Exodus 21-22 ; Proverbs 5:1-14 ; Mark 2:18–3:30 "An Eye, A Face, and A Hand" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pencil Sketch on Paper In Exodus 21-22, we find God’s general regulations for living – given specifically to the Israelites – but meaningful and useful for us all, both Jew and Gentile alike.  In chapter 21, we see the legal regulations that governed relationships between masters and servants (also slaves) and the processes for their redemption.  In Scripture, rede

Exodus 19-20 ; Psalm 22:12-21 ; Mark 1:29–2:17 "Multicolored Variation, II" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Mixed Media on Paper Today’s readings cover a broad variety of topics.  God’s Word is such a resource of treasures!  In Exodus 19-20, we observe the Israelites along their journey to Mt. Sinai.  This is a pivotal chapter both in Exodus and in their history; the Israelites are about to make a monumental choice that will affect their spiritual direction forever – and

Exodus 17-18 ; Psalm 22:1-11 ; Mark 1:1-28 "My Left Hand" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pencil Sketch on Paper We have already witnessed the Israelites’ whining in the wilderness (cf., Exodus 16:2).  Today, in Exodus 17-18, we see them “ quarreling  with Moses and grumbling  against him” (Exodus 17:2-3).  They ask him, “Why did you bring us up out of Egypt?” (verse 3) – as if they had no interest in leaving Egypt.  How foolish and forgetful they were (and sometimes, we

Exodus 15-16 ; Psalm 21:8-13 ; Matthew 28 "A Classmate, II" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Watercolor on Paper Today’s readings reveal how God is ever-present with us, and how He watches over us, protects us, and provides for us, although we notice both praises and grumbling.  In Exodus 15, we read the Song of Moses and Miriam – a song they sang unto the LORD.  Beginning with the LORD’s exaltation for “hurling the horse and the rider into the sea” (verse 1), this song ca

Exodus 13-14 ; Proverbs 4:20-27 ; Matthew 27:45-66 "Media Room Door" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Pencil Sketch on Paper Today’s readings bring us to Exodus 13-14.  The last thing we read in chapter 12 was that “All the Israelites did just what the LORD had commanded” (verse 50).  Doing “just what the LORD commands” is the biblical definition of obedience, which is God’s standard for spiritual effectiveness.  Wherever we find God’s people obeying Him – there we see the

Exodus 11-12 ; Psalm 21:1-7 ; Matthew 27:11-44 "Print Varieties" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Ink & Styrofoam on Paper Both the Old Testament and New Testament readings for today dovetail prophetically to reveal and identify the Person and work of Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God.  It is amazing how – from before the foundation of the world – God has devised and set into motion His eternal plan.  Here in these Scriptures, as we consider the unfolding of God’s plan by Hi

Exodus 9-10 ; Psalm 20 ; Matthew 26:69–27:10 "View from Our Balcony" © by Terri L. Stricker - Original Ink & Watercolor on Paper All of our readings today are especially meaningful and applicable for us.  In Exodus 9-10, we see how foolish Pharaoh behaves – the stubborn hardening of a leader’s heart to the detriment and entire ruin of his own kingdom!  Sound vaguely familiar?  We have already seen the plagues of blood, frogs, gnats, and flies.  Each of these plagues targete