Author: Dave Miers

Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.

Our readings for today are Exodus 39-40 and Matthew 24:1-22.

Exodus 39-40 are the final two chapters of the book. If this is the first time you’ve read through the whole of Exodus, well done!

In chapter 39 we saw the detailed account of the making of the priestly garments. And then in chapter 40 we see the tabernacle erected. Moses has obeyed God and done everything required in its construction.

Let me read the final paragraph of the book.

Exodus 40:34–38

[34] Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. [35] And Moses was not able to enter the tent of meeting because the cloud settled on it, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle. [36] Throughout all their journeys, whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out. [37] But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not set out till the day that it was taken up. [38] For the cloud of the LORD was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was in it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their journeys. (ESV)

The glory of the LORD fills the tabernacle. This is a remarkable moment!

Continue reading “Feb 6 – Exodus 39-40; Matthew 24:1-22 – THE GLORY OF GOD”

Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.

Our two readings today are from Exodus 37-38 and Matthew 23:23-39.

My goal with this podcast is not just to give you my thoughts and reflections on the bible, but I want to be able to point you in the right direction so that you can dig deeper in God’s word on your own. And so today I want to highlight my top two Bible reference books.

I was recommended these books as an 18 year old. They are big and thick and would take a longtime to read through! But just like a dictionary, they are not meant to be read through, but to be dipped in and out of depending on what you want to look up.

What are the books? Both of them are published by IVP and they are called:

• The New Bible Dictionary
• The New Bible Commentary

They will cost you about $40 each. John Stott says: “I doubt if there is any better value for money today than the New Bible Dictionary and the New Bible Commentary. As basic books for every thinking Christian’s library they are indispensable.”

The New Bible Dictionary is a “comprehensive A – Z of Bible terms, place names, books, people and doctrines”. The New Bible Commentary is “a one-volume commentary on the whole Bible”.

I use them pretty much every week. The paper versions have more or less fallen apart, but I now also have a digital copy of both books. You could go to www.logos.com to download the digital, or order the paper ones online.

Continue reading “Feb 5 – Exodus 37-38; Matthew 23:23-39 – GOD’S DWELLING PLACE”

Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.

Our bible readings for today are Exodus 34-36 and Matthew 23:1-22.

According to McCrindle Research, 65% of Australians say they are negatively influenced by hypocrisy: where Christians fail to practise what they preach.

But here’s the thing, religious hypocrisy isn’t new! In fact, Jesus was against religious hypocrisy as well. In Matthew 23, Jesus speaks out against the religious leaders of his day. Most of the chapter is made up of a series of woes – or judgments – that Jesus pronounces over the Pharisees and other religious leaders for their hypocrisy.

Have a look at, Matthew 23:1–12

[1] Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, [2] “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, [3] so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. [4] They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. [5] They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, [6] and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [7] and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. [8] But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. [9] And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. [10] Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. [11] The greatest among you shall be your servant. [12] Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. (ESV)

They preach, but do not practice.
They place heavy burdens on people, but don’t lift a finger.
The deeds they do? They do to be seen and noticed
They love titles, but don’t love Jesus.
They exalt themselves, putting themselves at the centre of their religion.

Continue reading “Feb 4 – Exodus 34-36; Matthew 23:1-22 – RELIGIOUS HYPOCRISY”

Welcome to the “But first, Bible” daily devotional podcast with Dave Miers.

Our Bible readings for today are Exodus 31-33 and Matthew 22:23-46.

It’s Sunday – I hope and trust you’re able to get along to a gathering with God’s people somewhere near you today. Here are four questions for you to ask of one of the passages from today.

1. What do we learn about GOD?
2. What do we learn about PEOPLE?
3. What do we learn about God’s plan to save people through JESUS?
4. What should be our RESPONSE?

Continue reading “Feb 3 – Exodus 31-33; Matthew 22:23-46 – WEEKEND EDITION”