DEVOTIONS

 February 10, 2023
 Daily Reading – Exodus 34-35 / Matthew 25:1-30

 

 GOD’S WORD:

Exodus 35:21 And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments. 08:26:04.

 

 GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

     I have heard that some people feel as if the churches today just want people’s money. That organized religion is nothing more than a scheme to con people out of their hard-earned cash. Well consider a few things for a moment. Most churches out there today are not considered Mega-churches. I am not suggesting that all large church bodies are trying to con people, but 90% of churches in America run less than 350 people. 50% of churches have a church body of less than 100. Which leads to the belief that if this is a con to get rich quick, it is a really poor one.

 

    God has never wanted people’s money. What He has always desired was their heart. In our verse today it says; “And they came, every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the LORD’S offering…” No one was forced or tricked into offering to God, they wanted to be a part of what God was doing in their midst. That is how God has always intended for offerings to be given, willingly. He even told Moses in Exodus 35:5 “Take ye from among you an offering unto the LORD: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the LORD; …” It was never a trick, gimmick, or con. It was always to be given of a willing heart and given where God was working in their midst. When we read on, we see how God blesses their willingness to give. It is all tied to our motivations. 

 

 GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

    Still today for the church it says in 2 Cor. 9:7 “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” It has always been, as should always be a heart issue.

 

What motivates you to give to God?

 

 

 February 9, 2023
 Daily Reading – Exodus 31-33 / Matthew 24:27-51

 

 GOD’S WORD:

Exodus31:2 & 6 See, I have called by name Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:… And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan: and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded thee;

 

 GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

    Have you ever thought to yourself, “No one appreciates all I do.” Or “Why does not someone, anyone volunteer to help me. Can’t they see I am swamped?” Could it possibly be that they do not know how swamped you are? Have you thought about who might be able to do that job instead of you? Have you considered you may be taking the blessing away from someone else by doing it all yourself?” God raises up help in our membership, but we need to look for them and let them know they are needed.

 

    In Exodus 31 before God allows Moses to go down the mountain He tells him, I have raised up helpers for this work. Why was that important for God to do? Because Moses, like many leaders, is a hands-on kind of guy. Remember back when Jethro had to tell him not to do all the counseling? Why? Because Moses was so busy counseling, He did not look for counselors to help him. God was not going to let that happen again in the building of the temple. Moses was too important to God to let him burnout on this task.

 

    What could God use you to do if you would hand over some of the things you do now? Before you go daydreaming and starting new projects, find the Bezaleel and Aholiab God has sent your way. Bless them with a task for the Lord. Allow them to do it different than you. It is ok. You may be surprised what God can do through them.

 

 GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

    I am preaching to the mirror in this devotion. Giving up things you have done for some time is hard. The first step is giving it to God. Make sure you know it is His first. Then ask Him, who should be doing it.

 

What are you going to pray about blessing someone with this next month?

 

 

February 8, 2023
Daily Reading – Exodus 29-30 / Matthew 24:1-26

 

GOD’S WORD:

Exodus 30:7 And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it.

 

GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

    To most people who know me, they know that I am an early riser. Well, early according to most people that is. Somewhere between 4 and 5:30 AM is my normal time to get up, make a pot of coffee, and then spend time in prayer, reading, God’s Word, and writing about what I have read. That is where these Daily Devotions come from. I choose to do so because there are very few interruptions for me at that time of day. The robot (nuisance) callers have not begun their pestering calls yet. Most people are still sleeping or taking a shower getting ready for work or school. This is a great time for me to be alone with God, pray, and meditate on His Word.

 

    While reading Exodus we find this morning schedule was part of God’s desire for the priests of that day as well. Incense was to resemble the sweet smell of prayers offered to the Lord. David the Psalmist prayed in Psalm 141:2; “Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” I know some of you may be thinking, “well that is good for you preacher, but I am not a priest.” However, 1 Peter 2:5 says, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Spend a little quiet time with God each day. It will do you well and may cause a sweet aroma in Heaven.

 

GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

    In your quiet time of meditation this week, try saying this verse back to God. Psalm 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” 

 

What is your daily time of meditation like?

 

 

February 7, 2023
Daily Reading – Exodus 27-28 / Matthew 23:23-39

GOD’S WORD:

Exodus 28:34-35 … a golden bell and a pomegranate, upon the hem of the robe round about. And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.

GETTING INTO GOD’S WORD:

    “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening…?” If you have ever been around a horse drawn sleigh or wagon, and the harness of the horse were fitted with bells, there is a constant jingle-jangle all the while they are in earshot. Even standing still, or somewhat still, with every move there is a sound from those bells. Then, as they begin to trot off, a jingling rhythm is created for the listeners to hear. You always know when they are around. The Jingle-Jangle gives them away.

    The robes crafted for the High Priest to wear into the Holy of Holies were also made with bells on the hem. They may have looked decorative, but they also had a function. Exodus 28:35 tells us of the function. It says, “And it shall be upon Aaron to minister: and his sound shall be heard when he goeth in unto the holy place before the LORD, and when he cometh out, that he die not.” You see only the High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies. Before they went in, they were to go through a purification ritual. Sacrifice was made for their own sin. During this ritual a Priest would tie a rope to the ankle of the High Priest before they went into the presence of God. They would stand outside to listen for the Jingle of the bells on the robe. Since no Priest was allowed in the Holy of Holies, if it stopped for a considerable time, they would pull him out with the rope. The idea of sin in the presence of God would not be allowed. Our life in Ministry matters.

     

GETTING GOD’S WORD INTO ME:

    God sent His Son Jesus to pay the price for our sinfulness. It is the blood of Jesus that blocks our sin from the sight of God. However, God still says, be ye Holy. Why? Well, that is simple, because He is Holy and still hates sin.

In your life of ministry, would your bells still ring?

Living In His Word Ministries
       “Getting people into the Word of God…
                               … and the Word of God into people.”
Dr. Franklin J. Senters Th.D.
Founder and Executive Director
Hebrews 2:12