Reading for today: Exodus 36:2-38, I Corinthians 10:1-4

“Then Moses called…every gifted artisan in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom…”Exodus 36:2

God designed the Tabernacle as the place He would dwell among His people.  He engineered every detail of its construction from the inside out meticulously choosing artisans to carry out His plan.  We also are God’s design.  And with the same meticulous eye He has carefully chosen “artisans” and circumstances that fulfill His purpose to conform us to the image of His Son (Ro 8:28-29).  Look for God in the details of your life today.

Reading for today: Exodus 35:20-36:1, I Corinthians 9:26-27

“Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way as not beating the air; but I buffet my body and make it my slave.”  I Corinthians 9:26-27a

Tough images and words from Paul: when he swings at the impulses that weaken his passion for God he doesn’t miss.  He buffets—he hits the enemy of his soul square in the face and he hits hard. The amateur athlete says, “What can I do to get by and still cross the finish line?”  The master athlete asks, “What level of training does it take to win?”  Which question is yours?

Reading for today: Exodus 35:1-19, I Corinthians 9:24-25

“Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it.” I Corinthians 9:24

Paul is not informing us that only one believer receives Heaven.  In fact according to our “regulations,” we are to encourage others to also receive the prize (Hebrews 3:13).  The point here is to run like a winner.  How does a winner run?  With zeal and every bit of energy God gives (Romans 12:11).  And he finishes “tattered and torn,” completely spent for God.

Reading for today: Exodus 34:10-35, I Corinthians 9:20-23

“‘For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.’ And I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”  I Corinthians 9:19,23 

It is important to know Paul’s mission here because he expects us to be a “fellow partaker” in this venture with him (v. 23).  Paul’s mission was “to win the more,” and his strategy was to use his Christian freedom to become a “servant to all.”  Paul put personal preference aside without violating the law of Christ (v.21) in order to share the gospel message with both Jew and Gentile.

Reading for today: Exodus 34:1-9, I Corinthians 9:17-19

“Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth.’”  Exodus 34:6

Here the Lord describes Himself as “abounding in lovingkindness,” overflowing with steadfast love for his children. The word for “truth” can also be translated “faithfulness.”  Our God is not a rigid, judgmental parent who watches from a distance, but He is a merciful, loving, and gracious Father who draws His children close to Him and calls them by name (John 10:3). 

Reading for today: Exodus 33:1-23, I Corinthians 9:13-16

“And He said, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’”  Exodus 33:14

In the Hebrew language, “My Presence” literally means “My Face.”  The Face of God will go with you, and He will give you rest refers to The Promised Land. This is a dwelling place where you “walk” with God, experiencing a quiet peace over your circumstances.  Both His presence and rest are fulfilled in your relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.  Take time now to reflect on that relationship.

Reading for today: Exodus 32:15-35, I Corinthians 9:8-12

“then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp, and said, ‘Whoever is on the Lord’s side’ come to me!’”  Exodus 32:26a

It is difficult to read through this heartbreaking story of Israel’s abandonment of the living God for a false god, but in this tragic chapter we see the central theme of the Bible demonstrated: God’s mercy on sinful man.  When we repent, God forgives.  He will discipline us that we learn from our bad decisions, but as He did for Israel, He gives us another chance.  Return to His side and be in His presence again. 

Readings for today: Exodus 32:1-14, 1 Corinthians 9:1-7

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go down, because the people, whom you brought out of Egypt, have become corrupt.” Exodus 32:7

Thank God that we can intervene when our brothers are lost in sin.  We must be firm in our belief, and willing to bring the Word of God to the world.

Readings for today: Exodus 31:1-18, 1 Corinthians 8:12-13

“Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause him to fall.” 1 Corinthians 8:13

If I know that a brother or sister has had problems with drinking, I should not serve wine at a household gathering.  Likewise, if overeating is a problem for others, I should stash the heavenly hash ice cream and the Sara Lee cakes away.  In all things, I should build up, not break down, my brothers in Christ.

Readings for today: Exodus 30:17-38, 1 Corinthians 8:10-11

“So this weak brother, for whom Christ died, is destroyed by your knowledge.”
1 Corinthians 8:11

We must be careful not to be stumbling blocks for others.  Though we are told that it is not what we take in to our bodies that defile us, another brother who is a young believer may not know this yet.  In that case, we should not partake, but be in agreement because Christ died for us all, and we want to bring all to Christ.