Exodus 9:27-28 Pharaoh sent for Moses and Aaron. “I have sinned this time,” he said to them. “The LORD is the Righteous One, and I and my people are the guilty ones. 28 Make an appeal to the LORD. There has been enough of God’s thunder and hail. I will let you go; you don’t need to stay any longer.”
This has a familiar ring to it. We call out to God in the midst of the big crisis but the intensity of the call dissipates as relief arrives. Pharaoh keeps changing his mind about letting the Israelite’s go each time the slightest relief appears. Like Pharaoh we want control of our lives, we want to call the shots and be in charge but God knows this and puts us in situations we have little or no control over. Pharaoh’s decisions are based on what will protect his kingdom keeping him in power. Jesus teaches the opposite leading us (like the Israelite’s) away from bondage, fear, stubbornness and into the vulnerable open space of green pastures where we find rest in Him.
Steve

======= MItch:

Time running short today – so –
Would like to comment on God hardening Pharaoh’s heart. Used to struggle over this and think – is God playing with a stacked deck?
I get Ramona’s point. However, consider this: all unsaved people would have hard hearts without God’s Grace. (Grace being getting something we did not deserve). Therefore God simply withheld His Grace from pharaoh and the ruler of Egypt went to his natural, prideful state in complete “self” mode. When Pharaoh receives God’s Grace – he is less of an ogre. God wanted to make a point and pharaoh was used to make the point – by God simply allowing the man to be his true sinful self.
People saved have been given a new heart and are transformed (born- again). The Grace we get (that we don’t deserve) helps us follow Jesus and walk humbly with God.
Mitch

======= Barbara:

I would advise everyone to become debt free. Dave Ramsey is founder of Financial Peace. However you must be careful you do not spend big bucks on materials. Do it yourself. Especially credit card debt. It will eat you alive. I have been debt free for quite sometime. You actually have more money than you have ever had when you are not in debt to another. And it is Biblical as our scripture today tells us. Jesus was a prime example. He and the disciples and Paul did not borrow from others or get in debt to perform their ministries
Barbara

======= Dee:

I don’t really know any debt services. But, I do like the tithe 10, save 10, invest 10, spend 10.
Ex 8:1-9:35
Today is more plaques, we get frogs, lice(which I didn’t remember those)-another translation called then gnats, and flies! All 3 yuck to me! Oh also boils and last but not least hail, thunderstorms and hail. Ouch!
You would have thought his own officials would have begged him to let Israelites go! Pronto. But no!
Then Pharoah after hail and lightning actually confessed he had sinned unto the Lord-for them to go! But it didn’t last long–
The end of Matthew today got to or spoke personally to me. I have struggled in my spirit in conflict with my coworkers, my spouse, my child about this Covid stuff- I don’t feel in my spirit like it’s good idea- and I believe it’s discernment from the Lord. I am standing firm but its I believe that is why these verses spoke to me so-I am giving up-others beliefs for u Lord- your conviction-I believe it is right and where u lead Lord I follow.
Psalm 24:1-10
I love this too Lord. The earth is definitely yours and no matter what man does- it still is yours and you have final say.
Proverbs 6:1-5
What I got out of that is don’t let others pull u down – Some will trap u and if not careful u enable them Love u Lord.
Dee

Exodus 5:22-7:25 + Matthew 18:21-19:12 + Psalm 23:1-6 + Proverbs 5:22-23
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Old Testament – Exodus Chapter 5 verse 22 starts off our readings today with what seems to be an awfully bold question & complaint from Moses to God: “So Moses went back to the LORD and protested, “Why have you mistreated your own people like this, Lord?  Why did you send me?  Since I gave Pharaoh your message, he has been even more brutal to your people. You have not even begun to rescue them!”” That first question initially made me wince – obviously God was not mistreating his own people – Pharaoh and the foremen were.  I don’t fault Moses for this question, since he saw the Isrealites suffering so much – and God didn’t seem to fault Moses either as we see in the beginning of chapter 6 he tells Moses what he is going to do to Pharaoh – and he doesn’t address Moses question & complaint.  I think Moses was probably really instead trying to ask God what he gets at in the last sentence – why haven’t you started your rescue of your people?  Then, the second question in verse 22 above takes us back to Moses’ words to God at the burning bush near Midian when God first called Moses to this task – “why me??”  This second question kind of made me smile…  I guess because I’ve probably asked this question of God a lot of times in my life in various forms – why are you asking me to do this?  Why not pick someone else?  Don’t I have enough going on?  How am I going to pull this off?  Etc. Etc…. Etc….   any of these questions sound familiar to you?  🙂  And yet, even in the midst of this protesting, God is still going to use Moses in a big way for his Kingdom purposes.  I pray he will still use me in the midst of my protesting.  Do you want God to still use you in the midst of your protesting?  What’s your protesting all about?

At the end of Exodus chapter 6 today we come across a short genealogy – only 3 of Jacob/Israel’s son’s are listed – as the third son, Levi, brings us to Aaron and Moses.  I liked coming across this genealogy in today’s readings.  It’s kind of a brief interlude in the “action” of the narrative.  It’s kind of like God saying to us – pay attention!  These 2 guys, Aaron and Moses were real!  Here’s their real genealogy.  This is a real factual history.  And maybe this genealogy helps remind us of the reality of this book of Exodus before we soon get into the plagues…  Below is an image of Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh by an unknown Netherlands or French artist from the mid-16th century – (image courtesy of metmuseum.org)

 

In Exodus chapter 7 we read about Aaron’s staff becoming a snake and the plague of blood.  It is interesting that Pharaoh’s wise men & magicians did the same thing as these miracles with their “secret arts.”  However, it’s obvious that what the magicians did was not as powerful as what God did – because God’s snake wins!  🙂  And, it is indeed ironic that the magicians turning water to blood would really only make matters worse for the Egyptians.  I read commentaries that suggested the magicians were either coming up with illusions or potentially tapping into dark / demonic forces to make their tricks come to fruition. Check out tons more great info on the nature of the plagues, the magicians tricks, the pattern of the plagues and the point of the plagues in Bob Deffinbaugh’s essay titled “The Finger of God” at bible.org at this link.  This is worth the read before we dive into all the plagues over the next few days!  Below is an image of the plague of blood along the river Nile:

 

New Testament – Today in Matthew chapter 18 we read about Jesus’ strong teaching on the need for us to forgive others in our life.  And not just to forgive someone once… but many many many times.  Why?  Because God has been so gracious to us – he has forgiven us for our many many many sins through our faith in Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.  If God has forgiven us many times over – who are we to not forgive others many times over as well?  Are we better than God?  🙂  We all know the answer to this one.  No.  But, we are all called to forgive as gracefully as God has forgiven us.  We are to forgive, just as we have been forgiven.  Is there someone in your life today that you need to forgive?  Will you? 

In Matthew 19 we read a discussion between Jesus and the Pharisees on divorce.  The context of this discussion basically revolved around 2 Jewish schools – Shammai and Hillel – and their differing viewpoints in Jesus’ day on Deuteronomy 24 verses 1-4: “If a man marries a woman who becomes displeasing to him because he finds something indecent about her, and he writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, and if after she leaves his house she becomes the wife of another man, and her second husband dislikes her and writes her a certificate of divorce, gives it to her and sends her from his house, or if he dies, then her first husband, who divorced her, is not allowed to marry her again after she has been defiled. That would be detestable in the eyes of the LORD . Do not bring sin upon the land the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance.”  From the NIV Study Bible commentary – The Shammai school held that “something indecent” from verse 1 above meant “marital unfaithfulness” – the only allowable cause for divorce.  Hillel emphasized to the preceding clause, “who becomes displeasing to him” in verse 1 above – they would allow for a man to divorce his wife for anything she did that he disliked.  Jesus in the midst of these 2 viewpoints seems to take to the side of Shammai – but, only after first pointing back to God’s original ideal for marriage.  So…  there you have the context.  What does that mean for us today? I honestly will say that I don’t know.  I do know that many folks participating in this blog are divorced.  And many are married.  And many are single.  So…  I guess I’d encourage you to read more or study more about the topic of divorce if you feel God is calling you to this.  I do believe in God’s grace in each of our lives and I believe in Jesus…  Bible.org does have a pretty long overview of marriage and divorce at this link – I haven’t read it all, so I can’t say that I agree with everything at this link… but, if you’re interested in diving more into this topic you may want to read.  Also, Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 19 titled “Questions About Marriage and Divorce” are at this link.  No matter what happens in our life – marriage, divorce, health, sickness – we always have One whose love will never fail us:

Psalms – Psalm 23!  What a Psalm!!  This is the first Psalm for sure that I ever really read and was comforted by without a doubt.  Psalm 23 is a profession of joyful trust in God as the good Shepherd-King by David.  I like The Message’s take on Psalm 23 at this link.  Bible.org has a wonderful commentary on Psalm 23 titled “A Psalm that calms the soul” at this link. 

 

 

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 5 verses 22 & 23 are just amazing wisdom for each of us of why we should FLEE from sin… don’t entertain it at all!  “An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. He will die for lack of self-control; he will be lost because of his incredible folly.”  Please know that if for some reason you are caught in the ropes of sin, please know that Jesus can truly set you free.  Please pray for this freedom in Christ.  Only in Christ are we truly set free!  Please seek this freedom in Christ with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength.  Don’t die for lack of self-control.  Don’t be lost because of the folly of sin.  Please accept the free gift that Jesus offers you this very day.

Video:  Have you seen the video yet of a young princess (see her T-shirt 🙂 reciting Psalm 23??  This is a must see.  I pray this inspires you to memorize and meditate upon Scripture!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3buLQoCN6KY

Is the Lord your shepherd?  Click here to meet your shepherd!

Please join me in memorizing and meditating on six verses of Scripture today: “The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Psalm 23:1-6 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would memorize Psalm 23 today. And pray that you would believe and live out Psalm 23 all the days of your life.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  Based on the topic of divorce that comes up in today’s Matthew readings, please do share your wisdom / thoughts / books / websites / other resources on this topic.   Please be graceful in your remarks as many of our participants have gone through a divorce.  If you yourself have been through a divorce, and are willing to share your learnings / experiences from it, this could be beneficial perhaps to some others who might read your comments.  But I can understand if it’s too much to post up publicly thoughts on this topic in this type of forum.  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 5:22-7:25
We are a people of comfort and status quo. No matter how miserable we are in a comfortable place, we find comfort in our misery. I believe the plagues and Pharaoh’s stubbornness were needed to challenge the Egyptians’ gods but also to set up both Egypt and Israel to disengage from each other. Israel had to become a stench in the nostrils of Egypt and Israel needed to become reacquainted with the power of their God. God was making sure bridges were being burned.
Being oppressed and or being in slavery destroys self-initiative because a hopelessness sets in and then one develops a sick heart (Proverbs 13:12). When your heart is sick, blood circulation is hindered and the “body” doesn’t “act” the way it is suppose to. So, not only was it necessary to bring Egypt to her knees, Israel had to move from the mindset of a slave to one of freedom. Freedom isn’t free and requires a purchase price of responsible mind. But freedom means you become aware of your value to yourself, to others and most definitely your value to God.
Moving from welfare/dole, being enslaved or dependent on the government requires one to believe that there are gifts, talents, and abilities inside that can make one sufficient. Many times that means one has to get in touch with God to discover the gift God has placed within and how to use that gift in the market place. I know about moving from welfare to work and what it takes to cross that divide, courage. However, usually, that courage comes by way of crises.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

I recently broke up with my christian boyfriend because as far as I could tell,he had no vision.I believed God placed us on earth for a higher purpose than to make sure your family is comfortable and can afford family vacactions.It seemed he worried more about money than his spiritual life.After we broke up,I listened to a teaching on how wives are called to be helpers,how God had given Adam his mission first(Gen 2:15…take care of the Garden..)then gave him a helper…how a wife should submit to hers husbands mission(SUBmission).So marriage is not just about companionship it’s also about working together to fulfil your God given mission on earth.
I think God doesn’t like divorce because of the pain it inflicts on the people involved…especially the children who feel it’s their fault…
God bless you all
Anka

======= Joe:

In Exodus 4:21 God told Moses that he was going to harden Pharaohs heart, so doesn’t that mean it is Gods fault that Pharaoh made the Israelites life worse and also that all the plagues had to happen. The thought that God hardening Pharaohs heart really bothers me cause it takes away the ideal of a free will and also that children were killed and it was basically set up by God.
Joe

======= Mike:

Joe – very good question! I meant to post up about this earlier, as I know others are having this question come up too.
Paul in Romans gets at this in Romans 9:14-21, below. (please don’t see this as a harsh answer to you personally to your question – just Scripture interpreting Scripture here… )
“What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who resists his will?” But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?”
Also, Bible.org gets at this point at this link – http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=218 Surf down to “The Permissive Will of God” section. A brief excerpt is below here –
“Other parts of God’s plan He permits. The permissive will of God embraces only the moral features that are evil or contrary to His desired will. Though God does not actively promote this aspect of His sovereign will, He uses them to accomplish His purposes, since He knows before hand just how every person will respond to every possible situation, and decreed to allow it or not. Regardless, God always places the responsibility for these acts and their results with men or angels, as in the case of the fall of Satan and then of man (Acts 14:16; Ps. 78:29; Isa. 10:5-14; Acts 2:23; Rom. 1:18-32). A classic example of this is perhaps the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart in the book of Exodus.
Ten times it is said that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34; 13:15), and 10 times that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17). Paul uses this as an example of the inscrutable will of God and of His mercy toward men (Rom. 9:14-18). Seven times Pharaoh hardened his own heart before God first hardened it, though the prediction that God would do it preceded all.
The fact that God permits these things does not make them less certain, nor remove them from the sovereign plan of God, but it does remove the responsibility for the sinful acts of men and fallen angels from God”
Hope this helps? Thanks for asking this question / bringing up this point that I know others are thinking about too!
Grace,
Mike

======= John:

Joe,
Re: free will
I really struggled with this concept after salvation. I have come to like Stephen Hawkings attributed quote:
‘Free will or predestination? (pause) Predestination. But since we do not know the path or the outcome, it may as well be free will!’
I believe God is sovereign, so only he has “absolute free will”. that means by defintion man must have something less. But what? the following excerpt with link at bottom attempts to explore this issue. I realize everyone will not agree – I just offer it up for thought and those who have not thought about the issue.
“In Biblical theology, the terms free will and volition are NOT synonymous, but convey related ideas. Unless misused, the term free will communicates a sense of ultimate or absolute freedom, whereas volition simply implies the power of choice. For example, a prisoner locked in a 10×10 prison cell would not be considered free, but could still exercise the choice to either lay down, sit, or stand, etc. The individual has certainly lost a large portion of his freedom, but he has not been stripped of his volition. Thus the concept of freedom is not fixed, but must carry the added sense of degree. It is this need to recognize the degrees of freedom that has led theologians to differentiate free will from volition, and thus it is erroneous to characterize the issue in terms of black and white– i.e., having “free will” or being a “puppet”…..”
re: killing children
If you look at it from an eternity concept instead of an earth lifetime, it is actually a good thing.
Egyptians were pagans. Doubtful that any of those children would have grown up to be folllowers of Jehovah. Most theologians agree that children dying before the age of reason end up in heaven. The comparison is: getting to live 60-80 more years here on earth and then be condemned forever, or die young and spend eternity in heaven.
Regardless, as Mike said – it is God’s call. HE is Soverign.
Mike’s link in his post brings up the question of evil and why does God allow it to exist. The article touches on something I heard, but does not elaborate.
When Satan chose to rebel, I agree with Erwin Lutzer’s conjecture, he “…miscalculated both the consequences of his decision and God’s reaction to it.”
Think about it. Up to that point in time, Lucifer had seen nothing but God’s good side and his glory. Which brings me back to: why allow evil? God could certainly have just annihalated Lucifer.
If the Creation and mankind is all about God’s glory, then God’s full glory can not be shown unless there is evil.
The qualities of mercy and grace, were not neccessary before evil existed. God’s mercy and grace to mankind is abundant and bountiful. God’s glory is magnified by these qualities.
Justice and righteousness did not exist before evil came into being. God’s perfect judgement and righteousness toward sinners (people who chose to sin) glorifies his name.
Finally Good cannot annihilate and triumph over evil unless evil existed.
God’s throwing of satan and his minions into the pit of fire and subsequent judgement of all non-believers will show his complete and total triumph over evil and glorify his name.
It all happens in God’s time and according to his will.
John

======= Mary:

I wanted to share what I thought the hardening of Pharoahs’ heart was about and perhaps why it took so many unfavorable outcomes for Moses.
It looks like a “public” witnessing between the Word of God and Pharoah’s own sorcerers and magicians being able to duplicate the same which Moses commanded. But all for the sake of the final commands which none of them could perform. Thus leading Pharoah in the end to dismiss everyone least they themselves all be destroyed: livestock, food supply and the Pharoah. I don’t believe he was even thinking of his own people……just himself at the final hour.
Okay, I am perhaps the only person who is “stuck” on the concept of a “talking” serpent in the Garden of Eden. I don’t think any of the other animals talked, did they???
Was this a test (the serpent) which God himself put before Adam and Eve??? I don’t believe there is any reference to maybe another being who God created to test Adam and Eve and then cast him down as a “serpent” after the 1st original sin. Inquisite and one confused mind wants to know. I hope this isn’t one of those questions I am going to regret asking after seeing the answer………
In Exodus 10:12 is the statement “I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt” the first time there is an actual reference to “other gods”???
Mary

======= John:

Mary’s ?
Re: talking serpent
Bullinger in “The Companion Bible” has an extensive appendix on “The Serpent of Genesis 3”.
His premise is the Hebrew word rendered “serpent” is Nachash – with a root meaning of “to shine” and means “shining one”. From 2Cor11:14 Satan is referred to as the “angel of light”, so Bullinger thinks Eve ran across the “angel of light” (Lucifer) in the garden.
Since Adam and Eve had communed with God, Eve would not be afraid of a glorious, attractive, shining being – who was articulate and obviously of a higher created order than other garden inhabitants.
The dialouge stays the same, the Apple is eaten, and mankind is changed forever.
God’s curses on the serpent are explained as a type of figure of speech called Hypocatastasis or “implication”. Just a real picture resemblance to strike home the punishment awaiting Lucifer. Later on, the snake would pick up the name “Nachash” as it was a shiny creature and its resemblance to the curses of Satan.
Quick and dirty summary from a very long appendix. Bullinger is huge on linguistics, and I find some charm and more than a little truth in his interpretation.
This is offered as an alternate explanation – albeit not a very widespread interpretation of scripture.
Mary’s ?
re: other gods
“In Exodus 10:12 is the statement “I will bring judgment on all the gods of Egypt” the first time there is an actual reference to “other gods”???”
Gen 31:30 and 31:32 and 35:2 and 35:4
I guess technically Satan referred to “gods” in Gen 3:5
John

======= Jenny:

I’m reminded of a song I sang at church as a kid (to the tune of Louie, Louie), “Pharoh, Pharoh. ohhh, oh, let my people go! yeah yeah yeah.” anyone remember this? haha.
I definately believe so strongly in forgiveness! Its sooo important, in fact if we have unforgiveness in our hearts, we cant truely have a good relationship with our Father, we will always be held back. (nothing is worth jeoprdizing our relationship with our Father!) How bad have we mistreated the Lord and He forgives us…we MUST forgive others. Bitterness in our hearts makes us miserable!!!! Some ppl say, ‘its not that easy, you dont know what they did to me!’. Well, I think if God forgives us, we can certainly forgive…not on own OUR power, but through God’s!! I have seen the very dark side of life, been treated very badly. I’m speaking from experience..i had HATE in my heart for a long time and it totally poisoned me! When you let go of it, you are sooo free. Maybe you feel that person doesnt ‘deserve’ forgiveness…well it only eats away at us who hold it in our hearts. Look at us, do I ‘deserve’ to be forgiven for my sins against God?? and others? NO! But He gives it to me freely. I’m soooo grateful! He will equip you, He really will. There is NOTHING He asks of us that He will not equip us to do, and He askes…no, He commands us to forgive others. That means its not impossible (i know it may feel like it) but its actually our choice. the enemy doesnt want us to forgive others! Theres nothing better then to forgive and obey God…once you break through that barrior, you will be freed from a terrible yoke you’ve been carrying around, even if you didnt realize you were!
Concerning divorce, never been married, so I cant comment, but I know marriage can be very hard. I just know what the word says, and its between the individuals and the Lord.
I looked up in my study Bible Matthw 12:19 b’cos I’m single and always wonder if God will provide me a husband. Though if He calls me to be single, I will be blessed still: “‘let him accept it’…Since all cannot handle it (v.11″All cannot accept this saying, but only those to whom it has been given”) Christ is not enjoining celibacy here. Rather, He makes it a matter entirely of personal choice- except for those who are physcially unable to marry, either through natural causes or because of the violence of other men. Still others may find there are pragmatic reasons not to marry for the good of the kingdom. But in no way did Christ suggest that celibacy is superior to marriage”.
I wasnt sure what an eunuch was, so I looked it up: “Testicular failure is the inability of the testicles to produce sperm or male hormones.” um, ok. guess that doesnt apply to me :p
Oh yes, love psalm 23! the first scripture i memorized as a child, and still know. i must have read it/recited it a zillion times, but it still means something new to me everytime. thats God speaking to my heart! thats whats sooo awesome about God’s word..it NEVER gets old! Its always a new word from Him to us personally! What a great God we have who speaks to us personally! God spoke to me: “my cup overflows”. Truely it does. I feel as if I’m overflowing with God’s blessings!! (not talking material ones) but the ones that really fufill the deepest desires of my soul! man, being a follower of Christ is sooo awesome. nothing (truely) to lose and everything to gain!
Jenny

======= Mae:

Amsterdam yesterday was very fruitful! We saw the neighbourhood and it’s not going to be easy for our pioneers to get this new church started. We went into the center with 3 couples of 2. My husband went with us as well, remember: my husband is not a reborn Christian … but he’s willing to learn about our church, about Christianity, about making choices, etc. He went on the streets with the Pastor from Amsterdam. And guess what? They had 2 people made their choices! Two people were saved yesterday! How about that? What a blessing for my husband to witness that! My husband and I went back to Amsterdam this morning, hoping the two people would come to the church this morning, but they didn’t … hopefully they will tonight … They made a choice, it’s important to work through that now, the first week is a very bumpy ride! Last night we watched the movie ‘Final Solution’ in church … wow … that was very impressive! But back to the evangelism … it was great to talk to several people. We spread a lot of flyers, told a lot of people about our church and most of them were very open to our story. I noticed that a lot of people were talking on their cellphones walking down the street, that was just to bad, it makes it impossible to approach them. We also talked to a bunch of Christians, they weren’t reborn yet, and they weren’t ready to make their choice yet. They think the church comes with ‘rules and laws’. We try to tell them that it’s NOT about the church but about THEIR personal relationship with God! Most of them think that being a good person is enough. “I don’t steal, I don’t lie, I don’t cheat, I’m not a drug-addict”. Yes well, that’s great … and sure we do hope they can maintain that for the rest of their lives, but it’s just not enough. And that’s pretty hard to explain … A lot of people don’t know why Jesus died on the cross, it’s not easy to explain everything to a person who doesn’t know Jesus … I love to try and explain it to them! It gives me a chance to share my story with them! I learn a lot from days like this! We’re going back to Amsterdam on the 10th of February. Then we’ll sing and preach on the streets …!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Can’t wait! It’s such a blessing I get this chance!
Reading todays verses make me happy! Especially Psalm 23 …sigh … it’s so wonderful! I have this on a little card. I read it every day … it makes me smile, it makes me feel save, it makes me happy! Especially verse 6 “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever”.
Praise the Lord, our heavenly Father!
Amen!!!!
Mae

======= Ramona:

Matthew 18:21-19:12
The Forgiveness spoken of in chapter 18 is the thing that is lacking in nineteen that leads to divorce.
I don’t think that we can fully forgive anyone until we get the full understanding of what it not only means to have God’s forgiveness but we also must understand the gravity of our own personal sins once we have been forgiven. We are the “servant” who has begged the master to have a multi-million/billion dollar debt wiped out. No human being: friend, relative or even enemy could ever be in debt to us the way we were indebted to God. Compared to the number of drops of water that makes up the volume of water in all the oceans, what others have done to us is a drop in the bucket. That is I believe what Jesus was teaching in Matthew 18. The servant either did not or would not understand the incredible mercy he had received from the Master; so, because he devalued what he had received from the Master, he overestimated the debt his co-worker/servant “owed” him; so, because he devalued what he had received from the Master, he overestimated the debt his co-worker/servant “owed” him.
Forgiveness is an act of mercy; it is a gift. Since a gift is not earned, mercy must be offered unconditionally but one seeking the mercy can never demand it then it ceases to be a gift; however, you can ask for it.
Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: (Matthew 7:7 KJVR)
Blessed are the merciful, because they will be shown mercy.
(Matthew 5:7 HCSB)
Divorce comes about because either both or one of the parties joined in a covenant relationship fails to forgive either the offended party or themselves. When one of the partners declares, “I’ve fallen out of love,” or, “I’ve outgrown this relationship,” They, more than likely have become offended by their choice in a partner and are angry that the person agreed or accepted the marriage proposal. Instead of trying, to work it out by doing some self-examination they blame the other. No matter what the excuse (A skin of reason stuffed with a lie—heard from Bible-on-Radio).
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Amber:

I was just reading some of the comments regarding the hardening of Pharoahs heart. My husband and I are taking a Perspectives course and its basis is that God is a missionary God and everything in the bible comes down to God’s purpose in creating man and woman…to worship Him. With this perspective, many of the old testament stories make better sense. God is making himself known and you have to admit, there wouldn’t have been an Israelite or Egyptian alive that could deny God after what happened in the plagues. If Pharoah would have given in earlier, some might not have recognized God as the all powerful God that he is. This story is so powerful that it is retold in Islamic, Jewish, and Christian cultures. Looking back it is easy for me to see why God would harden Pharoah’s heart. Look at how God glorified Himself in this case. Of course, God’s ultimate glorification came when he sent his one and only Son to earth in order to remove our separation from God and remove sin’s hold on us. Reading the old and new testament like this is showing me that the bible is written with everything we need to know to make a decision to repent of our sinful lifestyle and learn to follow Jesus Christ by obedience…and that means to carry out God’s purpose..bring all nations under God’s loving wings to worship Him and deny all other gods. That starts with our neighbors and ends with the untouched groups of people that have never heard the name of Jesus.
Amber

======= Elizabeth:

enjoyed your comments today about the church and the need for more “horizontal” love among the church. I find it easier to stuff myself with sermons and inspiring worship and call it happy for the week. Loving people is the “rubber meets the road work”–it requires much flexibility, mercy, time, and patience.
I love the heart of Matthew 18 today with regard to forgiving others freely. We have been given such grace, yet there’s often a disconnect when we need to extend that grace to others. I enjoyed Brian’s comments over at the Daily Audio Bible today about releasing brokenness and hurts. I’m not sure I always know the condition of my heart–places where I need to release others, the Lord, or myself (!) for hurts or circumstances in my life. I think I need to take time and ask Him to reveal these to me so that I can release them and move on.
Kitty, your heart cry is the same as my own–Lord, use me despite my reservations and feet dragging! Both my husband and I are cautious and careful in temperament (which can be a good thing), but I don’t want us to miss the big plans that the Lord has for us because we buried our talents out of fear or protested and pulled away in more subtle ways. I want to look back on my life and know that I’ve stepped into surf of God’s will even though I didn’t always know where it would take me. Even though I had doubts in my heart, like Moses. I want to be abundantly faithful to Him and His plans for my life.
About divorce…..
I have been blessed to have parents who modeled a loving relationship. Though it was not a perfect relationship, they were loyal to each other and gave each other a lot of grace and freedom. This example helps me to extend grace and freedom to my husband and children.
My husband comes from a family of divorce– a very “cordial” divorce after 20 years together and their children had grown. But, I think some of the “ghosts” of this decision still follow the family around, impacting their relationships and self-perceptions. I think some of the things we’ve worked through in our marriage are because of seeds sown in that marriage too. Praise God that He is able to heal these areas and bring light into that darkness!!!
Henry, I know you have been very hurt by your divorce and I will continue to pray for healing in your life…
Elizabeth

======= Kitty:

Elizabeth, your grace and kindness shines through your comments. I am sure you are a great blessing to your husband and children.
Kitty

======= Debbie:

I was devestated when I went thru my divorce – always believing that God would save and heal my marriage.
During the divorce process I was taking down our Christmas tree and it fell and broke a beautiful cactus plant I treasured. The Lord taught me thru that cactus that my divorce was like the cactus. It always bore the scar of the fall but the fall caused the cactus to produce many little cactus. I have always bore the scar of my divorce; however, because I’ve submitted to God and walked in His ways, I’ve continued to bear fruit for His kingdom. God even opened the door for me to go into full-time ministry.
I use to let my past life and divorce bother me and I would be filled with regret. One day the Lord spoke to me, “Debbie, it was a part of my plan.” Not that God causes divorce but that God can use our lives (no matter the past) to bring glory to Him when we surrender to His purposes. Thank you, Lord, for your mercy. Thank you, Lord, for using my past with all it’s scars, to bring glory to you.
Debbie

======= Jan:

As for divorce, I know it is explicitly condemned in the Bible, and as with all sin, God has plenty of good reasons why. I say this as a divorced person, and a Christian: God’s Word is never wrong, and it is for our higher good in every single case, no matter how it “looks” to us at the time. I am married for the second time (for 16 years this time, and going strong!) and am grateful to God for my wonderful husband.
HOWEVER, what I have learned through the years, is just that marriage is not one’s salvation, and I honestly believe that most divorces (and mine) can be averted when at least one person in the marriage keeps his/her eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. I did not do so, and ended up divorced. Many of the same things that were troubling in my first marriage have been trouble in my current marriage, and I believe would also have been present in my 15th or 16th. Why? Because I will always be a sinner, married to a fellow sinner.
I do wonder (and search scripture diligently) to learn more about God’s views on marriage and divorce . I have truly repented (and even sent my ex-husband a long letter of apology, detailing my part in our failed marriage and asking forgiveness), but because I am human, there are always niggles of doubts about how forgiven I am. I know God puts sin as far as East is from West, but yet, I have a hard time getting my arms around that fact.
Lastly, I love the daily readings, and am excited and challenged by this forum.
Jan

======== Duane:

The bible says that God hates divorce and now years later I can finally see why. My wife and I have both come from broken marriages. I do not regret marry my wife, however, as I look back on my situation with my first wife, I can see where I made mistakes in pursuing a divorce without thinking about the ramaficatons that results from our choices. For instance, I had a step son and that relationship has never been mended. My wife had a three year old which became my new step daughter. There has been constant friction between my wife and her ex. All of this has deeply affective my step daughter. God knows the pain and the suffering we go through. Sometimes we need to just wait on God. But if we can’t wait, then don’t rush the system in place. The longer a divorce case takes the more time we give God to bring healing to the situaton.
Duane

======= Beverly:

Divorce, abortion, sin after sin. What seems like a quick fix or a way out of unhappiness usually makes things worse and happiness is never brought from these things. Some things will hurt forever and usually hurts more people than the decision maker. Selfishness and self justification.
I dont want to live in a loveless marriage, I prefer to have my child live in a broken home missing out on so much. Really, did we think this through?
Beverly

======= Bob:

Psalm 23 – my confirmation Psalm. Who knew that 45 years later it would pull me out of the deepest, darkest place one could imagine! I only remembered a few words and called them out: walk…valley of death..his rod…comfort me. It was powerful and revealing how our Lord steps into any sort of mess we are in. Thank you Jesus.
Bob

======= Rita:

I believe that marriage is a covenant and when Jesus said “except in case of adultery” He knew that once the husband or the wife find themselves no longer loving each other like Jesus loved his church and start willingly or unwillingly think about other people or even sometimes go to the point of loving someone else as much, the covenant is broken and divorce is necessary because we were called to live in peace. God created us and He knows we aren’t perfect and we are complex creatures. Personally I would love for all couples to stay together forever just like God has intended it in the beginning but in case we are miserable and the marriage was a mistake, it’s better to get a divorce than to cheat or live miserably. Jesus’ love and grace will never fail or change whether married, single, or divorced.
Rita

======= Susan:

I have been married for 39 years. Just want to say that every marriage will have mountiNs and valleys. What is important is that we keep our eyes on Jesus and ask him to help us not be influenced by the ways of the world. We are to forgive each other as He forgave us. He can change hearts. Trust and wait on the Lord. Share your struggle with a Christian friend you trust. Pray much. I’m so glad I’m still married to the love of my life. Please give God a chance.
Susan

======== Pat:

Mike I read the 23rd Psalm with a heavy heart. It was my grandmother’s favorite Bible verses and I adored her. When I was just a little kid she had me memorize them from her KJV Bible. When she was in the hospital dying at age 96 she had me recite these verses to her every time I entered her room. She left instructions the these verses were to be read at both the beginning and the end of her funeral. I am so blessed that my grandmother introduced me to the Lord and the Lord has been with me every day of my life since then. God bless you for this wonderful Christian ministry you are doing.
Pat

======= Dee:

It’s interesting that you would ask for our thoughts on divorce and relationships based on Matthew 19 today because before this year I would have never operated in love and forgiveness and acceptance as I do to this day and maybe others won’t see this as clearly as I do, and that’s ok..in verse 11 of chapter 19 Matthew: Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given. 12 For some are eunuchs because they were born this way; others were made by men; and others have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven. The one who can accept this should accept it.” Our preacher preached similar to this story but he was talking about love in our world and how we react towards others, and how each decade or year, or trend, we look at others as a scapegoat, as someone who is untouchable, defiable(spelling) and who doesn’t deserve the kingdom of heaven, 2000 years ago, it was lepers, 200 years ago or not even that long ago, it was a thing of color, race issues, and 21st century it is gays/homosexuals..Our pastor gave a phenomenal message, about when you receive the least of these in my name, you receive me, and when you refuse the least of these in my name, you refuse me. Who is your scapegoat? Who are you refusing that is giving God a bad taste in his mouth for the attitudes of his children. After all, sin is sin..after the cross, Jesus looked on each and every one with his mercy and precious love, He said, come unto me all who are heavy laden and burdened and I will give you rest! He loves us not because of but in spite of it all!!! He LOVES US!! red,black, yellow, white, gays, straight, blind, sightful, men, women, sinners, forgiven’s, he loves ALL! I’m sorry and I know it kind of went off of the divorce thing..but it was just something I felt needed to be shared! Be blessed!!
Dee

Exodus 4:1-5:21 + Matthew 18:1-20 + Psalm 22:19-31 + Proverbs 5:15-21
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Old Testament – Today in Exodus chapter 4 we read about God discussing with Moses from the burning bush how Moses will lead the Israelites out of Egypt!  Below is a portrait by Guy Rowe of Moses having this conversation with God before the burning bush:

Moses has a classic line to God in Chapter 4 verse 10: “Moses said to the LORD , “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” I think what is classic about this line is that probably many of us have some sort of line similar to this one that we say to God when God is calling us to do something big for His Kingdom. Or maybe even if it is something medium-sized or small God is calling us to, we probably have some pretty good excuses. “Why me God?” “I’m too young.” I’m too old.” “I’m too busy.” “I’m not that smart.” “I’m not that talented”. And I’m sure our list of excuses could go on. BUT – check out what God says to Moses in verse 12: “Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.” Wow. Is there an area of your life where God is calling you to move forward? Maybe calling you to some Kingdom work? And are you making excuses? Will you leave those excuses behind? Do you realize that God will help you do whatever you need to do? Do you realize that God will teach you what to do as you go? You may not know exactly what to do right now – but if you move forward, do you believe God will show up and help you accomplish the task? Will you go? Now? Below is a wonderful stained glass image of God in the burning bush telling Moses to “now go!”

Verses 24 through 26 probably raised some questions for you today… 🙂   “On the journey, when Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the LORD confronted Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah, his wife, took a flint knife and circumcised her son….After that, the LORD left him alone.”  The obvious question being, why was God about to kill Moses?  Didn’t God just call Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt?  Well, yes he did.  Commentaries I read suggest that the primary issue here was an issue of obedience.  Moses had not circumcised his son, which was a requirement of God’s covenant with Israel from Genesis chapter 17 – you’ll recall Abraham and his household all getting circumcised in that 1 day.  So, Moses – and actually Zipporah his wife performed the task of the covenant – had to circumcise his son before God would let Moses go forward to deliver God’s people out of Egypt.  Don’t you like it when the Bible throws in some quick curveballs like this?  🙂 Bible.org’s commentary on Exodus chapter 4 is at this link – scroll down a bit.  Below is an image from the Sistine Chapel of Zipporah and her and Moses’ two sons Gershom and Eliezer:

I like Exodus chapter 5 verse 1, which builds upon some of our readings in chapter 4: “After this presentation to Israel’s leaders, Moses and Aaron went to see Pharaoh.” What I like about this is that there was Moses & Aaron going to see Pharaoh – the 2 of them.  This reminds me of Jesus sending out the disciples in pairs.  Sometimes in life it seems like we can accomplish more, or stay on task better, if we are partnered with someone else.  It’s sometimes tough to do things on our own.  I think sometimes we want to make ourselves out to be Lone Rangers – thinking that we can shoulder the weight of the world on our own.  But… we can’t.  First and foremost we need to be in relationship with God through Jesus.  Secondly, in relationship with our family.  Thirdly, relationship with our community – as we saw Moses and Aaron spoke with the Hebrew leaders at the end of chapter 4.  And then… we are ready to take on Pharaoh!  Then, we are ready to take on the world!  Yeah, sure, on rare occasions God will call us to pull off Kingdom tasks on our own – but… 9 times out of 10, I think you are going to need brothers and sisters in Christ to help you make it.  Currently, are you in a community, a church, with brothers and sisters in Christ?  Do you know who your Aaron is???  Below is a painting by James Tissot of Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh –

New Testament – Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter 18 verses 3 & 4 are something for each of us to consider: “”I assure you, unless you turn from your sins and become as little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. Therefore, anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”  I find it interesting the order of the words – first, turn from your sin.  THEN – after turning from your sins – become as little children.  It seems that we cannot become humble as children without first turning from our sins.  This makes sense if you think about it.  If you are still living in sin, how can you become humble like a child?  You must first repent of the sin before moving toward humility.  I think this teaching is a tough one in our modern age.  It doesn’t sound quite right… become humble like a child?  Why??  But, there is so much wisdom in it.   Do you want to become humble like a child?  Will you ask God to show you how to do this in your life?

Verses 19 & 20 are awesome: “I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.” Again, these verses remind me of the importance of being in community with other believers regularly.  The importance of church.  And not just showing up to church on Sundays, but really investing in your church.  Serving.  Giving financially. Being part of a small group.  Doing life together with others.  Being the body of Christ.   I will admit that there have been periods of my life where I really felt like I did not need the church.  That I did not need to be in community.  These have turned out to be lonely or hurried or stressful seasons when I look back on them!  I realize now more than ever that I need the church.  I love my church.  I love everyone in my church – warts and faults and all – and I believe they love me in return, warts and faults and all.   How about you?  Do you have a church that you love?  Do you have a community of believers that you love and that loves you?  If not, will you pray to God to lead you to such a community?  Do you believe that Christian community is important for you?  (Please know that when I say church I am speaking very broadly of the body of Christ and all the various ways it manifest itself as church.  For example, I have many friends who are part of the growing house church movement, which is a wonderful way to do church for many folks.  For others it’s the mega-church and for others the mainline church, and this list of examples of church could go on and on…)

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 18 titled “Life Under Kingdom Authority” is at this link.

Psalms – Okay, since I’m going off on my church soapbox today :), I’ll continue the theme here.  What’s one good reason to go to church at all?  Check out Psalm 22 verse 22: “Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.” Praising God with other brothers and sisters through worship, tithing, learning, serving and being in community in church is a great reason to go to church!  To declare the wonder of God’s name!  To praise God among all his people.  Wow… yes…  this is church!

Proverbs – Proverbs 5 verses 16 & 17 are powerful true Sex Education verses: “Why spill the water of your springs in public, having sex with just anyone? You should reserve it for yourselves. Don’t share it with strangers.”  I like this a lot.  Is this something we can teach young adults today?  Is this something we can teach ourselves?  Don’t have sex with just anyone – it is degrading to you.  Don’t share something so holy as sex with just anyone.  Save this holy bond for your spouse.  I once heard a powerful sermon where the pastor was preaching on “Don’t Quench the Spirit.”   And it was a powerful sermon on how we are so blessed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives as followers of Jesus.  And yet, we can quench, temporarily, the power of the Spirit in our life when we sin.  It is basically like turning our back on God when we sin.  And then we need to turn our faces forward again toward God in repentance.  And while we are sinning and turning our back on God, we have effectively quenched the Spirit.  And as I heard this sermon, I realized that sexual sin is one sure-fire quick way to quench the spirit.  We degrade ourselves through sexual sin and I believe we quench the spirit.  I don’t know if this line of thinking will help you at all if you are struggling with sexual sin.  But, it helps me.  It helps me to realize that the quick little temporary highs we think we might get off sexual sin are so not worth it.  What is worth quenching the Spirit in our life??  Is sexual sin?  Nope…  you know it’s not.  Living fully in communion with God and with the Holy Spirit is one of the most amazing things we can possibly experience this side of heaven.  Will you please, please, no longer quench the Spirit for the cheap lies sexual sins sells?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of Casting Crowns’ song, “All You’ve Ever Wanted:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWH2MkmQIMM

What do you want?  Click here for all you’ve ever wanted!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would pray with others regularly. Pray that you would gather with two or three others regularly, coming together in Jesus’ holy name.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  With my thoughts above on the serious topic of sexual sin – does anyone have any resources, books, websites, that you can recommend to folks that are struggling with sexual temptation or sin?  Have you seen people in your life be enslaved to sexual sin?  Hopefully you have also seen people also be freed from that enslavement through Jesus?  Do you think that sexual sin – lust, pornography, adultery, etc. – is a rampant issue in our society today?  Do you think it’s worse now than the past?  Or do you think sexual sin has always been an issue in the past and will be until Jesus returns again?  (Bob Deffinbaugh with bible.org’s essay on “Sex and the Spiritual Christian” based on 1 Corinthians 7 is at this link.) 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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 4:1-5:21
A couple of days back, to be precise, yesterday (my how time flies), I mentioned that I thought Moses’ reluctance to be sent by God wasn’t based on his Public Speaking talent or lack there of, but on the knowledge that he had committed a crime, he was a murderer. Guilt has a way of always sitting in the back our minds and coloring all our reasons we disguise as excuses, hmmm.
I have taken note of how many people, myself included, don’t really ask the question or state the true problem but the issue is couched in terms of, “I know somebody who …” or, we play ring-a-round-the-rosy in our attempt to avoid the true problem or question and hid behind our “stuff.” God has not of that and all though He doesn’t come right out and say what Moses’ issues are (Moses would probably deny them), He does not let Moses escape from His purpose. Think God is still doing that today?
I think we in the Western Cultures escape into new technologies, cell phones, blackberries, the got to stay in touch stuff, as an attempt to drown out the calling, the purpose God has assigned to each and every individual. We create our own ministries (our vocations/employment/careers) to run from our assigned ministry. I’m using ministry here in terms of service to the greater population. Everyone ministers in some way, even if that ministry is dedicated to serve evil it still is a ministry, a service to the fleshly nature or dedicated to the spiritual. “God I don’t want to do that so I’ll do this instead.”
Mike– and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”
(Matthew 19:5-6 NET.)
AND,
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Should I take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that anyone who is united with a prostitute is one body with her? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.”
(1 Corinthians 6:15-16 NET.)
These are but two of the four plus references in the Bible dealing with “sleeping” around. If you become “one” with those you “sleep” with, obviously, we are doing more than sleeping, and then you become tied to that person. I don’t know if this is a good analogy but when someone or something becomes one with gum or tar, in order to get it off whatever the gum is stuck to you take a little or a lot of the item that it is stuck to thus damaging the product or person. Sometimes the item can be healed, the skin or hair grows back, but many times the item, including the person is permanently scared or damaged.
I heard a preacher say that God doesn’t want you sleeping around with everybody because those you sleep with you become tied to and God doesn’t want you tied to all those spirits.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

Thanks a lot Ramona for the verses.On the mat 16:18 topic,I once heard a sermon that said the rock was the revelation of Holy spirit to Peter that Jesus was the Christ..it went on to say that the church is made up by believers(to whom the Holy spirit revealed Christ to so they became believers)who the make up the body of Christ…On Today’s reading,I saw a commentary that said ….the Lord met Moses(or Moses’s son)on biblegateway.com which seems they’re trying to say it was Moses’s son God wanted to kill…maybe I’m wrong…honestly I really don’t understand it…if God had wanted to kill Moses cos he hadn’t circumsised his son why would he reveal it to Zipporah who wasn’t hebrew(or in a relationship with God I guess) instead of telling Moses himself who may have known the customs of the hebrew people.
I started out on this bible study to get to know God more.I have heard alot of doctrines that didn’t just sound right..many teachers who have distorted the Word to suit their own purpose(or maybe just didn’t understand it to begin with)so I really want to know the truth so I can be safe from false doctrines..I’m about 2years in Christ…didn’t go to church before I got saved cos my folks where always talking about how pastors preached one thing and did another.
About sexual sin..I think there are things that we get ourselves out of ignorance,then we got a lot of baggage and some times strange spirits to deal with.Even as a new christian I have seen leaders in church who have led new converts astray.I think what may have helped me as a new christian was that I really wanted to get to know God and for about 6months I kept away from any relationship to get to know who the renewed me really was.
just a thought…if circumcision was the evidence of faith that the hebrews had and Moses didn’t circumcise his son for so long…then is it possible that he had actually stopped believing God.It shows in the way he tried to wriggle out of doing what God told him to…since with faith it is impossible to please God..could that be the reason God wanted to kill him…but then why kill him after the commission not before….I’m sorry I took quite a lot of space today.
God bless you all
Anka

======= Micah Girl:

As a part of pre-marital counseling/pastoring I know a pastor who always prays for God to break the extraneous “one flesh” bonds that our promiscuous generation has before getting married. I find that to be a very practical and very moving prayer.
Micah Girl

======= Luch:

Mike, I appreciate that you are including a broad view of the local church. You are obviously trying to make a point with your emphasis on being in community. And as I stated in a previous blog in our discussion around Matthew 16, I do not believe that Jesus limits us to ‘one pure view’ of what church should be. There are some irreducible minimums that need to exist. Different denominations throughout church history have emphasized what ‘they’ wanted to emphasize. As one of my seminary professors was fond of saying, “All theology is a matter of EMPHASIS”, and he would underscore the ’emphasis’ part. I believe he was quoting the great theologian Karl Barth. As I have gotten older I am coming to see that God has chosen to allow a great variety of basic Christian communities to exist and to flourish. Yancey’s booklet “Why bother with church?” convinced me that we’ll never find the ‘perfect church’but that we can still ask God to lead us to a ‘place’ that we can contribute to as well as ‘receive from’.
This relates well to the discussion around sexual purity. Most of the men and women I know (including myself) who have experienced what Francis Schaeffer calls “substantial healing’ have experienced it in the context of a safe community where they were able to ‘confess their sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed.’ (james 5:16) As well, Hebrews 3:12-13 tells us to exhort each other day after day lest anyone be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness, and fall away from the living God.” Here the hebrew writer says, ‘exhort day after day’ and keep an eye on each other ‘day after day’. It’s interesting that Christians like to emphasize Hebrews 10:24,25 “do not neglect the assembling of each other’but rarely have I heard many quote Hebrews 3:12-13 that tells us to ‘do church’ everyday.
Maybe if we brought this approach to our church life more people could experience the healing James offers.
Luch

====== Debby:

I have been looking for the words to ‘Moses’ the song written by Andre Crouch back in the 70s. If anyone would post it, the words really spoke to me about Moses’ experience at the burning bush.
“What’s that you got in your hand Moses? It’s just a rod….
….the rod of Moses became the rod of God.
What do YOU hold in your hands today? To whom or to what are you bound? Are you willing to give it to God right now? Give it up, throw it down, let it go.”
It was a tremendous message in its entirety.
Debby

====== Gavin:

A great blog and excellent resource for reading the word. I like your insight into the church, the people of God called to be a community to praise his name – I love the Church, and what the Bible declares about the people of God
Gavin

====== John:

Our church had a men’s retreat that focused on “Sexual sin”:
Featured the book: “THE WAR WITHIN”
and its author: Robert Daniels.
Excellant weekend, and the main tool to fight sexual sin in his book is Scripture memorization (and a lot of it!!!)
My worst place used to be the Internet. I got tired of backsliding every few months or so – prayed about it – and out of the blue an elder sugggested “Covenant Eyes” as an accountability tool. It works for me! Have bee faithful to God for 9 months.
According to studies: Porn industry in America is about $14 billion of $40 billion worldwide.
According to my Pastor- adult activity on the internet is the biggest problem amongst males he counsels from our church.
The reason Adult industry is worse now than before is the anonymity of the internet. People can go into their cave, go anywhere and see anything with no tangible proof og their transgression or real effort on their part.
John

====== Kim:

I had to re-read Ex 4:24 four times to be certain I read it right! I feel sorry for Moses. Before God made himself seen to him in the burning bush, he’s lived 80 years as an alien in both land and culture. Never really belonging with his Hebrew brothers or his adoptive Egyptian family and then living as an “Egyptian” (Ex 2:19)in a foreign land. Another good example for the importance of fellowship – EVERYONE wants to feel like they belong don’t they? It makes me wonder if he had any faith in the God of Abraham up to this point. He was perhaps “cut off” or confused by the faith of the Isrealites, hence the reason for not circumcising his son before. By the way, why was only one son circumcised when “sons” were taken back to Egypt(Ex 4:20)?
Remembering Moses was the author of this book, perhaps he was deathly ill, which led him to convince his wife, and judging by her comment to Moses, she was not an impressed partipant, to perform the deed in which his obedience of the covenant is the reason for his recovery. Only God knows. I’m grasping here because I thought how strange and contradictory this passage was. Strange ride indeed. Anyways, onward ho….
Kim

======= Mae:

You mention ‘sexual sin’… I’m going to Amsterdam in 2 hours. I’m going to spread God’s word in Amsterdam … THE center of sexual sin …if you ask me. Pornography, prostitution, sexsshops, sexclubs, toplessbars, etc. You name it and it’s in Amsterdam! I just wish it would stop, you know! I know there are people who say “You don’t have to be around those clubs, so mind your own business!”. They might be right, it’s their life and not mine. But there ARE girls in ‘this industry’ against their will and that’s awful! They meet someone who makes them a drug-addict, then all of a sudden they need to pay him back for the drugs and they have to work in the porno-industry to pay him back. It’s just terrible! Okay, not WHOLE Amsterdam is like this … Amsterdam is a wonderful city. But most parts of Amsterdam need a serious awakening!
You know, I was thinking about ‘sexual sin in the past’ this week. Remember how surprised I was to read about so much cases of polygamy in Genesis? At that time it was normal to have several wives … even God would bless them with children. So did God approve of the monogamy? I mean, I know there are things in the Bible that God didn’t approve. So what about the monogamy? Does anyone know? I think sexual sin has always been an issue, see when Potifars wife wanted to seduce Joseph, quite early in Genesis. I mean, she KNEW she was wrong! I think sexual sin these days is more extreme than in the past.
I hope people can wake up one day and realize it’s a sin … People talk about phonesex, cybersex, adultry like it’s nothing!!!!! But come on!!! Wake up!!!!!!!!!!!! How can anyone think adultry is okay????
Psalm 22:22 stood out for me today “Then I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.” I love praising the Lord with my brothers and sisters from church! Today we’re going to Amsterdam, helping out our brother and sister, trying to make the people from Amsterdam going to their church! We declare our love for Jesus Christ in public today! I can’t wait!!!!
Mae

====== Jenny:

Our Exodus readings start off with Moses making excuses. Was he really seeking to be defiant or generally concerned that he couldnt do it, not realizing he wasnt to do it, but God’s power in Him. Sometimes no matter what our reasoning is, we need to step out in faith. God told him He would be with him, then Moses was arguing with God, who anger burned within Him, this anger was because Moses wasnt being obediant. God said ‘go’, moses said ‘i cant’ God said ‘you can’. that should be the end, but no moses continues, ‘no God, i really cant’. I think we’ve all been there, not seeing how God could do it so we try to get out of it. But if God says, go, you can, we better go. This just reminds me how patient and merciful God is with us.
In vs 21 God said concerning Pharoh, “But I will harden his heart”. I got in a discussion once with ppl concerning this, does God harden hearts? Well I believe God doesnt go against human will, but I beleive God uses things in our lives to test us…when the testing goes through it will possibly harden or soften our heart, so I dont beleive God took a sweet man and hardened his heart, but allowed things to occur that showed his heart, it was hardened already, but it was further hardened by Moses’ plea..
In Matt v 6, we get a very stern warning from God concerning children: “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” God loves children so much, literal children and doesnt take harming a child lightly at all. If anyone leads a God loving child away from the faith, he will receive a terrible punishment. I think children today are being led away and its so awful to see. Things today are way more escalated then wen i was a child only 20 yrs ago. There are so many abductions, molestations, sex slavery of children, pornography of children!!! I believe God has a special place in hell for those who harm children. I’m sure none of us reading this can phathom hurting a child like this, its so demonic and evil.
In ch 15 we read what to do if our brother sins against us or is in sin and we need to confront him. We arent to gossip and spread it around, we are to talk to this person in private, if they will not listen take this matter to others, not just anyone, but ppl of God to confront the person, not to anger or humiate the brother, but in order to seek and restore.
Gosh, I dont know any good books regarding sexual sin, i know my dad has some he uses for his counseling work. Honestly, i dont think we need special books or websites for our personal sin, we need the word of God, which i believe is sufficient. We need a solid relationship with Him. God alone has the power to free us from sin, we have to desire to be set free and God will free us. We definately need accountability, talking to pastors counselors, brothers/sisters in Christ. But one thing i know, we need to lay things down at His feet.
Sexual sin is actually probly not getting worse, but we are hearing about it more, have access to it more, tv, movies, internet, all our technology while good is used for evil as well. prostitutes, fornication, homosexuality, adultry, incest, beastiality, this has all been around for ages, but i think we hear about it more now b’cos of technology…it is certainly easier to get caught up in i think bcos of its previlance. I’ve been innocently going to websites and boom, porno pops up. this happened to me at my college library once, which is bizarre bcos bad websites are blocked. I was innocently doing reseaerch and a filthy page popped up…i immediatly tried to close it…i was so embarressed bcos i was sure the ppl on computers behind me would see. God knew i didnt mean to do it, but others would think i was a lil perv, haha. but the windows wouldnt close, i started panicing but finally got it all closed. but somehow it all slipped through the parental control filters. So in that, in the ease of obtaining sinful material n the acceptance of certain sinful lifestyles is increasing.
Jenny

====== Lisa:

My son and I have worked with an organization that exist to educate young people on Biblical-principled sex. The greater the distance between a family and God, it seems the greater chance that a young person would not see themselves as worthy and set apart for His purposes. So, it seems to me, the second best god is self. People obey their human drives and passions without the plan of the Bible. What can we expect? Being right with God, family and community, in that order, applies here also. “I Kissed Dating Goodbye” and “Stop Dating the Church” are good books by Joshua Harris. I’ve also heard that “When God writes your Love Story” is a good book.
Lisa

======= Elizabeth:

Hello,
Regarding the sexual sin issue…I’m not ashamed to admit that my husband had a porn addiction early in our marriage. I think a lot of healing comes when people are willing to bring their “stuff” out into the open so that others can follow their steps and find help.
Anyway, I found the experience to be very damaging to my self-esteem–it’s an extremely personal and this is part of why sexual sin is so damaging.
The book “Affair of the Mind” by Laurie Hall was tremendously helpful and encouraging to me at the time. It’s written by a woman who’s husband was enslaved to porn (and then physical infidelity as a consequence) and the journey she went through to understand the addiction and fight for their marriage.
From a man’s perspective, there’s “Every Man’s Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Step at a Time” by Stephen Arterburn. I’d recommend this one as well.
There’s also a book out there on sexuality for women in general called “Intimate Issues: 21 Questions Christian Women Ask About Sex.”
I found these all to be great resources–godly and wise insight worth pondering.
Just wanted to also say…
Lisa–I enjoyed your comment about how the second best god is self and agree that when there is distance between a family and God that we leave our children wide-open to attack from the culture and the Enemy.
I think this was true for me as a teenage girl–I was searching for my identify through relationship with men instead of understanding that my true identity could only be found in Him.
Kim, I felt similarly about the circumcision episode–I find the abruptness in the phrasing here BIZARRE…
“On the way to Egypt, at a place where Moses and his family had stopped for the night, the LORD confronted him and was about to kill him.” Exodus 4:24
Sometimes you feel like you missed a page or something-it’s wild how things turn on a dime in the Bible, especially in the OT. Just a few verses before this, the Lord is trying to build Moses up for the work He has for him and then suddenly….
Anyway…you are funny with your “onward ho!” I feel that way too. It’s refreshing to me that the Bible has loose ends like this…it reflects a God that we can’t come to the bottom of!
Also, I enjoyed the Jars of Clay video today and see it as connected to Moses too: Moses struggled primarily with a crisis of faith. Interesting that as a young man he was passionate about avenging the abuse of the Hebrews (Exodus 2:11-15)–he was a rash spitfire then! But the Lord doesn’t have a use for him until later, when he’s softened and full of reservation–ironic!
Elizabeth

====== Jim:

Hi Mike,
I recommend “Love, Sex, and Lasting Relationships” by Chip Ingram. This is a great book written on biblical principles of doing relationships God’s way, and help with learning how to remain sexually pure in our sex-saturated society.
Jim

======= Duane:

Yes,I totally agree with you about sexual sin. This has been a real battle all my life. It is the battlefield of the mind. I was exposed to pornogery when I was about 12 to 13 years old and it held me in bondage for about 10 years after I receive Christ as savior.My problem, was shame. I didn’t want anyone to know,therefor I thought I wasn’t normal to be a christain and yet strugle in this area. About 2 years ago, my friend at church ask me to assist him with Celabrate Recovery. This ministry has turned out to quite a blessing A book that I stumbled on that has really ministered to me is Every Man’s Battle. This is a must read for men who are looking for freedom in this area of their lives.
Duane

====== Guy:

HI Mike. Thanks again for your blog. Love reading it every day. You missed the point totally on Matthew 18:20 and have to admit that most do as well, including most pastors. Look at the context of the verses. Jesus is talking about disciplining a brother, not church gathering per say. Many use this verse to say that God listeners to prayers more when more people are involved, again not true. Regarding church discipline, the saddest part of church today, if we can call it that, it that there is no discipline. The leaders don’t want to scare people away of offend them, but is extremely important. If not, the world takes over the church, which has happened to most churches. Thanks again for your blog Mike. God bless you my friend and brother.
Guy

====== Frederick:

Exodus 4:3b-4
Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it. 4 Then the LORD said to him, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.” So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.
I learned from a pastor that Moses was excising his faith towards God when God commanded him to take the snake by the tail. In verse 3b, Moses ran from the snake, signifying that he was afraid of the snake. But he obeyed God to take it by the tail, which was dangerous as the snake might turn its head and bit Moses.
4:13
13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
Compare Moses’ response at his early encounter with God with Exodus 33:18.
18 Then Moses said, “Now show me your glory.”
Exodus 4:11
11 The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD?
This verse made me think of Jesus’ healing work in the New Testament time. Jesus healed a blind person and the disciples asked Jesus if it was due to the blind person’s sin or his parents’ sin. Jesus answered that it was not due to the blind person’s sin nor his parents. But rather, it was for the glory of God.
I once worked for the mentally handicapped. It just came to my mind sometimes that why God allowed some of his creations to be mentally handicapped. There is no easy answer to this question. But as God said in Exodus 4:11, God made ‘them deaf or mute’. The maker has every right to make a pricey vase or an ordinary vase out of a pottery. Perhaps, Nick’s example can show that the meaning of life goes beyond disabilities and illness, etc.. It is your relationship with Jesus that matters. As Jesus said in the Gospels, it is rather having one eye less / one hand less to enter into Heaven than having a full body that sins and enters Hell. (in Matthew 18:8-9, today’s reading).
Frederick

======= Jeff:

Moses was so reluctant to follow God’s plan for him to lead, EVEN THOUGH GOD WAS SPEAKING DIRECTLY TO HIM. How much harder is it for us to discern God’s will for ourselves? God has never spoken directly to me. I don’t feel that God has even spoken to me in a dream. Or even whispered in my ear. So, the bottom line is I don’t know God’s will for me. This perpetual cycle of praying and then listening (and then not hearing any answers) is sure a frustrating situation. I am trying to follow God’s will, but as you can tell, I am very conflicted about whether or not I’m on the right path — Please give me some feedback God!
Jeff

====== Richard:

Hi Jeff, the first way of knowing and doing God’s will is in His words. Knowing the word of God and obeying it is knowing God’s will and doing it. God speaks to us in different ways but one sure way is through His word. Ask yourself whenever you’re in a situation what does God’s word say about this? The truth is that when you keep obeying God through His word then with time you’re spirit will begin to discern his voice speaking to you and even audibly. I have never heard God speak audibly but I have felt a strong impression on my heart concerning God’s will and it has never failed me. stick to the word bro.
Richard

======= Ron:

Only by the grace of God that I believe that this time God has heal me of sexual sin. There is nothing that I did myself to fight sexual sin but with God’s grace and mercy and Him on my side could this be done. But yes, you have to Truly want to be fully done with it. Totally!!!!! Humble yourself fully before God and He will be there!!!
Ron

======== David:

What stood out most to me today was the below.
Mat 18:19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.
I always thought when this verse was referred to that anytime two or more people agree in prayer it would be done. This was confusing to me. But now that I know from John MacArthur note it is referring to what Jesus was talking about which was Church discipline. Not just two people getting together and requesting something. I know that there is power when true believers get together and pray, but this is not a verse saying you can ask someone to pray with you and then you can get what you want bible verse.
MacArthur:
if two of you agree on earth. This promise applies to the issue of discipline discussed in verses Mat_18:15-17. The “two of you” spoken of here harks back to the two or three witnesses involved in step two of the discipline process.
David

======== Carol:

Sin has always been with us but a big difference I am seeing in my lifetime is that now sin is being celebrated, marched around, shown off…proudly, whereas before, it was hidden, because people knew they were doing wrong, based on The Bible, their childhood teachings from parents, Church and school. I remember Billy Graham saying…years ago…about people in the 70’s hanging their dirty laundry out and I am now seeing that dirty laundry actually being waved as a banner…up and down the street. And them changing God’s Word to fit into their own idea of who God and Jesus are, so they can sin without remorse, regret or having their conscience touched in any way. God is this namby pamby God to them that just wants us to be happy.
Carol

======= Jeff:

Very good observation Ramona about Moses’ reluctance to confront Pharoah possibly not because of his speaking ability but because of his FEAR of retribution for his killing of the Egyptian (see Ex. 2:11-12).
Interesting that Moses’ killing of the Egyptian didn’t deter God from speaking directly to Moses and selecting him to be the one to confront Pharoah to release the Hebrew captives. Also interesting that Moses’ reluctance to follow God’s plan (even after God provides him with multiple miracle-producing powers) causes God to get ANGRY with him.
Jeff

======= Alan:

Celebrate Recovery was a good group for me some time ago for an addiction to internet pornography. The steps and whole program was very helpful for me and many others. Thank God for Grace.
Alan

======= Imja:

This passage of scripture reminds me of how Moses met with God in the Tent of Meeting. Moses had an intimate relationship/friendship with our Father and shared constant conversation as friends.
It’s mind blowing to think God is longs for us to talk to Him. Thank you Jesus!
Imja

====== Dee:

Per your conversation Mike, I do believe sin is more rampant today than ever before. Especially sexual sin. Our world like they say in the bible are in a state of confusion where evil is known as good and good is known as evil. Even our youth I just recently had to go to the office with two young men in my classroom who were talking perverse towards me and being rude and disrespectful. Not sure how to solve the matters of sin of the sexual kind but just prayer, true deliverance and need to be in church and a good solid foundation only Jesus and the Word can give us.
Ex 4:1-5:21
So the first confrontation with Pharoah and Moses/Aaron was today. I look @ Moses actions and he was a bit of a complainer and a procrastinator-begged not to go-“I’m not good with words-get tongue-tied-they won’t believe me-etc” And what struck me is his trip on way to Egypt-all that persuasion and then the Lord was about to kill Moses-for his lack of following directions pertaining to obediance/coventry-his son wasn’t circumsized-it seemed like the Lord warned him-he again was hesitant and just just before killing him-his wife stepped up and made it right for him.
Matt 18:1-20
Jesus reminds us that the least of these is the greatest of these -His Kingdom is opposite of our mentality-a little child is greatest in his eyes than someone who just thinks he’s greater or “done more” than others -You can’t earn your status or placement in Kingdom of God-and he rejoices over one lost sheep more so than 99 already there-opposite thinking in Kingdom.
Ps 22:19-31
Talks about the Lord feeding the poor and the whole earth will acknowledge Him and return to him. Praise God!
Proverbs 5:15-21
Stay faithful to your bride of your youth. Do not sin! It’s not worth it. God sees all and knows all. Don’t sin!
Be blessed
Dee

====== Robert:

Exodus 4:1-5:21 Moses Credibility
Bob Deffinbaugh says,
“I have been rather hard on Moses, and I believe that the text (which Moses wrote) is making his weakness and unbelief clear. As an inveterate coward, let me say a word or two in behalf of Moses. Have you ever had to face a group of skeptics and convince them that God sent you, based upon a conversation you had with a bush? I find it easy to understand why Moses feared that no one would believe his story. People don’t stand around talking to burning bushes. That this was unusual was an evidence of its significance. It is also something which is difficult to convince others is true.”
I really like how Moses show his vulnerability and is up front with his faults. In particular 4:24 where the Lord was about to kill him! Thanks Mike for your insight about how Moses had to keep the Covenant of circumcision before facing Pharaoh. Take care of his sin so to speak. I also like how Moses wrote about Zipporah having the perception and taking the decisive action here. Interesting how the rebuke is included. Something we always have to face in light of our sin. Moses life is a great study in Leadership and it’s good to know we can turn to it for direction, when we are faced with challenges. Just don’t tell people you talked to a burning bush……or maybe you should!
Dee. Sorry to hear about your students being disrespectful. I hope and pray that you find a solution. It is so cool you are a Teacher, with a Christian perspective! In some ways it speaks to Mathews comments about children. The Christian vocation is to grab teaching moments and to show how true greatness is found in humble service.
Robert

======== Mitch:

Moses was not just making excuses, he was flat out lying (see Acts 7:22 and Egyptian sources also indicate Moses was an accomplished orator). Why? IMO he had been beaten down for forty years in an exiled (by choice) and in lowly shepherding job – like the clay being smashed down by the potter. Moses was smashed. God was patient through his lies and reluctance, but in the end in strong words told Moses to head out. Note: before beating on Moses, do we (and I know I have) lied and made excuses to get out of things. May God push and lead us all to what a believer should be doing in this world.
Throwing down the rod (Hebrew is scepter) to me paints a picture of man’s authority being thrown down (taken away) and sin (serpent should remind us of garden) released in the world. Then through God’s (Holy Spirit) power sin (serpent) is picked up (defeated) and authority (the rod) is given to Jesus – having defeated sin and ruling with the rod (scepter). Just the thought I had while reading.
Note in Psalm 22:24 – God had not forsaken the suffering one (may have felt like it), but was there all along hearing and being there for Jesus (this is a messianic psalm).
Mitch

Exodus 2:11-3:22 + Matthew 17:10-27 + Psalm 22:1-18 + Proverbs 5:7-14
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Old Testament – Well, I debated posting up this water color of Moses killing the Egyptian from chapter 2 today, but the image probably captures things accurately enough.  We cannot hide from some of the things in the Bible that are not squeaky clean & perfect.  The Bible is not always squeaky clean & perfect in terms of the behaviors of people in the Bible.  Life is not always squeaky clean & perfect.  However God will ultimately make us squeaky clean & perfect – forever.  And in this life God can even redeem Moses after this act:

Please do read up more on this act of Moses’ in chapter 2 at bible.org at this link.  At this link you’ll see this line: “We dare not seek to defend Moses in the murder of the Egyptian, no matter how cruel he may have been. Moses’ act was in defiance of the authority of Egypt, and it was premeditated murder (“he looked this way and that,” v. 12). While Moses’ method of dealing with this problem was wrong, we can see that his motivation was commendable. Moses sought to defend the oppressed. When he sought to rebuke his Hebrew brother for wrongly mistreating another Hebrew (v. 13), Moses revealed, once again, the disposition of a deliverer.”  Moses was 40 years old when he killed the Egyptian.  Moses then escapes to Midian – an area on the eastern side of the Red Sea that was very dry and desolate.  Moses ends up living in Midian for 40 years:

In Chapter 3 today God speaks to Moses through the burning bush!  What I love about this is in verse 4: “When the LORD saw that he had caught Moses’ attention…” It seems like Moses probably could have seen this burning bush – and kept going.  He could have somehow walked on by – maybe because he had to get the flocks back home or he was late for dinner or who knows what.  He could have missed the adventure and the calling of his life.  But he doesn’t.  He stops.  He investigates.  He has a conversation with God.  God caught his attention.  And I wonder in our lives today, is God trying to catch our attention?  Is God trying to tell us something important?  And are we just passing God by – or will we stop and investigate and have a conversation with God?

Exodus 3:14 is a biggee in today’s readings as Moses asks God who he should tell the Hebrews who sent him: “God replied, “I AM WHO I AM. Just tell them, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” I AM WHO I AM  translates into Yahweh in Hebrew.  I read a great little commentary that said when God speaks of himself, he says “I AM”.  When we speak of God we should say “He is.”  I like that.  He is.  I actually heard a sermon recently about the unchanging nature of God.  He is omniscient.  Omni-present.  Eternal.  He is wisdom.  He cannot learn anything, because He knows everything.  He is.  The Hebrew letters yud, hey, vav, hey (below) — often depicted in English as YHWH or Yahweh — spell the ineffable name of God:

Another powerful thing to note is that Jesus uses this same phrase of I AM and nearly gets stoned to death for sharing this truth in the Gospel of John chapter 8 verses 58 & 59: ““I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” At this, they picked up stones to stone him, but Jesus hid himself, slipping away from the temple grounds.”  Do you believe that Jesus is? So – when God says I AM! – what is our response?  He is!  🙂  I like that.   He is.  A great commentary on the Burning Bush & I AM in Exodus chapter 3 is at bible.org at this link.

New Testament – Today in Matthew chapter 17 verse 20 stood out to me: “”You didn’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them. “I assure you, even if you had faith as small as a mustard seed you could say to this mountain, `Move from here to there,’ and it would move. Nothing would be impossible.””  As I think about this verse, I wonder about my own faith.  How much faith do I really have?  Do I have enough faith in Jesus?  And in all of God’s promises?  Or – am I hedging my bets?  Do I also place a lot of faith in my own power?  My own skills?  My own “smarts”?   Do I truly have complete faith in Jesus and Jesus alone?  If so, and if it was Jesus’ will, do I believe that I could move mountains?  Could you?   I don’t think that this idea of not having enough faith means that I need to “try harder” in any way.  I think it means I simply need to depend more – rest more – relax more – give more – to Jesus.  Trust in Jesus.  Trust that his grace is enough…  As a great Chris Tomlin song goes – “All of you is more than Enough, for all of me.”  Is Jesus more than enough for you?

Verses 25 & 26 are awesome as Peter is about to ask Jesus about the Temple Tax: “But before he had a chance to speak, Jesus asked him, “What do you think, Peter? Do kings tax their own people or the foreigners they have conquered?” “They tax the foreigners,” Peter replied. “Well, then,” Jesus said, “the citizens are free!””  Here we see that Jesus is recognizing himself as the King – and his disciples are his citizens who should not have to pay the tax.  But – as to not offend those who did not realize that Jesus was the King, Jesus tells Peter where to find a coin, in the fish’s mouth, to pay the tax. 

Psalms – Psalm 22 is an amazing Psalm!  This Psalm is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament.  Re-read this Psalm again and see if you see parallels to Jesus’ crucifixion?  There are a lot in this Psalm.   I’ll list a few – Psalm 22:1a was quoted by Jesus on the cross – “My God, my God! Why have you forsaken me?”  As we see in Matthew 27:46 – “About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?”–which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 

Psalm 22 Verse 8: “”Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!”” We see in similar fashion in Matthew 27:42-43: ““He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the King of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’ ”

Psalm 22 verses 16 & 17 make me want to cry… “They have pierced my hands and feet. I can count every bone in my body.” The piercing of the hands and feet of Jesus are apparent with how the crucifixion took place.  And these Psalm 22 verses are similar to John 19:33-37: “But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe. These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.””

And Psalm 22 verse 18: “They divide my clothes among themselves and throw dice for my garments.” Compare to John 19:23-24 – “When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took his clothes, dividing them into four shares, one for each of them, with the undergarment remaining. This garment was seamless, woven in one piece from top to bottom. “Let’s not tear it,” they said to one another. “Let’s decide by lot who will get it.””

Proverbs – Proverbs chapter 5 verses 12-14 are some sad verses to imagine saying in our lives: “”How I hated discipline! If only I had not demanded my own way! Oh, why didn’t I listen to my teachers? Why didn’t I pay attention to those who gave me instruction? I have come to the brink of utter ruin, and now I must face public disgrace.””  Do you love or hate discipline?  Do you demand your own way?  Are you listening to your teachers today?  Who are your teachers today?  Who is disciplining you?  For Whom will you not demand your own way?

Worship Video:  Based on Psalm 22’s look at what Jesus endured for us, it seems appropriate to share Shane and Shane singing “Power of the Cross:”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g235W2Ef7J0

Do you know how much your sin cost?  Click here for the saving Cross!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'” Exodus 3:14 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you would know God truly as the great I AM. Pray that God would be your personal I AM each and every day. Pray that our world would come to know God and Jesus as the only one and true I AM.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  I realize that reading Psalm 22 and seeing some of the images I posted up can evoke a lot of emotions.  I am wondering, how often do you meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death?  Do you do this just around Good Friday / Resurrection Sunday each year?  Or more often?  How do you meditate upon the Lord’s passion and death?  Are passion plays, movies, or books helpful for you to do this?  Or are their other things you read or watch or do?  Do you think we should or should not meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death more often than once a year?  Why or why not?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

Exodus 2:11-3:22
I will probably come back to Mike question/thought of the day this evening, but know I need to address something I’ve just seen in the text, two things, that I’ve never considered before.
Moses, knowing he was adopted, seeing the life he had led as an adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, and seeing the life of his biological people, chose to identify with slaves although he had not completely thrown off the comforts of being raised in the household of Pharaoh. Got used his act of murder to begin the removal of his identification to the palace and his privilege, He kicked him out of the “boat.” Moses also must have understood or knew his purpose as Israel’s deliver; however, he didn’t have a clue on how that was to be achieved.
I think many of us have some inkling, some vision, of what our purpose is; however, because we don’t know how that is to be fulfilled, we go off and do our own thing and mess up royally. We then don’t set goals (see Jan. 24th) because we are afraid to mess up again. Based on Moses’ story we see that God can have us go at least forty years to get the Egypt out of us although we are out of Egypt.
I also now think that Moses’ reluctance to go back to Egypt and lead his people out was not based on some self-perceived speech impediment, but based on his knowledge that he was a murderer. Even after forty years, people have long memories and I’m sure if someone in the palace committed murder, even if the people around at the time die off, the records would clearly record that even. After all inquiring minds want to know. People love to see the might fall. Hmmm!
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Anka:

does anyone have any explanation for math 16:28…a lot of times unbelievers say Jesus never did keep his word…I wondered if he was refering to the transfiguration that took place 6days after…but then he said “the son of man coming in his kingdom” so it can’t be….Deep down i believe there is truth to that verse that i just can’t see…I’d really like to have the opinions of others…..sorry I know it was yesterday’s reading but I just can’t help wondering….
God bless you all
Anka

====== Ramona:

Anka–I belive you must look at that verse with a different understanding of what Jesus’ Kingdom is. There are two. There is the Kingdom, geographical, that will arrive upon Jesus’ Second Coming or Advent. Then there is the Kingdom that has been placed in the heart of every Believer. Theologians chime in on this especially if I’m wrong.
I have to get ready to get out of my house to head off to work (I’m still in my P.Js.), so I don’t have the time now to give scriptures. However, Jesus states this Himself when He tells people at different points in the texts; The Kingdom of God/Heaven is “near” you.
Ramona

======= Anka:

anka,
I think you are right that the verse applies to the transfiguration. If you look at the Greek words for “coming” (Gk. erchomai) and “kingdom” (Gk. basileia) and tweak them with alternate meanings, then perhaps the verse reads like this:
“Verily I say unto you, There are some standing here, who shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man appearing in his royal majesty.”
Peter and John commented on the transfigurion:
2peter 1:16-18
“We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only…”
On the mount, to those three (some), Jesus pulled back the veil and gave them a display of the glory He had promised.
Anka

====== Anka:

thanks Ramona and John.When I watched the passion I think it was the first time I actually came to understand what my sin cost…I think we should think more about Christ’s death as many times as we can in appreciation of just hateful sin was to God that it made him decide to pay such a price…also how much Jesus loved people enough to ask for their forgiveness even though they treated him so badly.
God bless you all
Anka

====== Claire:

Am I understanding this correctly…in Matthew Ch. 11:14…is Jesus telling them that John the Baptist is really Elijah re-incarnated? Which had been prophesized earlier? My friend Pat and I are truly “into” a lot of GREAT DISCUSSIONS over this Bible Study. Thanks for giving us this opportunity Mike.
Claire

====== Ramona:

Claire,
I read that verse as not the re-incarnate of Elijah, but the spirit of Elijah. Elijah proclaimed in the desert and he spoke out what was in and a sin, even to a king, Ahab (I Kings 17). In other words what they did in society was prepare the people to receive the soon coming King of kings.
But don’t take my word, stick around and read along with us.
Ramona

======= Mich:

what’s the significance of the fish? why is peter told he’ll find the money there?
Mich

====== Ramona:

Mich,
I’m not sure if there is anything significant about the fish except fishing was Peter’s occupation. Jesus sent him to do something that he knew and with what he was familiar. I guess you can extrapolate out that Jesus will use us in our occupations to take care of our financial obligations. Did you notice that Jesus told him to look in the mouth of the “first” fish? You don’t use the word first if you mean only so Jesus was expecting Peter to do a little work.
Ramona

====== Andrew:

Re Mike’s question about “The Passion of the Christ”: ‘helpful’ is a rather weak word to describe its impact. It certainly gave me a much deeper awareness of what the crucifixion invloved. For quite some time after, images from the film came to mind whenever we sang worship songs and hymns about Jesus’ sacrifice.
So far, I have not been able to steel myself to watch it a second time.
“But so that we may not offend them, go to the lake and throw out your line. Take the first fish you catch; open its mouth and you will find a four-drachma coin. Take it and give it to them for my tax and yours.” Mat 17:27
” … so that we may not offend them …” Why was it important not to offend them? Jesus was not shy about offending the Scribes and Pharisees. Why were the temple tax collectors not to be offended? Was it because they were well meaning guys innocently doing their bit to serve God as they saw best?
Andrew

====== John:

Andrew –
Re: not offending them…
A plausible answer to that question was given in a sermon in Arizona. Excerpted below.
Summary: Before the tax incident: Disciples exhibiting some big egos and “PRIDE”, then you see Jesus’ unwarranted humility and instructions to Peter (Jesus sets an example), followed by Jesus’ teaching or remarks on the matter to disciples.
The pattern: PROBLEM – EXAMPLE – TEACHING
“it is worth pointing out that this particular episode falls between two episodes recorded for us in Mark. On the way back to Capernaum from their encounter with the demon-possessed boy and his father, the text we considered last Lord’s Day, Mark tells us that the disciples fell to arguing about which one of them was the greatest. When they got back to Capernaum, the Lord brought their argument up and asked them about it. That is the subject of our next paragraph, Matthew 18:1-9. So, taking Mark and Matthew together, it seems that the conversation on the road to Capernaum about which of the disciples was the greatest, occurred just before this conversation between the Lord and Peter about the temple tax, and the Lord’sresponse to their conversation took place just after it.
In other words, on both sides of this conversation about the temple tax was the demonstration of the disciples’ pride. They were arguing among themselves, in the first instance, about which of them was the greatest and, in the second instance, the Lord was teaching them not to think more highly of themselves than they ought to think and to love and practice humility before others. Pride is in the air at this moment in Capernaum.
It is not difficult to see that Jesus is dealing with that pride in his discussions with Peter about the temple tax just as he will deal with his disciples about the same thing in his next remarks.If a man is arguing in public that he is greater than some other man – and, somehow we expect that Peter was in the thick of that argument – and if that argument is between believers, well,they have lost sight of something supremely important and need to be slapped up the side of thehead. And that is what the Lord does. He tells Peter and the disciples in no uncertain terms that he had rights that he never claimed precisely to do good to others. That man who is worrying about his status and his station, the man who wants to be above others, in that moment and in that attitude is no follower of Jesus Christ. That spirit is the exact opposite of the spirit of a man who forgets himself and his rights and his reputation in order to do good to others and help them.What the Lord is going to need from Peter and the other disciples, and, thankfully, what he will eventually get from them, is a spirit of self-denial, a humility that frees them to forget themselves so that they can live and act and speak on behalf of others.”
I prefer to focus on the Ressurection.
I have watched “The Passion of the Christ” four times: once at the theater, three times on DVD at home. the Brutality does help me to remember the price paid by Christ.
John

====== Peggy:

In todays reading Proverbs
5:21 For a man’s ways are in full veiw, stood out to me. It made me think about that old saying, actions speak louder than words. I printed it out so that I could remind myself, that before I say or do something God is watching. Thanks for your teaching today.
Peggy

======== Jen:

Psalms 22
Even though at times God may feel far away He never is.
He is always there
Which is very reassuring and worth remembering when we are down
Another thing worth remembering is that God uses us the most when we are down
10From the day I was born, I have been in your care, and from the time of my birth, you have been my God.
I wondered whether this could also apply to when we commit ourselves to God. I know that since my baptism on the 17th of May 1998 a day before my 28th birthday that He has been my Lord.
As I was reading the Psalm again it suddenly struck me that its talking about Jesus and what happened to Him on the cross. I was very surprised that I hadn’t picked up on that on my 1st reading.
I meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death a lot. Especially since seeing the movie. That really effected me. Yes we should meditate upon Jesus’ passion and death more often than once a year. It was the most important to ever happen. We need to remember just what Jesus did. I also think about as I have communion each Sunday.
Jen

====== Anka:

I guess we see love at it’s greatest…Jesus dying for our sins.I cried when I saw the movie…there are a lot of people who critise the way it was done but I believe the sufferings of Christ were real…if He could feel hunger,thirst,then He felt every lash of the whip,He felt the pain of being nailed to that cross….and Jesus didn’t deserve to die like that,He had no sin.
Today,many people look at God as a indifferent to what goes on in the world,we question His love for us when we are sick,bereaved,when we see children go through war and poverty.And we try to understand why a loving God would allow it to happen.
Israel was opressed 400years in Egypt,I’m sure most of them turned to other gods since God seemed to no longer care,there were people who were born into slavery and died slaves…We may not know the reason for God’s silence during our afflictions but He sees it all,He knows it all because He’s been aflicted Himself because of us….
God bless you all
Anka

======= Julie:

the more we meditate on the death and passion of Christ, the more repentant we become; the more sensitive and pliable we are for our Potter.
Julie

====== Mae:

The story of Moses is just so wonderful to read … I can keep reading it on and on! I loved 2:23, the last part “… and their cry rose up to God”. What a beautiful thought; when we need God, when we talk to him, when we cry, when we worship Him … it will all rise up to Him. We know that of course, but to read it like that, gave me the chills. Good chills!!
Chapter 3, with the burning bush was just amazing!!! I read verse 6 “When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God”. He covered his face? Why did he cover his face? Did he think he was not worth it to look at God? Or was he ashamed, cause of his sin? What a wonderful way to have a converstation with God … at a burning bush … The Dutch Bible talks about a blackberry-bush.
Psalm 22 is really inspiring to read! I love both Psalm 22 and 23 … there’s so much to read in those Psalms! Verse 8 kept going through my mind “Is this the one who relies on the Lord? Then let the Lord save him! If the Lord loves him so much, let the Lord rescue him!”. It made my toes curl … it sounds just so sarcastic. This is what I hear a lot when people talk about religion “Oh really? So you believe in God? Let him make this a better world instead of all the wars that are going on! If you’re His children, then He should save you!”. Little they know …. Verses 16, 17 and 18 are terrible … I don’t even want to put them down here …
I think about it a lot how and why Jesus died. I never meditated upon it … not because I don’t want to. But because I don’t know how to. I know how to meditate, but I never meditate upon the Lord. For very personal reasons. It sounds weird. I know I will meditate upon the Lord in the future, but it’s too early for me now.
Mae

====== Jenny:

A point to make in Moses killing the Egyptian…he looked right and left. BUT, He didnt look up! We cannot get away with wrongdoing, if we do somthing cause we think no one is watching, we are wrong, the Lord is watching!
I like Ex 2:24-25 “God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob. 25 So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.”
God hears our groaning. Even wen we dont pray outright to God, the spirit intercedes for us and speaks through groanings n supplications to God. thats amazing to me! I love how it says, God was concerned for them. In this same way, He loves us and is concerned with all we go through! its amazing the God of the universe is concerned with me!
Another thing, Moses was concerned because He wasnt sure how God could use Him, he had a speech immediment, possibly a stutter. God will use who He wills and will equip them. My own dad has dyslexia n was called a dummy back in school n had to drop out of high school. to this day he has “i’m a dummy’ mentality and is often wondering why he cant read and write well, but my dad is a man of God and he has been used by God is such an awesome way..my dad is sooo blessed. He’s a tecaher at his church, gives sermons sometimes, has done mission work, does church counseling, did prison ministories and sooo much…every day he is working on something of the Lord. God gave him talent as an artist and he is skilled with his hands in making things. I see a man who is sooooo blessed and used by God, not a dummy, but a man of wisdom and perserverance. God equips those He calls. We may feel we have limitations, but often those limitations are HUGE blessings and inspirations to others! satan may tell us we are no good or useless, but God is not limited by anything!
I definately think about what Christ did for me every day. I mean, I’m soooo grateful. when we really study it at church and get into His suffering, it really hurts b’cos I love the Lord so much, my sweet Jesus, and hurts all the more that He did that for ME! and all of us.
We are currently in the book of John at church sunday nights, we are nearing the time of His crusifixion and it really does get me, i do lose it at church too. when I saw the Passion of the Christ, (yes, i was full on sobbing uncontrollably in the theater) but i was thinking, I couldnt go through that. Do I love anyone that much??? I dont think i honestly can give an affirmative. Would anyone besides Christ do that for me?? I highly doubt it, which makes His love more amazing. It defies human reasoning,…in fact many none of us will ever FULLY grasp His love for us until we see Him.
BUT, knowing Christ is more then an emotional experince. I know many nonbelievers who saw the Passion and cried, but that was it. They didnt “get” that they had a choice to make after seeing what Jesus did for us. What are we doing with Jesus? We cant just cry and say what a good man, He died of the whole world! well, only those who receive the gift are benefactors and heirs. we cant go on living ungodly lives thinking, ‘Jesus died for me, I’m safe. back to living for self’ What are we doing about that? We are called to deny ourselves, pick up our cross and follow Him.
I think we can all say discipline is not pleasant in any way. But i love it!! (afterwards!!) I need His correction. His discipline proves I’m His child. if i was getting away with wrong, thats something to be concerned with….but i’m His child, and as a parent loves his child he corrects him b’cos he knows wats best, he sees the outcome of wat would happen if the child continued to disboey. I need instruction, i need His guidance, His teaching, His leading, His correction. I want God’s hand on me every step of the way!!!! when i swerve off the path, i need a good scolding, some pain…b’cos in this, He saves my life!
Jenny

======= Keysha:

What stood out to me in today’s readings in Exodus is how God chose Moses to lead his people out of Egypt. Moses! The murderer! This showed me that you do not have to be perfect in order to be used by God. He accepts us just the way that we are. Thank you Lord!
I also liked Moses’ obedience. God told him what to do and he listened.
I think if that were me today I would have been like, “look God those people are not going to listen to me who am I? Sorry, you may want to find someone else stronger and smarter than me.” LOL!
Also, how God not only told Moses not to worry that He would be with him but He also said that He would make the Egyptians look favorably on Moses. He could have just said do as I say and that’s that. What a great God you are!
Prayer: For obedience. Give me the wisdom to know when God is speaking to me and give me the strength to be obedient all the time. Whether it is something that I want to do or think that I can do at the time or not.
Praise: Thank you for you Word Lord and revealing yourself to me. You are awesome!!
Keysha

====== Sarah:

I remember studying the story of Moses in my Theology A-Levels at 17 and being amazed by it for the first time ever. It prompted me to write this song and todays reading reminded me of that so I dug it out. Thought I’d share it. It’s called “Holy Fire”
Walking around, tending my sheep
Never thought I’d get in so deep
A humble shepherd, an outlaw on the run
Why me? What good could I have done?
Out of the darkness a light shone bright
Intruding my day, cleansing my night
Burning Fire, Holy Fire,
Fire getting higher and higher and higher
Burning Fire, Holy Fire,
Fire getting higer and higher and higher.
“Moses, Moses, Take off your shoe”
“This land is far too Holy for you”
I knew who it was and did as he said
Turning my face, my heart filled with dread
“Moses, Moses, I need you”
“Moses, Moses there’s something you can do”
“Moses set my people free”
I cried “Why have you chosen me?”
And there was burning fire, Holy Fire, fire getting higher and higher and higher
Burning Fire, Holy Fire,
Fire getting higher and higher and higher
The Lord gave us laws by which to live
Said “I have land and people to give”
“You are the ones whome I choose”
“my love is something you’ll never lose”
“Go for it Moses I’ll stay by your side”
“I’ve choen Israel for my bride”
“Lead her to the promised Land”
“Go on Moses, take my hand”
Give me a sign Lord for people to see
For I’m someone they’ll never believe
Give me your name by whom am I sent?
He said “I am who I am and no other gent”
See the Burning Fire, Holy Fire
Fire getting higher and higher and higher
Burning Fire, Holy Fire, Fire getting higher and higher and higher
The Lord filled Egypt with Terror and Fear
“Do not enslave my people here”
The bread didn’t even have time to rise
We fled Egypt running for our lives
We reached the sea, cried “What can we do”
When all at once it split in two
Lost in the desert we cried out in prayer
We knew the Lord was always there
I’d done what he said, now we were free
I’d loved the Lord and he had loved me
I saw the promised land, my job was complete
I washed Egypts dust from off of my feet
Raised my eyes to Heaven and saw Holy Fire
Fire getting higher and higher and higher.
Hope that doesn’t spoil the suspense for anyone reading the stroy of Moses for the first time! ;o)
Sarah

====== Chelsea:

I mediate on Jesus’s death whenever I receive communion. However, not always. I’ve attended quite a bit of passion plays, and it does help to spell out passion for me, to SEE it, to realize what Jesus went through. This isn’t fictional. It actually happened two thousand years ago!
To mediate on Jesus’ death…it is a must for every Christian to realize what their God went through for THEM, for US.
Psalms 22, I never realized that Psalms spoke about piercing of hands and feet. My goodness, it stood out to me and got me choked up.
Thank you for this post.
Chelsea

====== Arielle:

The verse that most stuck out to me was:
Mathew 17:20
“You don’t have enough faith,” Jesus told them.”
why didn’t the disciples have enough faith? Christ was right there with them. He performed many miracles in front of them. The very actions of Christ showed GOD in Him and that He was fully in GOD.
Why was it hard for the disciples to have faith that GOD would work through them when required?
How can we as humans develop that faith that CHRIST is talking about in Mathew 17:20?
Arielle

====== Ramona:

Exodus 2:11-3:22
I need to address something I’ve just seen in the text, two things, that I’ve never considered before.
Moses, knowing he was adopted, seeing the life he had led as an adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, and seeing the life of his biological people, chose to identify with slaves although he had not completely thrown off the comforts of being raised in the household of Pharaoh. Got used his act of murder to begin the removal of his identification to the palace and his privilege, He kicked him out of the “boat.” Moses also must have understood or knew his purpose as Israel’s deliver; however, he didn’t have a clue on how that was to be achieved.
I think many of us have some inkling, some vision, of what our purpose is; however, because we don’t know how that is to be fulfilled, we go off and do our own thing and mess up royally. We then don’t set goals (see Jan. 24th) because we are afraid to mess up again. Based on Moses’ story we see that God can have us go at least forty years to get the Egypt out of us although we are out of Egypt.
I also now think that Moses’ reluctance to go back to Egypt and lead his people out was not based on some self-perceived speech impediment, but based on his knowledge that he was a murderer. Even after forty years, people have long memories and I’m sure if someone in the palace committed murder, even if the people around at the time die off, the records would clearly record that even. After all inquiring minds want to know. People love to see the might fall. Hmmm!
Ramona

====== Angela:

Commenting on “squeaky clean parts of the Bible”… There really are none. The only blameless person in the Bible is Jesus and His life was not a beautiful portrait either. But do not be ashamed about these things, or ever again debate about bringing them up. Embrace these never ending stories of cowards and murderers because without them, the Bible could not be relevant to our lives, we would not be able to relate to the “heroes” of the Bible.
Angela

======= Manny:

Something that is often missed by many people because of the chapter divisions is the correlation between Matthew 16 and Matthew 17. In the former passage, Peter makes the astonishing and enlightened declaration of who Christ is and Christ affirms him. In the latter passage, Jesus asks Peter if he really believes what he says. Peter is more worried about paying taxes rather than understanding that the king of all the Universe need not pay taxes. What a wonderful object lesson!
Manny

======= Alli:

What stood out for me in today’s reading is that Moses after killing the Egyptian feared for his life for Pharaoh heard and sought to slay him, hence Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh…now God is sending Moses back to Egypt [back to Pharaoh who sought his life 40 years prior]…I believe that an immense fear would have once again gripped Moses for he asked “11… Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
and I love God’s response
12And he said, Certainly I will be with thee;” …God did not respond to Moses question as to whom he was, for who he was was not important…what was important is that God would be with him…hence He could walk in confidence and not fear Pharoah or rejection from the children of Israel …
Moses then sought to question too who he should say sent him…and again I love God’s response …”14And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM:… I AM hath sent me unto you.”
As children of God we must understand that it is not who we are on earth, but whose we are in heaven that is important…for “…God will certainly be with us”…He says “…I will never leave you nor forsake you”
Alli

======= Billy:

The 22 Psalm is amazing. I think about Christ on cross. It is almost finished. Most of his followers are not there but the unbelieving Jews are many. Jesus cries out, My God My God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Much the same way we can start singing the first line of a song, all those who know the song continue singing it in their minds. Those Jews who didn’t believe that Christ was the messiah must have repeated Psalm 23 in their minds. Then seeing that Jesus was the fulfilment of the prophecy there. At that moment, they had to accept or reject him. I’m sure that some wept and repented. I’m sure that many rationalized the similarity and rejected Him. Looking back, the world has no excuse. Praise to the Lord, the almighty, the King of creation. I love you Jesus!
Billy

======= Jennifer:

What I am always convicted by is Moses’ faith. I kind of gloss over that God told Moses to go to Pharaoh and tell him to let Isreal go. Moses had a choice to not do that. Instead he chose to act. This connects back to Mathew 17:20 “Because you have little faith, if you had the faith of mustard seed you can tell that mountain to move and it will, with faith nothing is impossible.” It is not Moses’ skill, but his faith that delivers Isreal. Do I have the faith of mustard seed, do I really believe what the Bible states, I pray for faith.
One note can someone explain. I read NIV and King James parallel bible and it says that Moses saved the daughters of Reull and then further on states that Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro. Is Reull and Jethro the same person or were the daughters he saved different from the Zipporah’s father. If anyone can explain.
Jennifer

======= Will:

Jennifer, I wondered, too, whether Jethro and Reuel were one and the same. Here is the footnote from NetBible.org:
The name “Reuel” is given here. In other places (e.g., chap. 18) he is called Jethro (cf. CEV, which uses “Jethro” here). Some suggest that this is simply a confusion of traditions. But it is not uncommon for ancients, like Sabean kings and priests, to have more than one name. Several of the kings of Israel, including Solomon, did. “Reuel” means “friend of God.”
Will

====== Sandra:

My comment is about Genesis 22, when Isaac asked Abraham where was the lamb for sacrifice? It stired up my faith, because it reminded me that we don’t have to explain what God is doing with us or what he has told us to do, we just have to believe it and obey. That is what all the people who stories we read about had to learn. We don’t start using words to explain away his purpose for us, just obey. So we must watch our words and choose them carefully when we have to give a response as Abraham did.
Sandra

======= Frederick:

Romances that began in the wells
Genesis 24:12-25 (Abraham’s old servant met Rebekah for Issac)
Genesis 29:9-12 (Jacob met Rachel)
And…
Exodus 2:16-22 (Moses met Reuel father of Zipporah)
It seems that romances were likely to happen in the wells!
Frederick

======= Linda:

Hello, my name is Linda and I am 60 yrs old, it has taken me this long to learn the truth and I thankyou. I read your bible study on a regular basis and have learnt so much. I have tried to get my family to read your comments but to no avail. So I started my own little group of 5 people. It is private and only involves my two daughters, twin sister and elderly friend. I study your site and Gods word and have used many of your comments. You have helped me understand Gods word in a way I never thought possible. I thankyou that the Lord has brought you into my life and has Blessed you with so much wisdom. God Bless.
Linda

======= Bob:

I have been haunted for years by the verse in Psalm 22 1a. It draws me into that place where I stand and look at the gap that is impossible to breech. I can see the other side and understand the hopelessness of trying to get there. I am standing in a world of misery, suffering and pain and hear this verse. Then I see this brilliant vision of a man on a white horse riding toward the cliff on the other side and the horse easily jumps the ravine and I jump on the back of the horse and am taken back over the chasm to ride with him.
Bob

====== Jack:

I often think about the suffering of Christ and that my struggles are so small and insignificant in comparison. I have had many people stand against me, but Jesus had his own creation stand against him, and he was willing to pay the price of their sin with his crucifixion. The love and willingness to do this for our salvation is a true act of love beyond explanation. I cannot say I would die for the difficult people I work with and I am not sure anybody would.
Jack

====== Russ:

I find it amazinng that God’s divine providence was to use an orphan and murderer to deliver his people.
Reminds me that God is in control and has a purpose whether we understand it or not.
Russ

======= Jill:

Not a day goes by that I dont think about Jesus suffering on the cross. I believe we come to a point where we know suffering is abpart of the Christian walk
And we need to accept then we are on the right path. To think how God had to sacrifice his son for us. He had to turn his back on him. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us I’m so humbled when I think of this. That he would do that for me. Even one he would have come to Save.
I’m So thankful for his word He left for us to mediate on every day. It strengthens me daily. Thankyou Mike for challenging us with questions to ask ourselves!
I think of my sweet mother who met our Jesus a few months ago. Her spirit is alive within me. I can feel her. I Parallel this to our Heavenly Father as His spirit Is with us. He walks among us. I can feel him! He is alive. Jesus wants each of us to come before him
As he walks among us every day! Look for him!
Jill

======= Carol:

I think of Jesus’ sacrifice often because it reminds me that God “means business” when it comes to sin, righteousness and His great love and forgiveness towards us! When I think on these things, I want to literally fall on my face before Father God!
Carol

======== Pat:

Mike my minister preached a sermon on God saying “I am who I am”. Br. Everette made a point that I will always remember. He said “God is God because God IS God!”
Pat

======= Robert:

Exodus 2:11- 3:22
Ramona, great commentary on facing our own fears, setting goals and listening to God. I like that, “many of us have some inkling, some vision, of what our purpose is”. That one I have had to rework a few times in my life, but I’ve never looked at it from the Moses perspective. Good One!
Psalm 22
Why Does God allow evil and suffering?
This question is one I have thrown around a lot and get asked about. I like Tim Keller’s comments but it somehow still leaves me searching……
“. … If we again ask the question: ‘Why does God allow evil and suffering to continue?’ and we look at the cross of Jesus, we still do not know what the answer is. However, we know what the answer isn’t. It can’t be that he doesn’t love us. It can’t be that he is indifferent or detached from our condition. God takes our misery and suffering so seriously that he was willing to take it on himself. … So, if we embrace the Christian teaching that Jesus is God and that he went to the Cross, then we have deep consolation and strength to face the brutal realities of life on earth.”
SOURCE: Timothy Keller, The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (New York City: Dutton, 2008) p. 30
Robert

======= Cynthia:

Many people, even professing Christians, do not believe in sin. Unbelievers consider it a non-issue. Professing believers may consider it a past-issue because “we have the indwelling Holy Spirit”, or they may think that acknowledging sin is “negative thinking”. Of course, these views are un-Scriptural. Scripture IS the story of God’s design to reconcile mankind to Himself through Christ’s work on the cross—mankind needs reconciliation because of his sin. Scripture provides countless examples of how even great men and women of God sinned grievously. Perhaps the stories of Moses being a murderer, Jacob being a liar and a thief, David being and adulterer and a murderer, Jonah being a rebel, along with many others, are meant to convince people that we really are sinners, that we really need to be reconciled to God, and that we really need daily dependence on Him for cleansing and power over sin.
Cynthia

====== Jeffrey:

Moses has fled Egypt. Years later, after settling in Midian, he sees the miracle of the burning bush. The LORD speaks to him from the bush and commands Moses to go to his people with a message of deliverance. Moses protests, but God gives him knowledge of his personal name as a sign that he will be with Moses and the people. God has begun his direct and intimate communication with Moses, continuing the fulfillment of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. All praise to the Self-Existent One!
In the New Testament, Jesus continues his miracles of the Kingdom. He also tells his disciples again in more detail what he must suffer at the hands of his enemies.
Jeffrey

======= Mitch:

Matt 17:20: “moving a mountain” is a Jewish idiom for accomplishing something BIG.
Psalm 22:1: Have come to view this as a teaching phrase from the cross. We do not know the pitch of Jesus’ voice, where His eyes were gazing….
What if He was looking right at the temple priests present at the cross. When a Rabbi (teacher) cites the first verse of a chapter or psalm. The person is to look up the rest of the citing.
If so, then Jesus is telling these learned (?) men – I am the Messiah – as Psalm 22 is considered a Messianic psalm by Jewish authorities.
Mitch

======= Sandy:

The crucifixion and passion of Christ come up frequently when I pray for those in travail. The Lord said on the Cross ” IT IS FINISHED” . HE has overcome All this through HIS shed blood, death and Resurrection. Look to Him, our Healer, Our Provider, our Everything. Our home is not here, it is with Christ for eternity. I/We need to work on our Trust in Him alone.
Sandy

====== Doug:

I am meditating his passion and resurrection every day of the year! we need to meditate his passion and resurrection every year so that we know God is the I am. the verse that stand out to me is when Moses saw the bush was burning with fire and yet it was not burning.
Doug

======== Dee:

I know I evoke emotions about it quite often throughout the year. When heartache or suffering goes on in the world, or I hear the Michael W Smith song, “above all” both at church and on radio,it brings feelings and memories of what Christ did for us. I lift my hands up and praise Him and thank Him for what He did and in prayer both at home, in car, at school, church, I thank Him daily for what He did for me and the world in giving All He had to us. It’s amazing!! I do watch the Passion of the Christ, though its very hard to watch that, but I will watch that around Easter every year. I just love Jesus and pray everyone I know and don’t know even, will come to realize the great I AM!! I got to thinking about the verses we have read the past several days and it sparked the same interest in me that Ramona had about how it would feel to be raised and grow up as a foreignor in an unknown land? It must feel so wierd and unsure of to have everyone around you an Egyptian and have different faith, beliefs, foods even, and clothing and no that you are not equally yoked with them. What it must have felt for Joseph, then Jacob/Israel and his children and then for Moses is a hard thing to imagine. However, we are all called to be passing through or foreignors of a distant land. “We are in the world but not of the world.”John 15:19. We are to be but spectators in this world. James 1:22, however in Ephesians 2:19 NIV says “consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.
Dee

Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10 + Matthew 16:13-17:9 + Psalm 21:1-13 + Proverbs 5:1-6
~ Click here to read today’s Scripture on Bible Gateway ~
~ Listen to today’s Scripture with Tom Dooley’s terrific NLT 1996 readings at this link or The ESV Bible: OT + NT + Psalms + Proverbs ~

Old Testament – Today is a big reading day! We finish up Genesis and begin Exodus!  Genesis chapter 50 verses 19 & 20 stood out to me as Joseph spoke to his brothers: “”Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil. He brought me to the high position I have today so I could save the lives of many people.”  Again, I am impressed with Joseph’s character here.  His brothers seemed to think that Joseph hadn’t really forgiven them, and that he was waiting to get back at them after their father had passed away.  But, I think we see here that Joseph had truly forgiven his brothers!  It was water under the bridge.  And not only had Joseph forgiven them, but he saw the power of how God turned something bad into something incredibly good.  I wonder about this in our lives today – do we truly forgive other people like Joseph forgave his brothers?  Or, do we maybe hold some piece of unforgiveness within us?  Maybe we keep bringing up the wrong that somebody did to us?  Maybe we do this to make them feel a bit guilty from time to time?  Will we instead fully forgive and fully move forward? 

One interesting side note in chapter 50 was the embalming of Jacob & Joseph.  Embalming was an Egyptian custom – not a Hebrew custom.  Some commentaries suggest that Jacob & Joseph were likely being respectful of the Egyptian customs of the day.  The Egyptians believed in an afterlife – and believed that the embalming allowed the deceased to utilize their body in the afterlife.  Below is an illustration from the 13th century “Psalter of St. Louis” of Jacob´s corpse being laid in the tomb by his twelve sons:

~Exodus~
Author: Moses
Date: 1420 or 1220 B.C.
Content: The book of Exodus deals with the significant facts surrounding Israel’s emergence as a nation. Moses’ great leadership is described as he accepted God’s call to return to Egypt in order to lead God’s people to freedom. God sent the ten devastating plagues upon Egypt because the Pharaoh refused to obey his command. The ceremony of Passover was established during the last plague and became a memorial of God’s deliverance for all time to Israel. The Israelites crossed the sea and arrived at Mt. Sinai where God gave the Ten Commandments and the plan for the tabernacle, and the covenant was renewed the nation.
Theme: The power of God over evil is clearly shown when God defeats the enemy of his people by delivering them from bondage, but God expects that we trust and obey him in return. Worship in the Tabernacle and adherence to the law were two aspects of Israel’s obedience. (Above commentary is from Tyndale Publishers “The One Year Bible Companion” pages 1-2) Terrific in-depth commentary on the book of Exodus can be found at bible.org at this link.

In Exodus chapter 1 verse 12 is awesome: “But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more quickly the Israelites multiplied!”  It’s amazing how when God wants people to flourish, they flourish!  Even in the midst of oppression.  This verse kind of reminds me of the flourishing of churches over the centuries and even today where the body of Christ is still often oppressed.  It flourishes!  Praise God for flourishing his people then – and now! 

In Exodus chapter 2 we are first introduced to Moses, who is the author of this book of Exodus – along w/ the overall first 5 books of the Old Testament – also known as the Pentateuch or the Books of Law.  A fun little Bible factoid for you in Exodus chapter 2 verse 6 is that this is the only mention anywhere in the Bible of a baby crying!  🙂 “When the princess opened it, she saw the baby. The little boy was crying, and she felt sorry for him. “This must be one of the Hebrew children,” she said.”

Bible.org’s commentary on Genesis chapter 50 titled “The End of An Era” is at this link, and commentary on Exodus chapter 1 titled “Pharaoh’s Fears and Israel’s Faith” is at this link.

Bible Project:  Here is a terrific video overview of the book of Exodus!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jH_aojNJM3E

New Testament – Today we read about Peter’s confession of Christ in Matthew chapter 16. In verse 15 we hear Jesus ask: ““But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” And then in verse 16 Peter replies – “Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” I believe this is a question that is asked of each of us today as well. Who do you say that Jesus is? Is your answer the same answer as Peter’s? If not, will you pray to God about who Jesus truly is?  Below is a fresco from 1481 by Pietro Perugino of “Christ Giving the Keys to Peter” from verse 19:

In verse 18 we read – “Now I say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it.”  Praise God for Jesus instituting the body of Christ, Jesus’ church!  And all of the powers of hell will not conquer the body of Christ!   Do you praise Jesus regularly for the church you attend?  Do you pray for the ministry of your church regularly?  Do you pray often for your pastors / ministers / priests?  Do you pray for others that attend your church?  Do you pray for those that will soon be coming to attend your church?  I have to say – I absolutely love my church.  I honestly cannot imagine what my life would be like without the church.  I met first met Jesus thanks to the church over 20 years ago.  And Jesus changed my life forever.  Thank God for the church!  I realize that some of you may feel that some churches have some issues and so you don’t go to church at all at this time. However, I honestly do believe that we are called to be in community with others in a church – be it a big church, small church, house church, etc. – and that you really can find a great church if you search prayerfully.  Trust me, they are out there!  If you are not currently attending church – maybe because of bad experiences you had at another church in the past, will you pray about this with Jesus?  Will you attend a different church again soon?  I honestly believe it will bless you immensely to attend church again on a regular basis. Also, I am reminded of a classic line from Billy Graham – “If you ever find the perfect church, please do not join it. You’ll mess it up!” 🙂 Indeed, there are no perfect people out there, and hence no perfect churches. But let us be the church anyway! The church may be a majestic mess, but it is Majestic indeed! And I do honestly believe that the body of Christ is the “hope of the world”. Please be an active participant in this Hope.

Verses 24 – 26 are so powerful today: “”If any of you wants to be my follower, you must put aside your selfish ambition, shoulder your cross, and follow me. If you try to keep your life for yourself, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for me, you will find true life. And how do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul in the process? Is anything worth more than your soul?”  Wow… there is so much going on in these verses… I pray they speak to you powerfully as well?  Do you want to follow Jesus?  Will you put aside your selfish ambition?  Will you shoulder your cross?  Do you know what your cross is?  Are you trying to “keep your life” in any area of your life?  Or, will you give up all of your life – every area – to Jesus so that you will find true life?  Is there anything that this world has to offer that is worth more than your soul?

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in Matthew chapter 16 titled “Peter’s Confession and Christ’s Church” is at this link and commentary on chapter 17 titled “The Transfiguration” is at this link.

Psalms – Psalm 21 today follows up Psalm 20 from yesterday – yesterday’s being a prayer for victory for the king as he goes out to battle – and today’s being a psalm of praise for victories granted to the king.  I like the credit given to God in verse 1: “How the king rejoices in your strength, O LORD! He shouts with joy because of your victory.”  The king is not rejoicing in his own strength.  He is not claiming victory as his.  He is giving credit to God!  How about you in your life today?  Do you give credit to God for the blessings and gifts he has given you?  Do you shout for joy and rejoice simply because God is in your life?

Proverbs – Today we read in Proverbs chapter 5 verse 6: “For she does not care about the path to life. She staggers down a crooked trail and doesn’t even realize where it leads.”  For some reason this year, as we’ve been going through the One Year Bible, the idea of “paths” keeps jumping out at me over and over again.  Every time we read about paths now in the Bible, it stands out to me.  And here it does again.  The idea of paths in the Bible seems to clearly indicate that there are good paths – straight paths – paths through the narrow gate – paths of life – that we can choose to take.  Or, unfortunately, there are also crooked trails and we don’t realize where they lead.  Or we can take our eyes off the path.  Or we can stumble on the path.   How about for you?  What type of path are you on these days?  Is it a straight path?  Are you keeping your eyes straight ahead on the path and focused on the prize?  Will you pray to Jesus regularly to keep you on the straight path?  Will you allow God’s Word, the Bible, be a lamp unto your feet and a light on the path of life that you walk each day?

Worship Video:  Today’s readings reminded me of the Needtobreathe song “Multiplied” with a great live acoustic fireside version here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWT4gxAFQBs

Has your love for God been multiplied?  Click here for multiplication!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on two verses of Scripture today: “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:24-25 NIV

Prayer Point: Pray that you are following Jesus, denying yourself and taking up your cross daily. Pray that you have lost your life for Jesus.

Comments from You and Questions of the Day:  In our Matthew readings today Jesus institutes the church.  I’m curious what your thoughts are on the church today?  And I’m not talking about any one denomination – I mean church as the overall “body of Christ” Christian churches worldwide.  Big churches, small churches, house churches, cathedral churches. Do you personally go to church regularly?  Why or why not?  Have there been periods of your life where you have not gone to church regularly?  Have these been good or not so good periods of your life?  What would you say to someone now who might be reading this blog who does not go to church about church?  How might you encourage someone to go to church?  Why does it matter if they go to church or not?  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

p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.

p.s. #2 – Download a schedule of our Bible readings for the year in PDF format at this link.

p.s. #3 – I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!

BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:

======= Ramona:

I attend a church, a “mega-church” and it was not that way when I began, it was large but now it is tremendous. One of the things I’ve learned attending a 25,000 plus body is this: A crowd doesn’t make a congregation.
Like John, I am a “lot” cautious when it comes to the Body of Christ and for those who are new to the OYB Blog this year and have not heard my story, I’m cautious because I experienced tremendous abuse in my homes (foster and birth) and thus the churches that I went to while in those homes. That abuse kept me out of churches, any kind of church no matter the function, for a little over twenty years and a “Knocked” God off (killed Him), as if that can be done, during that time period. So I am probably a little more critical of the body of Christ than many and I will confront abusive behavior when I see it, or think I see it, in my church by challenging those on staff who are abusive.
One of the reasons I just love this sight and am so appreciative of what Mike is doing is because he is encouraging people to read the Word. If we know the Word, and by that I mean have an ongoing relationship with the Word, then we are less likely to find ourselves in an abusive church because after all the church is made up of folks and thus is the sum total of everyone and their experiences. The two churches I attended, as a child did not encourage any kind of Bible reading except if it was the passages they told you to read. Funny, I was given a Bible as a child for memorizing scripture, which I really didn’t understand, and when I began to read the Bible that was given me and started asking questions, I was immediately shut-down by these words, “You haven’t been to seminary so you are not qualified to read the Bible.”
Living in a Borough of New York City, Brooklyn, that has the nickname, Borough of Churches, I think the church is on life support, at least in these parts. No Word, led by emotions and traditions that are not found anywhere in the Bible and what is most important, very few changed lives.
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======== Luch:

Thanks for opening up this dialogue Mike regarding the church, what it is, what it isn’t? Is it a ‘place I go to” which you imply or is it a ‘gathering’? Frankly, I don’t know if there is a right answer or ‘perfect model’. I have served as a parachurch worker and pastor for 25 years and I have been in ‘building oriented churches’ and I have been in ‘house/home churches’ and I have also been in parachurches. It’s too bad that some feel the need to have to come down hard on the boundaries.
I think that we often are very harsh towards people who don’t share a similar view to us. I know i have been. I think that’s called ‘ethnocentricity’. Seeing things from my own perspective.
I have seeen carnality and abuse of authority in less organized expressions of the body of Christ as I have in the ‘corporate CEO’ models. I believe God honours those who honour Him regardless of the form of church one prefers to participate in. Operative word here is ‘prefers’. Isn’t it true that we choose our church expression based on our preferences? I’ve often wondered, what is a biblical church? Is what we see in Acts 2:42 and following the model for the true church? If it is why isn’t it repeated elsewhere in the epistles? Perhaps what we see in ACts 2 is less prescriptive and more descriptive of what could happen when believers come together?
If one thinks of the church a place you ‘go to’ then I think that kind of defeats the imagery of what Jesus gave us in Matthew 16. He said, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” NOtice it is Satan who has the ‘gates/the walls’. The picture I have of the church is that it is a moving force or in the words of erwin McManus the church is an Unstoppable Force for good. I think this vision can be upheld in home style churches, in denominational style churches who have all the bells and whistles, in cathedral like churches, and in no name churches like the one I am a participant in.
Two books that have served me well in my thinking are Church without Walls by JIm Petersen, and The Shaping of things to come by two australian missilogists Frost and Hirsch. Barna’s latest book Revolutionaries is an attempt to show that there are upwards of 20 million plus north americans who have ventured out to be the church not so they can be anti church but so they can be the church, and so more importantly, they can preserve their faith which many indicate they were losing in their previous parish experiences.
It’s interesting that those who are resisting the new movements of church expressions are those who would hold to a particular ecclesiological or model of church that has to have a pulpit, a certain church governance, sacraments, and so fort, but people who want to experience the bride of Christ are saying there’s more and we want to experience what Jesus had in mind for the bride of Christ.
I think we should bless all efforts that people make to discover what church will and can mean to them rather than imposing any one form because in the end so much of what we argue over is our particular form, isn’t it?? Let’s see that we are one body and there are many legitimate expressions of it.
Luch

======= Micah Girl:

The church is so important to God and it’s messy because it’s made up of a bunch of sinners, including me. At yet it’s my family, and so I belong and I go regularly to be with them. This way I don’t get too narrowly focused on myself and my immediate earthly family. I also have the privilege of worshiping God with people who love Him, too. The people of God will be together for eternity, so I might as well spend time with them now bringing glory to God together.
Micah Girl

====== John:

Charles Spurgeon:
“I know there are some who say, ‘Well, I have given myself to the Lord, but I do not intend to give myself to any church.’”
“Now, why not?”
“Because I can be a Christian without it.”
“Are you quite clear about that? You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord’s command as by being obedient? There is a brick. What is it made for? To help build a house. It is of no use for that brick to tell you that it is just as good a brick while it is kicking about on the ground as it would be in the house. It is a good-for-nothing brick. So you rolling-stone Christians, I do not believe that you are answering your purpose. You are living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live, and you are much to blame for the injury you do.”
Why?
Sin: Living on our own, it is much easier to fall into the temptation of sin. Good fellowship/community keeps us accountable. Heb 3:12-13
Obediance: Church membership is implied and taught by example in N.T. by Jesus and Paul. Matt 18:15-17, 1Cor5:12, Gal 6:10
Christian Purpose: There are so many things a Chrisitan is called to do. It seems reasonable to pool resources, best utilize talents, and be organized in some kind of group format. That is the Church.
“The church was on his heart in his work of creation (Eph. 3:9–11). The church was on his heart in his work of salvation (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 5:25). The church was promised his special presence (Heb. 2:12; Matt. 18:20). If the church is so important to the Lord, shouldn’t it be important to everyone who loves the Lord? How can you love the Lord and at the same time steer clear of that which the Lord loves? Doesn’t this imply that every believer should openly identify with Christ’s church?” – New Horizons 2003
John

====== Pat:

I’m joining a church the 30th of January. I’m 58 years old and this is the first church I’ve ever felt like joining. I know there is a lot of good churches out there but this is the first I’ve felt in my heart was my church home. I feel so much love in this church and I serve in this church. I want to make people feel the love that is in this church. This is my first time reading through the bible in a year. I all ready feel so blessed by it.
Pat

====== Anka:

Like John I too had my ‘
“issues” with attending church..my fellowship leader was really getting personal,said I was too spiritual(i was a new christian)..but I loved God with all my heart and truly wanted to get to know him but I just really didn’t understand how to read the bible or get answers to my questions.Well I believe we all go through things for a reason…I’m sure there were israelites who were born into slavery and died slaves in Egypt not understanding God’s purpose or finding it hard to believe in his promise.
In spite of all tha bad experience in church…I did pick up some good lessons(even though the people who taught me did the opposite thing).I believe that church is essential especially to young believers so they can see that we’re not all perfect but still struggling with our different crosses(bad habits,character,etc).As we grow in Christ we should be able to feed more from the word and even as we point fingers at members of our church,pastors, check our own lives and be there to encourage young believers from our experiences(testimonies)and our walk with God.
I pray we all learn to love each other….just as we are.
God bless you all
Anka

====== Ramona:

Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10
All day I couldn’t get out of my mind what would it have felt like to grow up in a country that you are a stranger in? Even though you were born there and possibly died there, you were still a stranger in the land… Clustered in a designated part of the country, you keep your customs, your language and your belief system. Yes, a few might venture off into the other part of the land and may even assimilate into the predominant culture, but most are grouped together within the same community unchanged for hundreds of years. Imagine being a stranger in the land of your birth. Imagine having to be removed from your promise in order to maintain your identity to receive that promise.
Israel/Jacob is called the church in the wilderness (Acts 7:38), the called out ones, the ek-klay-see’-ah. The church was called out to be in the world but not of or apart of the world.
What happened to Israel back in the day, is what we are experiencing in this day. We are the called ones, the ones given the promise yet separated from that promise while we mature in becoming Christ like. We are strangers in a strange land given a mandate to separate, not isolated, from the world. While strangers in a strange land we are to be to those we live amongst, a peculiar people, a royal priesthood, a chosen people (1 Peter 2:9).
The pressure and resentment those who are born in a country where they are estranged, “aliens,” to assimilate is undeniably strong. Just think of how nuts people who live in the United States get when they think that a group of people are not becoming “American” enough for their taste. We cry out for closed borders, we demand that these immigrants/aliens get on board, learn the language, and stop consuming “our government programs,” without contributing anything to society and the tax roles. Think about it, that more than likely was spewed out on Israel while she grew to be a mighty number in Egypt. Do you think they might have had a “Egyptian” only cry when creating directional signs and such like?
The same pressures exerted on Israel to confirm, the same pressure we in the United States exert on the foreign born, even when they are born here to confirm is the same pressure Believers are met with while trying to keep on the path God has predestined all those that call on His name to walk.
Israel, the church in the wilderness: what things can we learn from her, what “type” and “shadow” can we find in her that we can relate to the messed up churches we find ourselves attending?
Grace and peace,
Ramona

======= Joyce:

On the cross showing Jesus,the many members one body. Where are the Black,Brown,Red,and Yellow faces in that cross? The Lord wants His people to come together as one body with many members. Amen
Joyce

======= Mike:

I agree Joyce. Take a look at today’s posting – Jan 27 – and you’ll see 2 pictures from churches that capture more of the beautiful diversity of the body of Christ. Grace, Mike
Mike

======= Ramona:

Joyce-Any picture or collage, piece of art, be it a sculpture or painting, is a reflection of the artist and the viewer of that piece brings into their observation what they see and what they have experienced.
By your comments, are you making a statement or an observation? Are you saying that Mike is making a statement because of what you see or fail to see in the picture he used? Although I haven’t met Mike personally, I have journeyed through the One-Year-Bible Blog for a little over a year and during the previous year many times I was the only one posting. I’m saying that because I am a “black” woman and I have never taken offence at any of the pictures he has used. In fact I have even supplied pictures (landscapes/seascapes fresco’s from the walls of a church from my vacations) for him to use or not use if he so desires.
I am grateful and thankful for this Blog, and remember it is Mike’s Blog. He receives no payment from us to sustain it nor is he part of a Non-Profit that sustains it, at least I think not. He is doing this because he believes he is led by God to do this. Mike has a full time job outside of this endeavor, as probably many others on this site. (I happened to be home merrily typing away because I am waiting for someone to come fix my apartment door, so I’m not at work).
Remember assumption is the lowest form of communication. If you have discussed your concern about the “cross” he used off-line, then I have stepped way over the line. However, if not please learn to temper judgment before you know anything about a person.
I will now step down from my soap box.
Ramona

====== Kristen:

A few years ago, God made it very clear to me that I was to get into fellowship with other believers. He led me to my present church (the only church I have actually officially become a member of in my adult life). God showed me from the first visit to this church that it would be a place/group of people that would show me love beyond anything I could ever predict and would help me to step out in my faith in ways that I would never have on my own. God is most definitely growing this church.
I pray that when God puts a call on anyone’s life to enter into a fellowship of believers that they believe HIM and ask for the direction from HIM about where to find this treasure.
Kristen

======= Shirley:

I grew up going to church every Sunday and Wednesday night. My family was very, very strict, even more so than the other church members I knew. Because of this over strictness, and is a young adult, I stopped attending church. Mike, you asked if times of not attending church were good times or bad times in our lives? I cannot emphasize my answer enough — they were BAD TIMES!!! And the bad times culminated in bringing me back into a relationship with Jesus and back to the church again.
Shirley

======= Kristie:

About church–a local assembly of believers—
Whenever someone moves, I hear them say they are looking for the right neighborhood, or the right house. But I think people should find the right church first, then the house, school, etc will fall into place.
As to Exodus, one thing I love about his passage is that it starts with women taking risks to protect babies. Think of Shiprah and Puah as midwives refusing to follow Pharoahs orders to murder the baby boys.
And what if Moses’s mother had not made the basket? What if his sister had been too afraid to approach Pharoah’s daughter? What if Pharoah’s daughter had not acted like a woman and fallen in love with that precious little baby? It is amazing to think how God used all these women–doing what women do best–giving life and nurturing–to begin his great work of leading His people out Egypt.
Kristie

======= Jen:

Matthew 16:13-17:9
15Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Like Simon Peter I would say Jesus is the “. . . Messiah, the Son of the living God.”
I also found a website that has many other different names for Jesus
http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/jesustitles.htm
Yes I go to church. I love it. I have many supportive friends there.
I have been going to different churches (both in Christchurch, Auckland and here in the Bay) for the last 14 years. There have been periods in my life when I have not gone to church regularly but I find I miss it. So those periods havent been long ones.
Go to church its good and we arent called to be lone Christians. God knew we needed others in our Christian walk.
Jen

======= Keysha:

Genesis 50:20 really stood out to me today. How Joseph told his brothers that they intended him harm but God meant it for good. That was a powerful revelation for me. It taught me that no matter what situation I am in I need to totally trust God. It may be bad but I still need to trust Him because he turns all situations for good ONLY to those who COMPLETELY trust Him. We just need to be patient and trust Him to bring good out of a bad situation. That is what I struggle with ‘patience’ I want things to change when I want them to change. I really need to learn to just be at peace and wait on the lord. I now know that God can overrule people’s evil intentions to bring about HIS intended results. WOW!!!!!!
Praise: Made it through the whole book of Genesis from front to back. So proud!
Prayer: That God gives me patience and to totally be able to trust Him in all situations whether good or bad. And to be able to praise Him in all situations and not just when things are going good. Any body can praise Him when on the mountain top. I want to be able to praise Him when I am down in the gutter as well.
Humm… the “F” word. Forgiveness.
today – do we truly forgive other people like Joseph forgave his brothers? Or, do we maybe hold some piece of unforgiveness within us? Maybe we keep bringing up the wrong that somebody did to us? Maybe we do this to make them feel a bit guilty from time to time? Will we instead fully forgive and fully move forward?
I am in prayer about this right now. I honestly say that I struggle with forgiveness. I do not forgive completely and I when I do so call forgive I tend to constantly bring up the situation. Like with my husband for instance. I do know that I need to work on this and I am trying my best. It is just that when people have hurt or harmed you so badly it is really hard to forgive them like our Father forgives us every day of our lives. I guess as I mature in Him it will become easier. But right now it is really hard.
Keysha

======== Lesley:

I am struggling with church attendance. My husband and I went to a wonderful church for several years. We were very active there, donating time and treasure and making friendships that we thought would last for quite a long time.
Unfortunately, some people at the church who we thought were our friends … well, they weren’t. And they proved how fallible people can be. We decided to leave, with heavy hearts.
Since then, we’ve sporadically attended a large church near our neighborhood. My husband goes more often than I, and he takes our little one to Sunday school. But I’m having such a hard time making a commitment. When it comes down to it, I’m afraid of being hurt. And I don’t ever want to feel that level of disappointment in a church and her people again. I’m praying that I will overcome these feelings and get to church this – and every – Sunday.
I know that’s the right thing to do. And I know that attending church would give me some of the peace, comfort and friendships I need. I wish it weren’t so hard to just do the right thing!
Lesley

======= Mae:

I love to read the story from Moses! I loved that story from when I was a little girl! I’m so excited to read it now again! It’s such a wonderful story! So powerful! If I had time enough, I’d read further now! I can’t wait!
Matthew was powerful as well! I was floored when I read it! I think I read it 4 times in a row!
“Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.”
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?
~ I’m defenitly putting my sellfish ambition aside and live for Jesus Christ. I want to follow Him and do everything what He wants me to do. I want to find my true life and live my true life!
I go to church regularly; Sunday 9.45 biblestudy in church, followed by 11am service, I’m home around 1.30pm and then I go back to church around 5.30 pm for the prayermeeting followed by the 6pm service, on Wednesday the midweekservice and Saturday 8pm till 10pm ‘coffeehouse’. And then there’s several other reasons why I’m in church, but the services are regular. I love going to church! I really need to be in God’s house, I love meeting my brothers and sisters in church, we do meet outside church a lot to. I do encourage people to go to church, I love to hear God’s word, it’s so true! It’s the truth! God’s word can lead you through your life. It’s words that comfort you, gives you encouragements, give you strength!!! I LOVE church! I know a lot of people think that church is boring … but try to listen with your heart and your heart will open up! Church is not ‘just church’, it’s God’s house! He wants you there! I wants you to listen with your heart! It’s His words, He wants you to know things, He wants you to be saved! Believe me … : it will change your life immensly!
Mae

======= Anka:

Forgiveness….”and forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”We need to forgive and I too pray for this in many aspects of my life,if we ask to forgive us as we forgive others….we’d better forgive others.
Church…the word church brings up happy memories for some,sad ones for others.Early christians and Jews were persecuted by the “church”if they didn’t follow it’s man made rules….people have left church because the shepherd who was to tend to the flock only was there to feed of the sheep,some left because they were facing persecution/judgement from fellow brothers….For a long time now,the prayer of Jesus in the garden before he was arrested was that we(the body of Christ)be one as He and the Father are one….a house divided against itself can’t stand…if all the parts of my body decided to go their different ways because my mouth hated what my hand was feeding it for example,I’d not be me anymore….We may not get along but we need each other.I do attend a gathering of belivers,and we don’t meet just on service days….we have a prayer group,a bible study group….we have activities for the youth as well but I don’t participate….
God bless you all
Anka

======= Penny:

Church: I’ve been part of mega churches, small village churches, traditional litergical churches, very informal churches and I love them all! In each one the Lord had something to teach me, or some new area of spiritual growth to impart. The members in each church are truly my brothers and sisters – even when we have different perspectives or prefer different forms of worship. I can’t wait to see the world-wide church all worshipping Jesus Christ together in heaven. All our differences will melt away. Won’t that be glorious?!
Currently I am in transition between churches. I have become faithful in participating in a house church, and though it’s a new concept to me, I find it enriching. We meet in a different home each week. We enjoy a meal together (everyone brings something) and we always share bread and wine (or juice if you prefer) to remember Jesus’ body broken for our wholeness and his blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. After the meal we share together in songs, prayer, testimonies, exhortations from the Word of God, and discussion of Biblical topics; and again everyone is encouraged to participate in some way.
I still fellowship in traditional churches, attending Bible Studies and other events as well as Sunday services. I think it’s marvelous that the body of Christ is so broad and would encourage anyone who is not part of a local body of believers, to get hooked in. We really need each other and I think it’s part of God’s design. Check out Heb. 10:24-25.
Penny

======= Keysha:

“you really can find a great church if you search prayerfully”
I totally agree. It took me 11 LONG months to find the right Church. I found it and I absolutely love it. In fact, I do no think that I would be where I am right now if it were not for the Church.
In those 11 months I had some really bad experiences and I am glad that I had a friend who kept encouraging me not to give up. There were so many disappointments during those 11 months that I was just ready to give up. I see now that there is no perfect church (people OR pastors) I am so thankful that I did not give up on the Church. Searching for the right Church can be discouraging at times. If you are in search of a Church do not give up. The Lord will lead you to where you are supposed to be.
Keysha

======= Pam:

One verse Peter is going good then the next moment, he is NOT. Isn’t that just like all of us? The Israelite people being under the cruelty of the Egyptians – it brought about God’s plan anyway – they grew in numbers and in strength. Just like later on Peter became just what Jesus said, the rock of the church. Under all the persecution of the early church, Peter became strong and grew the first century church, following God’s plannot his own inclination.
I see a great gap between: what people complain about in the church, about their pastors, leaders, programs, etc and what they are actually willing to DO to serve God. It is a sin also to know the right thing to do and not do it. I came from a prayer meeting today – which was well announced in the church. Three people showed up. However, last week, the board meeting was greatly attended, numerous folks came, complained, criticized the youth, demanded change, expected more from the already over-loaded leadership, to serve them (the congregation), make things more enjoyable for them (the congregation), etc… ad nausem.
I have found that those who love God go to prayer meetings, those who love themselves, only go to the board meetings. I want to see folks who claim to be Christian, love each other like the Christians did in the first century church, study the Word, pray together and prefer each other.
Get involved, read the Bible (I know that is what goes on here), love your brothers and sisters, encourage eachother, and really serve eachother.
(Steps off soap box, bows head, and prays)
God bless you all. Love ya!
Pam

======= Jenny:

gosh, this is all making sense now, little bits and pieces of my Bible knowledge are coming together and connecting. I’m just speaking outloud here, so the Isralites are decendents of Israel, aka Jacob and thats what the country was named for. I always knew the children fled from Egypt but i didnt realize how they got there, ok cause after Joseph was sold and his brothers all moved there all the descendants lived there but then the Egyptians hated them so it forced the Israelites to take an exodus out of there. A Hebrew man was born and he was the one who’d lead the way out, Moses. ok I seeing things now. Wow and if we look at those countries today, Egypt and Israel, we will see God’shand of blessing on Israel, they are a very prosperous nation whereas Egypt aint doing so well, they arent any kind of economic, military or any power are they. Excuse my lack of knowledge on Egypt, but I believe they are pretty bad off today. I dont hear much about that counrty aside from their former wealth. WE see God had told them they wouldnt prosper and they’d be poor…and thousands of years later, we see God has kept His word regarding Egypt and Isarel. awesome.
Matthew is awesome stuff. So Jesus asked Peter who He was and Peter answered correct, so Peter was kinda puffed up in his pride a bit, so when Jesus started talking about HIs death Peter thought he was being wise when he rebuked the notion. But Peter was in the flesh and the flesh is of satan and Jesus right away rebuked that. Right on. How many times does God have to remind me I have things on my mind that arent of God, even if i think they are innocent, my thoughts and daydreams get carried away and take my eyes off Jesus and the kingdom and on to “things of men”. Its our flesh, our fallen nature that pulls us that way.
Very cool how the discples recognized Elijah and Moses (who i believe will be the two witnesses during the Great Trib, but who knows). But, obviously the disciples had never seen pictures of the men, how did the dicsiples know who they were? I heard some pastors talking about this, like what will heaven be like, how will we recognize others and they brought up this example. We just will know, we’ll have a new vision, mind and we’ll enter heaven with a recognition of everyone, woohoo!! How cool…I mean all the peeps, I cant wait to meet them all, Joseph, Peter, Elijah, Jeremiah, everyone, all our deceased beleiving relatives/friends (and we will not remember our deceased nonbelieving relatives…this is a much deeper discussion i better not get into). But we will have a recognition and knowledge not of this world.
Of course for about the first 500000 yrs I will be flat on my face b4 Jesus. He’s really the only one I’m desperate to meet of course!!
So, what were Elijah, Moses and Jesus discussing? The view I hear most is that the two were comforting Jesus concerning His upcoming death, or strengthening Him. Wouldnt you like to hear that discussion?
Oh yes, and I do attend my church as much as I can, I loooove it there! I thank GOD I live so close, Calvary chapel costa mesa, woohoo! that I can go hear my pastor, Chuck Smith, who I think is awesome along with Brian Broderson, awesome. I really thank God cause He justs uses these men to speak to me and others. Before that I went to CCPacific Coast with awesome Pastor Ron Wilkons. The ppl who attend there are like me, a bunch of sinners who love the Lord and seek a new heart, new mind, a closer walk with the Lord. If we seek perfection, we will not find it. But we are very warned about false prophets. ok, gotta go.
Jenny

====== Laverne:

Matthew 16: In 6 yrs I have attended 3 different churches. For different reasons I asked to be excused/released from my previous church homes. Now I am at a church that I feel is in tune with the bible and does not try to find what is NOT in the bible to make themselves comfortable. Church burnt is a horrible thing however the balm in Gilead can certainly make it all right. Just like Mike said PRAY!!
Laverne

======= Pat:

My thoughts on Matthew 17:1-8
Whenever I read about the transfiguration in Matthew, Mark, or Luke, it brings me such a feeling of joy and comfort. I think about how Peter, James and John must have felt when they saw Jesus in all His glory and how each of us will feel when we enter the Kingdom and see Jesus in all His glory. How marvelous it will be to look upon my resurrected and crowned Savior on His throne!
I think what it must have been like for Peter, James and John to not only see Moses and Elijah in their glorified human form but to recognize and know them as well and how we will do the same. I can imagine walking down the street in the Kingdom and passing one of the great leaders or prophets of the Old Testament or one of the apostles in the New Testament and to see, recognize, and know them. This also says to me that if we recognize them then we will also recognize those saints that have played a part in our lives. All of our loved ones that centered their lives on Jesus Christ and have passed on before us will be in the Kingdom when we arrive and we will see them again and recognize them as well. We will even be able to talk with them again as Jesus talked with Moses and Elijah. What a joyous occasion it will be when we enter the Kingdom!
I feel that the transfiguration was given to us for two purposes. First to assure us that Jesus Christ is the one and only true Messiah and secondly to assure us all saints are or will be with Christ whether they be the saints or old or the saints of today and upon my passing I shall join them in the Kingdom. Praise the Lord!
God Bless!
Pat

======= Luch:

Yes, i do agree that the church is a beautiful ‘thing’ that God started, and yet why is it that ‘the local church’ for many people has become such a source of pain on many levels. Perhaps people expect too much of ‘their church’ without putting much back into it. If we are members of a family we all have responsibilities and ‘chores’ as it were, but there are also ‘perks’ that come from being in right relationship with each other.
I do find it puzzling that Jesus spoke only twice about ‘church’ throughout the 4 gospels, but spoke abundantly of the kingdom of God/heaven. What’s up with that? Perhaps the local church is the outpost of the kingdom of God, or perhaps the local church is one of many beautiful expressions of the kingdom of God on earth. MY struggle is when we say that the only way God shows himself is ONLY through the local church, and put everyone else in the ‘para category.’ as if all our multiplicity of denominational preferences were actually what Jesus had in mind. Let’s be careful not to insist on a ‘church form’ as being sanctioned by God when we are really emphasizing our own preference.
having said that, i believe we must be associated with a local community of believers whether you find them in a cathedral, a ‘box or mega church’, house church, campus group. God has many expressions of His Spirit at work in believers as 1 corinthians 12 teaches us.
Luch

======= Elizabeth:

Luch,
Interesting thoughts on the church–I share many of your concerns regarding the fragmentation of the body of Christ through denominationalism. Especially in light of Christ’s prayer in John 17, I feel we are missing the mark:
“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me.
I have given them the glory You gave Me, so they may be one as We are one.
I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me. -John 17: 20-23
I’m reading a book called “Reimagining Church” by Frank Viola right now. It’s given me much food for thought regarding the institutional church. Philip Yancey has also written a book about his experiences and thoughts on the Church. I love His church, the community of believers across the world and I love the local church, though I recognize it’s been a source of many ills along with blessings. Mankind is good at making a muck of things.
Truthfully, I don’t feel like I’ve come to the bottom of the matter in my heart yet. Scripturally, I believe it’s clear that that we need to be in a community of other Christian believers…the NT “body” metaphor pretty much establishes that in my mind. I DO believe that His body can take many forms and that authenticity has got to be one of its hallmarks, no matter what shape it takes. I am leary of authority driven individuals within the church, because Christ was too.
I suspect we do expect too much from the church and too little from ourselves. In our entertainment driven society, I worry that we have become spectators, back seat drivers, when we need to be out walking through His world in ways that require sacrifice of self.
Elizabeth

====== Manny:

For me there is no greater verse that brings me comfort than Matthew 16:18 for I am reminded that Christ is going to build HIS church, not I. As a pastor, it is a tremendous relief that He is in control of what we are doing as well as the results. Praise the Lord!
Blessings,
Manny

======= Raeann:

It seems so barbaric that pharoah ordered the midwives to kill ALL of the Hebrew male children, just because Israel was becoming more populous then Eygpt. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law. I love the Transfiguration when Jesus becomes white as light.
My family moved around to much when I was little for me to attend church regularly, then I moved to MN and attended a wonderful church for highschool and college, the sanctuary was shaped like Noah’s Ark. For the last several years I have been attending a Presbyterian church in FL that has a large contemporary service, I am an usher and help in the nursery on Sundays. I could not imagine NOT attending church every week.
Raeann

======= John:

Raeann,
“When Israel blessed Judah was he refering to Christ in his blessing?”
Gen 49:10 “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto him [shall] the gathering of the people [be]”.(KJV)
Used the KJV because in the literal Hebrew the word Shiloh is repeated.
“until that he sahll come Shiloh, Shiloh….”
Something repeated twice in Hebrew is for emphasis of something that should be paid attention to, or is important.
Some say this is Solomon, but the people are already a nation under David before Solomon’s reign.
Definitions of Shiloh vary with Scholars:
Have seen:
“peace, tranquility”
Vulagtes bible’s translation: “he who is to be sent”
Hebrew baby names: his gift, he who was sent
Strong goes through a bunch of translations of Shiloh in Gesenius’s Lexicon at this link:
http://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=H7886&t=KJV#
I believe you are correct that it is the Messiah, Jesus Christ because of the subsequent verses talking about ass colt (Zech 9:9) tied to choice vine (Jesus from John 15), and the idea of red stained garments, wine and grapes from Isaiah 63 and Rev 19.
All talking about the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
Some commentators say that those verses are about the abundance in Judah, and perhaps the prophecy has a double meaning to include Judah’s propserity (tribe).
However , I believe the long range implication of the blessings is referring to Christ – for the reasons above.
John

======= Luch:

Lots of wonderful soul food today.
i am totally ministered to by the forgiveness Joseph showed his brothers. This is the most powerful story to me in the scriptures of how to walk through hurt that others have done to us.
And also, I appreciate so much how Joseph was able to see God’s hand even in the midst of the atrocities committed against him.
it reminded me of proverb 16:7 that says, “when a man’s ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”
Luch

======= David:

I was raised in a family that believed in going to church regularly and so I did that until I was about 16 years old. Then I stopped going for about 8 years and even went through a period where I questioned my faith in God. Then, thankfully I felt God calling me to bring up my children in the belief of God and to take them to church (real evidence of Proverbs 22:6). However, it wasn’t until I had been back to regular participation for several years that I began to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and really began living for him. My suggestion to someone who is not participating as part of a church regularly would be to read the bible every day, praying first that the Holy Spirit would guide you to understand what you read. I believe that will create a hunger in you for the Word of God, that will also make you desire to become part of a church, where you can grow in your spirit and live the life that Christ calls His followers to live. I have been a part of several different churches,in various denominations and believe that there is a body of Christ that all Christians fit into at some time. I don’t think that everyone can find one church body and fit in there forever; some people can do that, others cannot. Thankfully there are many churches available in the U.S. today and so if one doesn’t work, you can try another until you find one that fits you and you fit it. I am not trying to advocate church hopping, because I believe that relationships require work, and being part of a church is a relationship. But some relationships end up not working, no matter how hard you try, and so we can’t let that be the reason for not being part of a church – the devil would win if we all give up that easily. Being part of a church really matters to me because it allows me to feel connected to others who also believe in Christ and to fuel my spirit in a different way than I can do by reading my bible and praying on my own. I believe that God designed us to be connected with other human beings and I haven’t found any connection that works better than the Church. I truly appreciate my church because it is constantly growing as it reaches out to people in the community who either don’t know Jesus or aren’t part of a church. This is a major part of what the church is about and it helps build my faith that God is still working in the salvation of sinners. Praise the Lord!
David

======= Maurits:

Hi…
I’m from Indonesia
I really blessed by your daily bible reading and audio daily bible
for 1 year i tried to read and read everyday…
(sorry for my ‘bad’ english)
And today’s reading is really powerful!
Thanks again for your ministry…
Maurits

======= Jennifer:

I know from my experience church is what you make it. Just like playing a team sport. If you think you are the best player and everyone messes up and you deserve the ball all the time, then your team will likely not work well together and not be as successful. But when you give all yourself to the team, you are virtually unbeatable. Church is what I make it.
I have had times when I did not attend church regularly and it hurt my walk not having that encouragement and example and load that others who walk by faith give. I also know that I tried to go to church without being apart of the community and that was not a very fulfulling relationship either. But when you go to church to die and walk with christ, and you support and encourage your fellow church goers and your eyes on the victory for christ, you cannot fail.
We need the bible like we need food and water, we need the church like we need a mother and father.
Romana I love your comments, you always give me something to think about.
I have to ask myself sometimes, do I find my life in Christ. He says whoever keeps his life will loose it, however looses his life for my sake will find their lives. (paraphrasing) Sometimes I try to drive and that gets me lost.
Jennifer

======= Anita:

At the present & for the last 15 or so years I do attend church regularly. There have been times in my life when I didn’t, such as when I was a teenager/young adult & was questioning the concept of “church”. I started to go again after I had kids & I wanted them to have an upbringing with Sunday School, VBS & learning about Jesus from someone other than myself., as I did not feel very qualified. I then felt the desire to learn more myself. My kids are young adults now & gone from home & I keep attending church, not because I feel you “have to” to be a “good” Christian, but because I “want to”. I find I need the time to say every week, here’s where I screwed up God & thank you for forgiving me & I will try & do better in the days to come. I find I can learn something with every sermon or Bible study I am a part of. And then because I am so grateful for the blessings I have in my life, I want to help others & there is so much I can’t do by myself, but by being a part of a church community, I can be a part of helping local charities, i.e. food pantry, etc. & then by my church giving to the national church organization, I feel I am part of helping on a larger national & international scale. I love the caring people of a church. I may not always agree with what the national church says or even the views of people in my church, but I know that they love God & are just trying to do what they feel is right. I would encourage someone to keep looking & trying different churches as there are so many out there, they should be able to find one that makes them feel the love of God & makes them want to be a part of that community.
Anita

====== Lisa:

Thank you, Mike, for your blog posts. I really enjoy reading them.
Lisa from SC

======== Billy:

First, I agree with Lisa about your posts.  I’m currently going to a Bible study and we are in the initial stages of forming a brand new Church. It’s been interesting and I am praying it works out for us !! I loved the Billy Graham quote. I’ll share that with the Bible Study group.
Billy

======== Maryse:

Thank you Ramona to tell the story like it is. Even you have been in the country for years, since you are black and you come from a poor country, they still discriminate you. As a professional you are competent, you do a wonderful job but they think you have an accent, but when they are in trouble, they are having inspection with the department of health, they need you to pray for them they seem to recognize your values, thanks God I trust in God and I tell them: I am here for political reasons, not for a better life ,as a matter of facts, mi ife was better in my country. We are exposed at the same problems in a few churches, you are black and you go there, some ” they say they are christians, but the way they look at you is: what are you doing here, they live the church,some of them walk after you, not even a good Morning. But God is good and I will not let anybody like Elizabeth of the Trinity , a young Carmelite nun wrote: ” MAY NOTHING GOD TROUBLE MY PEACE OR MAKE LEAVE YOU ‘ It’s really aa pleasure to be a member of that Bible study. Thank you Mike from my heart.
Maryse

======= Dee:

In our Matthew readings today Jesus institutes the church. I’m curious what your thoughts are on the church today?I love the church! I wouldn’t know what my life would be like without the church and the family I have built through and in the church And I’m not talking about any one denomination – I mean church as the overall “body of Christ” Christian churches worldwide. Big churches, small churches, house churches, cathedral churches. Do you personally go to church regularly? Yes Why -I grew up on church. Even when my family didn’t feel like going to church, they would drop me off at church..however, my mom and I went regularly, then I grew up and got married and moved away and came home on weekends to our hometown church, till we had our son and then went to a church in my town I lived in, then I got introduced to the church I am at right now and was led there which I have been a member of for 8 years. I love it!!or why not? Have there been periods of your life where you have not gone to church regularly?there was a few years I didn’t attend church as regular right after I graduated from high school and then I came back to church right before I got married and then following year I had my child. Have these been good or not so good periods of your life? This was not a good time in my life. I constantly felt guilty that I wasn’t going to church and knew that something was missing from my life but just didn’t know what it was..till I found a life-changing church and the life-changing Jesus I met there.. What would you say to someone now who might be reading this blog who does not go to church about church?I would say, Jump..go run immediately to a church body! It will change your life! Do it scared..just DO IT!! seriously..our church website is: http://www.lcci.us How might you encourage someone to go to church? watch our website, look at the archived services and see how awesome it is..pray about it, let the Spirit lead you. Why does it matter if they go to church or not? It matters because two or more are gathered and Jesus is there too..we need uplifting people in our life, and “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing the Word of God” Also, what verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?It has all been so great lately! I love the book of Genesis..sniff,sniff..I hate when Genesis is over in our one year read..I like Exodus too..so looking forward to this read, and Psalms/Proverbs and Matthew great too.
Dee

======= Duane:

In our society, The weekend is the big thing to wait for. We work five days a week, to celebrate and have fun on the weekend. Saturday and Sunday events are full of the wonderful things we want to do. The winter months are filled with football games with the NFL being played on Sunday. Stores and shopping Malls seem to never closed. Where is the day of rest? Where is time taken to chill out and be still and know that there is a God.The Church has been forgotten, people will consider church only if it fits their schedule. Church to me, is where I’m refreshed in the presence of God. Its where I can continued to be fed the word of God. Its where I can sing and magnify my God. Its where I can strenghten others and be strenghten. The church is my sabbath day of rest. I can’t wait to go to church. The church serves as our home away from home until Jesus comes.I hope and pray that others will join me and thank God everyday for the priveleges we have and take advantage of freedom and liberty to worship his name.
Duane

======= Ron:

I had a friend years ago who said that he believe in Jesus. But when asked what church he attended he said none. He said that he did not trust any man in teaching God’s word . That we believers are the church . I agree with him in part saying that yes we are the church not a building. But I quickly added saying that we go to a place, a building , something to where as believers we can come together to meet in worship, prayer and in listening to God’s word by a man that God Himself has anointed to feed that flock of His at that place wherever that may be. He said that he doesn’t trust any man to do that so he does it by himself. So my next question was “So how often you get into the word on your own”??? He couldn’t answer me!!!!
I lost contact with him years ago. I don’t know if he feels that same way as he did. But as for me I look my church because it is not a man’s church but GOD’S church. God has given a Shepard to led His church to Jesus. I pray that each day I can get into God’s word and learn more about the One and Only True and Living God. That is where our Pastor comes into the picture. But not only him but also people like yourself, Mike, that God has also anointed to show us His word in a way we can understand easily. Thanks for that.
Ron

======== Bob:

I was thinking about church this past week and even though there are a lot of things I don’t like about (it), the one thing that struck me most is that in the world today there are so few church going Christians. There is real value in knowing the people you share your morals, virtues, beliefs with are all on the same page. Christianity is messy and wasn’t meant to be easy but if we can learn to humble ourselves and see Christ in the midst of it all – we have Church.
Bob

======= David:

Notes from today Through The Bible In A Year
Genesis 50:1 – Exodus 2:10
(Exo 1:21) And it came to pass, because the midwives feared God, that he made them houses.
Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. When you fear God above everything else then you will be where you need to be, because God will see to it.
(Proverbs 9:10) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Matthew 16:13-17:9
Mat 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
He is demanding total commitment from them—even unto physical death—and making this call to full surrender a part of the message they are to proclaim to others. Christ repeats this same call to life-or-death devotion in Mat_16:24; Mar_8:34; Luk_9:23; Mat_14:27.
It seems sometimes I am lost in what I am supposed to be doing. So lately, I have been thinking on this subject. As I was reading my Bible In A Year today I was reminded of what Tony Evans said in a clip on the radio this past week. It has been standing out in the bible when I read it. He said, “Our problem today is we’ve got Christians who want God to get them to heaven who do not want Him to own them on earth. He does not just want to be in your life He wants to own your life.” ~Dr. Tony Evans
I think until I and anyone else becomes totally committed to the Lord they will feel lost as they are not hearing from God and they are not in His will and your live starts seeming meaningless.
If you want to hear the message from Tony Evans click below:
Plow on, plow on…
David 

======= Carol:

Hi, I’m back after a couple year absence. I read the whole Bible the first year, and then only the NT, Psalms, and Proverbs the past two years….along with the “What Now” read along (which I so enjoy/use). Anyway, I’m back to reading the whole Bible through again. I missed it…the power…the strength…of seeing the whole picture. I had stopped because I read before going to bed at night and it has become too much for these old eyes and mind to take in. I now read the NT; etc. at night as usual (the night before) and read the OT the next morning before doing anything else. I really appreciate and enjoy your commentaries on the OT. Thank you!
Carol 

======= Sarah:

From today’s reading in the “One Year Bible Companion”, it says “Believing that the dead went to the next world in their physical bodies, the Egyptians embalmed bodies to preserve them so they could function in the world to come.” This is very different from Jacob’s belief. I don’t understand why Jacob’s family allowed Jacob to be embalmed. Even as a sign of courtesy and respect to the Egyptians, wouldn’t it make God angry that they followed the pagan custom?
Sarah

======= Susan:

I do fell it is important to belong to a church and serve in a church. God established the church that his children would worship Him and declare His Glory. Our relationship with Jesus isn’t something we keep to ourselves! It is important that those around us know we serve the Living God who is worthy of praise, honor and glory. There is Power when we work together with Holy Spirit. This is not to say, though, that God cannot use an individual to accomplish His will. But on the whole, most of us will experience the power and Glory of God in the fellowship of a church. So I agree with Mike; find a church that you can grow in and serve the Lord.
Susan

======= Robert:

Moses – Exodus 2
I love how Hollywood has taken this story and made so many movies. I get some great insight by watching some of these. Charlton Heston was awesome as Moses in the 10 Commandments. I think my favorite is The Prince of Egypt with animated characters. A wonderful family movie.
Mathew 16, 17
I don’t know how other churches in the world are operating but all our churches are closed in British Columbia, Canada. Most since March 2020. Fines are imposed for those that defy that law. The Zoom format works well for people but a lot lacking in that. I really like 16:13. “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” With the Covid situation I have had to see Jesus in a new light, or fresh eyes. Jesus must always be our own personal discovery. A lot of us are asking this question and it has to be asked many times as we see Peter being reminded and experiencing the Transfiguration, (17:25) and (2 Peter 1:16-18) and in the other gospel accounts.
I feel like building a tent or maybe I feel like I have been living in a tent? Peter wanted to prolong the time that he was in this very special place. Camp out for awhile. The reality is that he had to go back to life. I wonder if in verse 28 if Jesus is referring to this event as some seeing the kingdom before their death?
Robert

======= Jeffrey:

So we reach the book of Exodus. Many scholars believe that Egypt was ruled by a Semitic people called the Hyksos, at the time of the Israelites reaching Egypt and settling in the land. Eventually, these Hyksos were expelled from rule and the Egyptian dynasty that replaced them became afraid that the now greatly numbered Israelites would join with their former enemies and escape from the land. They were put in bondage to prevent this. Much lies ahead in this exciting and pivotal book of the Old Testament, which contains some of its most ancient passages. We shall see in Exodus how God keeps His promises to the seed of Abraham as the God who is faithful.
The Transfiguration
Matthew 17 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone. 2 As the men watched, Jesus’ appearance was transformed so that his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as light.
Jesus reveals some of his glory during the Transfiguration. This occurs after Peter testifies to Jesus being the Messiah (the Messianic Secret”). Jesus time on Earth is growing shorter, but his purpose becomes more clear as Jesus has already let his disciples know that he must suffer and die.
Jeffrey

======= Mitch:

Just had lunch with executive pastor of my church. Interesting conversation. The problem with the church is “willful sin” and no accountability. This keeps us from speaking with authority – from being perceived as different. Churchgoers love the Savior, the King not do much.
That being said, I attend my church regularly. Pray for myself and those in the building. I go because we are commanded to go, and I love on the people because we are commanded to love one another.
In Matthew:
Upon this rock I build my church…from the Greek and idioms of the time I have always taken this as a wordplay on Peter and what he confessed. The church is built on what Peter confessed – that Jesus is God.
In John 1 when John says we have seen His glory. My belief is the glory was seen by these three at the transfiguration.
Mitch