Hey folks,

I have not participated in this forum very much, but I hope to change that. On this thread, I will post 250 daily devotionals that I prepared and sent out to my home congregation via email in 2007. We read through the entire Bible in one year with a slight twist ... the readings came from a chronological Bible. Given the obvious limitations upon us mortals, the chronology is not presented as being without flaw, only presented as it was published in the "So That's Why Bible" published by Nelson (ISBN 0-7180-1562-2).

NOTE: our "theme" for 2007 was "A Revolution Within" ... aiming to provoke inward change (devotion and faithfulness) in our brethren that would cause a positive change (fulfilling our purpose in Christ) in our congregation.

I am not of the opinion that I am always right in my interpretation of Scripture, I am of the firm and unwavering conviction that the BIBLE is ALWAYS right, because God is truth! In areas that you disgree with my interpretation, I only ask that we agree that the Bible is right.

I'll post about 4 per day, and I welcome your feedback and insights.

May God bless you in reading as He blessed me in preparing this devotionals...

in Christ,
Lee Jamieson
Central church of Christ, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

Today’s reading is Genesis 1-4.

Daily Devotional – “To Cultivate & Keep” – GENESIS 2:15

No, I do not believe that the first 11 chapters of Genesis are an allegory, as some in the religious world believe. While I believe absolutely in the historical accuracy and scientific support for supernatural creation, I think we can learn much from the “creation story” concerning the church (God’s “re-creation”) using an allegorical approach to glean principles and illustration. As such, just as God created mankind for His purpose, He has re-created mankind (i.e., “saved in Christ”) for His purpose. As we start this year-long walk through Scripture, put yourself in the “garden”...

Adam and Eve had no role in the creation other than being created. Yet, look at the responsibility placed upon them by God. This marvelous creation was theirs to “subdue” and “fill” and “rule” (Genesis 1:28), even though God was ultimately in charge. Inseparable from this command was the command to “cultivate” and “keep” the garden. Not only were they supposed to do their part in the procreative process of multiplying the human race, but they had to work the garden (cultivate) so that it would produce and maintain the garden (keep) so that it would not deteriorate. Wow, I sure am glad God did not give us such a task in the church! Or, did He?

We each have been given new life in Christ by supernatural re-creative activity (grace through faith), and have great responsibility placed upon us by God. Christians must be “fruitful”. A stagnant life that reaches its spiritual peak emerging from the waters of baptism does not fulfill God’s purpose. We simply cannot be fruitful unless we are willing to “cultivate” spirituality through listening to God, prayer, fellowship, worship, and practicing Christ’s righteousness and love on a daily basis. At the same time, the Lord’s church is precious and holy and God has given it into our hands to “keep”, thus faithfulness (loyalty) to Christ and faithful adherence to and application of His Word are required of His servants in the church. Finally, the church will die in the next generation unless we “multiply”.

The “revolution within” will take us back to the beginning (“genesis”) to find the essence of God’s purpose for us. We will find nothing NEW, but we must find it ANEW. Let us cultivate and keep the garden, as we strive to be fruitful and multiply and subdue this whole creation for the Lord our God!

Today’s Reading is Genesis 5-9.

Daily Devotional – “Come Into The Ark” – GENESIS 7:1
There is no denying the great differences between the world before the Flood and the world after the Flood. In debating the reliability and accuracy of the Genesis story of the Great Flood from the scientific and geological perspective, as well as the theological and religious perspective some great truths sometimes get lost in the words. Consider, Jesus alludes to the Flood (as well as supernatural creation of Adam and Eve) as historical fact (Matthew 24:37-39). If for no other reason (and there are ample, reliable, scientific proofs) Christians must believe the Genesis account because if it is untrue, then Jesus is a liar and unfit to be the atoning sacrifice. Likewise, Peter, inspired by the Holy Spirit uses the account of Noah in his writings – making the Holy Spirit a liar if the account is not true. With that “one-two punch” we lose our Savior and the Bible. Just a thought to consider as you continue with our revolution in Bible study.

Isn’t it interesting that mankind was placed on earth to “be fruitful and multiply” and “cultivate and keep”, and that the consequences of sin attack those very purposes? Eve would have pain in child-bearing and Adam would wearily toil the ground frustrated by thorns and thistles. Even in the murder of Abel (a shepherd exercising dominion over his flocks) takes away from that great purpose, now that Adam and Eve have one less offspring who can procreate. In 6:1, mankind was fulfilling only part of God’s plan. They were “multiplying”, but were not being “fruitful” toward God. Sin led to separation (3:23) and then to even greater depths of sin (6:5). Judgment must come from a righteous God (6:7), yet mercy comes from a gracious God (6:8). Truly we see in today’s reading a story of sin, grace, faith, obedience judgment and salvation that speaks through the centuries and calls out to us this very day.

Like the Flood, “our world” when we are lost is much different than “our world” after we are saved through Christ, and our likeness to Noah is striking. Noah obeyed all that God commanded and the result was salvation by grace. Ask yourself, was it God’s will for Noah to build the ark? Clearly it was. What would have happened if he said, “I believe you God, but I’ll NOT build it”? Jesus tells the result of this kind of thinking (faith alone with no works – James 2:17) in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:21-23). Read Peter’s inspired instruction to those who believed his message on Pentecost (Acts 2:37-39), and ask if those people could conclude that it was God’s will for them (and all who hear the gospel call) to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. At least three thousand believed it was. Now consider what Peter wrote under inspiration of the Holy Spirit in 1 Peter 3:20-21. How does baptism “save us” in the same way the ark saved Noah? By grace God saved Noah (Ephesians 2:1-10) and gave him instruction to follow so that he would be saved (1 Corinthians 15:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). By faith, Noah did what God commanded and was saved (Hebrews 11:7). God called Noah into the ark (God’s instruction plus Noah’s works) and when the Flood came, Noah was saved. God could have chosen other means (His grace) for salvation from the Flood, but He chose an ark (Noah’s obedience in faith). Likewise, God could have chosen any number of things (His grace) for salvation from sin, but He chose immersion in water (our obedience in faith). What happens if one says, “I believe you Jesus, but I’ll not repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of my sins”? A fair reading of Scripture leads us to conclude the same thing that would have happened to Noah if he did not build and enter the ark! Upon leaving the ark after the Flood, Noah’s purpose was to “be fruitful and multiply” and “cultivate and keep” the new life in the new world (9:1-7) even as sin still lurked (9:21-27). So too with us.

Translations render Genesis 7:1 in different ways (“come into” or “go into”), but the weight of scholarship (not me, those other guys) supports God’s instruction to Noah as a command framed as an invitation to join Him in the ark of safety. I don’t know about you, but I find that instructive and quite fascinating. Salvation is where God already is ... He beckons us (command framed as an invitation because of our free will) through Jesus Christ to come into His safe haven of rest through His death, burial and resurrection (the gospel). Are raindrops falling on you as you stand outside wondering what you must do?

Today’s reading is Genesis 10-13.

Daily Devotional – “The Power of One” – GENESIS 11:6

God’s acknowledgment of the power of human unity in this verse specifically, and in the whole Bible story, generally, is amazing to me. The purpose of God for mankind, however, was being replaced by mankind’s purpose for himself. Yet, in the negative sense revealed in the story of the Tower of Babel, God teaches us there is great power in achieving oneness in pursuit of His purpose for us in Christ. Remember Jesus’ prayer for us, “That they may all be one” (John 17:21a).

Following the dispersal of the peoples, God displays His power through one man – Abram. From that day He called Abram until now, God’s single-minded purpose to redeem fallen man has flowed from His great promise through the pages of Scripture. The Hebrew people were the family of the one man Abraham (Abram). Although they broke covenant with God and forever forfeited the land promise, God kept this family intact and in place so that the one special son of Abraham, Jesus, might bless the world. What an awesome God we adore and serve!

The Bible story does not end with Jesus the man; it comes full circle and begins anew with Jesus the Christ (Galatians 3:27-29). In restoring those who answer the gospel call to fellowship with the divine nature (2 Peter 1:3-4), we are commanded to unleash upon this world the power of oneness in pursuit of God’s purpose (not against it, like at Babel). As Paul wrote, “...for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to do work for His good pleasure. Do all things without grumbling or disputing...” (Philippians 2:13-14).

Pursuit of personal gain or private agenda apart from God’s will leads to grumbling and disputing and gets us off track. If through factions, division, contentions and striving against brethren we mange to build great towers of human accomplishment, may God forever be swift to thrown them to the ground! Individually, our revolution within must daily be to cast aside personal animosities and personal desires and we fall headlong before the throne of mercy seeking His will and purpose, not our own. Congregationally, our revolution within must drive us together into one body with a common love, a common goal, a common vision and a common destiny. Are we afraid God doesn’t work ... or, are we afraid that He DOES?

Today’s reading is Genesis 14-18.

Daily Devotional – “Yahweh, God of Covenant” – GENESIS 15:17-21

I don’t know that there is a passage of Scripture which is richer in purpose, meaning and foreshadowing than these chapters in Genesis. We learn of the power, wealth and influence of Abram, meet Melchizedek, witness a covenant ceremony, and see the effect of “helping God” apart from His will. Indeed, history will forever be changed by Hagar’s child Ishmael and his “wild man” descendants who fight everyone and are constantly fought against. Circumcision is commanded as a sign of covenant relationship, God takes human form and meets Abram and Sarai, changes their names, and Isaac gets his name from instinctual laughter in response to God’s will. And, to cap it all off, Abraham bargains with God for the future of the cities on the plain.

Marriage is the closest ceremony to the covenant ceremony of the ancient near east. Two parties are joined together publicly with mutual promises and responsibilities. Yet, we must dig deeper to uncover the true significance of “covenant” in Scripture. In that day a suzerain (the superior party to a covenant) would seek out a vassal (the inferior party to a covenant) to enter into a treaty (the covenant relationship) filled with rights, responsibilities, promises, reminders and protection. The covenant would be ratified in a public ceremony. Although this is the first such covenant between God and man, it is by no means the last. The Law of Moses is given to the children of Israel in the form of a suzerain treaty (the book of Deuteronomy), and the Christian faith is a covenant with Jesus as its High Priest (after the order of Melchizedek) and mediator (the book of Hebrews).

Covenant ceremonies were usually characterized by a sacrifice and a meal. Promises (by the suzerain) were made and responsibilities accepted (by the vassal). The written document would be deposited in a specific place (usually a temple), and provisions were made for a periodic public reading of the covenant so all would remember. The covenant would remain in force until a mutually agreed point in time or until broken (Jeremiah 31:31-32). In all these things, we can see Christ.

Because of His sacrifice, we can be forgiven of our sins and become children of God. He gave us a memorial feast symbolic of His death and covenant promises to observe in remembrance of Him. The promise of everlasting life is accepted in faith, and the covenant is ratified publicly as the believer confesses Jesus as Lord and Christ (Matthew 10:32-33, Acts 8:37-39), repents of sin (Luke 13:3, 5 and Acts 2:38) and is immersed in water in the name of Jesus Christ and at His command (Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38). Following the covenant ceremony, the covenant is in full effect and each party has responsibilities. If we are faithful to confess our sins (a repentant lifestyle and attitude) He will continually wash us clean (1 John 1:5-9). There is no expiration date, and it is in force until broken. As Christians we are called to assemble together to open His word and be ever-reminded of His love, mercy, grace, justice and righteous judgment. Since God cannot lie and is faithful to His promises, that leaves only individual Christians (Romans 8:37-39 “you” are missing from the list) to break covenant if it is to be broken (Colossians 1:21-23).

In light of His nature and His sacrifice, you would think it would be a “no-brainer”. The simple fact is that life as a human in a fallen world is quite difficult. Satan uses good times and bad times, friends and enemies to attack our faith and draw us away from the covenant through distraction, temptation, apathy, indifference and man-made religion. Lions only pick off the weak stragglers from the herd, so let us grow stronger and not straggle behind. In His covenant, God has given us one another to love, encourage, admonish, teach, serve and mature together in faith. He has given us spiritual armor to protect us and the precious and powerful hope of heaven to sustain us. May we revolutionize our thinking to see Jesus Christ NOT as a PART of our life, but AS our life (Colossians 3:4).

Today's Bible reading is Genesis 19-23.


Daily Devotional - "Integrity of My Heart" - GENESIS 20:5

"But I didn't DO anything!" How many times have we cried out at a perceived injustice in our life, proclaiming our innocence? I know that I have many times. At the same time, I am forced to admit that some of these times I had led myself into a situation and invited the "injustice". Such is the case with Abimelech, king of Gerar.

This is ALL Abraham's fault, Abimelech says to God. And you know what, Abraham told a dangerous half-truth. It is true enough that, as Abraham later admits, he and Sarah have the same father and different mothers. You would think that the trouble it caused in Egypt would have been enough to dissuade him from using this "clever" ruse any more. Abraham's problem stems from a wavering faith. Had not God promised to be his God and protect him and bless him? Once again, his family stood on the brink of a horrible problem.

Now, what about Abimelech? Remember his claim, "In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this." On the surface we sit back and say, "That's right, he did nothing wrong - people have done me wrong like that before, and I didn't like it!" Look a little more closely. Do you think Sarah invited herself to go with him? We don't know, but I would seriously doubt it. What is much more likely is that he took her for his own pleasure, and considered not what she or her "brother" thought about it. God's accusation is ABSOLUTELY CORRECT . "This woman you have TAKEN is another man's wife."

Tomorrow in the morning assembly, we'll look at integrity and our responsibility to our own lives. Do we allow ourselves to get into situations we should not be in? Sure we do. Integrity requires a clear focus on God, not merely an appeal to Him that we are innocent when things go wrong. As life presents trouble in our way, we owe it to our souls to examine the path that brought us here. We might be "technically innocent"
in the immediate sense, yet quite guilty in the choices and actions that brought us to this point!

Today’s reading is Genesis 27-30.

Daily Devotional – “Yours or Mine?” – GENESIS 28:10-22

One striking facet of God’s purpose for mankind to be “fruitful and multiply” is to pass along the truth of Almighty God from parents to children. In the days of Noah (Genesis 6:1), people were multiplying, but were not “fruitful” in that they set their mind on evil and not godliness. As salvation history continues to unfold ever nearer the cross and the empty tomb, we share the dream experienced by Jacob, one of Abraham’s grandsons. Seemingly typical of the flawed people God chooses to fulfill His purposes upon the earth, Jacob’s early life is characterized by deception. Now, he “sees” God in a very personal light and it changes him.

After buying the birthright of Esau for a bowl of stew, Jacob and his mother conspired to lie in order to steal the blessing Isaac intended for his firstborn son. Tucked within that story, Jacob reveals a critical piece of information that lays his heart and mind open for closer inspection. When Isaac suspiciously questions his son about his identity, he astutely observes that insufficient time has elapsed for “Esau” to hunt, kill, dress and cook the game, so he asks how this is possible. Jacob responds, “Because the LORD your God brought it to me” (Genesis 27:20). Whose God, Jacob? He considers Yahweh to be his FATHER’s God, and not his own. Set aside for a moment the problem whereby men invoke the name of God to convince others to accept their schemes. Jacob has a faith problem.

When he has the dream of the ladder spanning from heaven to earth, he says “Surely the LORD is in this place, and I did not know it” (28:16). I don’t know where along the way Isaac and Rebekkah failed in the raising of their children, but the salient truth is that neither Jacob nor Esau had a vibrant faith of their own. Esau thought so little of God’s promises he sold his birthright. Jacob did not even consider his father’s God to be his own personal God. In the dream, all of this changed for Jacob and his faith sprouted and began to grow.

The first step forward in a revolution with must be to critically question our faith. Not to DOUBT our faith (hopefully), but to assess it on a fundamental level. Is my faith MINE? Or, am I “following” the God of my parent(s) or of some other person? If you have children, what about the maturity and independence of their faith. Are you instilling YOUR faith in them, or are you feeding them daily bread and exercising their hearts and minds to grow and develop a faith of their own? The answers to these questions delineates the difference between those who merely “multiply” and those who are “fruitful and multiply”!

Today’s Bible reading is Genesis 31-35.


Daily Devotional – “Journey of Faith” – GENESIS 35:9-15

We call it ‘coming full circle’, but life often brings us back to a place where we have already been. Even though we end up in the same place we started, there is no denying we have been on a journey. The life of Jacob offers many lessons and principles on life’s journeys, and many lessons on what not to do! In this passage, he has returned to Bethel after going away to Padan Aram two decades ago. Yahweh changes his name to “Israel”, which means “prince with God”, and charges him with that now familiar purpose, “Be fruitful and multiply”. Has anything changed since the night of his dream?

Jacob walked the long journey “to” faith, changing his thinking from a God of his father Isaac to the living God who is his personal God. Even upon leaving Laban’s territory, the household gods came along with Rachel 31:19). She was unwilling to leave them behind on her own journey to faith. Yet, when they approached Bethel, Jacob finally commanded all of his people to cast away their gods (35:2). We, too, must journey in our own lives with our faith in God and what we must give up to follow Jesus.

Jacob walked the long journey “in” faith, creating friction between what he could see and what had been promised … between what was tangible and what was believed. In one of the strangest passages in Scripture (32:24-32), he wrestled with “a Man” – later (32:28) being told he “struggled with God and man and prevailed”. Even believing, we struggle with our faith as it ebbs and flows and wrestle with the unseen God and the tangible world of men. Only when we submit to God, can we prevail in this epic struggle.

Jacob walked the long journey “through” faith, as he came full circle to the place God wanted him to be. In doing so, he was forced to face up to and deal with his past. Esau loomed large in his mind and there had to be a reckoning. Instead of running away once more, Jacob pressed forward with the blessings of God (flocks, colts and camels) in the fore as Esau came out to meet him. When we pass that test, the world is always ready to block our journey, as with the defilement of Dinah. Overcoming through faith is a journey that causes us to closely examine our faith, to act upon our faith and to rely upon our faith as we come full circle … back to the God who created us!

Today’s reading is Genesis 36-39.

Daily Devotional – “Sin in the Midst of God’s Purpose” – GENESIS 39:1-9

Why does God put up with us? I don’t know about you, but I still have sin in my life and I’m a Christian! It’s so discouraging to read the Bible since I cannot hope to live up to its grand ideal. In reading the Bible stories it seems it’s filled with perfect people who are God’s chosen ones whom He abundantly blesses. Isn’t it? Sure enough, every Bible character is perfect, EXCEPT for EVERY Bible character other than Jesus! God works through imperfect people ... just like you and me.

Paul said these stories are to teach us and give us hope (Romans 15:4). Joseph is a great man, but in him we see early a budding arrogance after his dreams. Sometimes it’s not what you say, its how and when you say it. This family that God chose to bring Jesus into the world is a mess. Jacob’s favoritism toward Rachel spills over into his children. Anger, resentment and frustration lead to that fateful day in Shechem, Joseph is sold and a lie is told by the “great patriarchs of Israel” to a grieving father. He still hates sin, yet God will work through all of this.

Judah is at least trying to do right in giving his daughter-in-law to a succession of sons so that his oldest (now deceased) son will have an heir. He shifts his focus away from her and goes about his daily life and “forgets” to send the next son to marry her. Ironically, it is the loss of his own spouse that brings them together again in Timnah and their fateful encounter. I do pause to ask, however, how it was that Tamar was so certain that dressing like a harlot would attract Judah and entice him to lose his self-control? Hmmmm. In spite of their personal shortcomings, Jesus is the Lion of Judah!

If only we could fully appreciate the depth, breadth and magnitude of Joseph’s statement to Potiphar’s wife. When she tried to seduce him, he found the essence of life as God’s chosen people, saying, “How can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” Amen! It would revolutionize our view of sin and our ability to withstand temptation is we could take ownership of this profound truth uttered in the midst of a disfunctional family epic being played out in the ancient near east almost 2000 years before Christ was born.

Today’s Reading is Genesis 40-43.


Daily Devotional – “Be Fruitful Wherever You Are” – GENESIS 41:37-45

Joseph’s saga and the ebb and flow of his “fortunes” would make a great novel, but as true history in the unfolding salvation story it provides high impact insight into God and mankind. Like us, Joseph is not perfect, but he finds himself in some very tough times because of the evildoing of others men. His brothers and then an Egyptian woman change the course of his life and he goes from an heir to a wealthy and powerful Hebrew herdsman to a dungeon in a foreign land. Then, he rises from these depths to a position second only to Pharaoh in Egypt, with his brothers before him groveling to buy food and responding to his every whim.

There are so many lessons to glean from these pages of Scripture, but for today let’s take a look at the big picture. As we look at our own lives and our standing before God, we must see the power of Joseph’s character that was rooted in a deep, abiding faith. Wherever he went, in good fortune and bad, God was with him because his faith did not waver. The result was a beautiful life that bore much fruit wherever he went. He was a blessing in Potiphar’s house when things were going as well as they could go for a slave who was ripped from his homeland. He was a blessing to those in prison with him. He was a blessing to Pharaoh and to all of Egypt. He was a blessing to the very brothers who set these events in motion through their evil. Joseph bore fruit wherever he was.

Is you life going exactly as you planned? For some, it may be the case. But for most of us, life takes small turns and large turns that change the course we set out for ourselves many years ago. We find ourselves in dungeons or quite prosperous in another man’s kingdom. Ultimately, however, the circumstances are irrelevant if our faith is strong. Paul teaches us to be content in whatever circumstances we find ourselves (Philippians 4:11-13). He does not mean content in the sense of kicking back and watching our lives go by. The Christian finds contentment in godliness (1 Timothy 6:6) alone, and godliness produces fruit wherever we are!

Today’s reading is Genesis 44-49.

Daily Devotional – “Quarreling on the Journey” – GENESIS 45:24

God is doing such great things in the lives and destiny of this family as He leads them to Egypt to be fruitful and multiply before He guides them back to the Promised Land. With the shocking news that Joseph is not only alive, but the powerful man with whom they have been dealing, these brothers have much to sort out. These are heady days indeed. So why would Joseph load them down with so many luxuries, supplies and wagons and then bother to send them away with “Do not quarrel on the journey”? After all, what’s a little squabbling among brothers?

Looking at the “big things” – God had promised them Canaan, not Egypt – Jacob had a struggle on his hands to decide to make the move. Thankfully, God knew the challenge this would cause to his faith, so He told Jacob it would all work out (46:2-4). If only he had known what God had promised Abraham (Genesis 15:13-16), he might have understood better. But in all of this “big picture” stuff, Joseph reminds us that we can never neglect the “little things”. He was saying to the very brothers whose squabbling and jealousy landed him in an Egyptian dungeon, “Things MUST be different now, and the change has to begin WITHIN us.”

As the Lord’s church awaiting His return (or our passing into eternity, whichever comes first), our sights are set upon out inheritance imperishable. God is doing amazing things in us and through us and has so much more in store. If we wish to fulfill His purpose (‘be fruitful and multiply’) we should celebrate His plan and seek opportunity to be involved in His work during our journey of faith. But, never forget or neglect the “little things”, like “Don’t quarrel on the way”.

Today’s reading is Genesis 50 – Exodus 3

Daily Devotional – “Who Am I?” – EXODUS 3:10-12

As the story of God’s redemption of mankind transitions fully to the time of sojourning in Egypt, we simply must marvel at the power of God to work in history and accomplish His purpose. From the creation of two people to the destruction of all but eight, God pursued His redemptive purpose. From the scattering of nations, to the calling of one man, God steered mankind to the hill of Calvary. Now through the one man Joseph, Israel and his entire house have been preserved in Goshen so that God can deliver them unto Himself. Do you see a pattern here? For God to work in the history of mankind, He chooses to work in the lives of individuals...like YOU...to accomplish His purpose in salvation history.

Joseph saw the hand of God at work even in the intended evil of his brothers (Genesis 50:20), and understood how the personal faith of a few is like lightning in the hands of Almighty Yahweh! Once in Goshen, the children of Israel prospered – fruitfulness and multiplication – beyond the lifetime of Joseph and the Pharaoh who was blessed through him. Because the people are a multitude, one man now fears them and determines to breed them out of history by killing male babies and ultimately forcing the Hebrew women to marry Egyptians. Given the power of Pharaoh, it would seem he could accomplish this evil purpose – given the power of God, Pharaoh did not stand a chance. Individual midwives (who feared God) making individual choices thwarted the planned “ethnic cleansing”; yet set the stage for one of the most wondrous works of God in the history of man. God used the evil of Pharaoh (killing of males) to place a Hebrew boy (Moses) in the royal court for a royal upbringing (possible only because his mother was forced to extraordinary means to save his life).

The Great “I Am” (the personal name of God – Exodus 3:14 – translated as “Yahweh”) now had a highly educated and literate Hebrew who could record the Law and lead the people to His holy mountain. His compassion for the Hebrew people led him to kill an Egyptian and forced him to flee to Midian. In these events, God is working in history to accomplish the redemption of Israel, to fulfill of His promise to Abraham, and ultimately to redeem all of mankind. Moses is the one man chosen for the immediate task and now God calls him. He responds with, “Who am I?” Sadly, we often have this same response for God when He calls.

The descendant of Abraham, Jesus (“Yeshua”, translated “Yahweh is Salvation”) now calls people out of the world and into the holy mountain which is His church (Hebrews 12:22-24). We see God’s hand at work in the “big picture” events like Pentecost, and through “high profile” people like Paul. Let us not forget, that God is unchanging. Even though He is working in history toward the end of time, He still works through individuals. As He is calling you, will you say “Who am I?” or “Here am I?”

Today’s reading is Exodus 4-7.


Daily Devotional – “Is God Serious?” – EXODUS 4:21-31

Is God serious about His care for His people? Just ask Pharaoh. Yahweh knew his heart and knew that he would not submit to the request to “let My people go”. In righteousness, the response of Yahweh is to announce the price for stubborn disobedience is the life of Pharaoh’s firstborn. In His omniscience and omnipresence, Yahweh exists outside of time and can clearly see the future. He knew what Pharaoh would do and say, and He knew what must be done ... because Yahweh IS serious!

Is God serious about His promises? Just ask Israel. The most powerful nation on earth held them in slavery and there was nothing they could do. “Faith” would have told them that God promised to deliver them into the land of Canaan, yet they listened to “sight”. “Faith” does not ask, “What if?” Moses wavered (4:1) and did not trust the people to believe him of God. When Moses came and told them, they believed (4:31), but they still wavered throughout the process of redemption and deliverance. It would take ten plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, the destruction of the Egyptian army, the presence of Yahweh in the camp, the death of all over the age of 20, crossing Jordan on dry ground and the walls of Jericho falling flat ... but, Yahweh IS serious!

Is God serious about His covenants? Just ask Moses. He was called and answered, though uncertain. He was empowered, and still made excuses. Yahweh was at work, even Aaron was already on the way before Moses objected that he was not a gifted speaker. Moses stepped out in faith and led his family toward Egypt, at last. Now, Yahweh wants to kill Moses (4:24)? Why (we say under our breath in righteous indignation), this is absurd! Yahweh made a covenant with Abraham and ALL of his descendants and the sign of the covenant was circumcision, yet Moses had not circumcised his own son. The carefully prepared “Deliverer” and “Lawgiver” Moses was on his way, and he almost was struck down by the One who sent him ... certainly, Yahweh is serious!

Since the Old Testament stories have New Testament application (Romans 15:4), let’s find some lessons for today. Yahweh cares for people so much that He came as a man and died that the believing ones might live eternally (John 3:16) – He is still serious about His love for people. Yahweh promised to bless all nations through Jesus, the descendant of Abraham (Galatians 3:24-29) and promises the forgiveness of sins and salvation in Christ Jesus (Luke 24:44-47, Mark 16:15-16, Acts 2:38, Acts 4:12) – He is still serious about His promises. Yahweh was faithful to His covenant with Abraham and the children of Israel, but they broke covenant and lost their inheritance (Jeremiah 31:31-34). However, Jesus became the Mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13) in which Christians have the forgiveness of sins. We have a living hope (1 Peter 1:3-9) – Yahweh is still serious about His covenants.

If all of that is true (judge for yourself), then let’s ask some practical questions. “What if” I believe in Jesus and appreciate His sacrifice of love, but go no further in my faith. “What if” I claim the promises of God for forgiveness, but rest on the hope that God will save me regardless of anything else. “What if” I hear the gospel call, believe in Jesus, cry out for forgiveness, but do not respond in faith to my obligation under the covenant ... baptism? “What if” I fall prey to man-made excuses like “What if I believe and repent, but have a heart attack before I am baptized?” and so dismiss baptism as an unnecessary work of merit? “What if” I fall prey to man-made teachings that tell me I cannot “earn” my salvation so I cannot “lose” my salvation, no matter what I do so there is never a true change in my life. “Faith” does not ask, “What if?” “Faith” falls before Almighty Yahweh in reverential fear and submits to the Lordship of Jesus ... unless you don’t think Jesus is serious!

Today’s reading is Exodus 8-12:36.


Daily Devotional – “Faith and Urgency” – Exodus 8:25-32

Notice the ebb and flow of these events in the intertwined history of Egypt and Israel. Request (by Moses) ... plague (from God) ... relent (by Pharaoh) ... removal (by God) ... hardening (by Pharaoh). God knew he was going to do this, but in His master plan all was necessary to accomplish the deliverance of His people from bondage. Let’s take a closer look at Pharaoh, and see what he can teach us about faith.

The purpose of this exercise of divine power was, “that you may know there is no one like the LORD (Yahweh) our God (Elohim)” (Exodus 8:10). Truly this boiled (no pun intended) down to faith. Pharaoh saw the mighty works of God and he saw the secret arts of his magicians. Who would he believe? I simply cannot imagine the sight of any of these plagues, and each one had an effect upon Pharaoh. But, right on the heels of God, Moses and Aaron come these deceitful men who try to convince Pharaoh that God is a fraud. In a sense, we face the same kind of struggle in our daily lives. We “see” in Scripture the story of the mighty work of God in Christ Jesus to redeem us and we “see” in the lives of Christians evidences of this power. But, at the same time, worldly people and events whisper in our ear, “this really is an illusion”. Our faith wavers.

When there was an immediacy or urgency to the power of God, however, was the time Pharaoh seemed to believe that “there is no one like the LORD (Yahweh) our God (Elohim)”. When the frogs covered the land, he was willing to let the people go (8:8). When the flies were at their worst, he was willing to let the people go (8:25). Then, when the hail came, Pharaoh was willing to let them go (9:27-28) again. Same story with the locusts (10:16-17), and the darkness (10:24). But as soon as each plague eased, Pharaoh would change his mind. I think we all have a tendency to be more strong in our faith when there is either the immediacy of a “spiritual high” or the urgency of a crisis. Faith wanes as the good or bad is removed from us...just like Pharaoh.

Faith cannot be passive in our lives, blown about by the winds of change (Ephesians 4:14) or reactive to events in our lives with no anchor point (Hebrews 2:1, 3:14). Faith must be active and pro-active in order to be sustained and sustaining. Look at the plague of hail and notice the role of faith in the lives of the Egyptians. Those who heard the Word of God and believed then ACTED in faith (9:20) and were spared by the grace of God, while those who “paid no regard to the Word of God” (9:21) did nothing and lost their livestock. The Word of God tells us that judgment is coming before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10). Faith not only believes, but obeys the gospel (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, Romans 1:5, 6:17, and 16:26). Here is the illustration to reveal this truth: imagine you were an Egyptian and heard the Word about the hail. You believed it. And, you stand in the field with your livestock looking to heaven. What would happen? You would die, because even believing, you paid no regard to the Word. Only those who believe and obey are saved by the grace of God.

Friends, we cannot earn our salvation by any means. Saving faith acts with an urgency of purpose and immediacy of relationship with our Savior. An inactive faith is not the way to be “out standing in your field”!

Today’s reading is Exodus 12:37-15:27.


Daily Devotional – “With A Powerful Hand” – EXODUS 13:6-10

As we near the appointed time of assembling on the first day of the week, this passage provides a “capsule” of our lives as Christians. The Feast of Unleavened Bread and Passover would bind together the faithful Hebrew with his God and his brethren. Looking for admonition and instruction to strengthen our hope and our faith (Romans 15:4) in the exodus account, a cycle of memorial (12:37-51), consecration (13:1-16), pursuit (13:17-14:12), victory (14:13-31), praise (15:1-21) and provision (15:22-27) emerges.

When we begin our week with the communion feast at the memorial table of Christ, our hearts and minds return to the cross and the blood sacrifice of atonement. Looking inwardly, confessing our sins and determining to live for Jesus, we consecrate ourselves to Him anew, following His footsteps. Yet when we depart from the assembly, we know that Satan will pursue us as we travel into the wilderness to honor and serve God in our lives. Not of our own power, but by the powerful hand of God, Satan has no power over us when we remain faithful to the calling. As we see this cycle working in our lives, there can be no response except praise for our Savior and Redeemer – so we return to the memorial table on the first day of next week overflowing in praise, thirsting for living water graciously provided by the Powerful Hand!

The Holy Spirit directed Moses to reveal the truth that a map would so easily reveal to us today … there was a shortcut to Canaan. God knew that an immature faith confronting persecution would cause wavering. The wilderness of trial was essential to develop an abiding trust. So, we as Christians need the same thing – there is no shortcut to heaven. Trying to take the easy road of minimal commitment and half-hearted devotion leads to apostasy (return to “Egypt”). There is a deeper purpose in the way of God here, as well. The children of Israel needed to see “mighty” Pharaoh utterly defeated by the “Powerful Hand” of Yahweh. As Christians who sense the pursuit of the roaring lion day by day, we need to see Satan as defeated! He has lost and the victory is won – we share in the glorious victory when we follow the presence of God in our lives and walk through the wilderness with our brethren!

Today’s reading is Exodus 16-20.


Daily Devotional – “A Kingdom of Priests” – EXODUS 19:1-13

When Peter called the Lord’s church “a royal priesthood” (and “chosen”, “holy” and “special”), he was pulling Old Testament prophecies into the New Testament (1 Peter 2:9) in part to teach us that the church had been God’s plan for the redemption of mankind all along. God was not simply toying around with His creation. All of His action and interaction pointed to Calvary and leads to heaven! The church is NOT (as many today claim) an accident or an alternative plan because the Jews rejected Jesus (Ephesians 3:11, 1 Peter 1:18-20). The church IS the kingdom of God (Revelation 1:6, 1:9, Mark 9:1), and Jesus reigns NOW. In the new covenant (Hebrews 8:6-13), the saved ones are added to the kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14, Acts 2:47) and are priests (Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 1 Peter 2:9) under the High Priest Jesus (Hebrews 9:11-28) – just as God planned all along! In today’s reading, Moses was the messenger of God’s call of good news. So then, what can we learn from God’s call to the children of Israel to be a kingdom of priests?

God’s kingdom of priests must yield to a daily reliance upon Yahweh. In providing manna, that would get wormy (except on the Sabbath and the omer in the ark) in kept overnight, He trains His people to not only trust Him but to rely upon Him for provision. If we think we can thrive spiritually by “eating” one day a week, we are mistaken. God will provide – count on it! More precisely, count on HIM!

God’s kingdom of priests must join Yahweh in the fight. In battling against the Amalekites, the battle was the LORD’s and He cannot be defeated. However, success in the battle depended not only upon faith, but action (holding up Moses’ arms). Daily trust and reliance upon God requires an active faith that shares in the victory of Christ Jesus our Lord.

God’s kingdom of priests must share the load with brethren. In Jethro’s advice to Moses and God’s blessings upon the system of “elders” in Israel, we see the truth that no one can do all things alone. The church is a body that has many parts and needs all of them to function together for the benefit of the whole. God has given us each other to share our faith, share our burdens, share our love, and share our destiny.

God’s kingdom of priests must carefully and accurately follow the Word of God. Yahweh is a communicator, and He spoke in the past through prophets and in these last days through Jesus (Hebrews 1:1-2). His Word is truth ... His Word sets us free ... His Word saves our souls ... His Words guides our steps ... His Word promises. Imagine if we all joined with a resounding fulfillment of the words of the people, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do!”