Walking Daily Through God's Word: Hearing God's Word

By Joe E Pruett

I have put together a devotional book that will allow one to be introduced to every book of the Bible. The idea behind my devotional book is that it will be something that will encourage others to spend time daily with God. It is intended to be done at a pace of one page a day. If one starts at the beginning and goes all the way to the end, they

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pruett Books
• Release date: Mar 16, 2024
• ISBN: 9798869126191

Book preview

1

GOD SPEAKS

Read: Genesis 1: 1-4

And God said, Let there be light, and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. Gen 1:3-4

What awesome power is on display from the beginning. God, by His spoken word, speaks and creates the world and all that is in the world. Interestingly, though, is not only do we see power in God’s word, but we see goodness--and God saw that the light was good.

When you speak do others see and hear goodness? The psalmist gives us this direction in Psalm 19:14--let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in your sight O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

Prayer: Lord, you spoke and created, and it was good. In my life may I speak in such a way as to glorify you, and also in a way that is good so that my words will build up all of those in my path.  AMEN

2

MANKIND

Read: Genesis 1: 26-28

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Gen 1:27

Have you ever built (created) something with your own hands? If so, upon completion, do you recall the sense of joy you felt with your accomplishment? Let us now think about how God felt after He created us. It was a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, the like of which we simply cannot begin to fully understand, because He is GOD! In His own image we were created. Let those words sink in--all male and female God created. So, as we navigate life with others, be mindful that God created them, and what God created is GOOD.

Prayer: Lord, give me daily the reminder that you created all mankind. Let me love others, not because I have to, but because I get to as they are my brothers and sisters who were created by you. AMEN

3

ABRAHAM'S OFFERING

Read: Genesis 22: 9-14

He said, "Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from me. Gen 22:12

I must confess that early  in my walk with God this story confused and even troubled me. How could a father sacrifice his only son? Years later as my faith grew, the light came on very clearly. Abraham wasn’t listening to just anyone when he was following God’s command, he was listening to God Almighty! Abraham knew in his heart and his soul that God had the ability to redeem his son; and, if his demand were a sacrifice, then Abraham must trust God. Abraham had a promise from God that his descendants would out number the stars, and he trusted God to keep his word.

Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom and the strength to trust in your promises no matter what the request may be. Let me always remember that you are GOD! AMEN

4

JACOB'S DECEPTION

Read: Genesis 27: 18-26

So he went in to his father and said, My father. And he said, Here I am. Who are you my son? Jacob said to his father, I am Esau your firstborn, I have done as you have told me; now sit up and eat of my game, that your soul may bless me. Gen 27: 18-19

Have you ever done something in your life that was filled with a heart full of deception? Jacob and his mother, Rebekah, stage an act to deceive Isaac and steal away his blessing that was intended for Esau. Our actions in life have consequences just like they did back when Jacob deceived his father. Jacob’s action required him to run away from his homeland and live as an exile. May you live your life in such a way that demonstrates integrity and character even if it means a reward won’t come your way.

Prayer: Lord, guide me daily in my life to always live with honor and integrity. Don’t allow the temptation of deception to lead me down a pathway that could be filled with terrible consequences. AMEN

5

BROTHERLY LOVE

Read: Genesis 37: 5-11

His brothers said to him, Are you indeed to reign over us? Or, are you indeed to rule over us? So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Gen 37: 8

Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other sons because he was the son of his old age. I am imaging this may, indeed, be the beginning of the favorite child syndrome in families. Joseph was gifted there is no doubt.  God showed him in his dreams what the future held in store for him and his brothers. Sadly, he just didn’t handle it the right way with his brothers and even with his father. This teaches us how our actions can have lasting impacts in the lives of others, and I dare say in our life as well. Be careful what you say especially to those whom you love.

Prayer: Lord, teach me to speak in such a way that honors you and lifts up those around me. Let love be the key to all I say and do in my life. AMEN

6

GOD'S PURPOSES

Read: Genesis 50: 15-21

As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. Gen: 50:20.

Joseph’s brothers resented his favor with their father so much that they planned to kill him, but instead they threw him into a pit. Then, they sold him to a caravan of foreigners and told their father he was dead. Their jealousy led them to do horrible things to their own brother. God, however, had other purposes in mind for Joseph and his life. God led Joseph to become second in command in Egypt--only a step below Pharaoh. Joseph uses his power to forgive his brothers and ultimately save them and his people. Others may mean evil against us, but God may mean it for good, and that is what we see in our story of Joseph and his brothers.

Prayer: Lord, what are your purposes for me? May I live daily trusting you, following you, knowing that your purposes will always prevail. AMEN

7

A MOTHER'S LOVE

Read: Exodus 2: 3-10

When the child grew older, she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. She named him Moses, because, she said, I drew him out of the water. Exodus 2:10

How deep is a mother’s love? Our reading today gives us a glimpse into such depth. Out of pride and fear the king of Egypt had issued a decree that all newborn Hebrew boys were to be killed. Moses mother, Jochebed, a Hebrew slave, could not abide by such a decree. So, instead of keeping her son for herself, she hides him until the time came in which she could give him away. I believe she gave him to God first, and then God provided for him to be found by the king’s daughter. A mother’s love runs so deep that she will do all she can to protect her children. Blessedly, Moses mother trusted God to provide, and he did not disappoint.

Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to know what to do when I am faced with major decisions. Let me always keep you in the picture as I make these decisions, and trust you to provide me proper guidance. AMEN

8

GOD IS WITH YOU

Read: Exodus 3: 4-12

He said, But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you; when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain. Exodus 3:12

While caring for his father-in-law's flock, God makes an appearance to Moses in the form of a burning bush. How might God make an appearance to you? You see God uses all different kinds of ways to get our attention and for us to heed His directions. However, notice what God doesn’t do, He doesn’t leave or abandon us with the tasks He has in store for us. No, God told Moses and is telling us--I will be with you! Let God’s promise strengthen you for whatever task He may be calling you to fulfill.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being a God that never leaves me alone. You promised to be with me and lead me. Give me the peace to know that I am never alone, and that you will guide me daily in my life. AMEN

9

GOD HEARS YOU

Read: Exodus 6: 5-13

Moreover, I have heard the groaning of the people of Israel whom the Egyptians hold as slaves, and I have remembered my covenant. Exodus 6:5

Do you ever feel as if you are alone and possibly not heard? Our reading today tells us that we are not alone and are always heard by God. What is tremendously special is that not only does God hear our prayers, He also hears our groaning. God heard the groaning from His people in bondage and with His mighty hand sets out to display His awesome power and fulfill His covenant (promise). Share your life with God even if it is through your groans, because He cares for you and loves you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for hearing me when I call out to you. Thank you for loving me and lifting me out of my depths of despair. Lord, blessed is your name.  Let me call on you at all times. AMEN

10

A LOUD CRY

Read: Exodus 11: 1-10

There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever will be again. Exodus 11: 6

One final plague to finally free God’s people from bondage. A plague so strong that all of the moans of Egypt, including Pharaoh himself, will cry so loudly that all will hear. But how about God’s people? We're told in our reading that not even a growl from a dog will go against Israel. God made a promise to free Israel, to redeem them and save them. God makes a promise to us in our lives as well. However, as the Egyptians, a distinction still occurs in our day. Those who refuse to accept God’s son as their savior are left out, and I dare say will cry as the Egyptians cried. Do not let this be you! Trust in God, accept Jesus as your savior and see the miracles God has in store for you.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for always fulfilling your promises. Thank you for redeeming me, saving me, and rescuing me in the trials of my life. Teach me to  allow you to lead and for me to follow. AMEN

11

FEAR NOT

Read: Exodus 14: 5-14

And Moses said to the people, Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For, the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall not see again. Exodus 14:13

Four hundred years of bondage isn’t enough for the people of Israel to trust the Lord. Leading them through the desert, providing food and water (miraculously I might add) isn’t enough for them to trust the Lord. Now, at the edge of the waters of the sea, they see Pharaoh and 600 of his greatest warriors on chariots about to overtake them, and they are afraid but still do not trust the Lord. Moses tells them to fear not for today the Lord will fight for you, and all you have to do is be silent (v.14). Now, they will finally trust the Lord!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for doubting your awesomeness. Forgive me for not trusting completely in you. Thank you for the mercy you show me each and every day and for simply being God. AMEN

12

COMMANDMENTS, NOT SUGGESTIONS

Read: Exodus 20: 1-20

And God spoke all these words, saying, I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. Exodus 20: 1-2

Ok, be honest, don’t you sometime think of God’s commandments as mere suggestions? Many of them don’t even apply to us in our daily life, so what’s all the fuss about anyway? Amazingly, I fear many people can relate to my opening sentences as real in their lives. However, let us not kid ourselves, God is the God of all creation. He gave the Israelites and all mankind these commandments so we could have a compass on how to live our lives. God knew we would need direction, words that we could understand, rules that we could obey; therefore, He provided us with His commandments. Follow them and walk closely with God, disobey them and see how your life unravels.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me detailed rules on how to live a life that honors you and honors mankind. Give me strength to follow your commandments daily. AMEN

13

SHORT-TERM MEMORY

Read: Exodus 32: 7-14

Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them, in order that I may make a great nation of you. Exodus 32:10

 Moses has ascended to be in the presence of God. While away, the very people God has rescued, saved and redeemed has begun a party, and oh not just any party. They have gathered, brought all their finest jewelry and agreed they do need a god. So what do they do?  They create one for themselves--a golden calf. They worship it, sacrifice to it, and ever proclaim here’s our god (v8). Oh, what short-term memory they have! Oh, what short-term memories I fear we have may have as well.  Often times we too get impatient and without even knowing it, find for ourselves our own gods. Work, money, possessions, activities, sports teams all can become what we worship. There is only one God, and His name is I Am!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me when I allow anything to take your place. Remind me that you and you alone are the only God that can save me. AMEN

14

DETAILED CONSTRUCTION

Read: Exodus 35: 30-35

And he has filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, with intelligence, with knowledge, and with all craftsmanship. Exodus 35:31

God has called His people to prepare a place of worship between himself and the people. Notice how God provides specific details in his construction project.  No stone is left unturned. In addition God fills the craftsman with His Spirit enabling them to perfect their work. Our lives are truly the same. God provides the Holy Spirit to enable us to be close to Him at all times, giving us wisdom, knowledge and guidance in the tasks He has in store for us. God will enable you to live your best life.  Never tire of looking at God’s blueprints for your life.

Prayer: Lord, you are the potter, I am the clay. Let me remember you have detailed plans for my life and your Spirit will guide me along the way. I too can become a skilled craftsman when I follow your detailed construction plans. AMEN

15

ATONEMENT

Read: Leviticus 1:1-4

He shall lay his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make an atonement for him. Lev 1:4

Atonement means to be made right, but why is this term important to us? God in his holiness cannot, nor will not, be in the presence of sin. We, as sinful beings, need the gap to be closed in order for us to be in His presence. In our reading we see an offering that is without blemish was to be made to God. God deserves our very best, and here He is guiding Moses to tell the Israelites what is acceptable. Today, God no longer requires the sacrifice of animals to bridge the gap, because He provided his Son. Jesus' death was the atonement we needed in our lives to be able to be near to God. Live each day gratefully, lovingly, and comfortably knowing your sins have been made right with God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making a way for me to live in your presence. Thank you for giving your Son as the atonement I need to be made right in my life with you. AMEN

16

MAKING THINGS RIGHT

Read: Leviticus 6: 1-7

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, If anyone sins and commits a breach of faith against the Lord by deceiving his neighbor in a matter of deposit or security, or through robbery, or if he has oppressed his neighbor . . . Lev 6:1-2

Has there been a time in your life when you did wrong against your neighbor? In eighth grade some friends and I threw eggs on the house of one of our coaches. While leaving the scene, we laughed and felt we had gotten away with the mischief. Oh, how we were mistaken.  When we got home, the coach was there with our parents waiting for our arrival. Here’s where God intervenes into the story. The coach, while unhappy with our actions, truly forgave us. His reaction had an impact on my life from then until now. We, of course, cleaned his home, but our coach cleaned (with God’s help) our hearts. God indeed works in mysterious ways.

Prayer: Lord, when I sin against another, when I wrong another, or when one wrongs me, open my eyes to see such events and strengthen me to make things right. Teach me how forgiveness just might be the way to make things right. AMEN

17

DISRESPECT

Read: Leviticus 9:22-10:3

And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. Lev 10:2

Aaron is rejoicing and honoring God as he is taking over the role of high priest. Aaron respectfully and carefully makes a sacrifice to God before he blesses all the people. As he has honored God correctly, God appears (in the form of fire) to the people (9:23). However, Aaron’s sons decide on their own that they will do it their way by disrespectfully make an offering to the Lord. As we see, God again arrives in the form of fire, but this time instead of consuming the sacrifice, God consumes Aaron’s sons by  fire. God gives us directions for our lives, and they are not open to our input, and by all means, are not to be met with disrespect. God’s will needs to be first and foremost for us because God is our creator, redeemer and GOD!

Prayer: Lord, teach me to seek your will in my life. Let me always honor and respect you and follow the words that you give me. AMEN

18

WORDS TO LIVE BY

READ: LEVITICUS 19: 1-18

Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, you shall be holy, for the Lord your God is holy. Lev 19:2

How can we become holy? Well, our reading today speaks to the heart of this matter. We become holy by following the word that God has given us. In order to follow God’s words, we must read God’s word. Reading God’s word may seems to be a daunting task, but just recently a group of men and I completed reading every chapter of the Bible. We did this one day at a time for 1,189 days. Our time together was so special, and I want to encourage you to slow down, not only in your life, but in the pace in which you read and learn God’s word. For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Prayer: Lord, thank you for providing your word to me. May I seek to know your will for my life, and may I live in such a way that glorifies you. AMEN

19

REST

READ: LEVITICUS 25: 1-7

The Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, speak to the people of Israel and say to them, when you come in to the land that I give you, the land shall keep a sabbath to the Lord. Lev 25:1-2

Have you noticed that God is serious?  God is serious about our listening to Him, and God is serious about us obeying. Rest is important for us. Without rest we are not able to function at our best. Today we see that God even declares rest for the land. Every seventh year the Israelites were commanded to not sow or prune nor reap or gather any of the harvest from the land. Truly, it was to be a complete year of rest for the land. While it is easy to see this is healthy for the soil, what’s even more healthy is witnessing how God cares for and provides for all of our needs. Even when we are asked to rest, take comfort in knowing God will care and provide for you.

Prayer: Lord, your care and provision for me knows no bounds. Teach me to trust in you every day. Remind me how you know what is best for me and you will provide for all of my needs. AMEN

20

IT'S UP TO YOU

READ: LEVITICUS 26: 3-6, 14-17

I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. And I will remove harmful beasts from the land, and the sword shall not go through your land. Lev 26:6

How clear does God have to make his message for us? Here, God is telling the Israelites the blessings for being obedient to His words.  These blessings include rains in their season, land that is prosperous and promises they will eat and be full. Words and vows from the Almighty God. However, God also gives the Israelites the description of what life will be like for them if they disobey. So, you see, it’s truly up to them, and I’ll add it’s up to you in your life. Do you want peace in your life that is as deep as the ocean? Do you want an inner tranquility that comes from God? Then, live close to God and follow his words. It’s up to you!

Prayer: Lord, give me the peace that can only be found by living in obedience to your word. Teach me, lead me, show me how to follow you and surrender to you. AMEN

21

WARRIORS AND PRIESTS

Read: Numbers: 1: 47-54

But appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of the testimony and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They are to carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings, and they shall take care of it and shall camp around the tabernacle. Numbers 1:50

God commands Moses to take a census. He is to count all the men from all the tribes between the ages of 20 and 60 for these will be the warriors God uses to take over the promised land--603,550 warriors to do God’s bidding. However, one tribe, the tribe of the Levites are excluded because they have a more important purpose to serve. They are responsible for the tabernacle, God’s palace, and this is the most important job in the camp. To be near God meant protection of His tabernacle, not from outsiders, but those from Israel