Exodus 22-24; Luke 23; Psalm 12, 14

¹⁴ “Each year you must celebrate three festivals in my honor. ¹⁵ First, celebrate the Festival of Unleavened Bread. For seven days the bread you eat must be made without yeast, just as I commanded you. Celebrate this festival annually at the appointed time in early spring, in the month of Abib, for that is the anniversary of your departure from Egypt. No one may appear before me without an offering.¹⁶ “Second, celebrate the Festival of Harvest, when you bring me the first crops of your harvest.

“Finally, celebrate the Festival of the Final Harvest^[i at the end of the harvest season, when you have harvested all the crops from your fields. ¹⁷ At these three times each year, every man in Israel must appear before the Sovereign, the Lord. (Exodus 23:14-17, NLT)

A deliverance. A planting. A harvest. These are the three festivals for the Lord’s honor.

When I first started reading the scriptures today, I hoped that I could gain insight to a specific circumstance in my life. While the reading didn’t necessarily address it, I was reminded: God is just. And I trust in that. As I read about the festivals in His honor, I think of it symbolically today.

God delivered me from the captivity of sin and oppression. He has planted me in this place to sow what I will. And at the end of a life or a time, there will be a harvest.

¹⁹ “As you harvest your crops, bring the very best of the first harvest to the house of the Lord your God.” (Exodus 23:19a, NLT)

These festivals were held yearly in the Old Testament–and I wonder if I looked closely at how I spend my time, what would I notice of sowing and harvest in a year? Would it honor God? Did I take what He has given me and use it wisely, intentionally? Have I given Him the honor and best of the harvest?

Lord, I’m so grateful for all that you have done for me. In this time of healing and discovering, I trust in you. I want to take my eyes of my broken heart and focus on purpose–a kingdom purpose. Help me to steward well what you have entrusted me. Help me to honor you and keep you as the focus of my heart, my words and my actions. Thank you for your Word that speaks to me of your presence and promises. Thank you for being trustworthy and just. Thank you for loving me just as much on the days I’m a shortsighted mess as you do on the days I’m bringing my best.

Courtney (66books365)

Advertisement

Exodus 19-21; Luke 22

Lately, Jesus has been calling me to look at Him more than a Saviour, more than my Lord, more like He is my King and I am a servant in His kingdom.

I really enjoyed the Bible reading today – they seem to be calling me to keep on going along these lines of thinking.

‘You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.  Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine;  and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel. And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.” Also let the priests who come near to the Lord consecrate themselves, lest the Lord break out against them. Exodus 19:4-6,9,22  ESV

The words from Exodus, God’s word to His people, are telling me that I need to listen to the words of Jesus. Jesus speaks for God just like God spoke to the Israelites.  This is my invitation from Him to come and have a new relationship.

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. – Luke 22:19  ESV

As I enter into the kingdom of God, I need to be aware that Satan is actively working against God’s purposes. Satan entered Judas. Satan is still not done – he wants to sift Peter as if he were wheat.  It would seem at the end of the chapter that the “power of darkness” is winning the day. But it is only the end of a chapter.

As I walk with Jesus this year, I can expect such days.  It is my acceptance of being with Him, walking with Him, spending time with Him, that will make the difference in what my day will be.

Father, I am Yours and You are mine. As I walk into Your kingdom, I can expect opposition.  You stand firm and ask me to stand with You. You invite me into relationship and You never leave me. With Your promises I enter this year knowing that there is nothing that separates me from Your love. I thank You for giving me such an amazing relationship with You. Amen.

Erwin (evanlaar1922)

Exodus 15-18; Luke 21

“Then Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded: Fill a two-quart container with manna to preserve it for your descendants.  Then later generations will be able to see the food I gave you in the wilderness when I set you free from Egypt.” Exodus 16:32 NLT

I picture the Israelites filling their jars with manna, so that they can remember how God provided for them. I have a journals of God’s past faithfulness, but also some really painful things that he has brought me through. What do I want future generations to know about my life? If I’m honest, I’d like to filter it. And only put in the good stuff.  And hide the rest.  I am encouraged by Moses’s vulnerability to his father-in-law.  He didn’t leave the struggles out.  

“Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharaoh and Egypt on behalf of Israel.  He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles.  Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel as he rescued them from the hand of the Egyptians.  “Praise the Lord,” Jethro said , “for he has rescued you from the Egyptians and from Pharoah.  Yes, he has rescued Israel from the powerful hand of Egypt!  I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians.” Exodus 18:8-10 NLT

When sharing my story, there are parts I would rather hide. But, than I would be leaving out the ways that God has had the victory in my life.

“Than Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord: “I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; he has hurled both horse and rider into the sea.  The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.  This is my God, and I will praise him-my father’s God, and I will exalt him! The Lord is a warrior; Yawheh is his name!” Exodus 15:1-3 NLT

Thank you Father that you are the true manna who meets my every need. Thank you for your healing, your faithfulness. For your words that speak life into my soul. Amen. 

“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” Luke 21:33 NLT

Amy(amyctanner)

Exodus 12-14; Luke 20; Ps 21

“But God led the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea. And the people of Israel went up out of the land of Egypt equipped for battle.” Exodus 13:18

I don’t know about you…but I have a lot of questions for God. I have silly questions like, “Why mosquitoes?” and I have really serious questions like, “Why did Lilly have to die?” There are days the questions haunt me and there are days when the questions remind me I have an extremely powerful God who knows all and is trustworthy. In reading today’s scripture I am reminded again of the gift that God gave us in the Bible. He shared clearly the reason the Israelites had to walk through the wilderness…the purpose of it…to help them and keep them from turning back…but, did they know? Or did they wonder and question God?

I get that! If I had known in my early 20’s the things God was going to lead me through in my 30’s, there’s a good possibility that I would have pulled a Jonah and gone the opposite direction. Not knowing God’s plan and direction too far in advance, kept me from worrying about things I couldn’t change. The experiences of my life, however, that God led me through prepared me for those really difficult things that were to come.

“So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?”   But he perceived their craftiness,”                                        Luke 20:21-22a, ESV

My questions are not bad. They may be annoying at times (just ask my parents) but God has used them as a way of reminding me that He knows my heart. He sees behind my questions and knows the motivation…He knows the heartache that comes with asking about death and suffering. He knows the joy and fun that comes from wondering and asking about things of creation like mosquitoes (and bats…and spiders…and sharks…ok, I’ll stop). God knew the hearts of the scribes and chief priests and knew their intent was to trap Him. And yet…He still answered them. He didn’t ignore them.

“Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.”       Psalm 21:13, ESV

Father, may I rest in the knowledge of your wisdom and power.
May I trust your heart and your purpose for my life.
May I know that in the questions and wonderings of life, you are present and you hear my deepest longing for connection with You. Amen

Mandy Baldwin

Exodus 9-11; Luke 19

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews, “Let my people go, that they may serve me.’” Exodus 9:1 ESV

Exodus 9 begins with a warning of a fifth plague upon Egypt, which comes to pass after Pharaoh hardens his heart yet again. It is followed by four more plagues, each ending only to be followed by Pharaoh stubbornly refusing to let the Hebrews go and worship God. Pharaoh’s obstinacy was destroying his land and hurting his people, but he was still too proud to obey God’s commands.

Then Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not understand that Egypt is ruined?” Exodus 10:7 ESV

Pharaoh did not represent all the Egyptians. Many of them were tired of his refusal to follow God and the destruction it brought upon their country. In fact, God gave the Egyptians who humbled themselves before His Word the opportunity to save their belongings.

“‘“Now therefore send, get your livestock and all that you have in the field into safe shelter, for every man and beast that is in the field and is not brought home will die when the hail falls on them.”’” Then whoever feared the word of the LORD among the servants of Pharaoh hurried his slaves and his livestock into the houses. Exodus 9:19-20 ESV

God did not punish those who feared Him and told Moses to warn them of the impeding hail. This entire episode almost seems to reflect the Redemption Story as the God-fearing Egyptians who believe God and act in faith are saved while those who refuse to believe God’s words face destruction. God’s mercy on those who trust in him is again reflected in the story of Zacchaeus, a dishonest tax collector who came to hear Jesus’ preaching. After Jesus comes to Zacchaeus’ house, he repents of his sins.

And Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:9 ESV

While many judged Jesus for going to the house of a tax collector and a sinner, Jesus states clearly that His purpose on earth was to seek after those who are lost, including the Gentiles, social outcasts, and the disabled.

And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold, saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of robbers.” Luke 19:45-46

Jesus’ cleansing of the temple is probably one of the most dramatic moments of His ministry as He overturns tables and drives the salesmen out of the Court of Gentiles. The Court of Gentiles itself was suppose to be a place where the foreigners could come and worship the LORD as they were not allowed further into the temple, however, Jesus entered, He found it overrun with salesmen hoping to make a quick buck due to the Passover being close at hand. He was dismayed that the place where the outsiders came to worship God was instead crowded with those who only cared about making money. The cleansing of the temple foreshadows the moment when the veil of the temple is torn and when Paul is told the preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. Jesus was making a way for those who sought God to approach Him. Those who seek Him will find Him.

And he was teaching daily in the temple. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking to destroy him, but they did no find anything they could do, for all the people were hanging on his words. Luke 19:47-48 ESV

Dear God, Thank You for making a way for sinners to come before Your throne. Please help me follow Your Words and obey Your commands. In Your Holy Name, Amen.

Nathanael (nborger2017)