As children of God, we are people of hope.

We believe the God who created the universe has actually changed us when we accept Christ into our hearts, and that means we have the power to make good choices.

Using this example from Proverbs, we are no longer free to cause trouble or to be mean and cruel.

Leadership is never an easy task. Indeed dealing with people, whether co-workers or family members, is often a challenge. It is no surprise that Moses would seek the assurance of God’s presence. The responsibility of leadership can be lonely. After a long day, we seek the soothing touch of God like a child longs for his parent, who reminds him that he is on the right path and assures him that he is not alone.

There is nothing sweeter than having a relationship restored. Strained friendships are a burden for both parties. An unwillingness to forgive robs everyone of joy.

The forgiveness of God is complete and thorough. The invitation extended to Moses highlights the restorative mercy of God. Moses is asked to chisel two tablets of stone like those he broke in anger.

Spending time together is critical for healthy relationships. Regular intimate conversations are the foundation of lasting marriages and friendships. In fact, sometimes it seems that facial features of married couples even begin to grow in similarity. This might cause anxiety for some but relief for others!

For Moses intimacy with God was a rare blessing.

The people of God have everything they need to accomplish what God requires. When God gave instructions for the building of the temple, the furnishings, art work and embroidery, all the necessary resources were also supplied. The Spirit of God filled Bezalel with wisdom, understanding, knowledge and all kinds of skills (v 31). God also gave Oholiab and Bezalel the skill to teach others (v 34). God freely extended ability to everyone who was willing to come and do the work (36:2).

One thing about Jesus, nobody has ever ignored him. Even in our day, it seems, everybody has an opinion about him. Some think he’s a fine example, others that he is great prophet, others a great figure of history. Yet others only know his name, which they use to curse the people and events that bother them.

Then there’s another group, in which, I pray, you count yourself.

Have you ever noticed the prominent role that trees play in the Bible? The creation account in Genesis begins with God planting two very special trees in the Garden of Eden: the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. After our first parent’s disobedience, we were banned from access to the Tree of Life. But the amazing, good news of the Bible is that at the end of the book, in the last chapter of the Book of Revelation, God restores our access to the Tree of Life (Revelation 22:1-5).