Wednesday, February 28, 2007

March 1 Readings

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible

Exodus 29-30; James 1

Exodus 29 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 30 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Exodus 29 speak about the consecration of the priests (Exodus 29.1-37; Lev 8.1-36). This ritual was involved where the priests were set apart from the rest of Israel, and the Levites. They had be washed with water, put on the priestly garments, had bull and rams without defect and fine wheat flour without yeast presented to the Lord on their behalf. Wave offering were given. The bulls and rams were sacrificed, this is a very involved process. But how does it applies to us today. We have to have our sins forgiven and atoned for, we have to be pure and set apart to serve and worship God. Peter said in 1Peter 2.9, But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God that you may declare the praises of him who has called you from darkness into his wondeful light.
Exodus 30 deals with the Altar of Incense (exodus 30.1-5; 37.25-28 Link to the altar of incense
Atonement money was discussed exodus 30.11-16 Atonement money link
The Basin for Washing, also known as the Laver, (Exodus 30.17-21) was made of bronze. Aaron and his sons were to wash their hands and feet with water before entering the tabernacle so that they won't die. Jesus is our Laver, He takes away our sins with His blood.
Anointing oil, Exodus 30.22-30, was used to anoint the tabernacle and everyting thar was in it. Incense was also made Anointing oil and incense link

Another Link to Tabernacle.
Arthur Pink: Gleanings from Exodus, see chapters related to tabernacle

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus
With the Word Commentary-Warren Wiersbe
Wycliffe Bible Commentary
Keil & Delitzsch Commentaries on the Old Teatament
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Pulpit Bible Commentary
J. Vernon McGee Commentaries
Evangelical Commentary on the Old Testament

James 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse

James is a very practical book in the Bible. James 1 is divided up into trials and temptations (1.2-16) and being doers (19-26) James said that when trials come our way we should accept them joyfully, because we get perseverance, and that builds maturity. You want wisdom, ask God for it faith. and he will give it to you. Wisdom is covered a lot in the book of Proverbs, see Prov 1-4, 8-9 and throughout Proverbs.
Trials are good for us, because, when you stand up to it you get the crown of life. He reminded us that every good gift comes from God (v. 17). The second division in v.19-27 says essentially that we should listen to the word and DO it. How many sermons have we been through and we felt inspired but yet did not follow through on what we heard. He said in verse 27"Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." there is not mention of the spiritual disciplines such as reading the Bible, praying or Christian fellowship. James hit the nail on the head! I have heard our African-American christian brothers say "You can talk the talk but if you can't walk the walk what good is your religion?



Other Links
James, Introduction, Outline, and Argument
Calvin on James
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Index to Sermons by McArthur, Ryle, Edwards and Spurgeon on Philemon
Miller on James 1
Piper on James

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

February 28 Readings

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible
Exodus 27-28; Philemon 1
Exodus 27 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 28 with Commentaries, verse by verse

The Altar of the burnt offering is discussed (Exodus 27.18; 38.1-7)
The altar was made with acacia wood. This was overlaid with bronze. See Torry link
Altar of burnt offering

The Courtyard Exodus 27.9-19; Exodus 38.9-20
Courtyard Link
More info on the Courtyard
The oil for the Lamp is mentioned in Exo 27.20-21; Lev 24.1-3
The Israelites were commanded to have these lamps burning before the Lord from evening until morning. This reminds me of the chorus oil in my lamp

In Exodus 28 The high priestly Garments with the ephod (exo 28.6-14; 39.2-7), the breastpiece (exo 28.15-28; 38.8-21) and other priestly garments (Exo 28.31-43; 39.22-31) were discussed. High Priest Garments Link Jesus is our High Priest Heb 7.11-heb 10


Another Link to Tabernacle.
Arthur Pink: Gleanings from Exodus, see chapters related to tabernacle

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus
With the Word Commentary-Warren Wiersbe
Wycliffe Bible Commentary
Keil & Delitzsch Commentaries on the Old Teatament
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Pulpit Bible Commentary
J. Vernon McGee Commentaries
Evangelical Commentary on the Old Testament

Philemon 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Philemon
This is shortest epistle that Paul wrote. Paul met Onesimus, while a prisoner in Rome (v.11). He wrote to Philemon to accept his slave Onesimus back. Onesimus had escaped and had probably stole some money from Philemon. Philemon was a friend of Paul. During Paul's ministry, Onesimus became a Christian. Paul felt that it would right for Onesimus to go back to Philemon. Philemon had qualities we should strive for: he had faith in Christ, he loved the saints and he refreshed the saints (v.7). Paul had asked Philemon to take Onesimus back because he was a brother in Christ. Under Roman law, Onesimus woiuld have been executed for running away and stealing from his master. Paul asked Philemon to take Onesimus back and he would repay anything that Onesimus stole or owed him. Paul told Philemon to welcome Onesimus as how Philemon had welcome Paul in the past.. According to Wiersbe in With the Word Commentary: Two statements in Paul's letter to Philemon remind us of what Jesus did for us. "Receive him (Onesimus) as you wouldme" (v. 17 reminds us that we are "accepted in the Beloved" (Eph 1.6). "Put that on my account" (v. 18) reminds us that Jesus paid the price for our redemption (Rom 4.1-8; 2Cor 5.12).

Paul's prayer for Philemon - Pink
Other Links
Philemon, Introduction, Argument, and Outline
John Chrysostom Homilies on Philemon
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Index to Sermons by McArthur, Ryle, Edwards and Spurgeon on Philemon
Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

Monday, February 26, 2007

February 26 Readings

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible

Exodus 23-24; 2 Thessalonians 2
Exodus 23 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 24 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Exodus 23 (v.1-9) had application with the 9th commandment, giving false testimony against your neighbor. This is very important especially when bringing judgment against the accused. We see this today in the court system such fancy words as perjury, false testimony. All of this has to do with fairness to the accused. The passage spells out examples from where you see your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off and returning it to him to not denying justice to the poor not accepting bribes, not oppressing the aliens. How much more practical can this be to us today? Are we just and show mercy to the people around us, those who are poor and helpless, to the immigrants in our society!

Exodus 23.10-13 deals with the Sabbatical Year, where on the seventh year the land remained unplowed and unused. The poor could get food from it and the wild animals eat what is left on the cultivated land. (See Leviticus 25.1-7)
The people were to work for six days and on the seventh day, they are to rest. We don't have to be legalistic about honoring God on Sunday. But we should go to church and worship God and have fellowship with one another, and have a time to rest.

Three Annual Feasts were mentioned. They were the Feast of the Unleavened Bread (v. 15) the Feast of the Harvest v. 16 and the Feast of the Ingathering. (v.16). Link to Annual Feast Days
God's Angel was to go ahead of the Israelites, to guard them on their way to make sure that they have arrived safely in Canaan. They were told not to worship the idols on Canaan but to destroy them. God will send His terror ahead of them and throw them in confusion. Rahab said that The people of Jericho knew about the works of God among the Israelites and they were terrified (Joshua 2.9-11). Remember as Christians, we do not compromise with the world in our thoughts, words or deeds.

In Exodus 24, the Covenant is confirmed to the people. Moses went up Mount Sinai and stayed there for forty days and nights with God.

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus
Arthur Pink: Gleanings from Exodus

2Thessalonians 2 with Commentaries, verse by verse

This chapter deals with the antichrist (v.1 -12). He was the man of lawlessness. Paul warned the Thessalonians not to be alarmed or unsettled by things happening around them. The antichrist is being held back by the Spirit until the time is rightr for him to come. More information on the antichrist is found in this link.
Steve Lewis on 2Thessalonians
Paul warned the Thessalonians to stand firm and hold on to the teachings that they heard from Paul. Paul, again prayed for them in 2Thess 2.16-17 Gleanings from Paul on 2Th 2.16-17.
The Greek word translated "stand firm" is "steko." William Barclay says this is the "word used for a soldier standing fast in the shock of battle, with the enemy surging down upon him." The Scriptures tell us that we stand in the faith (1 Cor. 16:13), in grace (Rom. 5:1-2; 1 Pet 5:5-12), and in Christ (2 Cor. 1:21). It is God who enables us to stand firm by anointing us with His Holy Spirit (2 Cor. 1:21; Rom. 14:4).

What about us, are we easily sway by what people say about God, Jesus Christ, the Bible and the last days. We need to be firmly rooted in the word.

Other Links
Calvin on 2Thessalonians
John Chrysostom Homilies on Second Thessalonians
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
J. Hampton Keathley, III on 2 Thessalonians
Index to Sermons by McArthur, Ryle, Edwards and Spurgeon on 2 Thessalonians
Sermons by Piper on 2Thessalonians
Gleanings from Paul on 2Th 1.11-12
Gleanings from Paul on 2Th 1.11-12
Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

February 27 Readings

You can also check out all these Reading Plans Blogs to go through the Bible in a year from Back to the Bible Reading Lists:the Chronological Reading Plan blog; OT and NT Together blog; Historical Readings blog; Blended Readings blog and Beginning to End blog In addition, there is the Theophilus1 blog in the One Year Bible format

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible
Exodus 25-26; 2 Thessalonians 3

Exodus 25 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 26 with Commentaries, verse by verse

The offering for the Tabernacle is discussed Exodus 25.1-9; 35.4-9 Here, in the passage the offerings the Lord wanted for the tabernacle were listed. These includee gold, silver and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen; goat hair; ram skins dyed red and hides of sea cow, spices and other gems. These materials would be used to build the tabernacle.
Tabernacle Link
Tabernacle

The Ark was then described (Exodus 25.10-20; 37.1-9). The Ark is mentioned first because this represented the Throne of God.

Table of Showbread was to have the Bread of the Presence place on it before God at all times. Jesus said that He is the Bread of Life John 6:48-69

The Lampstand or Menorah are mentioned in Exodus 25.31-39; 37.17-24 The Lampstand represents Jesus as the Light of the Word (John 8.12.
Another link on lampstands

Exodus 26.1-37 deals with the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle is also discussed in Exodus 36.8-38, The NIV sometimes call it the Tent of the Meeting. Please be aware that the physical layout of the tabernacle is a variation found in Solomon's Temple, Zerubbabel Temple. Herod's Temple and Ezekiel Temple.

The tabernacle Exodus 26.1-37; 36.8-38 had two sections, thew courtyard and the Holy Place. The courtyard was was 150 feet long (100 cubits) by 75 feet wide. The Holy Place was 30 feet (20 cubits)by 15 feet(10 cubits). The Holy Place had the golden table for the bread of the Presence, the golden lampstand and the altar of incense. There was a veil that separate the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies. The Holy of the Holies (Most Holy Place) was 15 feet square (10 cubit square) The Holy of Holies kept the Ark
So far we see symbolism of Christ repesented in the furniture of the tabernacle as King in the Ark, Bread of Life in the Table of the Shewbread and Light of the World in the Menorah. Is Jesus the Lord of your life, does he give you sustainence in your life and is He the light that leads you in life.

Another Link to Tabernacle.
Arthur Pink: Gleanings from Exodus, see chapters related to tabernacle

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus
With the Word Commentary-Warren Wiersbe
Wycliffe Bible Commentary
Keil & Delitzsch Commentaries on the Old Teatament
Expositor's Bible Commentary
Pulpit Bible Commentary
J. Vernon McGee Commentaries
Evangelical Commentary on the Old Testament

2Thessalonians 3 with Commentaries, verse by verse

2Thessalonians 3 Paul asked for prayers that the Gospel would be spread rapidly would be well-received, and he would be protected from evil men. He also prayed in v. 3-5 that God would protect and strenghten the Thessalonians form the evil one because He is faithful. Here are links related to these verses:Chrysostum and Prayer for Love toward God-Pink
Prayer for Patience-Pink

Paul also warned the Thessalonians to keep away from any brother who is idle and not living according to his teaching. He gave a benediction where God is the Lord of peace, who gives us peace at all times. What have learnt from this passage: we should pray that the Gospel is spread rapidly and received, keep away from brothers who are idle, and the Lord of peace will be with us.

Other Links
Calvin on 2Thessalonians
John Chrysostom Homilies on Second Thessalonians
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
J. Hampton Keathley, III on 2 Thessalonians
Index to Sermons by McArthur, Ryle, Edwards and Spurgeon on 2 Thessalonians
Sermons by Piper on 2Thessalonians
Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

February 25 Readings

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible

Exodus 21-22; 2 Thessalonians 1
Exodus 21 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 22 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Exodus 21 deals with the treatment of Hebrew slaves (v.1-11), and Personal Injuries (v. 12-35)
Exodus 22 deals eith Protection of Property (v.1-14) and Social Responsibility (v. 16-31)

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus
Arthur Pink: Gleanings form Exodus

2Thessalonians 1 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Paul was a man of prayer (v. 11-12) who gave thanks (v. 3-4). He reminded then when Christ returns (revealed from heaven), it wil be good new or bad news. It will be good news for those who had suffered, he will avenge his people, He will pay back trouble to those who have trouble them. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the Gospel It is not enough to be a law-abodng citizen and to be consider good. If you don't know God yoy will be judged.
It will be good news for those who know Him as their Lord and Savior, because he will be glorified in His people *v. 19 and He will be marveled and worship by those who believe. Please do not take this lightly. Every time you hear the Gospel and turn your back, your heart get harder and harder. He is reaching out to you to come to Him.


Other Links
Calvin on 2Thessalonians
John Chrysostom Homilies on Second Thessalonians
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
J. Hampton Keathley, III on 2 Thessalonians
Index to Sermons by McArthur, Ryle, Edwards and Spurgeon on 2 Thessalonians
Sermons by Piper on 2Thessalonians
Gleanings from Paul on 2Th 1.11-12
Gleanings from Paul on 2Th 1.11-12
Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

Friday, February 23, 2007

February 24 Readings

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible

Exodus 19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5

Exodus 19 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 20 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Exodus 19 showed the preparation the people made when God would come down in a dense cloud from Mount Sinai. The people had to wash their clothes. Moses had to consecrate the people for two days, they had to abstain from sexual relations and on the third day God would appear to them. There was a boundary set so that no one would cross the boundary or they would be killed. Why all these restrictions? Because God is a holy God and when you come to God you have to meet Him on His terms.

Exodus 20
In verse 1-17, God spoke the words for Moses which are the Ten Commandments. What was the purpose of the Ten Commandments? It was to love God (commandments 1-4) and to love our neighbor as ourselves (commandments 5-10). If we love God and our neighbor we would not be breaking any of the commandments. Another purpose of the Ten Commandments were it was a foundation for civil and religious laws for Israel. Third reason the ten commandment would prevent chaos and anarchy in the society.
Jesus went one step further with the Ten Commandments. He gave the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7) in which the intent of the heart is judged even if no action is taken or any laws broken. For example, if a man is angry with his brother, he commits murder. If a man looks at a woman with lust and have not even touched the woman, he has commited adultery. We would be all guilty then even we did not commit any crimes or done the actual physical act such as murder or adultery. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount was much more difficult to keep than the Sermon on the Mount.
In verses 18-21, the people were afraid of God. in verse 20 Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning."
Finally he spoke about idols. This goes back to the first commandment, you shall have no other gods before me because I am the Lord your God.
What about us? Let us go through a period of self-examination. Do we love the Lord with all our soul, mind, heart and strength? Do we love our neigbor as ourself? Are there any idols in our lives? May God reveal the sins in our lives and that we would not only repent, seek reconciliation and restitution.

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus
Arthur Pink: Gleanings form Exodus


1Thessalonians 5 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Paul wanted the Thesalonian Christians to know that Jesus was coming again. He would come as a thief in the night. Despite all these prophets we have to day that Jesus is coming befoe, during and after the Tribulation, no one really knows when He will come back, although we have all thes wondeful prophecy charts and timetables. Jesus will come back on time, in his own time. This is why we should wait expectantly and faithfully. If you knew that a thief was going to rob you in the middle of the night, you would be up, waiting for him! In the same way we should wait like the five wise virgins in Matthew 25.

Paul metioned parts of the armor of God, which included faith and love as our breastplate, and the hope of salvation as our helmets.

We should live a holy life because the next thing Paul talked about was the coming of the Lord (1Thes 4.13-18). We would not be ashamed when he comes back if we live a holy life. He describe how Jesus will returned, so that we should encourage each other. The world is full of bad news but the good news is Jesus is coming again and that we should rejoice in that.

He left some final instructions, amomg which are verses which are easy for us to memorize, v 16 Be joyful always; 17 pray continually

Other Links
Calvin on 1Thessalonians
John Chrysostom Homilies on First Thessalonians
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
J. Hampton Keathley, III on 1 Thessalonians
Index to Sermons by McArthur, Ryle, Edwards and Spurgeon on 1 Thessalonians
Sermons by Piper on 1Thessalonians

Jesus Saves
This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

February 23 Readings

Exodus 16-18; 1 Thessalonians 4

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible

Exodus 16-18 ; 1 Thessalonians 4

Exodus 16 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Exodus 17 with Commentaries, verse by verse

Exodus 16 and 17 showed how God provided for these some two million people. I am sure within a few days of leaving Egypt, they ran out of food and water. God had already had something planned. He provided them with manna and quail. The people were suppose to collect enough manna for each day and collect twice as much for that day and the Sabbath. The verbs grumble, complain and forgot appeared frequently in the books of Exodus and Numbers. They had forgotten how God had delivered them across the Red Sea within a few days! Now, they were hungry. They were told to collect as much as they need. Now needing is different from wanting! When they started to collect manna, some hoarded, and the manna turned into worms. The manna symbolizes to us as Christians, the word of God, it is sweet as honey (Psa 19.10). We are to read His word everyday, some day we read three and get some inspiration, other day we read a couple verses and that keep us for the rest of the day. It is like manna, exo 16.17-18.
God had also provided water for them in Exodus 17. The community were wandering in the wilderness, going from place to place and could not find water and they grumbled to Moses. God told him to go ahead of the people and he struck the rock at Meribah with the rod he used to strike the Nile. He did so and they had water to drink. He called this place Meribah which meant quarelling and Massah which meant testing.
link on manna
Spurgeon on Exo 17.9

In Exo 17.8-15, the Amakelites were defeated by God. All Moses had to do was to hold his hands high, and Joshua and the Israelite army would defeat them. When his hands were tired, Moses hands were lowered, the Amakelites is defeated. Aaron and Hur stood on each side of Moses ans supported each hands. This is like prayer in the battle of life. It is so easy to be tired when you go it alone but when you have people supporting you, you get victorious in God's strength.

Exodus 18 with Commentaries, verse by verse
In Exodus 18 Moses was on the verge of burning out physically and emotionally. He had to listen to all the cases and complaints brought before him. His father-in-law Jethro advise him to delegate some of the work. Sometimes in the ministry, we think we can go it alone, and we don't seem to see anyone who could help you. But this is where you get to know your people. Remember pick godly people and delegate.

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus



1Thessalonians 4 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Paul wanted the Thesalonian Christians to live to please God (1Thes 4.1-12). The verse that spoke to me today was "It is God's will that you should be santified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should have control over his body." To santify means to be set apart. For example in your house you may have two set of silverware and chinaware. The ordinary everyday utensils and chinaware are used for everyday use. But when you have company you bring out the best chinaware and silverware. You see these are santified for a special purpose. We are like that we are set apart for a holy God and we should live a holy life.
We should live a holy life because the next thing Paul talked about was the coming of the Lord (1Thes 4.13-18). We would not be ashamed when he comes back if we live a holy life. He describe how Jesus will returned, so that we should encourage each other. The world is full of bad news but the good news is Jesus is coming again and that we should rejoice in that.
John Piper on Practical Holiness
John Piper on Lust
John McArthur on Purity, Part 1
John McArthur on Purity, Part 2
John McArthur-What Happens to Christians Who Die?--Part 1
John McArthur-What Happens to Christians Who Die?--Part 2


Other Links
Calvin on 1Thessalonians
John Chrysostom Homilies on First Thessalonians
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
J. Hampton Keathley, III on 1 Thessalonians
John Piper on 1Thess 3.11-4.2
Jesus Saves

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

February 22 Readings

Today's reading from Exodus 14-15 ; 1 Thessalonians 3

Blended Reading Plan from Back to the Bible


Exodus 14 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 14 is the key chapter. It is such a beautiful illustration of our salvation in Jesus Christ. The Israelites was leaving bondage, crossing the Red Sea into the the land of Freedom away from the clutches of Pharaoh. They had to walk through the path that God had provided them. They had to go forward and never look back. In of the greatest promise in Scripture is Exodus 14.13. They were not be afraid, stand firm, and be still. How could slaves take on one of the mightiest armies of the world at that time? It was God's battle, not theirs. That applies to us today, we not be afraid, stand firm, and be still. (Psa 46.10)

Link to Crossing the Red Sea
Red Sea parted
Spurgeon's Sermon on Exodus 14.3
Spurgeon's Sermon on Exodus 14.19-20; Isa 3.12; 57.8
Exo 15.23-25

Exodus 15 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Exodus 15 is the song of Moses and Miriam. We tend to forget that God is also a God of Judgement. We are so wrapped up with the God of love that we are cannot imagine God being a God of Righteousness. Even in the New Testament, Jesus wept for Jerusalem in Matthew 23 when he had pronounced the seven woes on the Pharisees. He had predicted the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Do not forget some of the horrible things has not yet happened to mankind. See the book of Revelation. The first time, Jesus came, he came as a Lamb to die for our sins, the second time when he comes, He will be a Lion, he will come back as King and Judge. We tend to forget that God is a warrior destroying his enemies. (Exo 15). In the time being our role as Christians is to take as many with as to heaven.

Other Links
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 1 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 2 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 3 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Calvin Harmony of the Law Volume 4 Search for the chapter you want with (CTRL F)
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
Deffinbaugh on Exodus
Scott Grant on Exodus

Jesus Saves


1Thessalonians 3 with Commentaries, verse by verse
Paul longed to see the Thessalonians. (1thess 2.3-5). Timothy returned from Thessalonica and gave encoraging news about their faith and love. Paul is shown here to be a man of prayer. (1thess 3.6-13). What about us? Do we tried to solve things by ourselves instead of depending on prayer like Paul did. Arthur Pink on Gleanings from Paul

Other Links
Calvin on 1Thessalonians
John Chrysostom Homilies on First Thessalonians
Dr. Thomas Constable Study Notes is a PDF file, open with Adobe Acrobatic Reader
J. Hampton Keathley, III on 1 Thessalonians
John Piper on 1Thess 3.11-4.2

This Posting is NOT a commentary of the passages read today but it is a devotional. Please send a comment if something spoke to you today from the passages, links or thoughts that I have shared with you.