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These are a few of our SOAP notes from today’s reading. We encourage you to read and journal on your own first, then join us in conversation about what God revealed to YOU today. Click HERE to go directly to the daily reading if you wish.
So You May Know | Kim Chipman
S~ “Say to the Israelites, ‘You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. Exodus 31:13 (NIV)
O~ This is the Lord speaking, telling Moses what to pass along to the Israelites. I know that a lot of the OT rules do not apply necessarily after Jesus – He was the final, perfect sacrifice. But this isn’t instruction for how to atone for sin. This is instruction for how to instill a healthy cadence of life. The reasons for observing Sabbath were as a sign of their relationship and so that they may know who the Lord is and holiness comes from him.
A~ I need this reminder regularly! What strikes me is “so you may know I am the Lord”. How often do I forget!? I forget who You are, what You’ve done, Your sovereignty in my life. Keeping the Sabbath is a way to KNOW YOU better. A day to rest, yes, but to rest in You. To commune with You. To know You are holy. To know that You are Lord.
P~ Lord, help me to quiet my heart and mind and body to include Sabbath rest in my life, to hear You, to commune with You. Not just a time of rest, but Sabbath rest. Focused on You – knowing You are Lord of my life. I love You!
I Would Have Been Dead | Michelle Myers
S~Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work that day must be cut off from his people. Exodus 31:14 (NIV)
O~ The last time I did Bible study, was five days ago. The verse that spoke to me on that day, also dealt with the Sabbath. “Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest and the slave born in your household, and the alien as well, may be refreshed.” Exodus 23:12
Now, I am reading that the Sabbath and rest is so important, that not obeying You in regards to it, should result in me being put to death. Thank You for Jesus! I would have been dead along time ago.
A~ I am pretty sure that You have been talking to me lately about my priorities, my scheduling, my busyness, etc. Honestly, I need Your help in regards to it. I am struggling. It isn’t that my daily life is so overwhelming, it is all the added, unavoidable junk that invades my daily life.
In the last 2 weeks, the 3 other people in my house all have been sick. I have been dealing with a painful tooth, that was just recently crowned. It was royalty alright…..a royal pain. I saw 3 different dentist, in 3 different days and it was finally determined, that I needed a root canal. That night, I also woke up with a fever, and the wonderful illness that the rest of my family had been fighting.
If you want donkeys and oxen to rest, I am pretty sure that You want me to rest. Help me with this, so that I can do what You have given me to do, manage the normal daily tasks, and be as refreshed as You want animals to be.
P~ Thank you God for getting me through the tooth pain. Thank you for giving me the means to be able to see 3 different dentists in 3 days, and have the root canal procedure done on the spot. Help me stay connected to You, so I can rely on Your help to guide me through these daily struggles.
It’s My Decision! | Deanna George
S~ “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil.” Exodus 32:22 (NIV)
O~ Aaron is answering Moses’ question about how in the world did the people get him to help create a god to worship. Moses knew Aaron knew better.
A~ It is nice to have proof that I did not start the blame game. I am not the first, nor will I be the last to play it. Aaron bowed to pressure (I’m guessing because it was taking Moses so long to come down the mountain). I don’t know what that pressure looked or felt like, but I do know that he left God out the equation while he was in the midst if it. It’s so easy to find ourselves in situations that can hinder our walk with God. This world is full of temptations, pressures to conform to the “norm,” and situations that are just a tad off course from God. These situations that are just a rad off course cause me the most turmoil. They feel and look as if they are okay, but in reality they just don’t pass the “truth” test of God. In the moment, it can seem so harmless, but I ultimately pay a price in my relationship God and the peace that he provides. We have been provided the Holy Spirit to help us, but it is up to us to listen! Listen to that prompt that says, “slow down,” “are you sure,” or the even louder, “stop.” It takes action from us to make our decisions, and we need to be ready to take ownership of our choices. It is no one’s fault, but our own.
P~ Lord Jesus, thank you for the Holy Spirit. I need the help! You gave me a fighting chance to make good decisions when I listen to your prompting and guidance. I wish I can always say that I do, but that would be a lie. Please help me to take ownership of my decisions and actions when I choose to let others influence me. Please get louder when I look like I might make the wrong decision. Thank you for helping me to get back on the path when I veer off. Thank you for putting up with me and forgiving me when I am weak. I want to remain strong in you even when my situation may be taking a very long time to resolve.
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