Spring 2024 - TOGETHER for God's Glory

April 7, 2024: The Name of Names!

Exodus 3:13-15; 34:4-7

In the Hebrew Scriptures, this book is known as “These are the Names” – and it

is derived from the opening sentence of the book. Indeed, it is a book filled with

names. The names of the patriarchs, the children of Jacob, the leaders of the

Exodus (Moses and Aaron) – even the names of Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah

and Puah, are found in this book. However, the names of the Pharaoh’s or

other prominent Egyptians are missing! Interesting! With that said, the greatest

Name, the most meaningful Name in the entire book is the Name of God –

YHWH. His Name is The Name of Names!

Together in Word: Exodus 33:18-34:7

Moses asked God to reveal His glory to him. What a request! The glory of God

refers to the absolute essence of God’s nature. It refers to God’s character and

goodness manifested through the very presence of God. God’s glory is on

display through His creation (Psalm 19:1). His glory was revealed through His

Son, Jesus the Messiah (John 1:1, 14). In fact, He designed His people to reveal

His glory (Isaiah 43:7). In fact, His glory is supposed to be reflected through

your life (2 Corinthians 3:7-18). This week, take time to meditate on this

passage from Exodus. Perhaps make a few notes about how God’s glory is

revealed in this encounter between Moses and God. Also, take some time to

consider how God’s glory is being revealed through you!

April14, 2024: Your Way or Yahweh?

Exodus 2:11-3:12

Moses always knew that he was a true Hebrew (Hebrews 11:23-29). In our text

today, he was angered by the treatment of his brethren by their Egyptian

masters. In fact, he took matters in his own hands and murdered one of the

Egyptian overseers. He even tried to mitigate a disagreement between two

Hebrew men. However, his way was not the way God would deliver his fellow

Israelites from captivity. Some 40 years later, Yahweh would reveal His plan for

redemption. Moses would learn that God’s ways are always better than our

ways!

Together in Word: Exodus 3

This week’s text is the famous account of Moses’ encounter with God. The

burning bush story is one of the most well-known stories of the Bible. God

revealed Himself and His plan for Israel in this experience. This is also the call

of Moses. God had chosen him to be His instrument in this grand plan of

redemption. Moses was given the opportunity to obey God and experience His

presence and power in profound ways. This week, take the time to read

through this passage and contemplate how God has spoken to you throughout

your life. How have you responded to His call? Have you chosen obedience?

Have you stepped out on faith and given Him the opportunity to use you?

Maybe you can record an experience of profound obedience in your journal this

week.

April 21, 2024: From Bad to Worse!

Exodus 5:1-21

In our text for today, Moses and Aaron finally bring God’s message to Pharaoh.

It is a story of high drama! I’m not sure what Moses expected to happen, but I

am pretty sure he did not expect things to get worse for his brothers and

sisters in Egypt. But that is exactly what happened! Pharaoh’s heart was hard,

and he responded to God’s request with swift vengeance toward Israel. Moses

was learning a valuable lesson – Obedience is costly! God does not guarantee a

smooth path and an easy road as we obey Him. Yet, He does promise to be with

us and enable us to accomplish what He calls us to do.

Together in Word: Exodus 5:22-6:8

What should we do when things go from bad to worse? How should we respond

when trouble arises? Moses went straight to the Lord. Granted – his prayer is

direct, but he is honest with God. He is wondering why things have gotten

worse when he is trying to be obedient! Can you identify with Moses? Have you

ever tried to do what is right – only to experience more trouble? As you reflect

on this story this week, perhaps you may recount how God has drawn you

closer to Him during troubling times. Maybe you can record an instance where

God taught you lessons as you patiently endured the challenges of obedience.

Just remember, God is at work in you and through you to shape you and form

you. He is supremely interested in your relationship with Him.

April 28, 2024: He is Big Enough!

Exodus 15:1-18

Jacob’s family had lived in Egypt for over 400 years. For the last season of that

sojourn, they had lived as slaves. They had no sense of “nationhood” – they

were tribal with elders overseeing them. They certainly had no military

knowledge and no hope of deliverance from their condition. However, Exodus is

the account of how God miraculously delivered them from slavery and called

them to serve Him. Freedom from slavery was liberation for service to their

God. God is big enough to accomplish whatever is necessary for His will to be

accomplished!

Together in Word: Exodus 15:1-18

Obviously, this text is what we used on Sunday morning. It is a wonderful

poem/song that celebrates God’s deliverance of His people. You may want to

take the time this week to read Exodus 11-14 – the passage that recounts the

final plague and the actual deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The Song of Moses

summarizes the victory in short. As you reflect on the miracle of the Exodus,

take some time to recall how God has intervened in your life as He

demonstrated His power. How has He proven to you that He is big enough for

your challenges? How has He demonstrated His provision in your life? How has

He shown up at just the right time in your life? Take some time this week to

share some of those stories with fellow believers. Remember we are on this

journey together!

May 5, 2024: The Mission of God

College Grad Recognition Exodus 19:3-8

Celebration of The Lord’s Supper

When the Israelites arrived at Mt. Sinai, God revealed His purposes for them to

Moses. Here in our text today, we discover that God commissioned His people

to join Him in His mission. The Mission of God. The Mission Dei. God is at work

redeeming and restoring His creation. His redemptive actions in the Exodus

offer a glimpse into His greater plan for all of humanity. As the New Covenantal

People of God, we have been commissioned to join in the Mission of God today.

We all are a part of this great plan of redemption!

Together in Word: 1 Peter 2:4-10

In our text for this week, the Apostle Peter uses the imagery of temple and

priesthood to instruct the Church. We are the people of God today. God is at

work in us and through us to carry out His Mission in His world. You are a

part of that mission. You are a part of this new temple. We are established

upon the firm foundation of Jesus Christ. Together, we are on a journey as

God’s people, to bring the hope of redemption to the world. This week, take the

time to reflect on how God is using you today in His grand plan.

May 12, 2024: Rules are Rules!

Mother’s Day Exodus 20:1-17

The 10 Commandments! Here at Mt. Sinai, God gave these commands to

govern the behavior of His people. His people were to be set apart. They were to

reflect His character in how they worshiped Him and in how they treated each

other. There is both an internal and an external reality in each of these

commands. As God’s people today, we are called to live as “set apart” people.

Our lives are governed by God’s authoritative revelation of Himself. We are to

teach this way of life to the next generation. On this Mother’s Day, we will

acknowledge the role of the family in this important responsibility!

Together in Word: Matthew 5:13-16

In Exodus, the children of Israel received God’s instruction while gathered at

Mt. Sinai. In Matthew, Jesus gave instruction in His Sermon on the Mount. He

set forth the attitudes and behaviors that should characterize His followers

today. In our text for this week, we find somewhat of a summary of His

teachings. We are to be set apart by how we live. Our lives are to be like salt

that seasons and light that guides. As you reflect on this text this week, how

are you being used by God as salt and light? How might you be used by God?

What may need to change in your life so that you may be more effective

servants in His hands?

May 19, 2024: How Can I Know God’s Will?

High School Grad Recognition Exodus 28:15-30

This is one of the most common questions I have received as a pastor. People of

all ages want to know – “How can I know God’s will?” In our text today, God

gives specific instructions about the breast-piece to be worn by the High Priest.

It was attached to the sleeveless draping known as an ephod. The High Priest

was to wear this breast-piece into the Holy Place. Within this garment, there

was also the Urim and the Thumim. These instruments would be used to

determine the will of God by God’s people. Today, we will learn about how this

process worked --- and then seek to understand how we determine the will of

God today.

Together in Word: Romans 12:1-2

The will of God. As God’s people, we are interested in discovering God’s will. We

are to pray for His will to be done. Our text for this week’s devotional reading

offers us insight into how this works in the life of a Christian. God calls for

complete surrender to Him and His will. We are to offer our bodies to Him as a

sacrifice. We are to be transformed from the inside out by the powerful truths

He has revealed through His Word and The Word. His Spirit will guide us as we

are shaped by obedience to His will. So, this week, as you reflect on this

passage, take time to recall how God has revealed Himself to you and you have

responded in obedience. How closely is your life aligned with God’s will today?

May 26, 2024: Glory through Generosity

Exodus 35:4-10; 20-22; 29

In our text for today’s message, God’s people respond to the call to give

generously so that the Tabernacle could be constructed. Obviously, God had

provided all that the Israelites possessed due to the plundering of the

Egyptians at the actual Exodus. Now it was time for “God’s Tent” to be built

and all of Israel was invited to participate. In fact, God called for more than the

contribution of goods – He also called for people of skill to bring their talents to

the project. God’s people responded with deep gratitude for all God had done

for them. They gave both goods and talents. This is a beautiful story of God’s

provision and the generosity of God’s good people. Today, we see this played

out in churches across the world. God’s people are so generous! The generosity

of the people of God through time, talent, and treasure continues to bring great

blessing on our world!

Together in Word: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Our God is a God of provision. He graciously and abundantly provides for His

children. All that we have is from Him. He gives all manner of gifts to us. Our

talents, abilities, and spiritual gifts are expressions of His love and grace

towards us. We respond to His generosity with humility and gratitude. We

express our love and gratitude to Him through our stewardship of all He has

given. He calls us to a life of stewardship marked by responsibility and

generosity. As you reflect on this week’s devotional reading, take some time to

express your gratitude for all He has given you. Perhaps this is a time to

evaluate how you are stewarding all of His gifts to you. How are you using your

time for His glory? How are you using your talents/gifts for His glory? How are

you using your treasure for His glory?