One Thing: Sin, Consequences, and Forgiveness

• February 5: The voice of the Lord is mighty and glorious.  Listen for it and obey.  Justice will be done.  The Laws given by God here would provide a sturdy backbone of law to any society.  Understand the laws given by God and by man, and know the difference between them.

• February 6: God restores life, and His favor is for a lifetime.  I need His mercy and help.  Set up ways to remember what He has done, and do not stray from your resolve.

• February 7: God rules over everything big or small.  He is exact and precise in His commands.  He cares about even the little things.  Use what the Lord has given you, and be in a state of ready waiting.  Do you feel like you do not have enough of something?  Use what you have prudently, and He will provide.

• February 8: Use the areas in my life that God has blessed me with skill to serve those in need -- doing it all for Jesus Christ.  Find ways to serve where it is not expected.

• February 9: Sin is serious, and the consequences are devastating: death.  Today's Old Testament scripture describes bloody sacrifices that could only imperfectly heal the breach caused by man's sin.  We need a sacrifice that will last.  In the New Testament scripture Jesus provides a clear explanation of what His coming death will provide -- the forgiveness of our sins.  How abundant is His goodness!  He shows love and asks for love in return!

• February 10: Even in the darkest circumstances, God prevails.  When people fail -- betray Him or run away from Him -- He remains faithful.  Emulate His faithfulness.

• February 11: Aaron downplayed his involvement in the idolatry of the people of Israel.  Do you downplay or make excuses for your wrongs?  Don't do it.  My actions have consequences; own up to them, repent, and accept God's forgiveness.

This week's scripture readings were from:

Exodus 21:22-33:23,
Matthew 24:1-27:14,
Psalm 29:1-33:11,

and Proverbs 7:6-8:36

 

One Thing: Trust and Humility

• 29 January: Weather, plagues, etc.  They are all in God's power.  He can send them where He pleases and keep them from where He pleases.  Don't be worked up by the weather.  Instead, see it as a sign of His power.  (The day's scriptures were fitting.  We were planning on a trip that did not take place due to a snow and ice storm.  We stayed safe and warm at home.  The One Thing fit.)

• 30 January: Don't be lazy.  Do not require supervision.  (funny... since I am studying for Principles of Supervision right now.)

• 31 January: Just as Jesus came humbly but with strength and conviction, I need to hold fast to my knowledge of right and wrong while staying humble.  Remember God's saving grace.

• 1 February:  "The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent."  Ouch!  I needed that one.  The Lord came through for the people of Israel, and He will do the same for us today.  Praise Hm for all He has done.  Give Him the glory.

• 2 February: It is so easy to grumble and complain, but today's reading says, "Your grumbling is not against us but against the Lord."  It is a sin to grumble; it takes faith to trust God and rely on Him quietly.

• 3 February: It is an honor to have open access and communication with God.  It is a gift -- and a vital one at that.  Don't seek God second hand, but have fellowship directly with God.

• 4 February: Laws are sadly imperative because of the sinfulness of man.  While is is easy for me to say, "I would never do that." to most of these, we learn later from Jesus that the emotions, attitudes, and thoughts behind these behaviors are also sins.  Do not become complacent or prideful!

This week's scripture readings were from:

Exodus 8:1-21:21,
Matthew 19:13-23:39,
Psalm 24:1-28:9,
and Proverbs 6:1-7:5