Readings for today: Exodus 29:38-30:16, 1 Corinthians 8:9

“They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I may dwell among them.  I am the Lord their God.” Exodus 29:46

We must not forget what God has done for us.  As God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, He has also brought us out of our shackles.   We need to obey His commands, and be grateful that we are where we are, and not where we once were.

Reading for today: Exodus 29:1-37, 1 Corinthians 8:7-8

“But food does not bring us closer to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do.” 1 Corinthians 8:8

It is not what we put into our bodies, but what comes out of them that brings us closer to God.  It pleases God more so to see words and actions which show that we are Christians. Be pure throughout, like honey, not just sugar-coated on the outside.

Reading for today: Exodus 28:31-43, 1 Corinthians 8:4-6

“Yet for us, there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live, and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.” 1 Cor 8:6

We are alive through Jesus Christ!  Praise God!  His love and his sacrifice for us opened the way for us to accept Him as our Savior, be forgiven of our sins, and one day enter into the Father’s kingdom!

Reading for today: Exodus 28:1-30, 1 Corinthians 8:2-3

“The man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know. But the man who loves God is known by God.” 1 Corinthians 8:2-3

We can never know enough of ourselves; when we think we know a lot, it merely causes us to puff out our chests.  However, the wisest thing we can do is to admit we know little, and ask God for the knowledge of His way for us.  When we express our need, our gratitude, and our love to God, He will hear our voices.

Reading for today: Exodus 27:1-21, 1 Corinthians 8:1

“…but love edifies.” 1 Corinthians 8:1c

The Corinthians had many questions, and here Paul starts addressing the concerns for “gods.”  Yesterday we asked what are the things or concerns of God. We get our answer here, Love, is the concern of God.  We are to be most concerned with love and how we offer that to God and others as believers. One way is sharing God’s love and the offering He made for us.

Reading for today: Exodus 26:1-37, 1 Corinthians 7:32-40

“But I want you to be without care.” 1 Corinthians 7:32

Again Paul is contrasting the social statures of singleness and marriage, and that where you are called is where you should remain - and while in that state your focus should be on the things of God.  Do we focus on things of our stature or the things of God?

Reading for today: Exodus 25:23-40, 1 Corinthians 7:25-31

“For the form of this world is passing away.” 1 Corinthians 7:31b

Paul is repeating that those in Christ should remain as they are, and not be concerned about it. We are not to focus on this world as it is passing away.  God, however, does exhort us to have a certain attitude.  Oh how I wish my attitude would reflect the importance of the things of my God.

Reading for today: Exodus 25:1-22, 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

“Brethren, let each one remain with God in the state in which he was called.”
1 Corinthians 7:24

God or Lord is mention six times, “called” eight times, “let” five times, and “each one” is mentioned four times.  The first and last sentences in the reading have these words,  conveying the thought that is of importance here.  God is the One who calls us.  He is not concerned about our physical nature or with our stature in society, but where we stand with Him.

Reading for today: Exodus 24:1-18, 1 Corinthians 7:12-16

“But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: …” 1 Corinthians 7:12

Paul again contrasts the relationships and situations of believers married to unbelievers.  Unbelievers who remain married to a believer will be sanctified.  Those unbelievers desiring to leave a marriage with a believer should live at peace as God has commanded.  There is no pressure to cause them to stay to “try to save them.”  There is no personal failure when an unbelieving spouse leaves.

Reading for today: Exodus 23:20-33, 1 Corinthians 7:10-11

“Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord…” 1 Corinthians 7:10

Yesterday we read Paul’s personal concession; today he gives a command from the Lord.  Who is the Lord addressing here and what is significant about the command?  It’s interesting that he’s addressing the believers that are looking to depart from where they are.