Ok, all this week (and part of last) we're reading in Exodus--laws, tabernacle details, Ark of the Covenant, festivals, etc. Some pretty heavy stuff. So how are you holding up? Are you liking the history, or are you getting bogged down? Well as much as I like reading in the Old Testament (OT), there are still times when I get a little weary or feel overloaded with details. So if that's you today, how about a little "pick me up"? After you finish reading today's passage, try jumping over to the Psalms or maybe a passage from the New Testament for a read. Check out Psalm 8 about God's majesty or maybe Psalm 27, 33 or 111? How about one of my favorites--Philippians 4:4-7?
Hang in there on the OT readings and let us all know how you're doing--remember, we're all doing this together! And if you read something extra as a little break and like it, let us know that too. Tami W.
I like the idea of seeing how the laws reflected back on the 10 commandments. I had never thought of that before. It can perhaps make things a little more relevant.
Dear Tami,
Thank you for all your hard work to give us something to study everyday. I am 83 years old but I still love to read my Bible and do Bible studies. Thanks for making this available. I am not going as fast as you are but when I'm ready I print out the lesson and do it. And I can go a way back too 'cause I don't delete them. You hang in there and I will do my very best. God be with you and bless you real good. Love, SARAH
Something that I noticed that was an obvious paralell to the new testament teachings...setting up 12 stones for the alter for the twelve tribes of Isreal - twelve deciples chosen by Jesus. I also couldn't help but paralell the cloud covering the mountain for six days and then God called to Moses on the seventh. Similar to the creation of the Earth. Lastly, the paralell of Moses being on the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights, similar to Noah and the flood. What, if any, is the point to using such similarities?
Tami,
Amen Sista, after too many details some switch in my brain automatically flips to "off." Perhaps a good soak in the Psalms will help.
Melissa
PS. regarding the "temptations" blog that keep us from our reading I was sick for a bit and am now way behind in my reading .... once some strength and energy returned I immediately starting running around trying to get caught up on all the things I couldn't do while I was sick. I read at night time before bed because if I do it in the morning I just fall asleep. I also find at night time I am often in a more pensive mood and can digest more of what I"m reading. It helps me "mellow down" before falling asleep. It's so easy to run around right up until bed time and then not have any time to read.
I do agree details can start to cause my mind to slow down or fall asleep; however, I am a detail person and with P4's thought provoking questions it has helped me stay alert and interested.
As for an earlier blog. I find the similarities intriguing, plus, it shows God's consistency and His never changing character from OT to NT.
In the morning read to devotions; which, help keep my brain from getting bogged down with the history of the OT.
Thank you all for your comments. They always help me see another perspective. And are a blessing!!!
I'm not the hugest detail person, so I when I'm reading scripture full of laws or genealogy, I usually do turn to the Psalms. Here's what I've found is really cool though. The more we understand and grasp these sections of the Old Testament, the more we understand the rest of the Bible...the Psalms, the New Testament...it all goes together in such an amazing and mind-boggling way. What has helped me the most is doing in-depth Bible study on these books that are difficult to understand. The tabernacle is such an absolutely amazing picture of God's dwelling among us. Now that I've studied it, I can't wait for the next few days!!!!
And I think it is one of satan's biggest weapons to make us think we're the only one who struggles with a particular temptation or failing to read the Bible. He never wants us in God's Word, so I'm determined to be in it every day. I know who the winner is in the end!!