Reading 1 - Exodus 7 & 8

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8:19 the magicians assert that Moses' miracles are done by 'the finger of God'. Jesus, when being accused of casting out devils by Beelzebub asserts that he is casting out devils by the finger of God saying 'But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you'. Luke 11:20 to assert that the magicians in Egypt were more perceptive than those who were questioning his authority in performing miracles.
Peter Forbes

The two uses of language from Exodus 7 in Revelation 16 shows that the second woe produces judgements like the judgements on Egypt before the exodus.

8:19 In saying that the bringing forth of the lice was 'the finger of God' the Egyptian magicians acknowledged that it was beyond their power to produce such events. When Jesus [Matthew 12:28] says 'if I by the finger of God …' he is reminding the leaders of his days that even the Egyptian magicians recognised the hand of God at work - by implication they should have recognised it also.
Peter Forbes

7:13 The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is something to consider throughout the plagues. He started by hardening his own heart (see RV) but eventually God hardened his heart. He ended up being confirmed in his wickedness. We should beware lest God '(gives) us up' Psalm 81:12.

8:23 Part way thought the plagues God 'put a division between' Israel and the Egyptians. So we should ask 'Why did God bring some of the plagues upon His own people?' The answer is that Israel were rebellious in the land of Egypt and had refused to listen to one of God's prophets - probably Moses - and so were being punished (Ezekiel 20:6-8)
Peter Forbes

Reading 2 - Psalms 60 & 61

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61 v.4 - Here is our comfort. Whatever state we find ourselves in here in this life is of no consequence compared with what is laid up for ever. It is quite a theme in Psalms - 61:7, 23:6, 27:4, 90:1, 91:1. Let us too abide in that tabernacle for ever - not this one that we have now - 2Cor.5:1-5 - but the everlasting one - Rev.3:12.
Peter Cresswell

Psalm 61 - David feels able to cry to God for help :1 because he knows that God has heard him in the past :3. An example for us to follow. We must be aware of the ways in which God has been with us in the past else we will have no basis for confidence that He will help us in our present distresses.
Peter Forbes

60:6 In saying that 'God hath spoken in His holiness' David is reflecting what he said (Psalm 89:35) in response to the promise of the son (2 Samuel 7)

Psalm 61 - 'Neginoth' 05058 in the title means 'song' Job 30:9 And now am I their song 05058
Peter Forbes

In Psalm 37 David tells us to "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." (Psalm 37 v 4). What do we desire? What is it that we dream about, or wish we could do or have, of only we had the opportunity? If we were to be granted one wish, what would it be?

David’s wish was one that would be worth modeling our own wishes on. He said, "I long to dwell in your tent for ever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings." (Psalm 61 v 4). David wanted to be in the kingdom of God when it was established in righteousness for ever. There are so many things that we desire – good marks at school, a job, a car, a partner, a home, a family, health, success, and all the other little betterment’s that we desire for ourselves, but I think that David’s desire takes the cake. There is nothing better we could wish for than to be with God for ever. If this is on the top of our wish list we cannot go wrong, because all the other wishes will have their settlement when that time comes.

So as we consider our wish list today, let’s put David’s wish at the top. "I long to dwell in your tent for ever." Then let’s strive towards it with all of our hearts to be sure that our desire will be granted.
Robert Prins

Reading 3 - Romans 12

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v.1 Up to this point the apostle, by the spirit, has been outlining doctrines and their implications. In saying 'I beseech you therefore ...' he indicates that what follows is a logical consequence of believing correct doctrine. Paul continues in the letter to show how we can be a 'living sacrifice' [12:1] A living sacrifice is a sacrifice in which we conquer the mind of the flesh and manifest the mind of the spirit.
v.3-8 Paul returns to the theme of unity emphasising that unity is to be achieved amongst brethren and sisters who are different from each other. We should not seek to make our brethren and sisters conform to our image of normality.
Peter Forbes