As you know I have started reading the Bible. I have 90 days to complete it and I am reading it with hundreds of other women. Each week (and even day to day) we check-in with each other on our progress, to pray for each other, and to share our thoughts. How cool is that?
So, I thought I would take each Book of the Bible and share my thoughts, verses, or people that stood out or spoke to me on that particular day. I have been doing most of my reading in the mornings when it is quiet, but some days I have to finish up in the afternoon or evening. The key is to get it done. Even if you have to carry over into the next day...that happens. The readings are manageable and I am still praying it stays that way for me.
So, here are my thoughts from the Book of Exodus:
Exodus 1 - The Israelites had previously had such a great life in Egypt and then this new king came into reign and the good-life was over. They had to have felt so frustrated, dismayed and defeated over their treatment.
Exodus 1:12 But the more they were oppressed the more they multiplied and spread.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?
Exodus 2 - I have always loved the story of Moses birth and his mother leaving him in the Nile. What an amazingly painful sacrifice that had to be for her. Moses had such a smart and loving sister to follow and watch out for him. Did she come up with that on her own, or what is part of her mom's master plan??? Unfortunately, Moses' mother still had to give him up permanently after she was done nursing him. Still can't imagine that heartbreak.
Exodus 2:24 God heard their groaning....Even if we think he has forgotten about us, He still hears us.
Exodus 3:12 And God said I will be with you.
Exodus 3:14 I AM WHO I AM.
Moses felt so inadequate as God's messenger to the people. There are times when I also feel inadequate for the roles God has placed me....as a mother, a children's leader at church, etc. But, he always seems to give me the words and the tools that I will need to succeed.
Exodus 4:12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say. Moses had to be awestruck at the signs that were happening in front of him.
In Exodus 4:25, Zipporah had to do what Moses should have done. I thought it was interesting because it seems like it is always the mom who has to do all the cleaning up, picking up the pieces, and doing what needs to be done.
Exodus 7 and 8 - How awful all those plagues must have been for the people of Egypt. Frogs, gnats, flies, boils....all just so hard to imagine dealing with the enormity of them.
Exodus 8:23 I will make a distinction between my people and your people. God knows who His true followers and believers are and they will be separated from the nonbelievers.
Moses had to be so frustrated after all this destruction and devastation happening in Egypt all because Pharoh wouldn't listen to God's demands.
Exodus 12:37 I can not imagine 600,000 men plus women and children plus all the livestock and belongings all heading out of town. What an amazing accomplishment and site that was!
Exodus 13:21 By day the Lord went ahead of them n a pillar of cloud....and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so they could travel by day or night.
Exodus 14:14 The Lord will fight for you.
Exodus 14:26-31 The story of the parting of the Red Sea is another of the amazing miracles of Exodus. I imagine the people walking through the walls of water around them with their jaws dropped and the eyes in awe!
Exodus 15:2 The Lord is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my Father's God, and I will exalt him.
Exodus 15:18 The Lord will reign for ever and ever.
In Exodus 16:4 God tested the Israelites obedience. I wonder how many times he has tested mine....and more importantly.....did I obey????
Exodus 16:35 - Can you imagine eating bread for 40 years - every...day??? But the key is that God provided for them and the bread sustained the people for 40 years.
In Exodus 17:12 Aaron and Hur held up Moses' arms for him when he got tired. I know there have been times when God has held me up. But, who do I need to be lifting up? Who do I know that is growing tired and needs help holding it together? A reminder to be more aware.......
Exodus 20-23 - God's laws seem so logical and simple. What a different place our world would be today if these laws and punishments were in place and more importantly....carried out.
Exodus 30-40 - God took the worship of Him seriously. He had many requirements for His Tent of Meeting, the clothing, the offerings, etc. It was a reminder that we need to be taking our worship of our Lord much more seriously. It isn't just a social gathering or a way to catch up with our neighbors, but really preparing ourselves for worshipping Him. I know I need to do better at this!
Exodus 30:15 had a good reminder that rich and poor are equal in God's eyes.
Exodus 31 - He not only established rules for worship and how the Tent of Meeting, garments, and alters were to be built, but he suplied Moses with people who had those specific gifts to complete those specific tasks.
In Exodus 32:14 God's mercy and forgiveness is undeserving.
Exodus 35 - Everyone came together to work on the Tent of Meeting. Supplies and talents were brought together from everyone. It was a "community effort". We don't see this often enough. Imagine what could happen in our churches and in our communities if we all came together unselfishly like that to work together toward one purpose?!
I know this is a lot, but this Book of Exodus is so full of awesome lessons. Even though the rules and requirements seem odd and unimportant, they really begin to build the foundation for our life with Christ.
Now on to Leviticus........
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