Bible Chapter: Exodus 27 & 28

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    I have heard an expression about people who don’t know what they are doing, or who don’t plan well.  It is called “management by crisis”.  This describes people who don’t really know what they are doing and just muddle through life.  This is the total opposite of these chapters.  We see God’s amazing plans He revealed.  We see that God clearly showed Israel what they were to do to worship God.  The fine detail and the beauty of the design show the worth of God, the Creator.  Each of the pieces they created were part of their worship and growing relationship with God.  God provided for the forgiveness of sins through the sacrifices.  Everything they needed was given to them.
    One of the challenges I have found in reading these chapters over the years has been to get a good mental picture of what these items looked like.  I appreciate the drawings included in my study Bible.  I use the Fire Bible, Don Stamps general editor.  It is an excellent study tool to help me understand the scriptures better.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God has a plan for my life.  God wants everyone to come to Him.  In these chapters, as God was revealing His laws and expectations of their worship they saw God’s care for them.  I have always been impressed by the fine detail of the tabernacle, and then later, the temple in Jerusalem.  God cares about the details.  That is encouraging that He cares about the details of life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    So many people think that life is just something to endure, hopefully to have some fun along the way.  People need to see God loves them and cares for them.  He wants them to learn God’s plan and serve Him.  Just as we see God’s creativity in these chapters, we can see it in our lives as well.

Bible Chapter: Exodus 25 & 26

 Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    In the process of giving the Law to Israel, God gave them very specific instructions about the tabernacle they were to make.  This was a portable tent, a movable place where they would come and worship God.  This is the first time God’s people had a specific place set aside for their worship.  We are so used to having church buildings, but they had no place built and set aside for worship.  God was very clear about how they were to make it.  It was very ornate, made of much gold and fine building materials.
    As I was reading these chapter I was reminded of a story I heard once.  In some country where they build temples to their gods, an American asked a local person how much the ornate temple they were looking at had cost.  The man replied, I don’t know, it is for our god.  Some might question the work and materials that went in to the tabernacle.  But, it was for God and the sacrifice was worth it.  It was a beautiful place where they met God.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Part of this reading includes a statement that they were to receive an offering from all whose hearts prompt them to give.  Learning to listen to God is important.  It is very important to learn to listen to God regarding being generous and giving.  Some complain that the only thing the church is concerned about is raising money.  That is not true.  But, what is true is that God blesses generosity and want us to recognize that God is lavish in His creation and He is not stingy.  It is a good thing to wisely use our resources to the best productivity.  There are those who genuinely need help.  God’s work is always in need of resources.  Don’t be stingy.  Generous people are great people to be around.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the awesomeness of God.  We see that in the beautiful tabernacle and furnishings God designed.  God is worthy of whatever it takes to serve and worship Him.  God cares about details.  God cares about the details of our lives and is always ready to be here with us.

Bible Chapter: Exodus 23 & 24

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God created people.  God loves and cares for people.  We see that in this passage.  He gave them laws for the ethical treatment of people, both the rich and poor, the powerful and weak.  He even told them to help their enemies.  As I read the Bible I see God’s great care for people and the benefits to society when God’s ways are practiced.  He speaks against various actions because these sinful things will destroy people.  People are God’s highest creation, made in His image.  He warned them to not get involved in the religious and immoral practices of the nations they were to conquer.  They were to stay far away from any participation in sin.
    God reassured Moses and the nation of His covenant with them.  He had a plan and told them that if they would obey, they would have amazing blessings from God.  Often we read that the people promised to do what God told them.  An example is Exodus 24:3 NKJV
3 So Moses came and told the people all the words of the LORD and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, "All the words which the LORD has said we will do."
    They clearly said they would do all the Lord said for them to do.  Sadly, they didn’t always follow through with that promise and they paid the price.  We can be assured that God will always keep His work.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    God promised to lead Israel in their journey.  I love the statement where God said He would be an enemy to their enemies and He would oppose those who opposed them.  God told them to worship only Him and His blessing would be on them.  That is an encouraging promise to those who worship God.  The law He gave told them how to treat people.  Those who follow those principles will receive the benefits and blessings from God.

3.  How can I help someone?
    People need to see that God really does know what He is talking about.  Sadly, today many people are being very vocal about claiming to be atheists and are promoting their lack of belief.  It is interesting that they see the good things that Christians have and are copying many of them.  Some are actually starting atheist “churches” where they gather, sing songs, visit, hear a speech, and do everything Christians do, except believe in God.  That shows me that God’s way is best, these people simply refuse to accept the truth of God.

Bible Chapter: Exodus 21 & 22

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    After giving the Ten Commandments, God gave Israel many laws for them to follow.  These guided them in their civil matters.  They told them about how to treat people and hold people responsible for their actions.  This is an important principle for a healthy society.  People must learn responsibility for their actions.  If they don’t do things in a proper manner, they must pay the price.  Accountability is necessary.  People who live without accountability and responsibility tear down their society.
    God never approved of slavery.  He gave them laws to direct them in how they handled slaves.  They were more humane than the ways slaves had been treated.  God’s plan was that Israel would eventually abolish slavery.  Sadly, their hearts were not tender to hear from God on this issue at that time.  Throughout this section of scripture we see God’s compassion for people in need.  He gave them many laws so that people would be treated with respect, life would be honored and their culture would be a good place to live.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    Treat people in the way God shows.  This passage talks about how to prevent problems and help people who have been injured or incurred a loss.  It talks about real responsibility for actions.  All of these principles must be applied. Even though these laws applied to Israel at that time, the principles they are founded on are for all people and are timeless.  God calls for us to respect life and have a commitment to fairness and justice.  These are beneficial principles to apply to life.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see how God looks at life.  The term is called world-view.  It means how we look at life and the issues of life.  The foundation for our thinking, the filter we use to see and live life, must be based on the things God reveals.

Bible Chapter: Exodus 19 & 20

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    God gave the nation of Israel multiple and ample evidence of His care, guidance and plan for them.  God promised to help them.  They were responsible to listen and obey His commands.  They came to the foot of Mt. Sinai and God called Moses to meet Him on the mount.  God reminded Moses of all He had done for them and how important it was for them to live a righteous life.  The people all promised to do everything God commanded.  In a very dynamic way God revealed the Ten Commandments to them.  This was the foundation of their moral law and the way to live righteously before God.  The commandments told them how to respond to God and get along with each other.
    God’s actions in these chapters show His power and holiness.  The people were warned to not touch the mountain when God was showing His presence there.  Those who follow God must grasp the reality of His holiness.  We must strive to grow in righteousness to be more like Him.  We will never be a God, but we must endeavor to take on His righteousness.  I am reminded of II Corinthians 5:21 NLT “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.”  Another translations says “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”  NKJV Taking on God’s righteousness is a necessary act for our spiritual growth and a major improvement for daily life.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    The Ten Commandments are the foundation for living, the foundation for a just and moral society.  There is safety in laws the commandments express.  This passage has been the groundwork for many legal systems.  They cover the important areas of life.  I must always strive to live them.  They make life much better.  God expects obedience.  Memo to self: obey the commandments.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people see the holiness of God.  His nature is what we need.  We need a loving and caring God. We also need His righteousness to make life better.  We don’t have to be afraid of people who really live a godly life.  People need to see they will be better off when the follow God’s commandments.

Bible Chapter: Exodus 17 & 18

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

Editor’s note: up to this point in the Connect2LIFE reading, we have been reading one chapter a day. We covered the New Testament in a year.  If we continued that rate, it would take over three years to cover the Old Testament. From this point on, many days will include two chapters.  This will allow us to cover the Old Testament in two years.
1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Again, the people grumbled when they had a need.  Again they blamed Moses and acted as if he had forced them from Egypt against their will.  From their complaints one would think they actually liked it back in Egypt.  They needed water.  God instructed Moses to strike a rock and water would flow.  They kept testing God.  God showed His plans and provision.  This is another reminder to trust God.
    Then they had to deal with the Amalekites.  We are here introduced to Joshua who would eventually lead the nation.  Joshua was chosen to lead the army to fight against the attack.  Moses took Aaron and Hur with him to the top of a hill overlooking the battle.  We see a good picture of the necessity of supporting leaders to bring victory.  God gave them victory as Moses was able to hold his hands up to God.  It took them all, working together, to see it accomplished.
    Another lesson learned, and this is a good teaching for the modern church, was when Jethro came to visit Moses.  Moses was trying to lead, judge and do everything by himself for the whole nation.  It couldn’t be done.  Moses needed to appoint and delegate helpers to lead the people.  This shows the importance of a good team doing God’s work.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    I see the importance of working together in both of these chapters.  Moses was an amazing man of God.  The Bible gives him many accolades.  But, when he tried to everything by himself, he couldn’t make it.  He needed help.  Working together and depending on God was necessary for Israel to have the victories they needed.  This is necessary advice for the church today.  In the past it has been the primary responsibility of the pastor to do so many things.  That just can’t be done.  More gets done as we all work together.  This principle jumped out to me very emphatically as I read these chapters.

3.  How can I help someone?
    I want to help people be enabled to do the work God planned them to do.  I want to help people step up and do more than they thought they could.  Together, we will do more.

Bible Chapter: Exodus 16

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    Complaining to God and blaming God.  The human race has had this ability for a long time.  It is very common today.  People try to define who God is to be and how He is to function.  If God doesn’t work exactly like they want, they refuse to believe in Him. I find this interesting.  If I am able to define and dictate God’s actions, then I must be greater than God.  If I am greater than God, then I don’t need God.  Israel was quick to complain and forget the horrors of slavery.  They said they had it good in Egypt, lots of food, etc.  They forgot all the miracles God performed to free them and get them on their journey.  They said God brought them out there to starve.  They didn’t give God much credit.
    God knew exactly what He was doing.  He had a plan and told Moses what they were to do.  God would provide all the food and nourishment they needed.  Provision for His people is never a problem for God.  They ate bread from heaven.  They had all they needed.  This bread (manna) was also a test from God.  Would they obey and take what they needed and use it as God directed?  Many of them did.  A few had a better idea.  Those who disobeyed brought God’s wrath.  Again, a lesson in obedience.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    One of the lessons of the manna was to take a double portion on the sixth day.  They were to take a Sabbath rest on the seventh day.  This principle of rest and spiritual restoration was established by God at the beginning.  He still tells His followers to practice it.  The modern world has totally ignored it.  We used to have laws that made many businesses close on Sunday.  Somehow, no one starved during those days.  We made it and thrived in life.  Those laws have all been repealed and Sunday is no different than any other day of the week.  We now have a 24/7 society.  The person who says they will make this one day different and not live like the rest of the week is now an oddity.  Even many Christians don’t make Sunday special.  Church attendance is an option, but not necessarily the top option.  Churches today specialize in a sixty minute service so people can get out and get more important things done.  Throughout the Bible we see the lessons of God’s opinion of the Sabbath.  He expects us to give Him a special day of worship and rest.  We need it physically and spiritually.  We are much better off when we apply it.

3.  How can I help someone?
    God really does know what to do in every situation in life.  People need to learn this.  His wisdom leads to the importance of our obedience to His directives.  When I can help people learn this, they will receive the benefits and blessings that come.