There was to be a continual aroma of incense burning at the altar in the Tabernacle (Tent of Meeting) Moses constructed for God’s presence. The priests were to see to it that it always wafted up to God’s nostrils.

David said, “Let my prayer be set before Thee like incense, and the lifting of my hands like the evening sacrifice.” [Ps. 141:2]

Hence, we get the picture that our prayers, which are to be continual, present a pleasing aroma to the Lord.

PRAYER: Lord, I will continually pray and praise You during my days here on earth. Be pleased with our lives and take up Your abode within our hearts. 

READ: Ex. 30-32

God instructed Moses to construct a breastplate for the High Priest to wear with stones called the Urim and Thummim pouched beneath it and worn over the heart. They were to be consulted when making decisions.

NT Christians don’t wear such devices. We DO, however, consult the Lord through prayer from the heart.

PRAYER: Lord, we humbly ask You for wisdom in our decision-making process. We will first consult Your Word, and then trust that You will direct our paths.

READ: Ex. 28, 29

When Moses was in God’s presence on Mt. Sinai, God showed him how to construct the tabernacle. God gave him the pattern.

In God’s presence, in the presence of His Word, in the presence of His Holy Spirit, God gives us the pattern for life.

We foolishly rely upon the patterns created by men rather than by God.

“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy, vain deceit, the traditions of men, and the rudiments of the world and NOT AFTER CHRIST.”  Col. 2:8

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for wandering away from Your ways. We renew our commitment to Your Word and Your pattern for living.

READ:  Ex. 25-27

According to the statutes that God gave Moses, if a man defrauded his neighbor and the neighbor calls out to God for help, God will hear him and avenge him.  The Lord’s resident compassion scans the affairs of men, listening for prayerful cries for help.

This should be sufficient cause for one to “Love thy neighbor as thyself,” because God is always watching.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, You see all. You protect those who are offended when they cry out to You. Let our lives be so grace-filled that others are won to You because of our propriety.

READ: Ex. 22-24

In their exodus from Egypt, Moses brought the people before Mt.Sinai. The mountain was covered with smoke and God spoke to them out of this mountain.

It was an awesome spectacle that incited fear into their hearts. it was a healthyfear that helped prevent them from sinning.

Living with a fresh relationship with the Lord which flows from daily being in His Word will cultivate a healthy fear of displeasing Him. We have been saved unto good works.

PRAYER: Lord, we don’t want to displease You in any way. As we figuratively stand before Your mountain in prayer, let us hear Your voice, the voice of Your Holy Spirit.

READ: Ex. 19-21

Manna was the miracle food that God sent to His people as they wandered through the wilderness. It came everyday except the Sabbath. It was enough to sustain them.

God wants us to trust Him for provision.. Everyday, He will be faithful to give us what we really need.

As I begin looking at retirement, my mind can sometimes ask, “Will I have enough?”

As I read about manna, I have my answer.

PRAYER: Father, You are the Great Provider. It is Your nature to provide. You will not violate Your nature. You will take care of us. We are grateful. We praise You.

READ: Ex. 16-18

God instructed His people to remember their deliverance from Egypt by observing the Passover Meal. He wanted them to dedicate back to Him their firstborns, to remember the way He spared them in Egypt by the blood.

Jesus instituted the remembrance of His blood through taking communion. Altars were erected at places where God performed significant miracles.

Jonah remembered his vow of thanksgiving, which expelled him from the great fish.

We are not to remember forgiven sin, past failures, items that feed our pride or erode a healthy humility or trust in the Lord.

“Never remember what you give, never forget what you receive.”

PRAYER: Lord, I want to maintain a healthy humility before You. I will always praise and thank You for Your mercy and grace to me.

READ: Ex. 13-15

God hardened Pharaoh’s heart to show His power through the plagues. Obviously, the death angel visit had a profound effect on Pharaoh and all the Egyptians. God knew how to accomplish His purpose.

Valuable prayer insight is gained through this story. When praying about those who seemingly are crusty toward the Gospel, addressing the issue of hardness of heart is to be considered.

I have several hard hearts I’m praying about.

PRAYER: Father, melt down the hearts of those who really need to be set free from their sin and loneliness. Open their hearts to embrace You through faith.

READ: Ex. 10-12

God showed Pharaoh His power though the plagues sent upon Egypt, yet his heart was continually hardened. Not until the angel of death visited the firstborn children and animals did he message finally sink in.

The ritual of placing the blood of a lamb upon the doorpost speaks to us of Christ’s death and blood sacrifice. It contained the ultimate method of convincing Pharaoh to allow the Israelites to be set free.

The Gospel is God’s power unto salvation. Only Christ’s blood can set us free. There is power in the blood.

PRAYER: Father, we trust You to bring freedom to the captives as we proclaim Your Gospel. As we minister to the spiritually needy, grace us to center our message upon the atoning blood of Christ and His power to bring salvation to men.

READ: Ex. 7-9

When God was telling Moses how He was going to use him, Moses wanted to know “How?”

God’s response … “What is in your hand, Moses?”

“A rod (walking stick)”

God can use you and whatever you have. He knows what you already have, and He can use it. Have faith.

PRAYER: Lord, take my life today and use it. My lack is Your instrument of opportunity.

READ: Ex. 4-6