Today’s reading: Exod 35:1–36:38, John 6:15–24, Song 4:14–16

Today’s theme: Heartfelt generosity

We must not allow ourselves to be robbed of the blessing to biblical giving by thinking of our giving to God in the same way we think about paying an electricity bill. Many of us are neither joyful or resentful, we are simply indifferent because the bill is a rightfully owed duty. God does not desire this sort of heartless giving.

The modern church’s emphasis on tithes (10% of earnings set aside for God) can leave some feeling short changed (robbed from the joy of biblical giving). People think of giving to God like a bill when in fact the tithe itself is not spoken of in the New Testament. Jesus doesn’t want just 10%, He wants what it represents which is everything!

In this spirit, our giving should not be limited to an indifferent 10% utility bill, we should joyfully give all we can to the glory of God from genuinely generous hearts. If we do not give it joyfully, God doesn’t want it and we will never truly benefit from our giving either.

Exodus 35:1–36:38

Be genuinely generous

Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’s contribution: gold, silver, and bronze; Exodus 35:5 (ESV)

We should be generous from our hearts with our money, time and skills for God’s glory.

Serve from the heart

And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD’s contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. Exodus 35:21 (ESV)

Our service should be from the heart, not just duty or rule keeping.

Serve with joy

And Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whose mind the LORD had put skill, everyone whose heart stirred him up to come to do the work. Exodus 36:2 (ESV)

God puts the skills and intelligence in our minds but our hearts must be stirred to joyfully use them for Him.

Provide for the work

for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more. Exodus 36:7 (ESV)

If we all give generously and don’t limit ourselves to just 10% for example, then there will be great provision for the Lord’s work.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014.

Additional resources

Desiring God on Giving

Today’s reading: Exod 33:1–34:35, John 6:1–14, Song 4:9–13

Today’s theme: Intimacy with God

One of the key themes in the bible is God’s relational nature and His desire to abide in relationship with His people. We should seek to pursue an intimate, face-to-face relationship with God. This relationship is not so personal that it is detached from the teaching of scripture or from the community of the church, in fact, without God’s word, fellowship and service in the body of Christ, our “personal” relationship with God is suspicious.

Rather than use the term ‘personal’ which is open to abuse by those who want God on their own personal terms, we should use the word ‘intimate’. We should have an intimate relationship with God in accordance with His word.

Exodus 33:1–34:35

Face to face with God

Thus the LORD used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent. Exodus 33:11 (ESV)

God calls us all to enjoy His presence in close fellowship and relationship with Him, as He spoke to Moses face to face. We should have a heart to stay in God’s presence, like young Joshua.

God responds to true relationship

And the LORD said to Moses, “This very thing that you have spoken I will do, for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name.” Exodus 33:17 (ESV)

Again the Lord responds to Moses’ intercession, not because of the greatness of his prayer, but because Moses had a relationship with God. We should desire God’s presence to be with us also.

Desire to know God

Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” Exodus 33:18 (ESV)

Moses wanted to know God more and so should we.

Undeserved grace

And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. Exodus 33:19 (ESV)

Thank God today that He has chosen to be gracious and merciful to you, He is not obligated to be gracious to any of us, so we should be grateful.

Who is the Lord?

The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children’s children, to the third and the fourth generation.” Exodus 34:6–7 (ESV)

This tells us so much about who God is and how He operates.

Spiritual adultery

and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters whore after their gods and make your sons whore after their gods. Exodus 34:16 (ESV)

Idolatry is spiritual adultery.

Pray that the veil is removed

Whenever Moses went in before the LORD to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, Exodus 34:34 (ESV)

2 Cor 3:7-18 gives some great commentary on this. We should pray for the Jews, that the veil is removed and that they would see Jesus as Messiah.

John 6:1–14

Put your trust in God

Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” John 6:7 (ESV)

It is easy to fall into this type of faithless pragmatism, thinking only in physical terms about a problem. We should boldly and radically put our faith in God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 6

Today’s reading: Exod 30:1–32:35, John 5:31–47, Song 4:4–8

Today’s theme: Holy prayer

We are called to be a people of prayer and prayer is a holy thing before God. It is not just a casual conversation, as we are talking to the Sovereign God of the universe.  We must speak to Him with the reverence, awe, respect and love He deserves, knowing that our prayers come up before Him like incense and that Jesus functions as our High Priest, making our requests acceptable. We must always pray with faith, believing God is able to respond to our requests.

Exodus 30:1–32:35

Holy prayers

You shall not offer unauthorized incense on it, or a burnt offering, or a grain offering, and you shall not pour a drink offering on it. Exodus 30:9 (ESV)

The incense speaks of prayer. Our prayers should not be casual or disrespectful, but should be holy. This is why Jesus said when we pray, we should say hallowed (holy) be Your name…

Atonement

You shall take the atonement money from the people of Israel and shall give it for the service of the tent of meeting, that it may bring the people of Israel to remembrance before the LORD, so as to make atonement for your lives.” Exodus 30:16 (ESV)

This points towards Jesus who paid the ransom for our atonement, once for all.

Built by The Spirit

and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship, to devise artistic designs, to work in gold, silver, and bronze, Exodus 31:3–4 (ESV)

God filled Bezalel with His Holy Spirit so that the tabernacle could be furnished to His glory. This also points to the fact that Jesus builds the church by the Holy Spirit. God has given us His Spirit and the practical abilities that we need to work in His house, for His glory.

God responds to prayer

And the LORD relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people. Exodus 32:14 (ESV)

Moses intercessory prayer points towards Jesus’ intercessory ministry. When we pray to God, He is willing to respond… so pray.

John 5:31–47

Believe God’s word

But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” John 5:47 (ESV)

We must believe God’s written word, the bible, we must also come to Jesus otherwise we cannot have life.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

TGC on Prayer

Today’s reading: Exod 28:1–29:46, John 5:16–30, Song 4:1–3

Today’s theme: Revealed for fellowship

God reveals Himself in scripture so that we might come into fellowship and relationship with Him as He dwells with us. This is seen in the desire to make the people acceptable to His presence, through the intercession of the high priest and most clearly in God the Son, becoming man through the incarnation, so that He could become the true High Priest reconciling us to God and grant us eternal life and salvation, as He wills.

Exodus 28:1–29:46

The Majestic High Priest

And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty. Exodus 28:2 (ESV)

The high priest’s uniform points towards to the better High Priest, Jesus Christ, and represents the glory, beauty and majesty of God.

Skilled to God’s glory

You shall speak to all the skillful, whom I have filled with a spirit of skill, that they make Aaron’s garments to consecrate him for my priesthood. Exodus 28:3 (ESV)

We should use the skills that God has anointed us with, to His glory.

God’s valuable people

And you shall set the two stones on the shoulder pieces of the ephod, as stones of remembrance for the sons of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the LORD on his two shoulders for remembrance. Exodus 28:12 (ESV)

As the high priest Aaron would represent the entire nation of Israel before God, this is why their names are on the shoulders and later on the breastplate. The use of such precious stones for representation shows the value God places on His people.

Jesus, our High Priest

And in the breastpiece of judgment you shall put the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart, when he goes in before the LORD. Thus Aaron shall bear the judgment of the people of Israel on his heart before the LORD regularly. Exodus 28:30 (ESV)

Jesus now fill this office for us as our High Priest.

Intercession

“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the LORD.’ Exodus 28:36 (ESV)

This points to one of the main functions of the high priest, which is to make intercession for the people that they would be holy and acceptable before God.

Jesus, the offering for sin

But the flesh of the bull and its skin and its dung you shall burn with fire outside the camp; it is a sin offering. Exodus 29:14 (ESV)

Hebrews 13:11 tells us that this type of sin offering points to the ultimate sin offering, Jesus Christ, who was crucified outside the camp.

Consecration

and you shall kill the ram and take part of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tips of the right ears of his sons, and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet, and throw the rest of the blood against the sides of the altar. Exodus 29:20 (ESV)

This points to the fact that all believers, as God’s priests, now need the cleansing blood of Jesus to consecrate what we hear, what we do and where we go.

God, revealed for fellowship

And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, who brought them out of the land of Egypt that I might dwell among them. I am the LORD their God. Exodus 29:46 (ESV)

God’s purpose in all this is His own glory and self-disclosure to us. Also, this was all to allow and establish relationship with man.

John 5:16–30

They wanted to kill Jesus for a reason

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. John 5:18 (ESV)

Jesus clearly declares Himself to be the Son of God, which makes Him equal with God, this is why they wanted to kill Him.

Love seen in the incarnation

For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. John 5:20 (ESV)

We get a glimpse into the loving relationship of the Father and the Son. Jesus submits to and relies on the Father in His incarnation as a man.

Chosen to receive life

For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. John 5:21 (ESV)

Today, Praise God that Jesus specifically chose to give us life (salvation).

Judgement day is real

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. John 5:24 (ESV)

A judgment day is coming, death is not the end. If we hear the gospel and truly believe, we will have eternal life and pass from death to life. How can we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?

Jesus, the great judge

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 5:30 (ESV)

Jesus is the great judge.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 5

Today’s reading: Exod 26:1–27:21, John 5:1–15, Song 3:6–11

Today’s theme: God the Artist

God is the author of true art, seen best in His breath-taking creation and in particular, expressed through His creatures. We can rejoice in the creative and artistic nature of our God and serve Him with passion, flare, beauty, celebration and delight filled expressions of worship.

We don’t serve or worship God in monotone, stoic colours and tones, but in vibrant and beautiful corporate and individual expressions of devotion. God’s design specification for the Tabernacle shows He is not a cold God indifferent to beauty, but is Himself the very essence and definition of beauty and is glorified in the beauty, satisfaction and rejoicing of His creatures.

Exodus 26:1–27:21

God the Artist

“And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet yarns and fine twined linen. It shall be made with cherubim skillfully worked into it. Exodus 26:31 (ESV)

It is wonderful that in God’s detailed design, building and instructions for the tabernacle, there is room for artistry. God is the original artist. Skilful and artistic expression have their place in service and worship.

Do what God has shown you

You shall make it hollow, with boards. As it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall it be made. Exodus 27:8 (ESV)

Like Jesus said, whatever we do, we should do in accordance with what God has shown us. This could be for example, through His word, our Pastors or something the Lord has laid on our hearts.

John 5:1–15

Do you want to be healed

When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” John 5:6 (ESV)

Jesus asks us the same question today, and if the answer is yes, He has the power to accomplish it in His sovereign grace as we see later in verse 8.

Sin and illness

Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” John 5:14 (ESV)

Although all sickness is connected to the fall of man, illness and misfortune can happen to anyone, therefore we must repent. In this case, Jesus is referring to a specific sin committed by this man that lead to his state of illness. Specific sins can lead to illness and even death, so if God brings healing and deliverance in these cases, it is imperative that we do not return to that sin, just as Jesus warned this man.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

TGC on John 5

Today’s reading: Exod 24:1–25:40, John 4:43–54, Song 3:3–5

Today’s theme: The heavenly pattern

We see today that the blood of the covenant and the very specific design and purpose of the Tabernacle, pointed towards God the Son, who came to tabernacle and dwell with us in a tent of flesh, to make reconciliation between God and His people. We also learn a very important lesson about heartfelt generosity, true faith and fidelity.

Exodus 24:1–25:40

The blood of the covenant

And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words.” Exodus 24:8 (ESV)

This points towards the blood of Jesus, shed for the new covenant.

Be generous

“Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me. Exodus 25:2 (ESV)

Our hearts should be open and generous in giving to the Lord, don’t just give 10% like a begrudged tax! We should genuinely be moved in our hearts to give.

The tabernacle points to Jesus

And see that you make them after the pattern for them, which is being shown you on the mountain. Exodus 25:40 (ESV)

Hebrews 8:5 tells us that the very pattern and design of the tabernacle pointed towards Jesus and the true tabernacle in heaven.

John 4:43–54

The lowest quality of faith

So Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe.” John 4:48 (ESV)

This is the lowest quality of faith, we should always take God at His word.

Song of Solomon 3:3–5

There is a time for intimate love

I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles or the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken love until it pleases. Song of Solomon 3:5 (ESV)

We must boldly tell our children that they should not be in an intimate and sexual relationship until they are married.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

TGC on John 4

Today’s reading: Exod 21:1–23:33, John 4:27–42, Song 3:1–2

Today’s theme: Human Trafficking

For many years, European imperialists would grossly distort the bible to justify slavery when in fact, the bible specifically speaks against the type of slavery which defined the Atlantic Slave Trade (1508 – 1838), where men were stolen from their homes and sold like cattle.

God says that this type of human trafficking is worthy of death and is a great sin.

The types of slavery found in bible times were nothing like this abusive and perverted form of slavery.

This destroys the argument that Christianity is the “white man’s” religion or that the bible is a tool for control and tyranny.

Today as Christians, we must take a stand against human trafficking, in all its modern forms.

Human Trafficking

“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death. Exodus 21:16 (ESV)

The stealing of men from Africa, for sale in the European and American slave trade, was an abomination before God.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

TGC on Human Trafficking 

 

Today’s reading: Exod 19:1–20:26, John 4:1–26, Song 2:14–17

Today’s theme: Living Waters

Today we hear about the living water that Jesus makes available to all those who put their trust in Him, the living waters of both eternal life and God the Holy Spirit.

Exodus 19:1–20:26

God’s treasured possession

Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; Exodus 19:5 (ESV)

This is beautiful. As we look from God’s perspective, we can see the dual reality of God’s ownership and care for all the earth and His particular special care for Israel.

This also gives us a glimpse of how God relates to His elect people, the bride of Christ, and how in light of this, we should think and feel about the Lord. He should be our most precious treasure.

The most important command

“You shall have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:3 (ESV)

The first, greatest and most important commandment. God should be the only God in our lives. God rightly has His glory uppermost in His affections, to Him belongs all glory.

Six literal days

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:11 (ESV)

Many say that the days of creation, in Genesis, are just poetical and represent ages… really?… Well this scripture which is directly from the Lord, clarifies that  God created the world in six literal days.

John 4:1–26

Living water

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13–14 (ESV)

This is a declaration by Jesus that He is the promised Messiah (“I will”). The living, rushing water that satisfies eternally are the joint gifts of the Holy Spirit and eternal life, which Jesus offers to all who would come and drink.

Song of Solomon 2:14–17

Those little foxes

Catch the foxes for us, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards, for our vineyards are in blossom.” Song of Solomon 2:15 (ESV)

Small compromises that slowly destroy your life.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 4

Today’s reading: Exod 16:1–18:27, John 3:22–36, Song 2:8–13

Today’s theme: Prepared to lead

God was preparing Joshua to lead by exposing him to the power and authority of His Word. We see the perfect example of leadership in Jesus who secures eternal salvation for all those who trust in Him through His own servant like leadership. He offers himself as the payment for our sins. The servant like leadership of Jesus is only possible through and motivated by God’s love.

Exodus 16:1–18:27

Prepared to lead

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this as a memorial in a book and recite it in the ears of Joshua, that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” Exodus 17:14 (ESV)

The Lord was preparing Joshua to lead. Without God’s Word, leadership will always be lacking.

God’s mighty acts

Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods, because in this affair they dealt arrogantly with the people.” (Exodus 18:11, ESV)

The testimony of the Lord’s mighty acts increased and defined Jethro’s faith in Him.

John 3:22–36

Have eternal life

The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.(John 3:35–36, ESV)

We have (not will get one day but have it now) eternal life if we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ . This eternal security finds its roots in the Father’s love for the Son.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Albert Mohler on Leadership part 1 and 2

Today’s reading: Exod 14:1–15:27, John 3:1–21, Song 2:4–7

Today’s theme: The Gospel summarised

Today’s reading includes one of the most famous verses in the Bible, John 3:16. The passage this verse belongs to is one of the best summaries of the gospel found in the New Testament.

Exodus 14:1–15:27

Stand firm

And Moses said to the people, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. Exodus 14:13 (ESV)

We know that God fights our battles. All we need to do is stand firm on our faith like we are encouraged to in Ephesians 6.

There is no one like the Lord

“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders? Exodus 15:11 (ESV)

Hallelujah, there is no one like the Lord!

John 3:1–21

The Holy Spirit’s work of regeneration

The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:8 (ESV)

We cannot control or manipulate the saving work of the Holy Spirit which brings regeneration in the heart causing us to be born again.

Jesus, lifted up on the cross

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. John 3:14–15 (ESV)

This is talking about being lifted up on the cross, not lifted up in praise.

The Gospel, summarised

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

This verse down to verse 21 is a great summary of the gospel message.

Most of the above post is a copy of the original notes from the same date in 2014

Additional resources

Desiring God on John 3

The Gospel Coalition on John 3