April 23 -- "The Skilled Craftsmen"

 Today's Reading: Exodus 36

"The Skilled Craftsmen"

In Exodus 31, God specifically chose Bezalel and Oholiab to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle, and He gifted them with the necessary skills to complete the work. This was not a matter of natural ability or talent, but rather a special endowment of God's grace. In Exodus 36:2, we see Moses calling together not just Bezalel and Oholiab, but also every other craftsman who had been similarly gifted with the necessary skills.

The phrase "in whose mind the Lord had put skill" emphasizes the idea that the ability to do this work was not just a matter of human effort, but rather a divine gift. The craftsmen were not self-taught or naturally talented, but rather they had received a special endowment of skill from God Himself. This recognition of divine gifting is an important theme throughout the Bible, as it highlights the fact that all of our talents and abilities ultimately come from God.

The phrase "everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work" emphasizes the idea that the craftsmen were not just hired hands, but rather were responding to a call from God to use their talents for His purposes. Their hearts were stirred by the Holy Spirit to respond to God's call, and they willingly gave of their time, energy, and skills to complete the work.

The New Testament affirms the idea that our talents and abilities ultimately come from God, and that there is a difference between natural ability and spiritual gifts.

In 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul discusses the concept of spiritual gifts, which are special abilities given by the Holy Spirit to believers in order to build up the Church. Paul emphasizes that these gifts are given by the Holy Spirit according to His own will and are not something that can be earned or acquired through human effort. They are given for the common good of the Church and are meant to be used to glorify God.

It is an amazing and beautiful thing to behold when a job needs to be done and the person(s) chosen for the work are gifted supernaturally by God and have hearts that stir them to do the work.

April 22 -- "A Freewill Offering"

Today's Reading: Exodus 35 

"A Freewill Offering"

In today’s passage, we see that the people of Israel generously gave of their own resources to provide the materials and supplies needed for the construction of the Tabernacle.

The phrase "whose heart moved them" is particularly significant in this verse. It suggests that the Israelites were motivated not by obligation or duty, nor by routine or tradition, but by a genuine desire to participate in the work of the Lord. They recognized the significance of what they were doing and were eager to contribute in any way they could.

The term "free will" generally refers to the ability of an individual to make choices that are not predetermined or coerced by external factors. It is the capacity of a person to make decisions that are not solely determined by biological, environmental, or psychological factors, but rather by their own conscious choice and agency.

Free will generosity is the type of generosity God desires from His people, and the type He will reward and bless. What a joy it is to give of ourselves and our resources in this manner.

This passage is a powerful reminder of the importance of generosity and voluntary giving in the life of faith. It shows that true worship and devotion to God are not just about fulfilling obligations or following rules, but about giving of ourselves freely and joyfully to participate in His work. When we give with a willing heart, we not only support the work of the Lord, but we also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from participating in His kingdom.

April 21 -- "The Merciful and Gracious God"

 Today's Reading: Exodus 34

"The Merciful and Gracious God"

Exodus 34:6 is a powerful reminder that God is not distant or aloof, but rather intimately involved in the lives of His people. He is a God who loves us deeply and desires to be in relationship with us, despite our sin and imperfection.

Earlier in Exodus 33, God had promised to show Moses His glory, and in response, Moses asked God to reveal Himself to him. Here, God grants Moses this request by descending upon Mount Sinai in a cloud and proclaiming His Name and attributes to him. The phrase "passed before him" implies that God appeared before Moses in a visible form, perhaps in a way that Moses could perceive with his senses.

As God passed before Moses, He proclaimed Himself as "the LORD, the LORD" - a repetition that emphasizes the importance of what God is about to say. The four attributes that God then reveals about Himself are:

Merciful: God is compassionate and forgiving, even when we don't deserve it. He shows us mercy instead of punishing us as we deserve.

Gracious: God is kind and generous, bestowing blessings on us that we do not deserve. He gives us good things that we could never earn or repay.

Slow to anger: God is patient and forbearing, not quick to become angry or wrathful. He gives us time and space to repent and turn back to Him.

Abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness: God's love for us is unchanging and enduring, and He always keeps His promises. He is faithful to His covenant with His people, even when they are faithless.

Taken together, these attributes paint a picture of a God who is both just and loving, holy and merciful. God's mercy and grace do not come at the expense of His justice and holiness, but are rather expressions of His character and nature.

April 20 -- "I Will Give You Rest"

Today's Reading: Exodus 33 

"I Will Give You Rest"

Today’s verse occurs in the context of Moses' interaction with God after the incident of the golden calf. Moses had interceded on behalf of the people of Israel, and God had relented from destroying them. However, because of their disobedience and rebellion, God had also decided not to accompany them on their journey to the Promised Land.

In this verse, God assures Moses that His presence will go with the Israelites after all, and that He will give them rest. This is a significant promise because the presence of God was essential for the Israelites' success and well-being. Without God's presence, they would be vulnerable to attack, and they would lack the guidance and direction they needed to reach their destination.

The promise of rest in this verse is also significant because it suggests that God's presence would bring peace and security to the Israelites. This was an invitation for them to enter into God's rest, which is a state of trust and contentment in God's provision and care. It is that place where your heart fully trusts the Lord and you experience a “peace that passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

This verse has relevance for Christians today as well. The promise of God's presence and rest is a reminder that we are not alone in our journey of faith. God is with us, guiding and directing us, and providing us with the peace and rest that we need to continue on our journey. This promise is also a call to trust in God's provision and care, even when we face challenges and difficulties.

In Hebrews 4:10-11, we are exhorted to enter into God’s rest. In fact, we are told to “strive” to enter that rest, which means to make every effort to find that place of rest and peace. This rest is not a physical place but a state of being in which we experience the peace and contentment that comes from trusting in God's provision and care. This kind of rest only comes from God’s holy presence.

April 19 -- "Blot Me Out"

 Today's Reading: Exodus 32

"Blot Me Out"

This passage is part of a dialogue between Moses and God after the Israelites had sinfully made a golden calf and worshiped it as their god. 

When Moses returned from Mount Sinai and saw what had happened, he pleaded with God to spare the Israelites from His wrath. This is where we find Moses' remarkable statement in verse 32, where he offers to be “blotted out” of God's Book of Life if it meant that the people would be forgiven. The phrase "blot out" refers to the act of erasing or removing something from a written record. He was offering his life for theirs (which, by the way, would never work because only the sinless Son of God could give His life for the sins of the people).

This statement by Moses demonstrates his deep love and concern for the people of Israel. Despite their sinful actions, he was willing to lay down his own life for them, just as Jesus would do for all humanity many years later. This selflessness is a key characteristic of true leadership, and it is a quality that God values greatly. In fact, Moses' willingness to intercede on behalf of the people is one of the reasons why God chose him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land.

The "book" referred to in this verse is likely the Book of Life, which is mentioned in several places throughout the Bible (e.g., Psalm 69:28, Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5, 20:12, 15). This book contains the names of those who will receive eternal life in heaven, and being blotted out of it would mean being cut off from God's salvation. Moses' offer to be blotted out of the book demonstrates the depth of his love and concern for them, as well as his understanding of the gravity of their sin.

This verse also highlights the importance of intercessory prayer. Moses' plea on behalf of the people is a powerful example of how we can pray for others who have sinned or are in need of God's grace and mercy. Through intercessory prayer, we can stand in the gap for those who need God's help, just as Moses did for the Israelites. Who needs your prayers today? Are you willing to go all the way for them? Stop and pray right now.

One more thing to keep in mind is that, in Revelation 3:5, Jesus promises that those who overcome will not be blotted out of the Book of Life. What a blessing to know that my name is in the “Book” never to be blotted out.

April 18 -- "When Preparedness Meets Willingness"

 Today's Reading: Exodus 31

"When Preparedness Meets Willingness"

In this verse, God is describing a man named Bezalel whom He has chosen to oversee the construction of the Tabernacle. God chose Bezalel because He had given him the necessary skills and talents to carry out the work. Bezalel was specifically chosen by God to be the chief artisan and craftsman, and God's Spirit empowered him to excel in his work.

The Bible also suggests that Bezalel was chosen for this task because he was willing and obedient to God's call. Exodus 35:30-35 states that Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab (another skilled craftsman) and filled them with the Spirit of God to do the work of the Tabernacle. The text emphasizes that they were "wise-hearted" and willing to serve in this task.

When someone is called by God to a particular task, it means that God has a specific purpose and plan for their life, and that they have been chosen to carry out that plan. It also means that their heart was willing and obedient to God’s call.

This can be a deeply fulfilling and rewarding experience for the person who is called, as they are able to serve God and make a meaningful impact on the world. When someone is called by God, they are empowered by His Spirit and given the necessary skills and resources to carry out their mission.

Moreover, when someone is prepared by God to fulfill their calling, they are equipped with the knowledge, wisdom, and character traits needed to succeed in their mission. This can include both spiritual and practical skills, such as leadership abilities, communication skills, a deep understanding of God's Word, or (as in the case of Bezalel) the ability to oversee an important construction project.

It is a wonderful thing when God's calling is clearly upon a person's life and He has prepared them to fulfill that calling. It is a testament to God's love and faithfulness, as He guides and empowers His people to carry out His plan for their lives. What is He preparing you for? Is your heart willing to follow His leading and be obedient to His call? Respond to His call and see what a wonderful thing it is when preparedness meets willingness.

April 17 -- "Anointed and Consecrated"

Today's Reading:  Exodus 30 

"Anointed and Consecrated"

My dear child, I am the One who loves you and watches over you every day. In Exodus 30:30, I spoke to my people through Moses and instructed them to anoint Aaron and his sons as priests, setting them apart for service to me.

The term "anoint" means to smear, drench, or rub with oil. Anointing with oil was a sign of consecration, of being set apart for a special purpose. I wanted my people to understand the importance of the priestly role and the sacredness of their service to me.

As my child, I want you to understand that you too are called to a special purpose, a purpose that I have planned for you since before you were born. You are not just an ordinary person, but a child of God, set apart for My service.

Just as I anointed Aaron and his sons, I want to anoint you with my Holy Spirit, filling you with power and strength to fulfill the purpose that I have for you. I want you to know that you are not alone in this, but that I am with you always, guiding you and leading you on your journey.

I want you to trust in Me and seek my guidance in all that you do. Allow Me to anoint you with my Spirit, filling you with the wisdom and understanding you need to fulfill your purpose. Let your life be a reflection of my love and grace, shining like a light in the darkness and pointing others towards Me.

Do not be content with just a “smidgen” or “dab” of the Holy Spirit upon your life. Instead, seek My full anointing of power and blessing – be drenched by it! Anointing with the Holy Spirit's presence and power is a deeply meaningful experience for those who receive it.

Remember that you are my precious child, and that I have great plans for you. Trust in me, and let my anointing empower you to do all that I have called you to do.