Yearly Reading: Exodus 35-39
All the Israelite men and women whose hearts made them willing to bring anything for the work that the Lord had commanded by Moses to be done, brought it as a freewill offering to the Lord. Exodus 35:29 NRSV
Is your heart willing to bring a gift to God?
This past week my heart has certainly felt guilty about giving gifts to help the Haitian people. And I can see how often I am guilted into giving, whether at church or for charities.
But that is not what God wants when you and I give.
God wants us to be willing to give. To be moved to give. To have a heart-felt reason to give.
This isn't about duty or guilt. This is about love.
When your heart is involved, it is something you love and care about. When your heart is involved, you give joyfully. When your heart is involved, God is also involved.
God, give us willing hearts to give. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Showing posts with label Exodus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exodus. Show all posts
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
God's People
Yearly Reading: Exodus 31-34
"For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth." Exodus 33: 16 NRSV
Moses has a good point.
God has gotten mad because while Moses is given instructions and details of how the people are to behave, the people are at the foot of the mountain partying and worshipping and idol. God is threatens first to kill everyone, then backs off and just announces that God will no longer be with the people. I can really see how God was right to be extremely angry.
But Moses is also in the right in speaking with God. Moses is doing his best to get God to cool off and think with logic and compassion. Moses is reminding God that these people need God's presence so that they can truly be different from all other people.
How shall we be distinct from everyone else if you refuse to be with us? Moses asks.
Makes me wonder how, knowing that God is with me, I am distinct from everyone else. Can anyone tell that I have found favor in God's sight? Or am I just like everyone else?
What about you?
God, we know you are with us. But can other people see this as well? Help us, Lord, help us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
"For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, unless you go with us? In this way, we shall be distinct, I and your people, from every people on the face of the earth." Exodus 33: 16 NRSV
Moses has a good point.
God has gotten mad because while Moses is given instructions and details of how the people are to behave, the people are at the foot of the mountain partying and worshipping and idol. God is threatens first to kill everyone, then backs off and just announces that God will no longer be with the people. I can really see how God was right to be extremely angry.
But Moses is also in the right in speaking with God. Moses is doing his best to get God to cool off and think with logic and compassion. Moses is reminding God that these people need God's presence so that they can truly be different from all other people.
How shall we be distinct from everyone else if you refuse to be with us? Moses asks.
Makes me wonder how, knowing that God is with me, I am distinct from everyone else. Can anyone tell that I have found favor in God's sight? Or am I just like everyone else?
What about you?
God, we know you are with us. But can other people see this as well? Help us, Lord, help us. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Holy
Year Reading: Exodus 28-30
The sacred vestments of Aaron shall be passed on to his sons after him; they shall be anointed in them and ordained in them. Exodus 29:29 NRSV
Reading the whole of today's scripture, I am reminded how bloody a job it was to be a priest. Not only were the vestments very specific and not what I would consider attractive but they were going to get messy. Animals were going to be sacrificed on the altar. Blood was shed on them and their clothes when they were ordained. They would be sacrificing in those same clothes. The priests were to do this themselves - they couldn't stand around and get a servant to do this for them. To complete the picture, those vestments were to be passed down to the next generation of priests. At that point, I suppose it didn't matter if they vestments actually looked good; they were simply set-apart or holy.
I am not sure how much priests or pastors today in the Christian church appear set apart or holy. There are some churches in which you can identify the minister by their clothes fairly quickly. But in others, it isn't until the sermon begins that the pastor is identified. Certainly none of them are required to make a bloody sacrifice: Jesus Christ did that once and for all.
What makes your priest or pastor set apart of holy? Do they wear special clothes or vestments in worship?
What makes you, a minister of all believers, set apart or holy?
God, you call all of us to be holy and set apart. You have given us your son, Christ Jesus, who has made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Thank you for your Son and your calling on our lives. In His name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
The sacred vestments of Aaron shall be passed on to his sons after him; they shall be anointed in them and ordained in them. Exodus 29:29 NRSV
Reading the whole of today's scripture, I am reminded how bloody a job it was to be a priest. Not only were the vestments very specific and not what I would consider attractive but they were going to get messy. Animals were going to be sacrificed on the altar. Blood was shed on them and their clothes when they were ordained. They would be sacrificing in those same clothes. The priests were to do this themselves - they couldn't stand around and get a servant to do this for them. To complete the picture, those vestments were to be passed down to the next generation of priests. At that point, I suppose it didn't matter if they vestments actually looked good; they were simply set-apart or holy.
I am not sure how much priests or pastors today in the Christian church appear set apart or holy. There are some churches in which you can identify the minister by their clothes fairly quickly. But in others, it isn't until the sermon begins that the pastor is identified. Certainly none of them are required to make a bloody sacrifice: Jesus Christ did that once and for all.
What makes your priest or pastor set apart of holy? Do they wear special clothes or vestments in worship?
What makes you, a minister of all believers, set apart or holy?
God, you call all of us to be holy and set apart. You have given us your son, Christ Jesus, who has made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us. Thank you for your Son and your calling on our lives. In His name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Emmanuel
Yearly Reading: Exodus 25-27
"And have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25: 8 NRSV
I love the idea of a sanctuary that moves with the people - a tent that can be taken down, packed up, transported, then set up again for worship. I love the idea that God wants to be among the people - not just on a high mountain where someone would have to make a long pilgrimage to worship God. Certainly, to have this type of worship setting you need very specific instructions on what everything is made of and where it is placed. God provides that because God wants to dwell among them.
God wants to dwell with you today.
Where in your life do you need to set up a sanctuary?
What instructions to you need to listen to from God in order for it to be a holy place?
What precious gifts do you need to contribute with a glad heart in order for this to happen?
God, we invite you in the midst of our lives! Come, dwell with us! In the name of Christ Jesus, Emmanuel. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
"And have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them." Exodus 25: 8 NRSV
I love the idea of a sanctuary that moves with the people - a tent that can be taken down, packed up, transported, then set up again for worship. I love the idea that God wants to be among the people - not just on a high mountain where someone would have to make a long pilgrimage to worship God. Certainly, to have this type of worship setting you need very specific instructions on what everything is made of and where it is placed. God provides that because God wants to dwell among them.
God wants to dwell with you today.
Where in your life do you need to set up a sanctuary?
What instructions to you need to listen to from God in order for it to be a holy place?
What precious gifts do you need to contribute with a glad heart in order for this to happen?
God, we invite you in the midst of our lives! Come, dwell with us! In the name of Christ Jesus, Emmanuel. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Monday, January 18, 2010
Are you compassionate?
*Yearly Reading: Exodus 20-24
"If you take your neighbor's cloak in pawn, you shall restore it before the sun goes down; for it may be your neighbor's only clothing to use as a cover; in what else shall that person sleep? And if your neighbor cries out to me, I will listen, for I am compassionate." Exodus 22: 26-27 NRSV
I admit that I have never been into a pawn shop. However, I see them as mainly traps for people who are in desperate need of easy cash; how often is the individual able to buy back their item? I tend to place them in the same class as the stores which cash pay checks and tax refunds. I see them as places where the poor are taken advantage of by unscrupulous persons.
In this passage, God is not saying "Thou shall have no pawn shops." But God is saying that to keep someone's belongings from them when that is all they have is doing ill to your neighbor. God hears the cry of those who have been taken advantage of and has mercy on them. God is compassionate.
God wants us to pay attention when we are doing everyday business transactions. We should be asking ourselves: Am I taking advantage of this other person? Does my business transactions affect someone who has no other options? Who is affected when I make a business decision? These are not easy questions to ask or to answer.
God is compassionate. And I think God wants us to be compassionate as well.
God, you are the God of compassion and mercy. You hear the cries of the poor and disadvantaged. Help us to be compassionate and merciful as well, asking ourselves the hard questions. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
*Sorry this devotional is so late today!- Amelia
"If you take your neighbor's cloak in pawn, you shall restore it before the sun goes down; for it may be your neighbor's only clothing to use as a cover; in what else shall that person sleep? And if your neighbor cries out to me, I will listen, for I am compassionate." Exodus 22: 26-27 NRSV
I admit that I have never been into a pawn shop. However, I see them as mainly traps for people who are in desperate need of easy cash; how often is the individual able to buy back their item? I tend to place them in the same class as the stores which cash pay checks and tax refunds. I see them as places where the poor are taken advantage of by unscrupulous persons.
In this passage, God is not saying "Thou shall have no pawn shops." But God is saying that to keep someone's belongings from them when that is all they have is doing ill to your neighbor. God hears the cry of those who have been taken advantage of and has mercy on them. God is compassionate.
God wants us to pay attention when we are doing everyday business transactions. We should be asking ourselves: Am I taking advantage of this other person? Does my business transactions affect someone who has no other options? Who is affected when I make a business decision? These are not easy questions to ask or to answer.
God is compassionate. And I think God wants us to be compassionate as well.
God, you are the God of compassion and mercy. You hear the cries of the poor and disadvantaged. Help us to be compassionate and merciful as well, asking ourselves the hard questions. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
*Sorry this devotional is so late today!- Amelia
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Obeying Instructions
Yearly Reading: Exodus 16-19
"Six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is a sabbath, there will be none." On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather and they found none. Exodus 16: 26-27 NRSV
I have often wondered about the inability of the people to not listen to God. I also cringe when I see God's anger that the people don't listen. Can't God make them obey? Doesn't God know they won't listen?
Then I look at my own daily life as a parent. How many times every day do I give direction and my son doesn't listen? I will find that he has not done at least one thing I ask of him each day. Even those things he does every day are hard for him to remember. He is easily distracted. And my frustration anger is just as easily set off when he does not obey.
What is this compared to what God asks of God's own people? We think of ourselves as God's children and the Israelites are certainly no different. Yet, they don't all listen to God's instructions. Some of them go out on the Sabbath to gather food even though they have been told not to so. God is pretty frustrated with them, just like a parent.
Makes me wonder what instructions God has given me but I have refused to listen.
What has God instructed you to do or not do? Have you obeyed God?
God, you give us clear instructions but we often don't listen. Forgive us for our foolish deafness and disobedience. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
"Six days you shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is a sabbath, there will be none." On the seventh day some of the people went out to gather and they found none. Exodus 16: 26-27 NRSV
I have often wondered about the inability of the people to not listen to God. I also cringe when I see God's anger that the people don't listen. Can't God make them obey? Doesn't God know they won't listen?
Then I look at my own daily life as a parent. How many times every day do I give direction and my son doesn't listen? I will find that he has not done at least one thing I ask of him each day. Even those things he does every day are hard for him to remember. He is easily distracted. And my frustration anger is just as easily set off when he does not obey.
What is this compared to what God asks of God's own people? We think of ourselves as God's children and the Israelites are certainly no different. Yet, they don't all listen to God's instructions. Some of them go out on the Sabbath to gather food even though they have been told not to so. God is pretty frustrated with them, just like a parent.
Makes me wonder what instructions God has given me but I have refused to listen.
What has God instructed you to do or not do? Have you obeyed God?
God, you give us clear instructions but we often don't listen. Forgive us for our foolish deafness and disobedience. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Who is Like God?
Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders? Exodus 15: 11 NRSV
Who is like God?
We sometimes treat stars from the latest reality show to talk show hosts as little gods: everything they say and do we follow with great interest. If they recommend a book, a diet, a way of life we are quickly caught up in the rush. What do they wear? We want it in our closet. What vehicle(s) do they drive? We get ourselves in deep debt to attain the same for our garage. We praise their every move.
We sometimes treat religious leaders as gods: instead of digging deeper into scripture for ourselves or asking for discernment we take these leaders at their word. They can do no wrong in our opinions and even when their activities become questionable, we conveniently look the other way. We would rather keep the status quo than rock the boat.
We often see ourselves as gods: our lives, families, money and possessions become the center of our universe. Our priorities have to do with our own desires and wants. God, worship, prayer, denial, discipline and compassion take backseats to what we want to accomplish.
Who is like you, O Lord? Who is as majestic in holiness? Who is as awesome in splendor? Who is doing wonders?
Not stars.
Not religious leaders.
Not ourselves.
God, you are the only One who is like you, majestic, awesome and wonderful. May we see this anew today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Who is like God?
We sometimes treat stars from the latest reality show to talk show hosts as little gods: everything they say and do we follow with great interest. If they recommend a book, a diet, a way of life we are quickly caught up in the rush. What do they wear? We want it in our closet. What vehicle(s) do they drive? We get ourselves in deep debt to attain the same for our garage. We praise their every move.
We sometimes treat religious leaders as gods: instead of digging deeper into scripture for ourselves or asking for discernment we take these leaders at their word. They can do no wrong in our opinions and even when their activities become questionable, we conveniently look the other way. We would rather keep the status quo than rock the boat.
We often see ourselves as gods: our lives, families, money and possessions become the center of our universe. Our priorities have to do with our own desires and wants. God, worship, prayer, denial, discipline and compassion take backseats to what we want to accomplish.
Who is like you, O Lord? Who is as majestic in holiness? Who is as awesome in splendor? Who is doing wonders?
Not stars.
Not religious leaders.
Not ourselves.
God, you are the only One who is like you, majestic, awesome and wonderful. May we see this anew today. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Friday, January 15, 2010
Power Corrupts
Yearly Reading: Exodus 7-11
But as for you and your officials, I know that you do not yet fear the Lord God. Exodus 9: 30 NRSV
Local, state, national and international leadership are all in the same boat with Pharaoh and his advisers: they do not fear God.
I think we can all agree that once someone has a position of power in government, they tend to believe they are greater than the rest of us. And it really doesn't matter what party they belong to! In fact, I would say that they tend to see themselves as gods. Power doesn't just corrupt - it completely changes the worldview of those who hold it.
This is just like Pharaoh and his officials. They have no fear of God. In fact, Egyptians believed that Pharaoh was a god. I suppose Pharaoh saw himself as superior to this Hebrew God whose people were Pharaoh's slaves. However, his magicians as well as many of the "regular" folk do seem to have come to at least have a healthy respect of this God of the Hebrews.
I think we need to constantly pray for all of our leaders: that they may have softened hearts and fear God. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
But as for you and your officials, I know that you do not yet fear the Lord God. Exodus 9: 30 NRSV
Local, state, national and international leadership are all in the same boat with Pharaoh and his advisers: they do not fear God.
I think we can all agree that once someone has a position of power in government, they tend to believe they are greater than the rest of us. And it really doesn't matter what party they belong to! In fact, I would say that they tend to see themselves as gods. Power doesn't just corrupt - it completely changes the worldview of those who hold it.
This is just like Pharaoh and his officials. They have no fear of God. In fact, Egyptians believed that Pharaoh was a god. I suppose Pharaoh saw himself as superior to this Hebrew God whose people were Pharaoh's slaves. However, his magicians as well as many of the "regular" folk do seem to have come to at least have a healthy respect of this God of the Hebrews.
I think we need to constantly pray for all of our leaders: that they may have softened hearts and fear God. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Broken Spirit
Yearly Reading: Exodus 3-6
Moses told this to the Israelites; but they would not listen to Moses because of their broken spirit and their cruel slavery. Exodus 6: 9 NRSV
It won't matter how eloquent the preacher if the members of the congregation suffer from a broken spirit and cruel slavery. I can receive all power from above in these devotionals but if you are deep in depression and treated as less than dirt in your job, you won't be able to take in any of these words. If you are completely crushed and struggling to find work, it won't matter how inspired your best friend tries to be; you won't hear him.
Exhortation cannot break through when we are in a funk such as that.
Thank God that God continues to act, enable and be even when we are incapable of receiving and believing.
God, keep on carrying out your will in the world around us. We may be unable to react and receive right now, but we need you more than ever! In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Moses told this to the Israelites; but they would not listen to Moses because of their broken spirit and their cruel slavery. Exodus 6: 9 NRSV
It won't matter how eloquent the preacher if the members of the congregation suffer from a broken spirit and cruel slavery. I can receive all power from above in these devotionals but if you are deep in depression and treated as less than dirt in your job, you won't be able to take in any of these words. If you are completely crushed and struggling to find work, it won't matter how inspired your best friend tries to be; you won't hear him.
Exhortation cannot break through when we are in a funk such as that.
Thank God that God continues to act, enable and be even when we are incapable of receiving and believing.
God, keep on carrying out your will in the world around us. We may be unable to react and receive right now, but we need you more than ever! In Jesus' holy name we pray. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
A History of Violence
Yearly Reading: Genesis 49- Exodus 2
The priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water, and filled the groughs to water their father's flock. But some shepherds came and drove them away. Moses got up and came to their defense, and watered their flock. Exodus 2: 16-17 NRSV
Moses had a history of violence. He killed the Egyptian that was beating a Hebrew. He tried to break up a fight among his fellow Hebrews. His act of murder was well known - by Hebrews and by Pharoah. So, he is forced to flee.
Now Moses uses his fighting skills as a means for justice: the seven Midianite women have drawn water for their animals but the male shepherds have driven them away, no doubt to use that same water for their own flocks. Moses drives them away and waters the Midianite flocks.
Although violence can have incredibly negative consequences, in this instance God uses even the worst traits of a person for a good outcome. In coming to the defense of the women, Moses has found a home in which he will gain knowledge that will help him lead and govern his people.
God, we too have shortcomings and negative traits. Please help us to either overcome these or to use them for your glory and purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
The priest of Midian had seven daughters. They came to draw water, and filled the groughs to water their father's flock. But some shepherds came and drove them away. Moses got up and came to their defense, and watered their flock. Exodus 2: 16-17 NRSV
Moses had a history of violence. He killed the Egyptian that was beating a Hebrew. He tried to break up a fight among his fellow Hebrews. His act of murder was well known - by Hebrews and by Pharoah. So, he is forced to flee.
Now Moses uses his fighting skills as a means for justice: the seven Midianite women have drawn water for their animals but the male shepherds have driven them away, no doubt to use that same water for their own flocks. Moses drives them away and waters the Midianite flocks.
Although violence can have incredibly negative consequences, in this instance God uses even the worst traits of a person for a good outcome. In coming to the defense of the women, Moses has found a home in which he will gain knowledge that will help him lead and govern his people.
God, we too have shortcomings and negative traits. Please help us to either overcome these or to use them for your glory and purposes. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Copyright 2010 Amelia G. Sims
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