A true leader takes responsibility for the group he leads. He includes himself in that group even if he doesn’t join along in sinful practice. He knows he will be held accountable for their behavior, so he treats sin as serious. Notice how Moses addresses God “but please forgive our iniquities and our sin”. He wasn’t doing the sinning, the people were, but he knew he was a sinner. Great, effective leaders know this, and lead by promoting this kind of attitude.
8 Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped. 9 And he said, “O Lord, if it is true that I have found favor with You, then please travel with us. Yes, this is a stubborn and rebellious people, but please forgive our iniquity and our sins. Claim us as Your own special possession.”
Exodus 34:8-9
An Ordinary Man's Pursuit of the Extraordinary God of the Bible. These are daily insights from reading the Bible from cover to cover yearly. It is intended to point others to the Truth, and inspire people to pursue the God of the Bible individually.
Friday, May 15, 2026
Thursday, May 14, 2026
When People Try To Please God…
How is it possible to forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin, but not excuse the guilty? The answer, Jesus. Jesus is the Answer for the world. It’s because of Him we can be forgiven, and not violate God’s character. And the best part is it’s a free gift. No one can earn it, work for it, or deserve it. It’s simply a free gift. When people try to please God (without Jesus) by doing righteous works, they will never succeed. It’s like having a long jump contest over the Grand Canyon. Sure there will be people who jump farther away from the edge, but they all fall the same distance down. No one can jump across the vast divide of the canyon. But Jesus is the bridge that connects the divide. Only by walking on Him (by faith), can one successfully cross the canyon. Christianity is complicated, but simple. The only thing holding a man back from God, is his pride, which says, “I’m not crossing that Jesus’ bridge, I’m gonna do it myself “. The only place that ever gets people is the bottom of the canyon. God’s grace is unfathomable, and yet free. It’s complex, yet simple. It’s forgiving, yet just. The greatest thing anyone could ever learn and embrace on this earth is the Gospel of Jesus. Make it a priority in your life and your life will be full. Make it a priority in your life and it will have purpose. Make it a priority in your life and you will have peace, security, and wholeness. Make it a priority in your life and you’ll learn how to love, passing that on to 1000 generations.
5 Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and He called out His own name, Yahweh. 6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord!The God of compassion and mercy!I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected–even children in the third and fourth generations.” Exodus 34:5-7
5 Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; and He called out His own name, Yahweh. 6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, “Yahweh! The Lord!The God of compassion and mercy!I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.7 I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin. But I do not excuse the guilty. I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren; the entire family is affected–even children in the third and fourth generations.” Exodus 34:5-7
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Your Presence Is For Our Good…
This passage is one of the greatest in all of the Bible. Moses declares God’s presence is vital to our existence. Knowing God helps us enjoy His blessings more. It’s God’s presence that sets us apart from all other people. It’s what’s lacking in failed witness attempts. Anytime someone tries to witness, speak truth, or glorify God without consulting with Him first, will not accomplish true glory. If we forget, or neglect, our communication with God, how can we expect to accomplish His will? Moses knew this, it’s why he asked God to go with them into the promised land, to show him His glory. He knew they couldn’t go without Him. Do you see God this way? Do you consult with Him in prayer every day? I know I have work to do to improve my relationship with Him. “Lord, continue to reveal Yourself to us, for Your presence is for our good.”
12 One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But You haven’t told me whom You will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13 If it is true that You look favorably on me, let me know Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy Your favor. And remember that this nation is Your very own people.”14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest–everything will be fine for you.”15 Then Moses said, “If You don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that You look favorably on me–on me and on Your people–if You don’t go with us? For Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”18 Moses responded, “Then show me Your glorious presence.”19 The Lord replied, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will call out My name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at My face, for no one may see Me and live.” 21 The Lord continued, “Look, stand near Me on this rock. 22 As My glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove My hand and let you see Me from behind. But My face will not be seen.” Exodus 33:12-23
12 One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But You haven’t told me whom You will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13 If it is true that You look favorably on me, let me know Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy Your favor. And remember that this nation is Your very own people.”14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest–everything will be fine for you.”15 Then Moses said, “If You don’t personally go with us, don’t make us leave this place. 16 How will anyone know that You look favorably on me–on me and on Your people–if You don’t go with us? For Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.”17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”18 Moses responded, “Then show me Your glorious presence.”19 The Lord replied, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will call out My name, Yahweh, before you. For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose. 20 But you may not look directly at My face, for no one may see Me and live.” 21 The Lord continued, “Look, stand near Me on this rock. 22 As My glorious presence passes by, I will hide you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will remove My hand and let you see Me from behind. But My face will not be seen.” Exodus 33:12-23
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Are You A Sheep Or Are You A Goat?
In this passage, Jesus talks about the final judgement. He describes the behaviors of those who serve and love Him, verses the attitudes of those that don’t. The passage goes on to describe the behaviors that lead to life and the ones that lead to death. The takeaway from this passage couldn’t be more clear: it’s not so much about whether we recognize those in need and do something about it, because there will be times we don’t act on what we know we should do, the major point is are you a sheep or are you a goat?
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.33 He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left.34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.35 For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home.36 I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.’37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink?38 Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing?39 When did we ever see You sick or in prison and visit You?’40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!’41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed Me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give Me a drink.43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite Me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give Me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit Me.’44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help You?’45 “And He will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help Me.’46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit upon His glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered in His presence, and He will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.33 He will place the sheep at His right hand and the goats at His left.34 “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.35 For I was hungry, and you fed Me. I was thirsty, and you gave Me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited Me into your home.36 I was naked, and you gave Me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you visited Me.’37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink?38 Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing?39 When did we ever see You sick or in prison and visit You?’40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were doing it to Me!’41 “Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons.42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed Me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give Me a drink.43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite Me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give Me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit Me.’44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help You?’45 “And He will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these My brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help Me.’46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
Monday, May 11, 2026
God’s Presence….
The greatest joy we will ever experience is God’s presence. We have the opportunity to experience it every single day. Don’t miss out.
6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of Your presence. Psalms 21:6
6 You have endowed him with eternal blessings and given him the joy of Your presence. Psalms 21:6
Sunday, May 10, 2026
There Is No Substitute For Being Connected With…
How many churches in America have strayed from God? How many have left the adherence to what scripture teaches? How many have bought into the liberal agenda? I don’t mean to be offensive but the answer is more than we think. Without a connection to God, man will worship whatever is available. In the Israelites case, it was the golden calf. Moses was on the mountain for a long time, so without strong, godly leadership, the people rebelled. And worse yet, Aaron caved in to their demands, by making a golden calf and altar. Nothing good comes from a church or group of so-called followers, when they abandon God’s truth. Many churches today promote being pro-choice, allow same-sex marriage, believe in transgender ideology, practice hypocrisy, and so on. There is no substitute for being connected with the Living God, but yet many people try to substitute other things with worship because they lack the connection with the real One. Never allow yourself to worship, or give your heart’s greatest desire over to, anything but Jesus. He’s the only One worthy of our deepest affection.
1 When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.”2 So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.”3 All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!”5 Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!”6 The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.7 The Lord told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. 8 How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’ ” Exodus 32:1-8
1 When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.”2 So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.”3 All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!”5 Aaron saw how excited the people were, so he built an altar in front of the calf. Then he announced, “Tomorrow will be a festival to the Lord!”6 The people got up early the next morning to sacrifice burnt offerings and peace offerings. After this, they celebrated with feasting and drinking, and they indulged in pagan revelry.7 The Lord told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. 8 How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’ ” Exodus 32:1-8
Saturday, May 9, 2026
People May Work Really Hard…
People may work really hard on fine tuning their skills and talents, but it’s God Who gives us these gifts. Never forget this.
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!6 “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make: Exodus 31:1-6
1 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Look, I have specifically chosen Bezalel son of Uri, grandson of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!6 “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make: Exodus 31:1-6
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