Week 36- September 27- Taylor Hays

Exodus 21

Beginning with this chapter and several to follow is the legal code that the nation Israel was to live by. This code is how the nation put into practice many of the principles found in the Ten Commandments. It is dry reading for sure and many of the ideas in these chapters are completely foreign to our ears. Things like how to manage your slaves and what to do if your ox is gored or if your ox gores someone else! Here is what the code is all about… bright lines that the people were not to cross. And if the lines were crossed, justice, without mercy, was dealt. Here is a passage (starting in verse 23) that summarizes the main principle in the legal code: “…the punishment must match the injury: a life for a life,24 an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot,25 a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise.”

I am grateful I live under God’s code of grace and am free from following the legal code we find in Exodus. As Paul said in Romans chapter 8:

“1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.2 And because you belong to him, the power* of the life-giving Spirit has freed you* from the power of sin that leads to death.3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature.* So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin's control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.”

Exodus 22

Here we find more legal rules for the nation Israel. But this chapter ends not with more rules but larger principles that give us a glimpse of God’s passion in the midst of all the rules. He reminds them to care for those in society that are the under-class… the poor, the widows, the orphans. These are people that cannot defend themselves and are often forgotten by society. Here is what God says is their (and our) responsibility:

“21 You must not mistreat or oppress foreigners in any way. Remember, you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.


22 "You must not exploit a widow or an orphan.23 If you exploit them in any way and they cry out to me, then I will certainly hear their cry.24 My anger will blaze against you, and I will kill you with the sword. Then your wives will be widows and your children fatherless.”

The New Testament echoes the same ideas in James chapter 1:27:

27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.

Psalm 36

In this Psalm David has a flash of insight about “the wicked.” They have no sense of God and have become completely separated from Him. They feel not one ounce of conviction or guilt about their sin. In the New Testament book of Romans (chapter 1) it is described this way:

“28 Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.29 Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness…”

But the psalmist quickly turns his attention to God’s character and he finds relief from his concern over the wicked. God’s love and care for us never ends. He meets our deepest needs.

In our world, just like David’s, it seems like “the wicked” are on top. But we serve God who is “…the fountain of life, the light by which we see.”

Ecclesiastes 5

Although much of Solomon’s writing in Ecclesiastes is depressing, the 2 main themes of this chapter are good for us to hear. I would paraphrase the first idea as “get serious about your relationship with God.” The verses are about keeping promises made to God, but the idea is to treat our relationship with God with “fear.” I fall into the same habits as many of you… neglecting prayer and Bible reading and neglecting my time for simply being quiet with God. My mind wanders to all kinds of irrelevant stuff when I should be with God. These verses made me realize that I need to get serious about my relationship with Him.

The second theme is simple “10 Those who love money will never have enough.” It is the one appetite that will never be filled. You have to guard against this because, as we seek more money, the pursuit of wealth robs us of our life! And ultimately Solomon notes we are left empty handed. We have all said “you can’t take it with you.” Well Solomon said it first… “15 We all come to the end of our lives as naked and empty-handed as on the day we were born. We can't take our riches with us.” I have to remind myself regularly, invest in things that last!

Acts 15

This chapter of Acts may seem like a bit of a let down compared with the great adventures Paul and his companions had on their mission trips, also described in Acts. But this chapter describes a pivotal moment in the history of Christianity. Up to this point nearly all of the believers were converted Jews, so all believers were also circumcised and still followed Jewish tradition and law. But as Paul spread the gospel to non-Jews a great controversy arose. Many of the church leaders thought that non-Jews would need to convert to Judaism—become circumcised and follow Jewish law—in order to become believers in Jesus. The decision of the church leaders was not to require non-Jews to follow the law.

The principle that those leaders affirmed is central to all we believe. We are not saved by any work that we do… not by following rules or rituals. We are saved by accepting Jesus free gift of grace. In Philippians 3 Paul put it this way…

3 For we who worship by the Spirit of God* are the ones who are truly circumcised. We rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort…”

Week 35 - September 20 - Doug Weincouff

Exodus 19

What does it mean for something to be holy? That is the over arching theme for chapter 19. God Commits himself to Israel and chooses them to be his “treasured possession”. He brings them to Mount Sinai, God’s mountain. It is here that God shows the people his majesty and power. The simple sentence in verse 16 “Everyone in the camp trembled” caught my eye. I realize that there is an element of fear but I think there must have been a sense of awe and reverence for God.

I think of myself and how often I take the power, majesty and holiness of God for granted. I tend to focus on his love and mercy which are wonderful and forget that we worship a holy God. God had to be very specific that no one and no animal could touch the mountain while God was present. My challenge is to appreciate and embrace God’s love, mercy, forgiveness while I respect God’s Majesty, power and holiness.


Exodus 20

God gave such straight forward instructions to the Israelites. Ten commandments to keep. Four that focused on our worship of God and six that focused on our relationship with others. Ten commandments that reveal our bent toward disobeying God and doing life our own way.

The section of this chapter that I found interesting was God’s instructions to Israel on how to build an altar. It should be made out of earth and stone. It was meant to be a rough hand made altar. I wonder why? Why did God not want the people to use tools and make the altar more artistic? I honestly don’t know the answer but I wonder if it was meant to be a very personal intimate experience of worship. I don’t think God wants us to focus on the trappings of worship but upon him. Keeping it simple makes it easier to focus on the important things.

Psalm 35

Psalm 35 appears to be written by David during a very dark and difficult time in his life. It may be referring to King Saul trying to kill him and chasing him all over the countryside. It could also be when his son Absalom tried a coup to take over the kingdom. David had to flee for his life so that his son would not kill him. Either way David was desperate for God to come to his defense. This psalm in some ways makes me uncomfortable. Asking for God to bring ruin upon his enemies doesn’t seem right. What it does show me is David’s transparency. He talked to God in a very intimate, vulnerable and authentic way. There was no playing “church”. My prayer is that I would be as authentic and transparent in my relationship with God.

Ecclesiastes 4

Reading Ecclesiastes is not a pick me up. In chapter 4 the teacher points out that oppression is everywhere. Men work and toil out of envy or without purpose. The section of this text I appreciated the most was verses 9-12. Life was intended to be experienced in community. We need to have people in our lives. For men this is a challenge. As I have talked to guys I have found that very few of us have many deep friendships. We have lots of acquaintances but few deep friendships. So here is my challenge to all of us; can you name 3 or 4 people that you would turn to when life got tough or you needed advice or you wanted to celebrate a significant event in your life? If you don’t I would encourage you to start looking for those types of friends.

Acts 14

Acts 14 is the story of success and suffering. Paul and Barnabas are totally committed to sharing about Jesus. At each town them have some who believe and then they have some that are so opposed to their message that they want to kill them. Jesus can be offensive. Truth can upset people. It is our challenge to live like Paul and Barnabas speaking bolding about our relationship with God and trusting Him. I don’t think I will ever be stoned for my faith, but the truth is I am more afraid of being rejected by people or mocked by them. It is my prayer that I would boldly look for opportunities to share about my faith.

Week 34 - September 11 - Merv Miller

Exodus 17

Where is your testing place, the place where you wonder if this God of yours is going to pull through or has he led you to a place where there is no hope?

Or... maybe, just maybe, you have been far from God and not even looking to Him for guidance and your life is a mess and now you look to God for guidance.


Exodus 18

Moses takes a leadership course from his father-in-law and learns the art of delegation. Note that Jethro counsels Moses to choose men who won't take a bribe. I guess human nature hasn't changed all that much in the last 4000 years or so.


Psalm 34

This psalm speaks to the benefits of following God. Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who trust in him! It's a beautiful Psalm that brings hope for redemption and rescue.


Ecclesiastes 3

11 God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God's work from beginning to end. One of my favorite verses... ever.


Acts 13

Here Paul gives a sermon to Jewish believers. It's interesting that he gives an overview of Jewish history and prophecy to offer evidence supporting Jesus.

Week 33 - September 4 - Robynn Watts

Exodus 15 and 16

As I start reading chapter 15, I'm trying to place myself in this Israelite community. What I had just seen, what I had just experienced. God showed Himself to be my rescuer, my deliverer, my safety, my power, my strength.... and now.... I'm free! Moses and Miriam lead the Israelites in a huge party to celebrate God's deliverance. I know that Jewish celebrations are always huge and happy... so I'm guessing this is no different. I'm sure all of their hearts were bursting with thankfulness and joy, having seen God work in the way He did with them. How could they ever forget that?

Well, like us, it sure didn't take long! Within the same chapter the people already start wondering how God is going to provide for them. They are thirsty... for three days they don't have any water. The people start questioning...

And then, right away in chapter 16 (I'm guessing the Israelites thought it best at least to wait a chapter before they REALLY started complaining! :-) we have full-blown grumbling. Everyone started complaining and of all things, wanted to go back to their chains in Egypt! God is suddenly not the same God He was days ago when He drown an entire army! Now, according to the Israelites, He is not able to provide them with their basic needs. And the story just gets worse... even with provision, some Israelites still can't seem to obey God in how they are to gather their food.

And thousands of years later, am I any different? God will show Himself mighty and powerful in my life and moments later I can easily complain about something else. I find it interesting that God does not provide for the Israelites to merely satisfy their physical hunger. In chapter 16 verse 12, God speaks to Moses saying, "I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, 'At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. (here it is...) then you will know that I am the LORD your God.'" God didn't say... then you won't be hungry. Or, then I can stop listening to your constant complaining.... the reason He provided for His people is so that they would know that He is their God. And if God's people know that He is God... then others around them will also see that He is God.


Psalm 33

Sometimes I need some encouragement after I hear of something else gone awry in this crazy world of ours. I have to remember to bring out Psalm 33! We are reminded that God is the Great Creator, He is control of all... nothing happens that escapes His watchful eye. I love verse 4 and think it sums up the psalm quite nicely... "For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does." Great memory verse for those so inclined!


Ecclesiastes 2

The word "ecclesiastes" means "the teacher" or "the preacher". Solomon certainly qualifies as this! Even though he was one of the wisest men, he still had to learn through the "school of hard knocks". In this chapter Solomon contemplates all the things he did in his human strength here on Earth. All these, he says... are worthless done without God. He knew a lot, had a lot, achieved a lot... yet, his life was still empty, because all this he must leave on earth. Soloman rests in the fact that without God.. all our work is meaningless. True for Solomon... true for us too. Verse 26... "To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God." Which one do you want to be? I find that one pretty easy to answer... harder to obey!


Acts 12

Only God... that's about all I can say! Only God could orchestrate Peter's escape the way He did. Four squads of four soldiers each, two soldiers, one on each side of him, chains around his wrists and sentries standing guard at the entrance. Chains falling to the ground...Peter walking straight out of prison... with no one seeing him. Only God!! There is no way Peter could mistake Who set him free... and how many lost children did God bring to Himself through this miracle?

I recently read a book by a Chinese Brother. He experienced an escape from prison very similar to Peter's. Not only was he in prison (this being the last of several imprisonments), but the interrogators in the prison had smashed his legs so badly he could not walk. He had to be carried everywhere. At the moment of his escape... he up and walked on his legs, somewhere along the walk out God healed his legs completely (he does not remember the moment this happened) and he walked straight out of that prison past many many guards all whom were "blinded" and did not see him. Out the front door of the prison he went and into a waiting taxi. Amazing... only God, only God!

If God can do these things... don't you think He can do the "impossible" in your life too?

Week 31 - August 30 - Doug Mathers

Exodus 13

God tells the Israelites to set up a national holiday (holy-day) to celebrate God's saving action and love towards them. They are to eat certain foods and have specific conversations with specific traditions so that the nation will never forget that God provided and saved them. This is the same reason I love Christmas and Easter. They are there to remind us and to help us teach our children about God's love. We have a God worthy of celebrating. It also reminds me of how important it is to guard those days as 'holy' (verses Santa and the elves).

Exodus 14

The parting of the Red Sea. You've seen the movie, but have you read the book? Notice how God set up circumstances for this moment. The terror the people experienced as they saw the Egyptians coming for them with no way out. And how God put an exclamation point on his saving actions as if to say "don't think this is about how clever or strong you were, this is my decision to save you".

Does that sound familiar? Romans 3:23-27:

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he declares sinners to be right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.

27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.

Psalm 32

This is a Psalm of David's experience with sin and forgiveness. Read through it 2X. The first note the price tag of David's unconfessed sin. Make a list of how it affected David's life. Then read it again... this time make a list of the benefits of confession. Then reflect: what role does confession have in your life?

Ecclesiastes 1

What does the Psalmist mean "nothing is new"? Do you ever feel that way? "Every thing is meaningless" declares the author (Solomon). Why is everything meaningless to him? Why are the questions he is asking so important? Why are they so rarely asked in this world?

Acts 11

This is a pivotal moment in Christianity and has direct implications to the way we live (our freedom from keeping the laws and Jewish traditions). Read it and give thanks to God for opening the door of salvation to Gentiles (I'm one)and for speaking to Peter through what was for him a very disturbing dream.