Just as the Lord commanded

In Exodus 35-40, we see the making of the tabernacle and God's acceptance of the work. What a great feeling that must have been. But wait, are you not also God's work? Is he accepting of you? Jesus might be able to help answer that one!

In Exodus' final chapters, we see Moses commanding the Israelites to build items in certain ways. Notice how many times it reads..."just as the Lord commanded Moses". Talk about paying attention and following through on instructions....we could all learn a lesson from Moses.

Remember, Moses was not doing this for his own glory, he didn't even want the job! He had fearful respect and love for the Lord, so he accepted that God had a purpose for even the tiniest detail. God has a purpose for the details in our lives too....

We still have a cow!!!

Today, in Exodus 32-34 we read about the golden calf. The Israelites lost faith in God. Moses seemed to have disappeared on the mountain. So they somewhat forced Aaron to comply by making this calf.....he did not put up much of a fight.

How do we grow tired of waiting for God's timing today? What do we use as our golden calf? Money? Position? Posessions? Are we like Aaron and go along to get along?

Check out Ex 33:3. God is ready to start over! Luckily Jesus has become our intermediary today, so we can approach God. But do we want to take that for granted, or really show our appreciation. How? Praise Jesus and seek God.

What's on my mind....

I'm off subject today but have something that is touching me. Seeking God is something we might not think about often. After all, what does God want from us? In Micah 6:6-8, He tells us. Do right, love mercy and walk humbly. Easy to do right? Not for me. It takes effort and desire. I'm instructed in 1 Thess 5:16-18 to always be joyful, always pray and always be thankful. I do have a lot to be thankful for. I have a God who loved me enough to do for me what I could not do for myself.

I desire to seek Him in His word, serve Him in his church body and to share Him in my actions. Moment by moment.....pray for me as I will for you.

Insrtuctions anyone?

Reading today in Exodus 28-31, we find God's detailed instructions on everything from the clothing of the priests to the consecration and commands for the priests. Quite a bit of detailed information.

This makes me think that if God has that much detail in the beginning of who was to serve, how to serve and what they would wear, He must have a pretty detailed plan for me. But how do i discover this plan? Obedience.

Moses was obedient in recording God's instructions. They were obedient in following through with them. We need to be obedient in following God today. Be purposeful in your pursuit!!!

Plans...who needs plans....

God does. Before the Israelites even had a home, God provided plans for the tabernacle (church) for them. Today in Exodus 25-27 we see the detailed nature of those plans. If God is that detailed and specific about building a TENT, just think of the plans He has for us!!

We might be tempted at times to wish that God were a little more flexible, yielding to our own desires and expectations. If God were small enough for you to control, He would be too small to help you in your time of need.....

God has plans for us. Be still and listen. Connect with Him.

Rules, rules , rules.....always rules....

Rules ,rules, rules.....always rules.

Today, we read in Ex 21-24 about the various rules and laws God gave to Moses (in addition to the 10 commandments). Why so many rules? The people of Israel were set apart by God as a chosen holy people, a kingdom of priests. The rules were meant for their general welfare, as well as to keep them focused. The principle that you will eventually worship what you serve definitely applies.

The rules of living Moses received from God have become the basis for many of our laws today. Reading through them, there are not ones that seem overly restrictive. Think about some of our laws and rules today. Do they not help you feel safer knowing that they are in place. Anarchy would rule if each decided what is right in their own eyes....but that period is still to come.....

10 simple rules.....

Today, we are in Ex 19&20. The Ten Commandments. This was not God's way of limiting the freedom of the Israelites, rather it is for their protection and profit. Rules are necessary for guiding and enjoyment as well.

The first 4 commandments cover the vertical relationship with God. The rest are the horizontal relationships with others. How are you doing today in keeping these? There are only 10, it should not be that hard.