Friday, February 15th: Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 39:1-40:38, Mark 1:1-28, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 9:11-12

I’m a very visual person so it’s always been a bit of a struggle for me to read these Old Testament passages. I’ve always wished there were some pictures to show what everything looked like. So, I googled what the priests garments looked like, and this seemed to give me a better visual:

Now this might not be the most accurate drawing ever, but at least it gives us an idea.

If you feel you need a better visual to what everything looks like in these passages, I’d encourage you to google some pictures and see what comes up. Just like all the skilled people we read about today, God gave skills to others that they could draw these images for those of us who have a hard time picturing the text in our heads. If you have a skill or talent God has given you, always use it to glorify God and help others gain a better understanding of what He says.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 1:1-3:17; Mark 1:29-2:12; Psalm 35:17-28; Proverbs 9:13-18

Wednesday, February 13th: Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

Exodus 36:3 Moses gave them the materials donated by the people of Israel as sacred offerings for the completion of the sanctuary. But the people continued to bring additional gifts each morning. 4 Finally the craftsmen who were working on the sanctuary left their work. 5 They went to Moses and reported, “The people have given more than enough materials to complete the job the Lord has commanded us to do!”

6 So Moses gave the command, and this message was sent throughout the camp: “Men and women, don’t prepare any more gifts for the sanctuary. We have enough!” So the people stopped bringing their sacred offerings. 7 Their contributions were more than enough to complete the whole project.
I love this!  Prior to this it seems like it's just been bad news after bad news when it came to the Israelites - grumbling and complaining, forgetting about God's faithfulness, and so quickly falling into idolatry.  But here we finally see a good story.  A great story!

The people were so generous they actually had to be told to stop giving.

That's amazing!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 37:1-38:31, Matthew 28:1-20, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 9:9-10

Tuesday, February 12th: Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6 

My devotional today talked about the "sins of the parents".

I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations. - Exodus 34:7b - 

It's pretty scary to think that our sins could have lasting affects that our children and their children may feel. I pray that God shows be any patterns of sin that could leave such a lasting effect on my children.

Another thing that really stood out to me today was the importance that God placed on the 7th day - a day set aside for complete rest. It was important enough that it comes up twice in today's reading.

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but on the seventh day you must stop working, even during the seasons of plowing and harvest. - Exodus 34:21 -

You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on that day must be put to death. You must not even light a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath.” - Exodus 35:2-3 - 

I wonder, in today's world of craziness, if we were, as christians, to truly take this as seriously as it is stated in these verses, what our world would look like. This would be a VERY difficult thing to do. So many things we are involved in require us to be DOING something on Sunday's (assuming that is the 7th day). Today's society doesn't necessarily allow us to take this day completely as rest but maybe being more intentional about how we spend this time would allow us to feel more rested. I think there is definite value in setting aside time and being intentional about finding time to REST in Jesus.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 35:10-36:38, Matthew 27:32-66, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 9:7-8

Monday, February 11th: Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36

33 The Lord said to Moses, “Get going, you and the people you brought up from the land of Egypt. Go up to the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I told them, ‘I will give this land to your descendants.’2 And I will send an angel before you to drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites. 3 Go up to this land that flows with milk and honey. But I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I did, I would surely destroy you along the way.”
It didn't take the people long to fall into outrageous idolatry.  The result was that God still intended to give them the land, but an angel would go before them, and He would not be with Him.

As my devotional put it....
Essentially what this meant was that they would get the best of everything this world had to offer... minus relationship with God.....

Do we just want the good stuff God gives to us, or do we genuinely want him?

It reminded me of this song by Natalie Grant "More Than Anything". 
Here is the chorus...
Help me want the healer more than the healing
Help me want the savior more than the saving
Help me want the giver more than the giving
Oh help me want you Jesus more than anything

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 34:1-35:9, Matthew 27:15-31, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 9:1-6

Sunday, February 10th: Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 30:11-31:18, Matthew 26:47-68, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 8:27-32

Exodus 31:1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!

6 “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make
When we think of spiritual gifts or special talents from God we tend to think more about musical talent or a gift of discernment.  But here God speaks of gifting craftsmen and builders.  Obviously, this was somewhat situational, as they were building special things for the tabernacle of God.  But, I also think the point is to remember that all our talents come from Him, and everything we do, we can, and should, do for Him and His glory.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 32:1-33:23, Matthew 26:69-27:14, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 8:33-36

Friday, February 8th: Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 28:1-43, Matthew 25:31-26:13, Psalm 31:9-18, Proverbs 8:12-13


14 But I am trusting you, O Lord,
saying, “You are my God!”
Psalms 31:14


We read how distressed the writer is in the first few verses, and then we come to this verse. Though he felt like everything in his world was crashing down, he was choosing to trust in God.

Lord, let us put our hope and our faith in You. Whether it’s a good day, a bad day, or an average day, help us always to trust in You.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 29:1-30:10, Matthew 26:14-46, Psalm 31:19-24, Proverbs 8:14-26

Wednesday, February 6th: Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

Exodus 24:3 Then Moses went down to the people and repeated all the instructions and regulations the Lord had given him. All the people answered with one voice, “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.”
If only good intentions were enough!  No matter how much we want to, we can never obey the law completely.  It only took 40 days for the Israelites to prove that spectacularly.  Thankfully for the Israelites, and us, Jesus can do what the law can't - save us. 

I appreciated the thoughts in my devotional book today, and particularly the closing prayer.....
Lord, we need so much more in our home than a code of good behaviour and a load of good intentions. We need your Spirit to write your law on our hearts so that we will want to obey you. We need your holy law to work its way through the hidden paces in our hearts and the habits in our home so that we can be set free from idolatry and infidelity, disrespect and dishonesty. We long to be a holy people who together enjoy the freedom not to sin, which is made possible by the work of your grace in our lives. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 26:1-27:21, Matthew 25:1-30, Psalm 31:1-8, Proverbs 8:1-11

Tuesday, February 5th: Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 21:22-23:13, Matthew 24:1-28, Psalm 29:1-11, Proverbs 7:6-23

Matthew 24 talks about what the end of days will look like and I'm pretty sure every generation throughout history feels like it can't get much worse and the end must be at hand. Verse 12 really stood out to me today though.

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved."

We live in a world where we are increasingly busy and as I watch my kids grow I pray that some habits of resting and quietly coming before God take root but I know that I find it harder in my own life to find that time and with all the distractions of today's world I fear this will just become harder and harder. And the lack of prayer, bible reading, attending church and cultivating friendships with like minded individuals will pull us further away for God which in turn may cause our "love to grow cold".

Lord, I pray for ourselves and for our children, that you would sustain a love in our/their hearts for you. That the distractions of the world will not pull them or us away from you and that we will continue to worship and stand firm to the very end.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus23:14-25:40, Matthew 24:29-51, Psalm 30:1-12, Proverbs 7:24-27

Monday: February 4: Exodus 19:16-21:21 Matthew 23:13-39 Psalm 28:1-9 Proverbs 7:1-5 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 19:16-21:21Matthew 23:13-39Psalm 28:1-9Proverbs 7:1-5 

Some things that stood out for me from today's readings:

Exodus

19:20 The Lord came down on the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses climbed the mountain.

God meets us halfway. He does not impose himself. He does not beg. He does not command us like robots with no free will. He calls us but we need to come to him. He will chase us but will not overtake us without our willingness to submit to Him.

20:1 Then God gave the people all these instructions[a]:

God gave. He did not make these commands without choice. He gave us the rules and boundaries to live a good life. We are told to follow them but we do have a choice. We are free to choose to live outside these instructions but we are not free from the consequences of those choices.

Matthew

13: 23 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens,[c] but you ignore the more important aspects of the law—justice, mercy, and faith. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.

Following all the rules that God sets out for us does not mean that we are perfect and without sin. We can follow all the commandments like a checklist and still not enter the kingdom of Heaven. 

13: 25 “What sorrow awaits you teachers of religious law and you Pharisees. Hypocrites! For you are so careful to clean the outside of the cup and the dish, but inside you are filthy—full of greed and self-indulgence! 26 You blind Pharisee! First wash the inside of the cup and the dish,[e] and then the outside will become clean, too.

It is not only our outward appearance that God notices but our hearts, our minds, and our motivation as well. It's not good enough to look the part we need to acknowledge our sin and how short we fall from God's expectations for us. 

Psalm

28:8&9 (ish)

8 The Lord gives his people strength.......

 
.......Lead them like a shepherd,
    and carry them in your arms forever.

Although strength comes from God when we ask for it. True strength is in total submission to Him and allowing Him to carry us.

Proverbs

7:1-3

Follow my advice, my son;
    always treasure my commands.
2 Obey my commands and live!
    Guard my instructions as you guard your own eyes.[a]
3 Tie them on your fingers as a reminder.
    Write them deep within your heart.

God desires us to come to Him. He gives us commandments and rules for our benefit. However, the rules are not to be obeyed verbatim as a checklist without love and compassion. We need to remind ourselves often that we are in need of a shepherd to lead us in the way we should go. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 5 Exodus 21:22-23:13Matthew 24:1-28Psalm 29:1-11Proverbs 7:6-23 

Friday, February 1st: Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

17 When Pharaoh finally let the people go, God did not lead them along the main road that runs through Philistine territory, even though that was the shortest route to the Promised Land. God said, “If the people are faced with a battle, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” 18 So God led them in a roundabout way through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. Thus the Israelites left Egypt like an army ready for battle

 - Exodus 13:17-18

It often feels like we are in seasons of waiting. And a lot of times we question why God would make us wait, and even tell Him that we think we’re ready for what’s coming next.

But, we are not God, so we don’t know the big picture, and we don’t have everything figured out perfectly (although sometimes we think we do). Like the Israelites, sometimes God needs to take us in a roundabout way to get to the end goal to teach us something, or show His glory.

In times of waiting, let’s remember that God has a plan, and He will get us where we need to go. We just need to trust in Him. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 15:19-17:7; Matthew 22:1-33; Psalm 27:1-6; Proverbs 6:20-26

Thursday, January 31st: Exodus 12:14 - 13:16, Matthew 20:29 - 21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 12:14 - 13:16, Matthew 20:29 - 21:22, Psalm 25:16-22, Proverbs 6:12-15

Exodus 12: 31-36
During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the LORD as you have requested. [32] Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” [33] The Egyptians urged the people to hurry and leave the country. “For otherwise,” they said, “we will all die!” [34] So the people took their dough before the yeast was added, and carried it on their shoulders in kneading troughs wrapped in clothing. [35] The Israelites did as Moses instructed and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold and for clothing. [36] The Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and they gave them what they asked for; so they plundered the Egyptians.

I've always wondered why Pharaoh didn't give in sooner, the consequences for the Egyptians just got worse, and now they had lost all their firstborn. They even gave the Israelites whatever they asked for, on the way out.

Do I ignore God and keep doing what I'm doing, then realize later that I should have listened to God earlier? We sometimes make the same mistakes the Egyptians made then, and ignore God at first.

I pray that I'll act sooner in listening to Him.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 13:17-15:18, Matthew 21:23-46, Psalm 26:1-12, Proverbs 6:16-19

Tuesday, January 29th: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 ~ Jeannine

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 

I always enjoy reading the story of Moses and the 10 plagues. I find it entertaining how Pharoah kept hardening his heart even after all of the VERY unpleasant plagues that he and the people had to endure. How disgusting some of these plagues are and that Pharoah could continually ignore the power that these plagues show is beyond me. I could not even imagine how disgusting it would be to have frogs EVERYWHERE. And then gnats and rivers of blood. Just really, really gross. I'm not sure how you could live through all that and not believe...and yet the Israelites witnessed all this too and eventually they start complaining about things and wondering if God is still with them.

I also find the magicians kind of amusing too. They manage to keep up with God (to some degree) with the first 3 plagues but after those, they can no longer compete and I feel like they want to believe and maybe don't understand why Pharoah is continuing being so stubborn.

Though miracles are not nearly as obvious in today's society, I do believe that they happen and occur regularly, we may just have to look a little harder to see them. I pray that I recognize the miracles around me and give credit where credit is due.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 8:1-9:35, Matthew 19:13-30, Psalm 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5 

Sunday, January 27th: Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

Moses ended up being one of the great(est) men of faith this world has ever seen, but he sure didn't start out that way.

In today's passage he saw God perform outright miracles.  I know God can and does still do some miracles today, but, particularly here in Canada, the miracles are much slower working.  For example - I totally believe God miraculously healed our nephew several years ago, but God didn't heal him in the miraculous way He did miracles in the Bible.  If that was the case, our nephew would have gone from coma to running in an instant.  That didn't happen.  It was a slow process, but it was still miraculous and against everything the doctors predicted.

But Moses personally saw instant, amazing miracles.  He saw his staff instantly turn into a snake, and then back into a staff.  He saw his very own hand go from healthy to leprous and back to healthy again (he must've been sweating before it went back to normal!). 

And AFTER seeing all that, he still had the audacity to ask God to send someone else!

I would think, after seeing all that, he would've agreed to whatever God asked him to do, if only to make sure his hand stayed healthy! 

The question is - are we any better?

No, we haven't seen such miraculous displays.  And no, God isn't asking us to do anything as outlandish as confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

But when He nudges us to share the gospel with the woman at the coffee shop, do we say yes or do we ask God to send someone else?

As we'll continue to read in Exodus, Moses doesn't stay the same stammering, coward he appears to be today.  God wasn't finished with him.

And thankfully, God's not finished with us yet either.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalm 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

Saturday, January 26th: Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 2:11-3:22; Matthew 17:10-27; Psalm 22:1-18; Proverbs 5:7-14

It's unclear whether or not Moses was actually unsure about his ability to lead the Israelites and be God's spokesperson, or if he just didn't want to do it, but I noticed something today about God's responses to Moses that I don't think I've noticed before.

I'm paraphrasing but.....
Moses' initial response is "Who am I to go before Pharoah, to lead the people of Israel?"
And God says "I will be with you"
Moses' next hesitation is "When they ask me who has sent me, what do I tell them?
And God says "I am who I am"

The point I noticed?

Who  Moses was and what he was capable of was irrelevant.  Absolutely irrelevant.
Who God was, was the only thing that mattered. The only thing.

The same holds true in our lives today.  No matter the task God has called us to, whether great or small, who we are and the extent of our abilities are irrelevant.  It's all God.  It's who He is.  It's what He has called us to.  It's He who will empower us, He who will go with us, He who will strengthen us, He who will enable us, He who will give us the words to say.

It doesn't matter who I am.
He is who he is.
And that's all that matters.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

Monday, February 5: Exodus 39-40, Ephesians 1 by Kaden

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 39-40 Ephesians 1

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Leviticus 1-3 Ephesians 2

Ephesians 1:9-10 "Making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and  things on earth."


I often notice myself questioning what God's plan for me is, and most often I forget that his plan is only revealed to us when the time is right. God's plan cannot be predicted or changed, his plan is set and will be revealed when the time is right.

This coming week I encourage you to follow God's will, even if it seems like his plan has no point, and trust his promises as we were told, and remember that he reveals his plan when we are ready.

Friday, February 2nd: Exodus 34-36; Galatians 5 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 34-36; Galatians 5

“Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.”
- Galatians‬ ‭5:25

In every part of our lives. We need to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Not just the two days after a sermon that really hit home, not just during a set of worship that had your hands raised and eyes closed, not just during Sunday school where you volunteered to pray this time instead of waiting for someone to pick you, but in every part of our lives. That means after a bad day at work or school, we still need to come home and follow the Spirit’s leading. When someone offends us and all we want to do is fire insults back, when the McDonalds worker doesn’t get the order right and you’re alreafy late for work, we still need to follow Him. Yes, it’s hard, and yes, we’re going to mess up multiple times. But He “gives us new mercies everyday”. We need to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 37-38; Galatians 6

Thursday, February 1: Exodus 31-33; Galatians 4 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 31-33; Galatians 4

“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” - Galatians‬ ‭4:6-7‬

Being the oldest child, I have the tendency to think I can do everything myself, I don’t need help from anyone, and if I can’t do it myself then I’m a failure. I often forget, or push aside the fact that I need other people to help me, especially God.

God wants us to call out to Him, “Abba, Father.” We are His children, and He will take care of us. But we have to let Him. We can’t just push Him away saying “no, no, no, I can do this by myself.” We have to trust that He has a plan, and that He’s got everything figured out already.

So while we’re trying to battle something completely “independently”, we need to take a step back and trust that God’s got this, and He doesn’t need our help.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 34-36; Galatians 5

Friday, January 26: Exodus 16-18; Mark 15 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 16-18; Mark 15

“The people passing by shouted abuse, shaking their heads in mockery. “Ha! Look at you now!” they yelled at him. “You said you were going to destroy the Temple and rebuild it in three days. Well then, save yourself and come down from the cross!”” - Mark‬ ‭15:29-30‬

Every time I read this part of the scripture, I get so angry at these people for ridiculing Jesus. And I always think, if I was Jesus, I would’ve wanted to prove myself to these people and show them just how powerful I was, and cast fire down from Heaven on them, or something. But that’s part of what makes the gospel as great as it is. I would imagine the human part of Jesus would’ve been tempted to do something like I said. But the God part of Jesus knew this was all part of His Father’s plan, and without dying, He wouldn’t be able to save these people if they were to one day ask for forgiveness. To think, Jesus died for all sinners, including those mockers. And those mockers, to be completely honest, have been us at different stages of our lives. How wonderful of a God we serve that He would still want us after mocking Him like that. I am so thankful for His love and forgiveness.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 19-21; Mark 16

Thursday, January 25th: Exodus 13-15, Mark 14: 32-72 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 13-15, Mark 14: 32-72

Exodus 14: 13-14
Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. [14] The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

God told the Israelites to not worry or fear, He would help them

Exodus 14: 21-22
Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the Lord drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, [22] and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.

The Israelites had seen many miracles already, and how God was helping them. Would their faith be strong enough to not worry and just trust?

Exodus 14: 31
And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

This is an amazing miracle, God helped the Israelites escape death and also proved to them again that He was with them and would help. But as the Israelites moved on in their journey they forgot how God had helped them in the past and were more concerned with their present problem of thirst.

Exodus 15:24
So the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “What are we to drink ?”

Do we forget all that God has done for us already? He has died for us and given us the opportunity to be saved. As we face issues that come up that change our plans, and can bring us down, we need to remember the big picture - how God has loved us and cared for us and promises to keep doing this for us.


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 16-18, Mark 15

Monday, January 22: Exodus 4-6, Mark 12:28-44 Kaden

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is: Exodus 4-6, Mark 12:28-44

I have always questioned why God said, while talking about Pharaoh to Moses, "but I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go." but after reading and rereading I have come to the realization that since in chapter 4 when God hardens Pharaoh's heart, he makes his promise of deliverance in chapter 6 and told Moses that the stone heart of pharaoh will drive the Israelites with a strong hand, and thus making an easier escape from Egypt.

When Jesus answered answered the scribe that the second most important commandment is, "love you neighbour as yourself" we can find it very hard in our society to fulfill this as we tend to be very judgemental, but as we look upon everyone else in our lives we need to remember the only true judge is God, and since we need to love others as ourselves, we can only look upon others as we would look at ourselves.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20