Here are some things that I have learned this week through the GRIP reading plan.
Thoughts on Exodus:
- Reading Exodus 19: 5, God tells His people that if they obey His voice and keep His covenant then they shall be His possession. He would transform them into the nation they were created to be. That’s why we should obey God and leave the consequences to Him because He has better plans for us.
- In Exodus 20:20 Moses said to the people. “ Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.” This verse reminded me that Moses was not afraid of God but that He wants the best for us.
- Exodus 22 was a huge reminder for me of the importance to be just, fare, and honest to everyone.
- In Exodus 23, God gives the Israelites clear directions of how to conduct themselves and in verse 20, He sends an Angel ahead of them to guard and to lead them. The end of Chapter 23 God warned his people not to serve other Gods, and this warning is for us also.
- In Exodus 24:7, I love the response that the people said to the Lord, "We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey." I need to learn from their response!
- After many chapters of detailed instruction to the people, in Exodus 29:46 God gives His people affirmation of who they are in Him.
- In Exodus 33:13, I loved Moses heart for His Lord. I just loved his prayer, "If you are pleased with me, teach me your ways so I may know you and continue to find favor with you. Remember that this nation is your people." This would be my prayer also.
Thoughts on Matthew:
- In Matthew 20:15, I was reminded of how God chooses to distribute His gifts and goodness—it is up to Him and He does so however He chooses.
- Matthew 20:26-28 was such a reminder to me that my Lord has such a servant-like attitude and showed us what real humility is.
- In Matthew 21:3, when Jesus sends for the donkey and the colt and describes how his disciples should find them, it was such a good reminder of how God has everything planned out for us. He is very aware of what’s going on in our lives.
- When I read verse 21 this reminded me how faith should look like.
- The Parable of the Marriage Feast in Matthew 22 was so good to read again. In verse 14 God instructs us to share the gospel with anyone who will listen. We do not know who will respond and so we are to tell everyone we can.
I want to conclude by us thinking again about Matthew 22:37-39. "And He said to him, 'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND. This is the great and foremost commandment. And the second is like it: You SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.'"
May God bless your richly when you draw closer to Him.
Kenton Giesbrecht
Director of Outreach