The Tabernacle of Christ

January 31

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 25 – 26

Verse of the Day: Exodus 25:8 – “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.”

The Tabernacle of the Old Testament was a “type” of Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, John says in his Gospel that Jesus came and “dwelt among us” – the idea of pitching a tent. God gave the Israelites a visible symbol of His presence with them. The Tabernacle is a physical representation of the Throne Room in heaven (study the book of Hebrews).

As the Tabernacle “housed” the presence of God in the Old Testament, the body of Christ “housed” God in the Gospels, today the bodies of the believers “house” the Holy Spirit. We are the Tabernacles of God today – so that brings up the pertinent question – what kind of house are we providing for the God of the Universe? Is it clean? Is it worthy of the honor bestowed upon it? You “house” God – live like it.

Prayer: God, as my treasured house guest, may I provide a house that is worthy. Amen. 

All God has said -

January 30

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 22 – 24

Verse of the Day: Exodus 24:7 – “And he took the book of the covenant, and read in the audience of the people: and they said, All that Jehovah hath spoken will we do, and be obedient.”

Here we are almost ending the first month of this year. We called this month a month of New Beginnings. As you have taken the time daily to read the Daily Bible Reading and the short devotional thought, you have begun a habit to be taken with you through out the year. Time with God – Bible reading and Prayer.

We need to take the same attitude as the Israelites did in the verse above – all that God has said we will be obedient and live it out. Today, spend some time looking at your life – your habits, your desires, your goals – and see if they can be lined up with the Word of God. Are they all that they should be? How can you line them up and obey God?

Prayer: Search me, God of my heart. Show me where I fail, and where I fulfill. May I be pleasing to You, O God. Amen.

January 29

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 19 – 21

Verse of the Day: Exodus 20:1 – “And God spake all these words, saying,"

The Ten Commandments. Once proudly displayed in schools, courts, etc. They were the basis of our country. Now, they are not allowed in many places. They are considered archaic and outdated.They are being replaced with social mores that the majority wants to establish. However, we are overlooking one important piece of information.

Our verse today is the opening phrase to this listing of the Ten Commandment. Notice -- "God spake." These were not some legal aspects, some religious thoughts that Moses and a committee came up with. God spoke these words. They are the important life sustaining code of ethics, morality, and interaction between man and God and each other. Are they non negotiable? Yes -- God speaks them for us to live a life that is best.

Prayer: Help me Father understand that when You speak it is for my benefit and for my full assurance of happiness and joy. Amen.

Testimony Time

January 28

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 16 – 18

Verse of the Day: Exodus 18:9 – “And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Jehovah had done to Israel, in that he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.”

Moses shared with his father-in-law, Jethro, all which had taken place and how God had been faithful and mighty in bringing them out of bondage. In other words, Moses shared his testimony of what God had done. And, by doing this, Jethro joined him in rejoicing over God’s goodness.

God wants us to share with others what He has done for us. We need to be quick to give Him the praise, and fast to show others how He is faithful. When we share the testimony of God’s work in us, we open the doors for them to praise God and to rejoice in God’s great goodness. Share with one person today what God has done.

Prayer: Father, I thank you for Your goodness and want the boldness to share this with others around me. Amen.

Marah to Elim

January 27

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 13 – 15

Verse of the Day: Exodus 12:13 – “And they came to Elim, where were twelve springs of water, and threescore and ten palm-trees: and they encamped there by the waters.”

Taken on a round about way when leaving Egypt. Trapped at the Red sea. Rescued by God’s Almighty hand. Then the bitter waters of Marah. What an auspicious start to this deliverance.

In today’s reading, we find that “Jehovah showed him a tree” (verse 25). Another grand picture that when life seems to be bitter and unpalatable – God has a tree – a Cross for us to look toward. When the tree was cast into the waters, they became drinkable. When the Cross is in our troubled lives, they become livable,

And our verse for today – a reminder that nearby, in our future there will be an abundance of provision for all our needs. Hang in there and trust Him through it all.

Prayer: God who provided the tree (Cross), thank You for planning to meet my needs through Your provisions. Amen.

When I see the blood...

January 26

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 11 – 12

Verse of the Day: Exodus 12:13 – “And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

“When I see the blood,” in the Passover of the Old Testament God gives them (and us) a picture of what He will do through Jesus Christ. This deliverance from the bondage in Egypt is a type of God’s greater deliverance of mankind from the bondage of sin. The blood on the doorposts marked those who trusted God for deliverance and the blood of Jesus Christ on our hearts mark true believers who are delivered from the bondage and penalty of sin.

Does the blood of the Lamb mark your life? When God looks at you, are you one that He sees the Blood?

Prayer: God of the Passover, I thank You that my heart is marked by the Blood of Your precious perfect Lamb – Jesus. My sins are removed and He lives in me today. Amen.

No hail!

January 25

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 9 – 10

Verse of the Day: Exodus 9:26 – “Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.”

We are finishing 9 of the 10 plagues with today’s reading. The most severe is coming up. Yet, as we consider what is taking place, notice that God constantly protects His people.

We can take assurance from this – that no matter what is happening around us, God will hold tight to what is His. Now, this does not mean that we will be exempt from any suffering, but that ultimately God will always hold on to us.

When God adopted me into His family as His son, I have the guarantee that nothing can take me out of His precious love or hand. I might suffer, I might struggle, I might even face death – but for all Eternity, I am in the hand and heart of God. Whatever happens, He will take care of me.

Prayer: Loving Father, thank you for both the written promises and the word-pictures You provide to teach me of Your care. Amen.

A Stubborn Heart

January 24

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 7 – 8

Verse of the Day: Exodus 7:14 – “And Jehovah said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is stubborn, he refuseth to let the people go.”

There is a running debate dealing with the Sovereignty of God, and the free will of man. One place that this surfaces is in the account of Pharaoh and Moses. Some believe that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart so that he had no choice. Some believe that Pharaoh chose to disobey God’s declarations.

The answer lies in a middle ground. God, being omniscience knew the heart of Pharaoh. God used the stubbornness of Pharaoh in His dealing with the nation of Egypt. He used the nature of the person He was dealing with to accomplish His will and purpose.

Today, let us look deep into ourselves and see what our nature is. And, considering this nature, how might God use it to accomplish His purpose?

Prayer: Search me O God, help me to develop into a vessel used by You for Your plans and purposes. Amen.

Impatient?

January 23

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 4 – 6

Verse of the Day: Exodus 5:22 – 23 – “And Moses returned unto Jehovah, and said, Lord, wherefore hast thou dealt ill with this people? why is it that thou hast sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath dealt ill with this people; neither hast thou delivered thy people at all.”

God’s timing is usually not our timing. I have learned over the years that God often takes us through the educational experience called waiting before He delivers what He has promised. He sees a bigger picture of what is taking place in His plan than we do. He knows the precise timing to accomplish His purposes. Imagine if Moses had given up at this point and stopped following God. We would never know about him today. Waiting on a promise from God – He always comes through, in the perfect way and at the perfect time.

Prayer: Father, I am impatient. I want it now. Help as You train me to live in Your time and plan. I trust You – Amen.

I AM THAT I AM

January 22

Daily Bible Reading: Exodus 1 – 3

Verse of the Day: Exodus 3:14 – “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

As God is instructing Moses, He declares His personal, covenant name – YHWH. We see it translated as I AM THAT I AM. This divine name is a declaration of God’s immutable self-existence, His pure being, nothing brought Him into existence nor could anything cause Him to cease existence. He always was, is, and will be. 

His name shows us that God is existence. In English grammar, a direct object generally can be exchanged for the subject – thus this could read, “Existence is God.” Nothing exists outside of Him, because He is the very essence of all existence. Nothing summarizes the nature of God better than His own name.

Prayer: Self-existent One, my Creator and Redeemer, because You were, are, and will be, help me follow You in full obedience today. Amen.

But God

January 21

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 49 – 50

Verse of the Day: Genesis 50:20 – “And as for you, ye meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”

Today, we come to two very important words – “But God.” These words appear 45 times in the Scriptures. “But God” climbs the highest mountain; traverses the darkest valley; and sings songs of victory in the midnight hour. We see that “But God” exclaims, “I’m going to the enemy’s camp and I’ll take back what he stole from me!” Moreover, notice, “But God" is courageous, confident and conclusive.

Every event that happens in our day to day lives are under the watchful eye and hand of an all-loving God – who will take and make everything right according to His all powerful plan for His Creation and for us as His children.

Prayer: Heavenly Maker and Designer, even though I may not understand Your plan for me today, help me to trust Your heart in caring for me. Amen.

Troublesome Days

January 20

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 46 – 48

Verse of the Day: Genesis 47:9 – “And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty years: few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.”

When Jacob says his days were evil, he is not speaking of “sinful,” but of being constantly confronted by anger, anguish, distress and tribulation.

This is a reminder to us today that we are not promised ease and comfort. We are promised that God will keep all of His promises to us, He will be with us, and as Romans 8:28 reminds us in the New Testament that all things will work for our good (not necessarily be good as we consider it). Today, in your troubles, look to the One who will provide for our every need.

Prayer: Our Provider, today help me to recognize Your Presence in the events of today. Amen, and Amen.

God Did Send Me

January 19

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 44 – 45

Verse of the Day: Genesis 45:5 – “And now be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.” 

Here we begin to see the secret of Joseph’s being able to forgive his brothers for what they did decades before. They sold him as a slave, and this began the journey that would take him to the second highest position in Egypt. Read the verse again – “for God did send me.”

Joseph harbored no ill will or malice toward his brothers because he saw everything as the hand and plan of God. If we could learn to trust God in everything, we too could be like Joseph. We would harbor no malice, we would quickly forgive others; we would live each day as if it was the plan of God (which, by the way it is). Do not take the reins in your own hands, give them up to God and be prepared for the ride of your life.

Prayer: Our Blessed Lord, I give to You the reins to my life, I trust Your leading, and will follow in whatever Your plans are. Amen.

God's Perfect Timing

January 18

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 42 – 43

Verse of the Day: Genesis 42:6 – “And Joseph was the governor over the land; he it was that sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph's brethren came, and bowed down themselves to him with their faces to the earth.”

From the dreamer to the slave to the prisoner to the governor of Egypt. These chapters have shown us the up and downs of Joseph’s life. As a 17 year old, he dreamed of his family and others bowing to him. Now, almost four decades later, we see the dream being fulfilled. God’s plan may take longer than what we think is necessary, but it is always right. Never too early, never too late, but always right on His schedule.

Today, if you seem to have been waiting for so long to get God’s answer, remember how over and over God has shown us that He will always finish His promises to us. Think on Abraham, Joseph, Moses, David, and so many others.

Prayer: Father, help me to be patient and wait for Your good timing. Amen.

God's Timing, Plan, and Purpose

January 17

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 4

Verse of the Day: Genesis 41:41 – “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt.”

Yesterday we left Joseph forgotten, today we see him raised to the second most powerful position on Earth in his day. What happened?

God’s timing. God’s plan. God’s purpose. Often we cannot see the whole picture in our finite position. We cannot understand why we do not receive the answer to our prayers. We wonder why we do not get that promotion. Why we seem to wait constantly for God’s response. Here we see in Joseph’s life that God had a plan, not just to release him from prison, but to use him in His plan to save Israel and in turn bring Jesus into the world.

Our limited sight does not understand to full purpose and plan of our King, our Savior, our Lord. Today, trust Him like you have never trusted Him before.

Prayer: Infinite Mighty God, God of all Creation, help my impatience to turn into a confident waiting for You. Amen.

Wait on it - wait on it - wait on it

January 16

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 38 – 40

Verse of the Day: Genesis 40:23 – “Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.”

Ever struggle feeling that you are forgotten? Those those who have promised you to remember you have not done so. Ever feel forgotten by God? Today many preachers speak of God showing His Presence in all that He gives us, and when we are struggling then the obvious thought is that God has forgotten us.

Yet, in the account of Joseph we can see that God was always with him. In Genesis 39:2 we read, “And Jehovah was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian.” 

What was the problem? No problem, it was just that the time for God’s blessing and plan was not yet. At the right time, God will exalt Joseph, just as at His appointed time He will exalt us.

Prayer: God of all Ages, help me to wait patiently for Your timing. Your plan is perfect; my sight is limited. I will wait – Amen.

Dreamer Joseph

January 15

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 36 – 37

Verse of the Day: Genesis 37:5 – “And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brethren: and they hated him yet the more.”

We are starting to read the accounts about Joseph. As you read these chapters over the next week, pause and seek the beauty of the teachings God has for us.

We remember Joseph for the many dreams that God used throughout his life. Dreams that established who he would become, dreams of the Butler and Baker, dreams of Pharaoh – all that steered his life in God’s plan.

Joseph is a wonderful type of Jesus Christ. His father’s favorite son, sold as a slave, lived a very blameless life, and all without hatred or seeking retaliation. Forgiveness is rampant in his life.

Prepare your minds and hearts as you read these chapters to be challenged by God to live a life like Joseph.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, open my heart and eyes to You in these chapters. Amen.

El-Bethel

January 14

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 33 – 35

Verse of the Day: Genesis 35:2 – “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and purify yourselves, and change your garments…”

Jacob and his family are now on their way back to Bethel (house of God). After all that had taken place previously, Jacob is making a concerted effort to establish an exclusive relationship with God. At Bethel he erects an altar called El-Bethel, or the God of the House of God.

In chapter 35, verse 1 – 5 give us a challenge today to waste no time in asking God to help us identify and remove the false gods in our lives. We are guilty of allowing other things to usurp the place of God – His place of priority in our lives.

Today, ponder over what you have allowed to move into place over God, and make a vow to remove it.

Prayer: Gracious God, help me discover and remove that which is in Your place. Amen.

A New Name

January 13

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 31 – 32

Verse of the Day: Genesis 32:28 – “And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for thou hast striven with God and with men, and hast prevailed.”

As Jacob is returning home, he has an encounter with God at a place he named Penuel (face of God). It was at this place that God changed his name from Jacob (deceiver) to Israel (Prince with God). 

A person’s name was often symbolic of their character. Here, after struggling with God, we see that Jacob’s character would be changed. No longer a deceptive person, he was now a person of godly character.

Has God changed your name? Have you been renamed Christian? If so, are you living up to that name? Is the character of God showing through you in your part of the world?

Prayer: Abba, Father, as You have changed me – given me a new name – may I seek to honor and live this change today. Amen.

Praise = Judah

January 12

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 29 – 30

Verse of the Day: Genesis 28:16 – “And she conceived again, and bare a son. And she said, This time will I praise Jehovah. Therefore she called his name Judah.”

Judah literally means “praise” in Hebrew. The tribe that the Messiah will come from. The Lion of Judah – the King of Praise. But, as I read this, I noticed something interesting.

This is Leah’s fourth son. She has had Reuben (a son), Simeon (hearing), Levi (attached), and now Judah (praise). What I found interesting is that she had three sons before she acknowledged and praised God.

Isn’t this quite like us? We receive blessing after blessing from God, and it takes us awhile before be realize that we need to praise and give thanks to the One who has so blessed us. How much has God blessed you? How often have you stopped and gave Him thanks for these blessings. I know I must admit I am slow to learn this. Today – let’s just praise the Lord!

Prayer: Giving God, may we pause and give You all of our thanks today. Amen. 

My Bethel

January 11

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 27 – 28

Verse of the Day: Genesis 28:16 – “And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely Jehovah is in this place. And I knew it not.”

Today’s reading includes the account of “Jacob’s Ladder.” This verse stands out to us because of Jacob being in the presence of God and not knowing it. When he came to the realization, he changed the name of the place from Luz (almond tree) to Bethel (house of God).

What times in your life have you awakened from your spiritual sleep to discover that you were in the presence of God all along and did not realize it? What impact did it have upon you? Jacob was profoundly affected – and in turn this place – Bethel – became a prominent place in Old Testament history.

Today, think back to your Bethel. Has it continued to affect you? If not, why not return to God’s presence in your life.

Prayer: God of Presence, make me aware of Your presence today. Amen.

Half-truths

January 10

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 25 – 26

Verse of the Day: Genesis 26:7 – “And the men of the place asked him of his wife. And he said, She is my sister. For he feared to say, My wife. Lest, said he, the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah. Because she was fair to look upon.”

Today’s reading reminds us that what we do is often repeated in our family. Abraham twice is recorded of calling his wife his sister (a partial lie) to protect his own life. Here we find his son, Isaac, doing the same thing. Abraham’s failures brought problems, and so does Isaac’s. 

In Abraham’s story, Sarah was his half-sister, so technically she was his sister. She was also his wife (a fact he leaves out). We need to remember that half-truths are still lies. And, a lie always will complicate greatly the matter at hand. The truth will always vindicate and give victory. Stay away from half-truths and maintain truth at all times.

Prayer: Father, Jesus said He is the Truth, may we strive to live lives that are models of the truth in this world. Amen. 

Jehovah Blesses

January 9

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 23 – 24

Verse of the Day: Genesis 24:1 – “And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age. And Jehovah had blessed Abraham in all things.”

Abraham has lived to a very old age and for most of it, he was faithful in following God. He had “feet of clay” just as we do – there were times in his life where he did not trust God. However, he always repented and came back. The Bible calls him the friend of God, the father of the faithful – and in turn gives us hope for our lives today. We will fail at times, yet when we come back God forgives and restores. 

Abraham knew that it was Jehovah who had provided all the blessing he had. We need to constantly be aware that all the things we have came from the good grace of Jehovah. We won’t be perfect, but repentance will keep us in the favor of Jehovah.

Prayer: Blessed Father, I come today in full confession of my sins. I seek You, and know that you will be there for me. Thank you for the blessings I have through Jesus. Amen.

Confident Walk

January 8

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 20 – 22

Verse of the Day: Genesis 22:8 – “And Abraham said, God will provide himself the lamb for a burnt-offering, my son. So they went both of them together.”

The promised son has been born. The pride and joy of his father is here. The name Isaac (laughter) so brought joy to the family. Yet, when he is a young lad, Abraham is told by God to offer him as a burnt sacrifice. The test is given. A temptation offers pleasure; a test is always hard. This is not for God to see if Abraham trusted Him, it was for Abraham (and us) to see that God is pleased by total obedience – even when we can’t see the purpose.

From the front cover to the back cover of our Bibles, we constantly see that God is pleased when we walk by faith. Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.

Prayer: Gracious God, increase my faith today. Amen.

All-Powerful

January 7

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 18 – 19

Verse of the Day: Genesis 18:14 – “Is anything too hard for Jehovah? At the set time I will return unto thee, when the season cometh round, and Sarah shall have a son.”

The first part of this passage asks a very important question. “Is anything too hard for Jehovah?” We read this, we say we believe it, and then we live out the opposite.

We will face problems and blessings every day this New Year. We will need to decide daily – maybe even every moment – whether we will live what we say we believe. I am not saying that God will give us everything we ask for, but I am saying that God is capable of doing everything that He has decreed, everything in line with His glorious will. Today, instead of worrying and stressing our, meditate upon this statement. Let it change your view – and your life.

Prayer: Today most Holy Father, as I meditate upon You, let me see your power, majesty, and heart. Amen.

The Last Adam

January 6

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 15 – 17

Verse of the Day: Genesis 17:5 – “Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.”

Can you imagine what must have taken place around the camp of Abram when he came home and told them that God had changed his name? From “exalted Father” to “Father of multitudes.” Moreover, he and Sarah were childless. But, God had made a promise and He always keeps His promises. In just a short time, Sarah (who was 90) would conceive a child – the promised son of Abraham.

What a picture we have here. Abram’s son – Ishmael – the would be replaced with the promised son – Isaac. Just as Adam has been replaced with the last Adam (1 Corinthians 15:45) – Jesus Christ. And as Isaac went on to “father” the nation of Israel, so Christ has “fathered” sons of God. Today, praise God that you are a chosen child of the King.

Prayer: Thank You Father for making me a child of the King. Amen.

Common Sense Nonsense

January 5

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 12 – 14

Verse of the Day: Genesis 12:10 – “And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was sore in the land.”

This verse does not sound bad. In fact, common sense seems to justify the decision that Abraham has made. Except, there is no evidence that he sought God’s advice. As you continue to read today what takes place, it appears that Abraham struck out on his own, and wound up paying the consequences.

We must be careful not to make decisions based upon solely common sense. We must seek God and the wisdom from above. Pray, search Scripture, and wait for His plan of action. We as humans are impatient and constantly rushing in before we understand what God has in store. Today, muse over the decisions you need to make, and let God be in charge. You will not be sorry.

Prayer: Father of Wisdom, help me today make the right choices that will lead me in your path. Amen.

Token, Covenant, and Chastening

January 4

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 9 – 11

Verse of the Day: Genesis 9:13 – “I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.”

The Earth and all that lived on it have been destroyed. The cataclysmic flood is over. God is speaking to Noah and promising that when they see the rainclouds not to fear, He will never again purge the Earth with water.

The promise is unconditional. No matter what man does, no more global flooding. It is God’s covenant. However, that does not mean that there will not be any consequences for man if he rebels against God. We know from Hebrews 12:5 – 11 reminds us that God, like a loving Father will chasten us. He will allow natural results as well as intervening in our lives to mold us into images of Jesus Christ. This year, seek to allow God free hand in shaping you into His perfect plan.

Prayer: Father of Love, help me to see Your chastening Hand as a sign of Your great Love for me. Mold and shape me into Your child. Amen.

God's Grace

January 3

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 6 – 8

Verse of the Day: Genesis 6:8 – “But Noah found favor in the eyes of Jehovah.”

“Grace, grace, God's grace, grace that will pardon and cleanse within; grace, grace, God's grace, grace that is greater than all our sin!” Words from that grand old hymn – Grace Greater than Our Sin. 

God’s unmerited favor. Getting what we don’t deserve. God’s riches at Christ’s expense. All are phrases used to describe God’s grace. All hold truth, and yet they fall short of the wonder, majesty and richness of this beautiful grace. Noah found favor, have you? 

God has given us the grand gift of His grace through Jesus Christ. When we receive Jesus into our lives, He gives us the undeserved gift of forgiveness and eternal life. Ponder today the rich gift that has been given to us.

Prayer: Gracious and Merciful God, we pause to thank You for this gift that is beyond our full comprehension. The more we think on it, the more we discover the fathomless depths. Amen. 

Hath God Said?

January 2

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 3 – 5

Verse of the Day: Genesis 3:1 – “Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which Jehovah God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of any tree of the garden?”

“Hath God said?” The first challenge to God’s Word is made by Satan in the garden. If we do not know God’s Word, it is easy to be swayed to incorrect understandings. It is vital for us to spend time in God’s Word each day to know and understand that which God has really said. There are a number of maxims out there that sound good – even sound like they should be Scripture, and they aren’t. Consider – “God helps those who help themselves.” Book? Chapter? Verse? Not there. Actually the Bible teaches us that God helps those who cannot help themselves – all with the sin nature. That’s you and me. Christ came to do what we cannot do.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you that while we were helpless, Christ came and did for us what we cannot do – restore us. Amen.

In the Beginning.......

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 1 and 2

Verse of the Day: Genesis 1:1 –“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

As we begin a New Year, we start with the four words – “In the beginning God….” The book of Genesis carries the theme of ‘beginnings.” We see the beginning of matter and time. We look in marvel as God produces the entire Universe – the expanse of wonder that we see before us today. In Genesis is the beginning of land, of life, and of man. In Genesis, we see the beginning of marriage, the family, community, and nations. We see that at the end of this reading today, everything was good in the eyes of God. What a major utopia for Adam and Eve to populate and enjoy.

All creation lies before Adam and Eve to savor and enjoy. A blank slate of possibility is ever present for them to commune with God and the family they would soon produce. We have a new blank slate (calendar) before us today – let us use it wisely.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for this new beginning. May I use it for Your Glory.