February 9, 2025 -Non-Negotiable

EXODUS 25:1-28:43

Chronological Bible Readings

Yesterday I was not on my usual routine and didn't get to do my bible reading in the morning. When I had free time in the afternoon I had forgotten that it wasn't done. So, when I woke up this morning it hit me that I had never read or posted for this morning. My routine was thrown off by going to a discipleship conference for the day. Ironically the thing that got me out of my routine was teaching the importance of spiritual non-negotiables in our lives. One of mine is daily bible reading and journaling on this blog. What a great example of how getting out of our routine can cause us to falter even in things that are highly important to us. We had talked about the fact that we can falter even in things that are "non-negotiable" for us. And when that happens it is very important that we get back to it as soon as we recognize it.

When I read today's reading it can be a tedious few chapters to read and I was thinking well now I bet I don't even get anything out of this reading. But one thing did catch my attention. But did didn't know why.

Exodus 28:36 “Make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it as on a seal: holy to the Lord.

I didn't think much on it but as I wrote about my failure in doing my reading and writing yesterday because I didn't prioritize it in my day, I started thinking about the chapters I had read. The instructions for building the tabernacle and the dress for the priests etc. were very specific. It was all very regimented and were "non-negotiable". There is value in routine and rules.

I don't remember reading before that Aaron would wear a gold plate with the words "holy to the Lord" on his turban before. But that is what it means to have spiritual non-negotiables in our lives. Things that we are willing to dedicate as "holy to the Lord". Things that we will not waver on how important it is in our life. One of the exercises yesterday included writing things down on a calendar. We may not write on our forehead that something is of the utmost spiritual importance and that we are dedicating it to the Lord but we can write it down. And when we write it down we can think of that as labeling it as "holy to the Lord". We are human and we will not do any of this perfectly but when we make a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual disciplines in our lives and to dedicate time to them as "holy to the Lord" then we are more likely to return to them when we falter.

My time with God reading His word and listening to what He has to say to me through His word is non-negotiable thing and I am so grateful for His grace when I miss the mark.