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 They are considered archaic and outdated.They are being replaced with social mores that the majority wants to establish.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.