Responsible To Each Other

Posted on June 21, 2017 by Mark Shields

Within Exodus 22:16-31 are various laws that keep people in a society responsible to each other. We are to respect and know that all people have value in God’s eye including widows, the oppressed, the poor, and the fatherless. The attitude towards those in need illustrates the mercy and compassion of our ONE true God.

Think of what you give to God in your time and financial resources. Then think about priorities. They should match so that we are committed to love each other in the same way that God loves us. We are to be responsible and have quality relationships. If we love and serve God, we will also love His people and be focused on what is good for them.

We can put God first in the future by studying how Jesus lived on earth and by knowing our purpose; what God wants from us. For where our treasure is, so is our heart. If we give our treasure to God, He can take it to the limit. Our treasure includes not only our money but also our time, our strengths, and expertise in certain areas.

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This day with You Lord, help us to see You in all that we do. We may see You in a song, in a prayer, or another blog post where we get a clearer picture of Christ. Help us to apply what we see in our daily life. Also, help us to encourage others going through difficult times. Amen.

 

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Be Strong and of Good Courage

Posted on June 20, 2017 by Mark Shields

Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. – Joshua 1:9

Within the passage Exodus 22:1-15 as written about in the post “Love Your Neighbor as Yourself” are penalties for deliberate theft and negligence. This passage elaborates on the Eighth Commandment in which the instruction is to not kill or steal but to show genuine concern for your neighbor.

In order to manage society’s problems, we should each show concern for our neighbor’s possessions and alert authorities if a theft or crime is taking place in our neighborhood. As in the song Voice of Truth by Casting Crowns, we should have the courage to make a stand against those who take advantage of others. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Mark Shields

Within the passage Exodus 22:1-15 are laid out penalties for deliberate theft including having to pay back four or five times the amount stolen.  There are also listed in this passage penalties for being negligent in taking care of another person’s property. The penalties include making restitution by paying for the loss or in some cases paying double (v. 9).

This passage elaborates on the Eighth Commandment as the justice of God is reflected in His instruction for the attitude toward that which belongs to others. The instruction is to not kill or steal but to love your neighbor as yourself.

The best way to manage societies problems are with neighbors helping neighbors. We should all value the property of others. We should want to have the best neighborhoods by being kind and having concern for our neighbor’s possessions. We should alert authorities if a theft or crime is taking place in our neighborhood.

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This day with You God, let us have concern for others. We have faith that our concern will be reciprocated. We will care about the property of others and they in turn will care about our property. Help us to have the attitude instructed in Your Eighth Commandment and watch out for the interest of our neighbors knowing that they will do the same for us. In Jesus name. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on June 18, 2017 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the journey and share more thoughts from the study of Exodus 22.

Below are some questions for reflection:

Exodus 22:1-15
*What penalty is laid out for deliberate theft? How does the penalty for being negligent in careless acts differ? Do you have a concern for others that extends to their possessions?

Exodus 22:16-31
*How does the attitude toward those in need illustrate the mercy and compassion of God? How do the things you give to God relate to your priorities? How can you put God first in the future?

Index of Devotionals

 

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible. 

 

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Purpose for this Moment

Posted on June 17, 2017 by Mark Shields

This day with God, believe He has placed you in your present circumstances for a reason. Be a leader within your family and those you see the most so they glorify God because of you. Have a wonderful Father’s Day!

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

God has a purpose
In those He has chosen
And warmed the heart
So the soul is not frozen.

Receiving instructions
Toward the Way,
Equipped to lead others
And be a mainstay.

In all circumstances,
God has placed you
Where you currently are
To be the glue.

Holding together
A society in need
And giving Him glory
By planting more seeds.

Putting things in order;
Getting things done;
Given a great purpose;
Instructed by the ONE.

By Mark Shields – © 06-15-2017
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