Reading for today: Exodus 40:1-33, I Corinthians 10:23-24

“All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.”  1 Corinthians 10:23-24

We have freedom in Christ!  But, are we careful not to abuse that freedom?  Are we thinking of how our actions effect believers and non-believers alike.  In our freedom are we edifying the Lord… something to think about.

Reading for today: Exodus 39:22-43, I Corinthians 10:14-22

“For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.”  1 Corinthians 10:17

We as Christians partake in communion in remembrance of what Christ did for us.  In this, we are truly His followers for those without Christ have not the understanding of His amazing sacrifice which leads us to a life of victory.

Reading for today: Exodus 39:1-21, I Corinthians 10:13

“No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 
1 Corinthians 10:13

No matter what our temptations are, we have a choice to make.  God always gives us a way to escape any and all temptations.  It should be simple… flee from it.  Is it simple for you?

Reading for today: Exodus 38:1-31, I Corinthians 10:12

“Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”  1 Corinthians 10:12

Don’t let the enemy fool you into thinking that you have everything under control!  It is when we feel strong that we are in danger of falling into deception.

Reading for today: Exodus 37:1-29, I Corinthians 10:5-11

“Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.”  1 Corinthians 10:6

Are we like the Israelites when we take our eyes off the Lord and seek those things which are not pleasing to God?  As children of God we should never let our guard down for it is in those times that we are most vulnerable to the temptations that come and appear as an angle of light.

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).