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.

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.