Tag: Pentateuch

September 9, 2025

September 9th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 9

Highlight Verse:

“Then the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Take handfuls of soot from a brick kiln, and have Moses toss it into the air while Pharaoh watches.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭9‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

First let’s get the “elephant in the room” out of the way (or is that cattle in the room).

Verse 6 says that all the Egyptians’ livestock died. In verse 19, Moses warns the Egyptians to protect their livestock.

What livestock? Didn’t it all die?

Two theories:
• The wording in Hebrew is not exact so “all” might not have meant all or the plagues could have happened in reverse order.
• Or (What I believe) there’s no mention of time, so the Egyptians could have replenished their herds in the time between the verses.

Elephants and cattle aside, let’s move on to today’s highlight verse.

Did you ever notice that God had Moses use a symbol of Pharaoh’s oppression of the Israelites to bring about a plague?

Pharaoh forced the Israelites to make bricks.

God used the ash from that process to spread the plague of boils.

You’d think that Pharaoh would see the connection and realize he should set the Hebrews free.

He didn’t (hence the hailstorm, etc.).

Sin leaves proverbial ashes, the fall out and by-product of our sin. Sometimes God will use that “ash” to bring us to a point of repentance.

If we are not living in a repentant relationship with God, when we open our eyes and see those ashes, we can repent and be spared any further ways God may use to get our attention.

I’m not saying that bad things don’t happen to good people. That’s another topic entirely.

I am saying God can use consequences of sin to bring people into relationship with Him.

How has God used the consequences of your sin to bring you to Him?
How did you react to those consequences?
September 2, 2025

September 2nd, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 7-8

Highlight Verse:

“Then Pharaoh called in his own wise men and sorcerers, and these Egyptian magicians did the same thing with their magic.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭7‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I read several commentaries on this verse.

The majority say that the Egyptian sorcerers used slight of hand or the Egyptian art of snake charming to make it appear that their staffs turned into serpents.

They point to the fact that the words used to describe them imply deception.

I’m not so sure.

I have no doubt that they were working in cooperation with the devil who is also known as the deceiver.

I also have no doubt that their aim was to deceive Pharaoh into not believing Moses.

I also know that the devil can pull off some convincing “miracles.”

He uses supernatural means to pull off what appears to be impossible.

There will come a day when the antichrist will display some miracles that will even fool some Christians.

My point is that “miracles” are not always of God.

Don’t get me wrong. I firmly believe that God can and does still perform miracles.

I believe in the “full Gospel” which includes the modern day works of the Holy Spirit.

But I also believe that the deceiver can use very convincing signs and wonders to lead people astray.

If the miracle does not bring glory to God and God alone, watch out.

True miracles will always point people to Jesus and His grace and mercy.

“Miracles” that glorify people or faiths other than the Gospel are false, no matter how convincing they appear.

What miracles have you witnessed?
How did you know if they were bonafide (or not)?
August 26, 2025

August 26th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 5-6

Highlight verse:

““Is that so?” retorted Pharaoh. “And who is the Lord? Why should I listen to him and let Israel go? I don’t know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.””
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭5‬:‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

According to the latest Pew Research study (2023/24), The percentage of people in the United States who claim to be Atheist is only 5%. Even if you include all those who identify as anything other than Christian, it is still a minority of 38%.

So why do the words of Pharaoh sound so familiar today?

The majority of those who have managed our system of education seem to think that the separation of church and state means that we have to deny any public mention of God.

I don’t wish to sound political, but this is just wrong.

While I would not draw a direct parallel with Pharaoh and the plagues that followed his refusal to recognize God, I will say that the institutional denial of the existence of God can only lead to terrible consequences.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying we should have a state church or advocate one religion over another in schools and public functions.

But in trying to keep religion out of public life, we have institutionalized the religion of atheism.

Instead, we should allow the open honest discussion of religion in public, including schools.

If we are honest and not judgmental, people can judge for themselves.

I believe that the mercy and grace of Jesus would win the day when the truth is presented honestly.

Sorry for the departure from normal expository study of the Bible but I felt it had to be said before we end up like Pharaoh. I’ll step down from my soap box now.

Have you been able to share the Gospel in ways that have been accepted in public?
What can we do to foster the honest discussion of faith in public?
August 19, 2025

August 19th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 3-4

Highlight Verses:

“One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing fire from the middle of a bush. Moses stared in amazement. Though the bush was engulfed in flames, it didn’t burn up.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭3‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Moses, the man who was miraculously saved by the daughter of the Pharaoh, was just doing his job.

As far as we can tell, it was a normal workday for Moses.

It was hard work because pastureland was very sparse. Moses had to keep moving.

And then, in the middle of what was probably a very boring day,

God spoke.

I’ve never seen a burning bush that was not consumed by the flames. For that matter, I’ve never heard God speaking from any kind of bush.

But there have been times when God interrupted my workday.

Sometimes it was to teach me a lesson. Someone’s words or even an inspiration poster would capture my attention and redirect my thoughts to God’s plans for that moment.

Sometimes it was to use me in someone else’s life. A customer or coworker would open up to me about something that I could bring the Word of God to shed light on their situation.

No matter how mundane your situation may be, God can work in your day-to-day life.

The tough part is to pay attention so you can see or hear when God wants to speak to you or through you.

When have you seen God move in your day-to-day life?
How did you recognize that it was from God? (Or did you?)
August 12, 2025

August 12th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Exodus 1-2

Highlight Verse:

“So the Egyptians made the Israelites their slaves. They appointed brutal slave drivers over them, hoping to wear them down with crushing labor. They forced them to build the cities of Pithom and Rameses as supply centers for the king.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I find it amusing when people claim that there is no historical evidence that shows that the Israelites lived in Egypt for 400 some years.

It is true that Egyptian historians have mostly purged the memory of Israel from their history.

I probably wouldn’t have wanted to remember a slave population who destroyed my country’s armies as they escaped either.

Not a great image for Egypt.

That aside, there have been mentions of Hebrews in Egypt (using various Egyptian terms that describe people coming from the region around Canaan) in multiple papyri (Egyptian documents made of papyrus).

There is even one describing one of these groups building the great monuments of Ramses II.

Evidence also points to Egyptian influence on the Hebrew language and writing as well as Hebrew influence on Egyptian culture.

Last but not least, the most reliable document from that era by a wide margin has a detailed account of Israel’s arrival to and escape from Egypt.

That would be the Torah, also known as the Pentateuch, or the first 5 books of the Bible.

Many times as many early manuscripts exist of the Torah than of any other writing of that era.

To not trust it because it is “religious” would be the height of folly.

I believe the Bible already stands on it own in accuracy and relevance.

But, it’s nice to see archeological evidence backing up what the Bible has said all along.

How do you see the Bible – religious diatribe or accurate and inspiration writing that was breathed by God through its writers (or something else)?
Why or why not?o
August 5, 2025

August 5th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 49-50

Highlight Verse:

“The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from his descendants, until the coming of the one to whom it belongs, the one whom all nations will honor.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭49‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Judah was the 4th son.

Normally, the firstborn became the leader of the clan on the patriarch’s passing.

In the clan of Israel, that role fell on Judah.

Why?

I wanted to say that it was because Judah looked out for others and had more integrity than his brothers.

But a quick look at Judah’s life disproved that idea. In most ways he was just as bad as his brothers.

As far as I can tell, this blessing of Judah was mainly prophetic.

The people of Judah produced David.

They remained faithful to God longer than the other tribes.

And most importantly, Jesus came from Judah.

The clan I came from has had its share of questionable characters.

It’s also been home to those with more noble personalities.

My hope is to lead my little part of our clan with such integrity that we may be seen as faithful.

How do you use your influence to bring more faithfulness and integrity to your clan?
Who in your clan has influenced you to be more faithful?
July 29, 2025

July 29th, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 48

Highlight Verse:

“But Jacob crossed his arms as he reached out to lay his hands on the boys’ heads. He put his right hand on the head of Ephraim, though he was the younger boy, and his left hand on the head of Manasseh, though he was the firstborn.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭48‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I can be a contrary old man sometimes.

True, Jacob was more than twice my age (that would be something else).

But, I’m reaching that point where people allow me to disagree with respect.

I just pray that anytime I feel like I need to disagree with the prevailing opinion, I understand God enough to have a Biblically accurate reason to disagree.

Jacob was close enough to God to see which grandson would flourish more.

And he wasn’t afraid to act on that knowledge.

He did so gently but firmly, continuing to give Joseph the respect due him.

As you grow closer to God, have you had moments when you had to differ from popular opinion to stay true to God’s Word?
Were you able to disagree in a way that preserved respect and love for those with whom you disagreed?
July 22, 2025

July 22nd, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 47

Highlight Verse:

“So Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. All the Egyptians sold him their fields because the famine was so severe, and soon all the land belonged to Pharaoh.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭47‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I work for a major corporation.

Like most major corporations, it has some policies that I don’t necessarily agree with.

There are times when I question whether I should be doing my best to help the corporation make the best profits possible.

When you read today’s chapter, you must realize there were things that Pharaoh stood for that were contrary to Joseph’s values.

That didn’t stop Joseph from using his wisdom and leadership skills to help solidify Pharaoh’s power in Egypt.

In that generation, Joseph’s family prospered as a result.

My influence on my employer’s profits can’t be compared to Joseph’s.

Nonetheless, I have been a key player in keeping one of our largest customers in this area.

I continue doing my best for my employer, not for the purpose of profits but so people will see my faith in my work and be drawn toward Jesus.

How does your faith affect how you approach your work?
Have you had people ask you what motivates you to do your best?
How do you answer?
July 1, 2025

July 1st, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 42-43

Highlight Verse:

““Relax. Don’t be afraid,” the household manager told them. “Your God, the God of your father, must have put this treasure into your sacks. I know I received your payment.” Then he released Simeon and brought him out to them.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭43‬:‭23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There is so much in this verse that made me say,

“Wait – what!?”

First, the household manager used language used many times in the Bible.

“Don’t be afraid.”

Jesus said it several times. So did some of the prophets.

The term implies that God was about to do something big – and He did.

Second, the household manager reflected the effects of Jesus.

He brought forgiveness to his brothers and eventually, to the whole world.

He also provided abundantly for the brothers to eat and celebrate.

Finally, the effects were immediate.

God didn’t wait for the brother’s to be a death’s doorstep. He welcomed them to their new lives.

The brothers reaped the benefits of that miraculous forgiveness right away, not just as they exited this world.

You and I are the spiritual heirs of the brothers.

Through God’s forgiveness, we receive that miraculous forgiveness and step into the provision of God.

Have you ever felt like you had to bargain with God for His forgiveness?
Were you surprised when you found out that God was and is on your side?
June 3, 2025

June 3rd, 2025

Tuesday – Pentateuch

Reading – Genesis 37

Highlight Verse:

“When they had been gone for some time, Jacob said to Joseph, “Your brothers are pasturing the sheep at Shechem. Get ready, and I will send you to them.” “I’m ready to go,” Joseph replied.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭37‬:‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Joseph had his faults.

If he wasn’t downright arrogant, he certainly didn’t know when to keep his mouth shut.

But for all his faults, he had one characteristic that served him well throughout his life.

He was willing to serve.

When his father asked him to go to his brothers, he didn’t hesitate.

If he was wiser in the ways of the world, especially when it came to jealous siblings, maybe he would have hesitated.

But he didn’t.

That willing attitude went a long way toward putting him in a position to save his people.

But that’s getting ahead of the story. More in coming weeks.

Has your willingness to serve ever served you?
Have you seen an unwilling attitude hurt those who held that attitude?

One simple example from my life:
When Covid hit, several of us technicians were asked if we would be willing to be reassigned. I volunteered.
I like to say I spent the next 8 months in the hospital (I worked in the print room).
After several months of Covid, layoffs came since they could no longer keep paying people for not working (people weren’t using their copiers so we weren’t needed to maintain them).
None of us who were willing to work different jobs were laid off.

Tag: Pentateuch

Elephants and cattle aside, let’s move on to today’s highlight verse.

God used the ash from that process to spread the plague of boils.

I am saying God can use consequences of sin to bring people into relationship with Him.

I’m not so sure.

My point is that “miracles” are not always of God.

If the miracle does not bring glory to God and God alone, watch out.

True miracles will always point people to Jesus and His grace and mercy.

So why do the words of Pharaoh sound so familiar today?

I don’t wish to sound political, but this is just wrong.

I believe that the mercy and grace of Jesus would win the day when the truth is presented honestly.

As far as we can tell, it was a normal workday for Moses.

God spoke.

No matter how mundane your situation may be, God can work in your day-to-day life.

I find it amusing when people claim that there is no historical evidence that shows that the Israelites lived in Egypt for 400 some years.

Not a great image for Egypt.

Last but not least, the most reliable document from that era by a wide margin has a detailed account of Israel’s arrival to and escape from Egypt.

To not trust it because it is “religious” would be the height of folly.

In the clan of Israel, that role fell on Judah.

They remained faithful to God longer than the other tribes.

My hope is to lead my little part of our clan with such integrity that we may be seen as faithful.

I can be a contrary old man sometimes.

I just pray that anytime I feel like I need to disagree with the prevailing opinion, I understand God enough to have a Biblically accurate reason to disagree.

He did so gently but firmly, continuing to give Joseph the respect due him.

There are times when I question whether I should be doing my best to help the corporation make the best profits possible.

That didn’t stop Joseph from using his wisdom and leadership skills to help solidify Pharaoh’s power in Egypt.

I continue doing my best for my employer, not for the purpose of profits but so people will see my faith in my work and be drawn toward Jesus.

“Wait – what!?”

“Don’t be afraid.”

You and I are the spiritual heirs of the brothers.

He was willing to serve.

That willing attitude went a long way toward putting him in a position to save his people.