Monday Readings:
Exodus 21:22-25 God honors life. These verses indicate that if the mother or the child dies the punishment is life for life - capital punishment. The following verses show just how important people are to God. Even the loosing of a tooth was punishable. We are created in His image and He expects us to respect people. Even the very hairs of our head are numbered.
Dear Lord, Thank you for caring about me. Help me to care about others even as You do. In Jesus name. Amen.
Tuesday Readings:
Exodus 22:21 The Israelites knew what it was like to be persecuted and enslaved. God commanded them to be kind to strangers, to treat others as you would want to be treated.
The Thanksgiving season is upon us. We think of all the reasons we have to be thankful. Why did we come here? Was it not because of religious persecution? Others came to escape burdensome taxes. Others for freedom to live and work as they saw fit. We were strangers in a strange land. Should we not show love and grace to others who come to us if they abide by our laws?
Father, help us be a merciful people, but for the grace of God we would be in their same condition. In Jesus name. Amen.
Wednesday Readings:
Exodus 23:4,5; Matthew 5:44 God commands us to have pity on our enemy and his animals. Animals were money in Biblical times. We are to help in their time of trouble. Be a good neighbor.
If we are kind to others, even our enemies, we may win them to the Lord. We may make peace. We will know we have done right, which is really all that matters.
Father, help me treat others like You treat me - with loving-kindness and forgiveness. In Jesus name. Amen.
Thursday Readings:
Exodus 24:8 Moses sprinkled the blood of the sacrifices over the people. The Israelites and all people have broken God's laws. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin. ( Hebrews 9:22. ) This was the symbol of the blood of Christ upon their hearts. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.
I wonder how the people felt when they were sprinkled with animal blood? Today we would see this as nasty. But, a bleeding wound cleanses the wound so it can heal without infection. The blood of Christ cleanses us so our lives can be healed of the corruption of sin.
Dear Father, thank you for the sacrifice of Your Son to cleanse us from all sin. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Friday Readings:
Exodus 25:2 God asked Moses to speak to the people to give a freewill offering, an offering of love, not grudgingly nor of necessity. An offering of things needed to build the tabernacle.
What things are needed to build up the kingdom of God, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, love? Can we as Christians give these things
Father help us willingly give our, time, money, and efforts to the upbuildment of Your kingdom.
Want you offer suggestions of ways to show the mercy of God to our neighbors and our enemies? May you be blessed for your work for God's kingdom.
Love in Jesus name,
Gail
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