January 31
January 31
One Year Bible Readings:
Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15
Supplemental Reading for The One Year Bible.
The following are excerpts from Mike’s One Year Bible Blog.
Exodus:
1/31 - This is a big day in our readings today - The Israelites officially begin their exodus from Egypt! Today in Exodus chapter 12 we read about God instituting the Festival of Unleavened Bread along with Passover. These both are still observed today by practicing Jews. Verse 14 states the importance of these festivals to the Israelites: "You must remember this day forever. Each year you will celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD." Verses 37 & 38 are amazing: "That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children. And they were all traveling on foot. Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds." 600,000 men equals probably at least 1.2 million people all together - and probably close to 2 million. This is a massive Exodus! Verse 38 is very interesting in that some Egyptians were joining the Israelites in this Exodus!
Q: Why do you think some Egyptians joined the Israelites in the Exodus? Do you think these Egyptians believed in God? When have you ever experienced a Passover meal in your life? What was it like? How does the Passover foreshadow Jesus’ life?
In Exodus chapter 13 we read about God's instructions for the dedication of the firstborn. Note that based on this law that Jesus, the firstborn of Mary & Joseph, was dedicated to God in the Temple in Jerusalem as we read in Luke chapter 2 verses 21 through 24: "On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”" I think it's also interesting to note that Mary & Joseph did not present a lamb, but a pair of doves or two young pigeons. This portion of the law came from Leviticus chapter 12 verse 8: "If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering."" Q: How have you dedicated your children to God? Or how have you seen family members or your church dedicate children to God? Why do you think we still dedicate children to God today?
Matthew:
Today in Matthew chapter 21 verse 22 we read these words from Jesus: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."" This is a powerful verse if you really stop and think about it...
Q: Do you believe Jesus' teaching here? Do you believe that if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer? I do believe this... but then there is always in the back of my mind - "but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed. But then they weren't..." I don't have any easy answer on this one.
Psalm:
Ps 25, The general tone of this Psalm is that of prayer for help from enemies. Distress, however, exciting a sense of sin, humble confession, supplication for pardon, preservation from sin, and divine guidance, are prominent topics. In Chapter 25:16–20, The psalmist asks Yahweh to deliver him from his affliction and trouble. He does not specify the cause of his distress; it likely relates to his enemies (Ps 25:19–20). 25:16 By using the term yachid (“lonely”), the psalmist may be suggesting he has been ostracized or deserted. This loneliness contrasts the friendship that comes from trusting Yahweh (v. 14). 25:18 The Hebrew word used here, ra’ah, means “to consider,” “to look at,” or “to see.” The psalmist declares that he keeps his eyes fixed on Yahweh (v. 15). 25:20 See note on 11:1.
Q: How do you ask God for help? Do you ask Him for forgiveness of sin before you ask for help? Why or why not?
Proverbs:
Proverbs chapter 6 verse 14 today tells us: "Their perverted hearts plot evil. They stir up trouble constantly." This is a powerful reminder of the utmost importance for us to guard the condition of our hearts continually!
Q: Do you think it is important to guard our hearts in our world today? How do you guard your heart?
Copyright © 2004-2012 One Year Bible Blog
One Year Bible Readings:
Exodus 12:14-13:16
Matthew 20:29-21:22
Psalm 25:16-22
Proverbs 6:12-15
Supplemental Reading for The One Year Bible.
The following are excerpts from Mike’s One Year Bible Blog.
Exodus:
1/31 - This is a big day in our readings today - The Israelites officially begin their exodus from Egypt! Today in Exodus chapter 12 we read about God instituting the Festival of Unleavened Bread along with Passover. These both are still observed today by practicing Jews. Verse 14 states the importance of these festivals to the Israelites: "You must remember this day forever. Each year you will celebrate it as a special festival to the LORD." Verses 37 & 38 are amazing: "That night the people of Israel left Rameses and started for Succoth. There were about 600,000 men, plus all the women and children. And they were all traveling on foot. Many people who were not Israelites went with them, along with the many flocks and herds." 600,000 men equals probably at least 1.2 million people all together - and probably close to 2 million. This is a massive Exodus! Verse 38 is very interesting in that some Egyptians were joining the Israelites in this Exodus!
Q: Why do you think some Egyptians joined the Israelites in the Exodus? Do you think these Egyptians believed in God? When have you ever experienced a Passover meal in your life? What was it like? How does the Passover foreshadow Jesus’ life?
In Exodus chapter 13 we read about God's instructions for the dedication of the firstborn. Note that based on this law that Jesus, the firstborn of Mary & Joseph, was dedicated to God in the Temple in Jerusalem as we read in Luke chapter 2 verses 21 through 24: "On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise him, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he had been conceived. When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.”" I think it's also interesting to note that Mary & Joseph did not present a lamb, but a pair of doves or two young pigeons. This portion of the law came from Leviticus chapter 12 verse 8: "If she cannot afford a lamb, she is to bring two doves or two young pigeons, one for a burnt offering and the other for a sin offering."" Q: How have you dedicated your children to God? Or how have you seen family members or your church dedicate children to God? Why do you think we still dedicate children to God today?
Matthew:
Today in Matthew chapter 21 verse 22 we read these words from Jesus: "If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer."" This is a powerful verse if you really stop and think about it...
Q: Do you believe Jesus' teaching here? Do you believe that if you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer? I do believe this... but then there is always in the back of my mind - "but what about so-and-so who was ill and was praying in belief that they would be healed. But then they weren't..." I don't have any easy answer on this one.
Psalm:
Ps 25, The general tone of this Psalm is that of prayer for help from enemies. Distress, however, exciting a sense of sin, humble confession, supplication for pardon, preservation from sin, and divine guidance, are prominent topics. In Chapter 25:16–20, The psalmist asks Yahweh to deliver him from his affliction and trouble. He does not specify the cause of his distress; it likely relates to his enemies (Ps 25:19–20). 25:16 By using the term yachid (“lonely”), the psalmist may be suggesting he has been ostracized or deserted. This loneliness contrasts the friendship that comes from trusting Yahweh (v. 14). 25:18 The Hebrew word used here, ra’ah, means “to consider,” “to look at,” or “to see.” The psalmist declares that he keeps his eyes fixed on Yahweh (v. 15). 25:20 See note on 11:1.
Q: How do you ask God for help? Do you ask Him for forgiveness of sin before you ask for help? Why or why not?
Proverbs:
Proverbs chapter 6 verse 14 today tells us: "Their perverted hearts plot evil. They stir up trouble constantly." This is a powerful reminder of the utmost importance for us to guard the condition of our hearts continually!
Q: Do you think it is important to guard our hearts in our world today? How do you guard your heart?
Copyright © 2004-2012 One Year Bible Blog
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