Category: 2024 Bible reading plan

Down, but Not Out

Psalm 37:24 NLT – Down, but Not Out

Old Testament: Leviticus 10 & 11

Poetry: Psalm 37

New Testament: Acts 9

Today’s reading in Acts is the conversion of the Apostle Paul, once called Saul. This is a huge moment for the church. This man once persecuted Christians. Remember, he was there nodding in agreement when they stoned Stephen to death. After His encounter with Jesus, he became a servant to the Gospel. He wrote many books in the New Testament and was instrumental in spreading Christianity to the Gentiles. He is an important figure. However, I’m not going to focus on him today. I felt a little guilty about skipping over his story, but I’m reasoning most of us know Paul. Paul’s been taught many times to us and will be many times again. Instead, I want to share some insight I gained after doing a word study years ago on a verse in Psalms 37.

Psalms 37:23-24 says, “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall.” (NLT)
In the English language, the words “stumble” and “fall” mean the same thing. A look at the original Hebrew text for this verse reveals something different.

The Hebrew word used for the term “stumble” in verse 24 is the word “Qual” meaning to fall or lie down. The Hebrew word for the term “fall” in verse 24 is the verb “Hofal” which means to pitch, reel, cast down. In fact, the word Hofal is used throughout the Old Testament to describe objects being thrown. A more literal translation for this verse is: “Though they [the godly] fall, they will not be thrown out.” Or in other words, “down but not out!”

Understanding this verse in its original language reveals God’s amazing grace. Even when we struggle, even when we fall, God has not abandoned us.

We will make mistakes. We will sin. Earlier this week we read Leviticus 4 and 5 which gave instructions on the proper sacrificial offerings for unintentional sins. Sometimes our sin is not always deliberate. Sin can be the result of a broken heart.

Several years ago, I went through a very difficult breakup. I was mad at God. Mad at myself. Mad at the boy. In my anger, I threw a tantrum.

I witness tantrums on a daily basis. Let me tell you, there is a difference when a young child throws a tantrum and when a young child is deliberately disobedient.

When a young child throws a tantrum it is in anger because something did not go his or her way. In the early years of development, children are still learning how to handle big emotions. Instead of quietly moping or dealing with it, children whine, scream, throw themselves on the floor, talk back, run, hit friends, hit you, throw things. Literally ANYTHING to make it clear they are unhappy with you and the situation, while at the same time trying desperately to get your attention because they still need your affection. As mad as they are at you, they don’t want to be left alone.

During that period of my life, I fell, and I fell hard. Though I never walked completely away from God, I definitely ran around on fire screaming at God but refusing to jump into the refreshing pool of living water that could heal me. I took the long road towards healing. While it may have made me a more understanding teacher, I definitely would not recommend.

Once I was ready to properly deal with my disappointment and work through things with God, it took me twice as long to recover. I had to deal with the breakup and deal with the damage I caused while being angry with God. Thankfully, amazingly, God does not leave us. He does not cast us out. Though we may sin, struggle, fall along His righteous path, He does not throw us away. Our freedom to continue along His righteous path is bought with the precious blood of His son. In the words of Dr. Joe Martin “Hallelujah! Praise God! Amen!” *slam a table or wall*

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. This Psalm was written by David. What did he know about the godly stumbling? What could a full fall (or throwing out) have looked like for David? How was God holding his hand?
  2. When have you stumbled? Did you throw a tantrum? What could have a full fall (or throwing out) looked like in your situation? How was God holding your hand?
  3. What characteristics of God make Him really good at holding the hands of the godly, even when they stumble. What role does Jesus play? Be thankful!
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Step by Step

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Old Testament: Leviticus 8 & 9

Poetry: Psalm 37

*New Testament: Acts 8

The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch provides us with an example of how to witness and share our faith with others. Let’s start from the beginning of Phillip’s journey in Acts 8:26.

Philip is told by God to travel in a certain direction. Next he is told to walk next to a certain carriage. His directions are coming step by step. Philip trusts God. He doesn’t demand to know the game plan, but allows the Holy Spirit to guide his way bit by bit. Sometimes, that is how God delivers his instructions to us.

Next, we see Philip addressing the Ethiopian man with a question. Philip sees the man is reading scripture and instead of butting in with his own agenda, Philip asks the man if he understands what he is reading. Starting with a question is a great way to initiate a conversation about faith. This allows the other person to set the tone of the conversation with how he or she chooses to answer. In this instance, I love the man’s response, “‘How can I, unless someone instructs me?’” (Acts 8:31 NLT) He is straight up honest, aware of his own limitations, and you’ve got to admire that!

Philip joins the man in his carriage and instead of launching into his own explanation, he waits for the eunuch to ask his own followup question. Again, Philip is allowing the man to take control of the conversation. Philip is not following his own evangelical agenda, but meeting the man where he’s at with what he wants to know. Therefore, even though the eunuch is admitting to not having knowledge on the subject, Philip is giving him dignity by letting the man determine the direction of their discussion.

I love what Philip does next. Acts 8:35 says “Beginning with the same scripture, Philip told him the Good News about Jesus.” Beginning with the same scripture. That phrase is key. Philip didn’t ignore the eunuch’s questions and launch into his own prepared testimonial speech. He didn’t pull out the Roman Road, or a pamphlet in his back pocket on how to talk to people about Jesus. He related what the man was already reading to the Gospel.

This is not to say anything negative about evangelical tools. In fact, I led a Bible study in college using the Roman Road method, and I think it’s great. There is nothing inherently wrong with these tools, but that’s just what they are, tools. Tools to use with human judgment. Not every faith related conversation calls for your life story on how God changed you. Not to say we shouldn’t tell our stories, but we should find an appropriate way to fit it into the conversation while witnessing. We should never ignore someone asking direct questions about our faith.

One year in my high school art class I sat next to a girl who was openly a non-believer. Art class is one of those few classes in school where you can actually get away with talking as long as you are still focused on your work. When she learned I was a Christian she would come into class with prepared questions for me. I don’t know if she was actually genuinely interested, or if she was just trying to find a way to trip me up. It seemed more like the latter. She asked the hard big questions, like why does evil exist, why did God give us freewill. I never pressed her too much, but I answered her questions. If I didn’t know the answer, I would ask the adults in my life or look it up on my own then come back with an answer later. This went on for several weeks. I didn’t preach at her, but I answered her questions honestly and in doing so, shared the Gospel with her. I prayed for her in my own quiet time with God and asked for his direction during our conversations. I never had a come to Jesus moment with her, but I don’t think I was ever meant to, either. I kept hearing a voice in my head urging me to plant the seed. I don’t think she was ready to receive the Gospel at that point in her life. I believe I was meant to plant a seed that would be given the chance to grow years later. I did all this by meeting her where she was at, with her questions, instead of my own agenda.

Philip quite literally and figuratively meets the eunuch where he is at. Eventually, the eunuch becomes so moved by what he has heard from Philip he decides to be baptized. Church history relates this encounter to how the Gospel came to Africa. After the eunuch was baptized and Philip left him, the man brought his new found faith to his people. This all comes from Philip being willing to follow God and being open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Next time you find yourself in a position to share the Gospel, remember Phillip. Remember how Phillip treated the eunuch tactfully with dignity, meeting him right where he was at, just as Jesus does with us.

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. How well do you follow promptings from the Holy Spirit, especially as it applies to sharing your faith? Have you ever felt like you missed a God-given opportunity? How can remembering Philip help you?
  2. What questions do you think are common among the world regarding faith in God?
  3. Pray for guidance and wisdom in knowing how God wants to see you sharing your faith.
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Delight in the Lord

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Old Testament: Leviticus 6 & 7

Poetry: Psalm 37

New Testament: Acts 7

Almost the entirety of Act 7 is Stephen’s response to the charges brought against him from our previous reading. Stephen gives a beautiful sermon, outlining the history of the Israelite people. His sermon shows how time after time, the Israelites were unfaithful and persecuted the prophets. He asks the leaders of the high council when they will stop resisting the truth. Stephen forms a sound argument with the tools of a great orator utilizing ethos, logos and pathos. However, I want to just focus on one small line today.

Stephen retells the story of when Moses went to Mount Sinai and the Isrealites rebelled. He says the Israelites, “made an idol shaped like a calf, and they sacrificed and celebrated over this thing they had made.” (Acts 7:41 NLT). Celebrated this thing they had made. That caught my attention.

How often do we get carried away with our own success? How often do we put value in material things? How often do we forget Christ’s words to seek first the Kingdom of God? (Matt 6:33). We live in an age where knowledge, entertainment, and relationships are literally at our fingertips. Not to sound like a broken record, but it is so easy to get wrapped up in our own lives, the things we can make, things we can buy. God needs to be made a priority in our lives. He is someone we need to communicate with daily, thank and praise. Otherwise, we run the risk of celebrating over the things we have made and turning those things into idols.

These things may not be physical. They also may not always be bad or wrong. Sometimes the thing we are trying to make is a dream or notion of something. Maybe a job promotion, an engagement, a family. It’s when these desires become our only focus a problem occurs. The Greek term used in Stephen’s statement is the word euphrainó which literally means to “cheer, make merry.” Our happiness should not be placed solely in these things.

The Israelites made the golden calf when Moses went to talk to God at Mount Sinai. Moses was their leader and connection to God. Suddenly, to the Israelites, God felt distant. It is then they began to see what joy they could offer themselves and celebrate with their own idols. Sometimes, God may feel distant. At times we may face periods of loneliness, sadness, even anger. When this happens, we MUST heed the words in Psalms 37:4 “Take delight in the LORD.”

The rest of that verse in Psalms offers us a promise: “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.” I am not saying God always answers prayers for those who put their true delight in following Him. He does not. I know many godly people who have given their lives in faithfulness to Him and still face difficulty and unanswered prayers. However, I do sincerely believe when we start to delight in the LORD, when we celebrate Him, something in our hearts begins to change. We still have dreams and goals, but our heart’s desire becomes wanting a true connection with God, a deep relationship with our creator, the one who gave us those very dreams we have.

Several times in my life I have felt defeated, lost, and alone. I have had to grieve lost dreams, goals, relationships. I’ve had to mourn a life I imagined for myself. The lyrics to Phil Stacey’s song “You’re Not Shaken” describes this feeling of helplessness perfectly: “When every little thing that I have dreamed would be/ Just slips away like water through my hand.” That’s what brokenness can feel like at times. Like reaching out your hand and trying to cling to something that isn’t there. In these moments it’s imperative we take our delight in the LORD. Slowly, He will fix our gaze on something better than what we had lost. Even when that thing we lost was good.

Here’s a link to a playlist of some of my favorite songs when dealing with loss and grief: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3QAs1OUWTnwSbRClTaV51T

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. What in your life have you made (or are trying hard to make), but in the process you have celebrated it so much, and raised its priority above seeking God’s Kingdom, that it has gained idol status?
  2. When have you felt God was distant?
  3. What does it look like for you to “Take delight in the Lord”? Is this a priority to you? How could you do it more often or more deeply?
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Giving Responsibility

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Old Testament: Leviticus 4 & 5

Poetry: Psalm 37

New Testament: Acts 6

Today, we’re going to take a break from Psalms 37 and focus on our passage in Acts. Though a short chapter, two very important events take place in chapter 6. To set the stage, here’s a quick mini review of Acts so far.

Acts 1 – Jesus leaves the apostles and Matthias is chosen to replace Judas of Iscariot.
Acts 2- Holy Spirit comes, pentecost.
Acts 3 – Peter heals a beggar and preaches in the temple.

Acts 4 – Leading priests and elders get mad. Peter, John, and believers began to worry about oppression but pray for courage and continue preaching. Believers begin to unite in one heart and mind, caring for each other by acting as generous givers.

Acts 5 – Ananias and Sapphira lie about being generous givers and are struck dead. The apostles heal many people. More officials get mad at apostles and arrest them. An angel of the Lord sets them free and they continue preaching.

In Acts 6 we see the church has grown and the apostles feel overwhelmed with responsibility. So, like all great leaders, the apostles delegate. Seven men are chosen to be in charge of caring for widows, food distribution, and other administrative duties. This enables the apostles, those who had lived with Jesus and witnessed his resurrection, to continue their preaching and teaching.

I love this story because it shows how all people are useful within the church. Not everyone is meant to be a preacher. Not everyone has a surplus of money to donate to the church. Not one role is more important than the other. This is where we start to see the church operating as a body.

As a little girl I was always in awe of my Aunt Christy. I got to really see her at work when she took over directing Minnesota State Youth Camp. My first camp job was making sure my cousin, her toddler son, “stayed out of the lake” as his parents put it. During that time of babysitting my cousin, I saw a lot of the behind the scenes work Christy did. I was impressed. There is a lot more that goes into running a camp than one might think. I told her how she was so good at her job and she laughed in humility. Then she told me something I’ve never forgotten. She said the secret to being a good leader is finding the things other people are good at and putting them in charge of those things. In Acts 6 that is exactly what happens for the early church.

Sometimes I think we are too harsh on ourselves. We compare ourselves to others and guilt ourselves for not serving like them. The thing is we all have different roles to play. We need not feel bad about our role. It takes all sorts of people to run a church efficiently. We are given this example in Acts 6.

The second important event in Acts 6 is Stephen’s arrest. His arrest leads to his death in Acts 7. This is significant as it is the first recorded execution of someone preaching the Gospel in Jesus’ name. Present at Stephen’s execution is the first time we see the man Saul who would later become Paul the Apostle. Before he is stoned to death, Stephen delivers a beautiful sermon. One line in particular stood out to me but we will look at that tomorrow. For now, I encourage you to find ways to serve within your church community, using your unique God-given gifts.

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. What God-given gifts have you been given?
  2. How can you use those to serve within your church community?
  3. Is there a job you have been doing for the church that might be good to share with someone else?
  4. What benefits are there to giving responsibilities to others?
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Generous Givers

Illustrate Psalm 37:21 and introduce the devotion
Psalm 37:21 NLT

Old Testament: Leviticus 2 & 3

Poetry: Psalm 37

New Testament: Acts 5

Yesterday I touched on how one remedy for financial insecurity is to look to the future promises of prosperity for those who put their faith in the LORD. Our understanding of this future is to be the Kingdom of God. Psalms 37 also talks about how God helps his people in the here and now. We saw this briefly at the end of Acts 4. Today, we are going to discuss generous givers.

The church can be a very generous place. The example of pooling resources and caring for each other is set for us by the early church. It is discussed also in Psalm 37: “The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers” (verse 21 NLT). Having grown up in the church, I have heard many many stories of how God uses generous givers to care for and look after His people. I have been the recipient of such generosity several times in my life. Just last week, my sister-in-law surprised me by sending me money for my expensive prescription. We were at a birthday party and I was telling her of all the craziness it had been trying to track down this medication at a price I could attempt to afford. As we left the party, I looked at my phone and saw a notification. She had sent me the exact price for the prescription. I insisted she did not have to do that. She said “I know, but I felt like I should.” She felt God nudging her, and listened to the call. I have also tried, with my limited resources, to be generous to others. For example, before inflation got crazy and my dog got fat–needing a pricey special diet, I used to save $10 of every paycheck to give to my younger sister in college.

My grandparents, Scott and Gayle Ross, are the two most generous people I know. Psalms 37:26 reminds me of them: “The godly give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.” My grandparents are generous with more than just money, but their time, wisdom, love, home, and coffee. One Saturday morning I was dropping my dog off to stay with them as I had a long day of dance classes to teach. I remember frantically calling them to ask if they could prepare a to-go cup of coffee as I hadn’t time to make or get any before class. I rushed into their house, dropped off my dog, grabbed the coffee and hugged them both saying if there was one thing I can count on my grandparents for, it’s free coffee and free babysitting. Many times have my grandparents also been on the receiving end of generous givers. It is an endless beautiful cycle of generosity God has set for his people.

The generosity in Psalms 37 contrasts dramatically with the story of Ananias and Sapphira we read in Acts 5. It is important to note what Ananias and Sapphira’s sin was. This story is not meant to scare people into giving money to the church. Peter states, “The property was yours to sell or not to sell, as you wished. And after selling it, the money was also yours to give away.” (verse 4 NLT). Ananais and Sapphira’s sin was that they lied about how much money they were giving. The pair tried to elevate themselves and produce their own reward by gaining status in the church for being generous givers while still retaining some wealth. This is the opposite of what is described in Psalms 37:37, “Look at those who are honest and good for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.” It was not a lack of giving that caused God’s wrath on Ananias and Sapphira, but a lack of honesty.

Not everyone all the time can afford to be generous givers monetarily, but there are always ways we can be generous with each other. This could be donating our time and talents to the church, which we will look at more tomorrow. For now, I encourage you to reflect on the generous givers in your life, thank God for them, and ask God if there are ways in which you can be generous to others.

Special Note on Leviticus 2: In the instructions for grain offering it is listed that the bread be made without yeast. While this could be symbolic of the first passover, when the Israelites had to leave Egypt quickly and did not have time to put yeast in their bread, there is also a practical reason to leave out yeast. A bread that does not have yeast will last longer. Leviticus 2:10 explains how the remaining grain offering will be given to the priests as their food. Making this bread without yeast preserves it longer for the priests to consume. That is also why in Leviticus 2:13 God instructs his people to never leave salt from a grain offering, as salt is a preservative. The priests did not have regular jobs or land to farm. Their source of food came from the portion of the people’s offerings God allowed. In God’s infinite wisdom he instructs these offerings only be made in a way that ensures quality. How cool is that!

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. Who are some of the most generous people in your life? How have you seen them give? How can you thank them for their generosity?
  2. When did you generously give? How did it feel?
  3. What do you have to give right now? Who would you like to give to?
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Little Money but Lots of Good

Old Testament: Leviticus 1

Poetry: Psalm 37 (all week)

New Testament: Acts 4

Psalms 37 is one of my favorite psalms. It holds a special place in my heart. When I saw there was a whole week dedicated to this passage, I knew for which week I wanted to write. This week we also will look at some exciting and pivotal moments of the early church. Finally, we start Leviticus. As someone who enjoys culture and history, I appreciated these passages in Leviticus as they gave insight to what life was like for the early Israelites. Without further ado, let’s dive in!


I am poor. I do not say this to gain pity, but rather as a matter of fact. I make
$17.50 an hour working full time at a daycare. I live by myself, with no roommates to split rent. I’ve got a senior dog who is on a special diet and needs joint supplements. I’ve got car payments, insurance, internet bills, and an expensive prescription medication I need every month. I am the woman in the grocery store with her phone–not texting but using the calculator feature to ensure I stay under budget. I have a second job teaching dance to give myself a small savings cushion. I tithe and trust God. I do this living from paycheck to paycheck life for one simple reason: I love my job!


I have been teaching preschool for the past five years. I am in my second year of
having my own classroom of five year olds to prepare for Kindergarten. I have a
college degree and could make more money elsewhere, but I truly enjoy what I do. I also feel I am using my God given gifts to serve my community. So, while I am poor, I chose to be. This makes my situation easier as I am not stuck like so many in real poverty are. There was a time, though, when I did not have as much financial peace as I do now.


There are videos going around on social media of women who make adult content bragging about how much money they have and showing off their amazing homes. When I discovered these videos, I was infuriated. Here I was struggling to get by, while these women who were deliberately going against God lived worry free. What’s more is they had a surplus of money to give away! There are even videos of them passing out cash to random strangers or handing out mystery electronic gifts. How I would love to be able to surprise bless people like that. My anger turned to jealousy. It was not as if I was jealous of some amazing singer, actress, or athlete whose hard work and talent was deserving of the monetary recognition. The internet has made it easier than ever to create adult content. Many of these women were the same age as me. We both had access to the internet. It was not a matter of opportunity but of morality that separated us. My jealousy soon turned to bitterness. I felt like I was suffering for doing the right thing.


Through my studies in scripture I came to realize this was not a new concept; that those who live lives of sin may also live lives of luxury. The first few verses of Psalms 37 address this:


Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass.
they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the
LORD and do good, then you will live safely in the land and prosper. (verses
1-3 NLT)


The writer addresses the financial differences between those who follow God and those who do not: “It is better to be godly and have little than to be evil and rich. For the strength of the wicked will shatter but the LORD takes care of the godly.” (verses 16 & 17 NLT). Throughout this passage the writer refers to a future reward. It is described as “an inheritance that lasts forever” (verse 18 NLT). We know this to be the Kingdom of God. This writer urges God’s people to refrain from anger but trust in a future land of prosperity and peace. It took me a while, but eventually, I began to let go of my frustrations and take the advice in Psalms 37 to not fret and worry about the success of the wicked. Soon, the bitterness, jealousy and anger I felt faded away and was replaced by a quiet peace in God.


Psalms 37 tells of a great future for those who trust in God. Jesus brings news of
this future in the Gospels. It is the promise of this same future that gave the early church members boldness when they first began facing persecution as we see in Acts 4. My prayer for you is on days when the world seems full of evil and
unfairness, you too will hold fast to the promise of eternal inheritance and future glory in the Kingdom of God.

-Emilee Ross

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your feelings when you see evil people prosper? What can you gain from Psalm 37?
  2. Do you have the promise and hope of an inheritance that lasts forever? If so, what difference does it make in your life now? If not, do you want it?
  3. What is the problem with putting your trust in money? What is better than money?
  4. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your own trust in God? Would you like to see it grow? What do you already know about God’s character? How can you learn about His character? How have you seen God provide?
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As the Lord Commanded

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Old Testament: Exodus 39 & 40

Poetry: Psalm 36

New Testament: Acts 3

One of my favorite pastimes is sewing simple bags and quilts and occasionally even clothes. I love looking at fabrics and dreaming about what could be made with it. Yesterday I even drove four hours for a really good fabric sale – and lunch with mom -thanks mom! I can spend hours on the internet researching what people are making with their fabric, how did they do it and who has the best detailed directions to help me make what I want to make.

So, pretty much, Exodus 39 was written for people like me. The rest of you might not be too interested in the detailed step-by-step directions of what the fiber and gold artisans created for the priests to wear when they were ministering in the tabernacle. You might not be curious how they fastened the gold filigree settings which held the precious onyx stones to the shoulder pieces. You might not have nodded knowingly when they explained that a band was added around the neckline to prevent it from tearing because you saw the same need on the Nativity costumes.

But there is something big in this chapter that anyone can notice and appreciate – even those who have never in their life held a needle in their hand or contemplated making clothes. And that is the number of times the phrase, “as the Lord commanded him/Moses” is repeated. Seven times it is used just in the sections of chapter 39 regarding the priestly clothes. Additionally, the same or very similar phrases are used eleven more times in the rest of this chapter and the next as Moses inspects and then assembles in place all the final pieces of the tabernacle created by the craftsmen: the magnificent ark of testimony with its stately gold cherubim, the altar for burnt offerings, the altar for incense, the intricate lampstand, the wash basin, the courtyard curtains, bases and stands, and coverings, the garments and all the other pieces, right down to the ropes and tent pegs. When all these pieces are put together – just as the Lord commanded – then, they finally have a place where God’s glory would dwell. So why is it recorded 18 times in these two chapters that the work was done as the Lord had commanded? Perhaps because it matters to God if the work is done as He commands.

If I want to make an outfit I can find countless books and blogs, patterns, tutorials and videos showing me the steps I can take. Some create clothes I am just not interested in or wouldn’t fit me at all. Others have glaring errors, or sometimes even little mistakes that end up making a big difference in the end: missed steps, mismeasurements, or sloppy work. It can be a big challenge finding the best directions I can truly trust that will help me create the final product I desire.

Similarly, there are countless sets of directions for how to make the life you desire. You can find directions for life everywhere: TV commercials, movies, self-help books, classrooms, churches, parents, peers, and endless online sites to name a few. Some directions I know I am not interested in at all: the end product wouldn’t fit me, just isn’t my style or not what I am looking for. Others look like they would create a life that would be perfect for me. But, it turns out the directions have errors: they don’t include all the proper steps, they add in steps that trip you up, they don’t give the correct measurements, they use materials that won’t stand up to the wear and tear life brings, they lead to sloppy work and sloppy lives. If I follow those directions my finished product will not be what I intended to create.

God alone has the best detailed directions for making what I want to make – a life devoted to Him, ready for His Son’s return, and ready to dwell in His glory forever and ever. While I wait for His full glorious kingdom on earth, I want to make a place – my life – where a sliver of God’s glory dwells in me and shines through. In order to create this project I need all the pieces created just as He commands. I need to use all the proper materials and resources and carefully follow the step by step tutorial I trust. The directions God gives in His Word tell me every step I need to take, and those I don’t need and those I definitely don’t want. Following God’s directions and commands will keep me from creating a sloppy life with fraying edges. God knows the best way to do life, will I listen and do as the Lord commands?

God knows. How often I forget. God knows the best way. His commands can be trusted. In Exodus 39, this seamstress loves that God even knows how to keep the neckline from fraying – and he tells us – add a band. Do it right. Follow the Lord’s commands and the end product will be a thing of beauty that brings glory to Him.

We have work to do. Will we do it the way God commands?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. As I considered all the gold and ornaments and details God chose for the priests I had two thoughts regarding our worship today. 1 – While our pastor’s roles are different from the priests of Moses’ day, I wonder if God wants us to show more honor and respect to their position than we do, even if they no longer wear jewels on their breastpiece. 2 – Maybe God cares a bit more than we previously thought about our own attire when we come before Him. What do you think?
  2. Why do you think it mattered to God what the priests wore? Why do you think it mattered to God what the tabernacle looked like?
  3. What kind of a life are you working to create? Whose directions are you following or are you making up your own? What bad directions have you already decided you won’t be using? What does following God’s directions look like?
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God’s Gift

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Old Testament: Exodus 37 & 38

Poetry: Psalm 35

New Testament: Acts 2

In yesterday’s reading of Exodus 35 God filled the tabernacle craftsmen (Bezalel, Oholiab and others) with his Spirit providing them with the skill, ability and knowledge to do the work the Lord desired them to do for Him. In today’s reading of Acts 2 God pours out His Holy Spirit on Jesus’ followers and they, too, are enabled to do the work the Lord desired them to do for Him. This time the Spirit was not delivering the ability to create beautiful gold cherubim and lampstands or embroidered curtains. God had a different job in mind for these workers.

In the Old Testament we see the Spirit given, or described as “in” various leaders so they are able to carry out the work that God wants them to do. Joshua is chosen to succeed Moses due to “the spirit” in him (Numbers 27:18). Gideon receives the Spirit of the Lord, and he blows a trumpet to assemble an army to go up against the Midianites (Judges 6:34). Ezekiel records that the Spirit came into him as he heard God call him to be a prophet to carry God’s words to the rebellious and obstinate nation of Israel (Ezekiel 2:1-4). And there are other instances found in the Old Testament. Sometimes the spirit was given to provide gifts of leadership and skills (including but definitely not limited to craftsmanship). Sometimes the spirit was given to embolden and provide power and strength to overcome the enemy. Sometimes the spirit was given to the one chosen to carry God’s precious words and warnings of His judgment to God’s people, whether they listen or not. The Spirit was a special gift to those leaders willing to do what He says and do His work.

Fast forward to the beginning of Acts and we find Jesus’ followers who had witnessed Jesus’ death and the empty tomb now get the privilege of 40 days with the risen Christ as he tells them all about the kingdom of God. He also tells them his Father has a gift for them – but they can’t have it quite yet – they have to wait for it in Jerusalem (Acts 1:4). Can you imagine their excitement! They are ready to see this kingdom start. They are ready for their gift. They might even be thinking the hard part was now behind them. They had followed Jesus for 3 years. They had watched him die. But now Jesus is alive and by their side and the kingdom is around the corner. Little kink in their plan, Jesus tells them only the Father knows when it will begin; but he encourages them with these words: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:8). THEN, Jesus leaves, again! He isn’t dead, he is very much alive this time, raised in the clouds to heaven and the men in white assure them that this same Jesus will return the same way. What should the disciples do next? Probably obey. Go to Jerusalem and wait for that gift Jesus mentioned.

They do what Jesus told them to do and in Acts 2 they are waiting in Jerusalem. Perhaps receiving the gift requires obedience first. Approximately ten days later, on the Day of Pentecost, the gift was delivered – and what a delivery it was. Much more dramatic than a singing telegram or balloon delivery, the gift was accompanied with the sound of a violent blowing wind. I have never heard a tornado myself, but it is often described as the sound of a freight train getting closer and coming at you. Imagine hearing these violent winds coming into the room you are in. And what you hear is only surpassed by what you see: a ball of fire suspended in the air which then separates as a tongue of fire comes to rest on each one of you! God was definitely getting their attention with this gift delivery! I think He wanted them to always remember this moment and never doubt that He had indeed delivered what Jesus had promised his Father would deliver.

In fact, Jesus was not the first one to promise the delivery of this gift. Many years earlier the prophet Joel had foretold of a time when God would, “Pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy…even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days and they will prophesy.” (Joel 2:28-32 and Acts 2:17-21). This was now a pouring out of God’s Spirit! It was not just for a few select leaders who had a job to do. Now everyone seems to have a job to do! The sons and daughters, young and old, even on my servants, both men and women, Joel says God says. So pour that Spirit on – they are going to need it! They are going to prophesy and speak for God. Prophecy is sometimes thought of as just foretelling the future but it actually includes hearing and speaking for God whatever message He sends.

And this time He sent His message in many foreign languages, all at once, to the disciples who had previously not known or understood or spoke these foreign languages, but now their words were heard and understood by the Jews gathered from many foreign lands and tongues. “All of them (the Jesus followers gathered in Jerusalem who had just heard the wind and saw the tongues of fire land on each of them) were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (Acts 2:4). Turns out God not only wanted to get the disciples’ attention – but also the attention of all the Jews from many foreign lands and tongues who were in Jerusalem for the Day of Pentecost celebration. The people each hear their own language from these Galileans and they are amazed and perplexed – and listening!

So Peter stands up and speaks for God – with an amazing sermon in Acts 2 you don’t want to miss! This is the same Peter who approximately 53 days earlier denied Jesus three times. He wouldn’t even admit to the servant girl that he had been with Jesus. This is the same Peter who wept at his weakness. Now he is preaching to the multitude to tell the Jews of every nation about Jesus whom God has made both Lord and Christ. The Spirit makes a difference -a big difference. Peter explains from Joel, to the man Jesus. He explains to the Jews how they put Jesus to death and God raised him to life, freeing him from death. He explains how David is in the grave, but Jesus is not. When the people hear, understand and are convicted they ask what they must do. Peter replies, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Obey these steps – and the gift is ready for you.

God’s gift of His Spirit is no longer just for the Bezalels, Joshuas, Gideons, and Peters. It is no longer just for the disciples who physically walked with Jesus. Now, if you repent and are baptized, this gift is for you! Are your ready to obey and do the work God has for you? You, too, can receive the gift of God’s Holy Spirit to do the work that God has for you to do. The gift is not always delivered with the sound of violent winds and tongues of fire. What the gift enables you to do still depends on what job the Lord has for you to do. Without it, you are weak. With it, comes power, words, skills, and energy you are not capable of on your own. Are you ready to receive God’s gift?

-Marcia Railton

Reflection Questions

  1. What are your thoughts on God’s Spirit? What does Scripture teach about God’s Spirit?
  2. What work do you think God has for you to do? Are you already using His Spirit to do this work?
  3. What does one have to do to receive God’s gift of His Spirit?
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Gold and Goat Hair

Exodus 35:5a NIV

Old Testament: Exodus 35 & 36

Poetry: Psalm 34

New Testament: Acts 1

Gold and goat hair. Silver and sea cow hides. Bronze metal and blue yarn. Onyx stones and olive oil. These all were great offerings to do the work of God. These were just some of the precious, as well as the more common, everyday items that were brought as offerings to create the very first tabernacle.

God had given Moses some very specific plans for what He wanted for His tabernacle including the furnishings and priestly garments. The creative Creator who designed heaven and earth and fashioned all sorts of lands, plants, fish, birds, animals and unique human beings was now showing His flair for architecture (albeit tent-like architecture that would travel well), interior decorating (including specific dimensions, materials and details for the furnishings and surfaces), and even fashion designing (of the stunning priestly wardrobe).

God gave the precise plans – and He also gave His Spirit. God gave His Spirit to fill these craftsmen (Bezalel, Oholiab and other skilled persons) with skill, ability and knowledge so they would know how to create His masterpieces in gold, silver, bronze, stones, wood and “all kinds of artistic craftsmanship” (Exodus 35:33). And the Bible records that God also gave both Bezalel and Oholiab the ability to teach others these skills. What a creative and masterful and wise Spirit of God, which God still gives today! Have you received any of His crafty, skilled Spirit? If so, how are you using it to do His work? Are you able to teach others what God has given you? How can teaching others your skills and abilities further God’s work?

God gave the plans and His Spirit with the skills, it was up to the people to give the resources. ”All the Israelite men and women who were willing brought to the LORD freewill offerings for all the work the LORD through Moses had commanded them to do.”  (Exodus 35:29) These offerings were not required (as other offerings were), but these were voluntary offerings. ”Everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work.” (Exodus 35:21) And they did give! They donated their gold jewelry to the cause. Those who had acacia wood, bronze, spices and oil gave what they had. The skilled willing women got to work spinning the colorful yarn, linen and goat hair. There was no gift too large and no gift too small. It was all given with a willing heart and would be used for the Lord’s work. They even gave and gave until they were told to stop because they had given more than enough to complete the sanctuary. 

I am not sure your church would find a good use for your donated goat hair today…um, wait, correction, my quick internet search just now revealed several common uses for goat hair including paintbrushes, rugs, carpet, and even Mohair or cashmere (different from rabbit cashmere) to be used in making sweaters or even fine pants for your pastor. So, go ahead keep collecting your goat hair for God, if that is what you have and your willing heart is telling you to give it to Lord’s work. 

And also consider, what do you have, or could you acquire with what you have, to provide for God’s work today. I’m guessing God’s not planning on building a tabernacle in your backyard, but do not doubt He has many, many plans that you can be an exciting part of with your participation and your offerings. What is your church doing that you can be a part of, contributing your time, talents and what you have to a larger extent than ever before? Could the children’s ministry use new crayons or is the kitchen running out of coffee cups? Would a tray of cookies be useful after church or could you help provide a spring cleaning spruce-up? What needs can you provide? Do you have a crafty skill to create a piece of artwork or functional thing of beauty (furniture or banner or blanket) for God’s church or even for His work outside of the church (perhaps a donation for a non-profit organization). Where is God’s work around the world in need of what you have? Sometimes the need is as simple as highlighters, glasses, or flat frisbees. Sometimes it’s Bibles, bikes and fertilizer. Sometimes it’s larger, like a church building – a new tabernacle. What do you have (given to you by God), that He would love to see you use to further His work with one of your neighbors in need – your means of transportation, your coffeepot, you sharing a skill? 

What is your heart moving you to offer to God’s work? Consider both your valuable and precious resources as well as your common and everyday items? What gold and goat hair will you offer to God with a willing heart? 

-Marcia Railton

Reflection & APplication

  1. What do you have (or have the means to acquire) that could be used to do the work of the Lord? How is your heart moving you to give offerings to the Lord’s work? 
  2. Pray about it and do it.
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Abounding in Love

*Old Testament: Exodus 33 &34

Poetry: Psalm 33

New Testament: Matthew 28

As a child, I remember making an emergency run to the neighborhood store with my Mom for a box of cereal. It was the night before Valentine’s Day. Our teacher had told us to decorate a cereal box to transform it into our personal Valentine’s Day mail box. Of course, I had forgotten all about this class project until the night before it was due. Everyone in our class would buy a pack of cards. I liked opening my box of cards and reading through each one as I addressed and signed them. I was so excited to drop the cards in the other boxes for my classmates. The class card exchange has been a long-standing tradition and a fun way for kids to express fondness for classmates. Expressing fondness, admiration or appreciation for others is definitely a skill that I want to pass on to the next generation. And more importantly, I want all of us to be able to express our love to God and show the love of God to others. In fact, Jesus taught us that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and the second commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves.(Mark 12:29-31)

The LORD has always shown human beings His love. He created us, cares for us, provides for us, sustains us…His interactions show His love because God is Love. The love that God shows us is perfect love, agape love. You know that perfect love of God: love that is patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud. Love that doesn’t dishonor others, is not self-seeking, is not easily angered, and doesn’t keep a record of wrongs. This love doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. (1 Corinthians 13) You know. That kind of love. The love that never fails.

Moses had many opportunities to experience the LORD’s love through his own life and through the LORD’s interaction with the Hebrew people. But leading this rebellious group had Moses seeking God more than ever. He pleaded for His presence to go with them on their journey and he asked to see God’s glory. God grants his request. Early in the morning, Moses heads up Mount Sinai with the new stone tablets in his hands. We see Moses being rewarded for seeking a close, loving relationship with the LORD. The LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him. He passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.”  (Exodus 34:6 & 7)

Just like Moses, we are so thankful for who the LORD is-abounding in love and maintaining love to thousands. But the LORD also states that He is just. He does not leave the guilty unpunished. That is the part that might scare us. After all, every one of us has sinned and come short of the glory of God. But the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom and it is wise to realize that God is bigger than we are and has our lives in his hands. But as we grow closer to God, we realize that He wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. He truly wants only the best for us. What Jesus called abundant life. Our fear of the Lord should motivate us to repentance and acceptance of His Son.  As 1 John 4:18 states, “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.” His amazing love for the world was so great that He gave us His only begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. In love God offers us the opportunity to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. (John 3:16) So it is time to walk closely with the LORD allowing Him to fill us with His perfect love.

-Rebecca Dauksas

Reflection Questions

  1. How would you describe God’s abounding love? 
  2. How did Moses experience it?
  3. How have you experienced it?
  4. How can you express your love for God today?
  5. How can you show the love of God to others today?
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