Notes from my Bible Study for April 1, 2010

Today's Reading: Psalm 91, Exodus 37, Esther 4, 1 Corinthians 9

Psalm 91 - 1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

One of my favorite pictures of God is the one painted by the psalmist in Psalm 91:1-2. Isn't is wonderful to think about God sheltering us in the shadow of His wing? The psalmist was very familiar with danger. This psalm talks about some of the challenges that he went through. But, he truly felt like he had nothing to fear when God was by his side.

God wants us to experience the peace that comes when we abide in Him. That can only happen if we trust Him with our life. He is worthy of placing all of our cares upon.

Exodus 37 - Exodus 37 tells the story of Bezalel's building of the ark, table, lampstand and altar. This man was truly gifted by God for the work that he was set apart for. It is interesting to see the details that went into building the tabernacle and the pieces of worship that were a part of the tabernacle.

Esther 4 - 14 For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 4 is one of the chapters of the Bible that people remember after reading. Mordecai has taken a very public and bold stance against the decision that was made by the monarchy. He would take a stand for the Jewish people, but his stand could not impact the decision that the monarch had made as much as Queen Esther could. he challenges Queen Esther to use the position that God has given her to make an impact on the king.

One of our primary roles as ambassadors of Christ is to take a stand for such a time as this. We need to look for opportunities to be spokespeople for Christ in each situation that we find ourselves in. Christ has put you in your home, your neighborhood, your friend group, your job, your club, your church, your sports, etc. for such a time as this.

1 Corinthians 9 - Paul spoke at length about Christian liberty in chapter eight. He uses chapter nine to show how he lives out Christian liberty in his own life. Paul was a man who saw his primary role as being a servant of Christ and a servant to others. He would give up Christian liberty in order to win others to Christ.