February 10

February 10
One Year Bible Readings:
Exodus 30:11-31:18
Matthew 26:47-68
Psalm 32:1-11
Proverbs 8:27-32
Supplemental Reading for The One Year Bible.
The following are excerpts from Mike’s One Year Bible Blog.

Exodus:

Chapter 31 verses 1 through 3 stood out to me today: "The LORD also said to Moses, "Look, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, intelligence, and skill in all kinds of crafts." These verses make me wonder about our lives.
Q: How has God chosen you? What has God given you as gifts and skills? Do you believe that your gifts, skills, and wisdom come from God? How are you using these gifts, skills, and wisdom in the service of God?

In verse 13 we read: "Tell the people of Israel to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you forever. It helps you to remember that I am the LORD, who makes you holy."
Q: How about for you? Do you think taking one day of rest – true rest – as a Sabbath is a good idea? Is there an activity that you are doing 7 days a week, that you can do just 6 days a week? Are you over-scheduling yourself maybe 7 days a week? Can you take 1 day a week to not be scheduled?

Matthew:
In Matthew chapter 26 we read about Jesus' arrest. Verses 53 & 54 stood out to me today when Jesus says: "Don't you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of angels to protect us, and he would send them instantly? But if I did, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that describe what must happen now?"" After praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus was prepared for what must happen now... Notice how prayer came before this confidence for Jesus of what must happen now. (and Jesus knew that he could call down angels for protection - but he knew he shouldn't)
Q: Do you model Jesus' action of praying before embarking on a significant life decision or trial? How and when do you pray when a significant decision is coming up?

Psalm:
Today we read Psalm 32, which is a wonderful testimony of joy about God’s gift of forgiveness to us when we confess our sins to God! In Psalm 32 verses 1 & 2 we read: “Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!”
Q: Do you agree with this Psalmist that there is joy in forgiveness? How do you confess your sins these days? Do you confess them verbally to someone else - a pastor / minister / priest / mentor / friend / accountability partner? Why do you confess them verbally? Do you confess your sins to God in prayer? After confessing your sins verbally or in prayer do you feel any different? Do you think confession is relevant? Do you think confession is a spiritual discipline that should be practiced regularly?
 
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