Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord.

Leviticus 10

Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. v1-2

When God gives clear instructions, we are literally "playing with fire" when we willfully disregard the details of God's instructions.

Now, Israel, hear the decrees and laws I am about to teach you. Follow them so that you may live and may go in and take possession of the land the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the Lord your God that I give you. Deuteronomy 4:1-2

See also post here and here.  

God's design, His plans, His ways, all aspects and attributes of God are perfect - don't mess with them! 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - everything about You and all that You do reveal Your perfection and glory - there are NO Gods other than You.  You are the one true God - the Messiah!  And You came to save me!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such effort.  I fall down in my responsibilities.  Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.

Exodus 40

In all the travels of the Israelites, whenever the cloud lifted from above the tabernacle, they would set out; but if the cloud did not lift, they did not set out—until the day it lifted. So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels. v36-38

We need God to provide direction for us - we need to be in prayer and in the word so God can reveal His plans for us.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

We may not know all of what lies ahead but we know that God will be with us and that He will be a lamp unto our feet (Psalm 119:105).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and You provide - for all things.  I am grateful.  Thank You Jesus.  I am undeserving of Your love and care.  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal and cure Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them.

Exodus 39

The Israelites had done all the work just as the Lord had commanded Moses. Moses inspected the work and saw that they had done it just as the Lord had commanded. So Moses blessed them. v42-43

As they constructed the Tabernacle and Tent of Meeting, Moses and the Israelites did everything "just as the Lord commanded".  This phrase appears over 15 times in the books of Exodus and Numbers. 

These words offer both encouragement and a warning.

Encouragement in the sense that God blesses those who follow Him and His commandments.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Warning in the sense that we should avoid our own way of life but instead follow God alone.

"For if [Jesus' disciples] purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:38-39

 

See more here and here.

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me - thank You Jesus for giving me many second chances and for all the compassion and forgiveness You pour out for me.  Forgive me for my anger and impatience for others.  Help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers.

Exodus 35

He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers—all of them skilled workers and designers. v35

Arrogance is a sin that has afflicted me and God has done much to both humble me and sharpen me - I am grateful.  Scripture this morning reminds me that we are to remain humble and to understand where our blessings come from - not our own hand but from God alone.

We are given free will to exercise our ability to be a steward of our time, treasure and talents but again all these things come from God.

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

See also the Parable of the Talents.

We are to be humble.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God who has blessed me beyond what I deserve.  You loved me and rescued me while I was still sinning and You continue to love me now as my sin continues.  Thank You God but please forgive me for my selfishness and anger.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

[E]veryone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.

Exodus 35

[E]veryone who was willing and whose heart moved them came and brought an offering to the Lord for the work on the tent of meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments. v21

God wants us to be a cheerful giver - He commands us to tithe, yet we are to be cheerful as we do it because God is concerned about our heart condition not just our actions.  Note how in this chapter of Exodus it is stressed:

"All who were willing" v22
"All the Israelite men and women who were willing" v29

In the Old Testament, "freewill offering" is mentioned 22 times.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

It is the same thing in our relationship with Jesus: we are invited into a relationship with Him but we must accept this invitation and then submit to Him, in the same way He willingly laid down His life for us.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who willingly laid down Your life for me so that I would have victory over sin and death - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I am selfish and I have other sin that continues.  Please forgive me and help me turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message today and every day.

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord.

Exodus 34

When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the Lord. v29

We all want God to be us - and He is always.  This is a promise He makes many times - one such time is in Matthew 28:20. However, we should be more concerned about BEING more like Jesus. God wants us to glorify Him and bring others to Him - so we should focus on submitting to Him and allowing Him to work in and through us....just as Moses does here.

We want to be seen as the hands and feet (and face) of Jesus.

See Acts 6:15, where Stephen, although under arrest, faces the Sanhedrin and appears like an angel.

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know You love me and You are slow to anger and abounding in love and compassion for me.  I see this in my own life...daily.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am selfish and I have other sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.

Exodus 32

However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin. v34

When we sin - we should understand that God will forgive us if we ask, but we will never escape punishment for we are held accountable at the end of our lives for what we have done and we may even face justice in this life as scripture in verse 34 indicates.

For those who believe they can escape punishment - think again - nothing is hidden from our God who is all knowing.

God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. Romans 2:6-7

We should support and speak truth into one another's lives - see post yesterday.

And from each human being, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of another human being. Genesis 9:5

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion, beyond what my words can describe.  I know You love me and You are SO patient with me.  Thank You Jesus!  Please forgive me for my lack of grace for others.  Help me turn from my sin towards You and love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.”

Exodus 32

Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” v2

Aaron had Moses and vice versa - God recognized that men should serve and live together, sharpening each other (Proverbs 27:17).  While Moses was with the Lord on top of Mt Sinai, was surrounded by the Israelites who at this point have very short memories and whose faith is weak and dull. 

Pastor Marty yesterday indicated that we are to submit to one another as a result of being filled with the Spirit.  In the absence of another we are far more likely to succumb to temptation and sin.  As an example, Pastor Marty used Martin Luther as one whose turn to hatred and anti semitism resulted from his isolation.

We must have our one anothers and submit to them.  Se also posts here.

See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. We have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. Hebrews 3:12-15

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I know You are with me and You love me - thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love.  I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.

Exodus 24

To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain. v17

God IS a consuming fire - these words "consuming fire" appear ten times in the Bible, including this reference in Hebrews:

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God is a consuming fire".  Hebrews 12:28-29

The question is, do we submit to God to the extent that we allow God to be at the center of our lives - for this is what God desires for us.  See Matthew 22:37 where Jesus says the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, and mind". 

We must recognize this and submit to Him...

For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

...so that we can allow Him to work through us.

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 1 Thessalonians 2:13

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You ARE a consuming fire and I know You are work in me working for Your glory and my good - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such an effort - I am selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.

Exodus 23

See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion, since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out. v20-23

God is with us, but He is also ever present and all knowing and in control.  He knows what is ahead us because it is His plan for us and He will light our path and steady our feet.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God - I love You!  I know You love me and all of Your children. I am not worth such love - my sin continues.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

You are to be my holy people.

Exodus 22

You are to be my holy people. v31

In Exodus, the Lord gives the Israelites not only the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20), but also rules for living - God desires us to be Holy because we are made in His image and for His glory.

So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Genesis 1:27

The people] are the shoot I have planted, the work of my hands, for the display of my splendor.  Isiah 60:21

God calls us to be Holy because He is Holy.

See also posts here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are a great God, full of love, mercy, compassion, patience, etc. - thank You for Your love and sacrifice.  I am not worth such love.  I continue to sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.

Exodus 20

Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning. v20

In Exodus 19, God appeared to Moses and the Israelites at Mount Sinai:

On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. Exodus 19:16-19

In Exodus 20:18, the Israelites told Moses of their fear and Moses responded in v20.  We should fear God - He is in control, He knows everything, and He is all powerful.  At the same time, He loves us, is full of compassion, and patience, etc.; He knows what is good for us and He has a great plan for us.

These are just a few of the attributes of God - that He is with us and He is perfect.  He is with us because He loves us and He wants us to enjoy His blessings - and He knows that for us to enjoy His blessings we must abstain from sin and be holy (because He is holy).

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and compassion for me.  And You are with me - always - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I am often harsh with others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day. 

But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.”

Exodus 18

But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties and tens. Have them serve as judges for the people at all times, but have them bring every difficult case to you; the simple cases they can decide themselves. That will make your load lighter, because they will share it with you. If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied.” v21-23

Ever since creation (see Genesis 2:18), God designed it that we are to live here on earth together - with and for others.

We are to serve others, confess our sins to one another, and encourage one another.

See also:
- Acts 2:42-47 (early formation of church)
- Serve
- Encourage

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  James 5:13-16

Key also to this passage of scripture is how Moses received wise counsel and how we are to do the same - to both seek and receive.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, full of love and patience for me...thank You Jesus.  I am not deserving.  I allow my own comfort and selfishness to prevent me from seeking You. Please forgive me - help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind.  Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa from her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner.

Exodus 17

Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. v15

In life, we don't know what lies ahead - only God knows.  There may be good times, there may be bad times - regardless of whether the times are good or bad, God is with us (Matthew 28:20).  God knows all the days of our lives (Psalm 139) and he makes a number of promises to us (and God ALWAYS keeps His promises), including that He has a good and perfect plan for our life (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28), and that He is preparing a place for us in Heaven (John 14:2).

The Lord is MY Banner - he leads me and I can trust in Him.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. Psalm 40:2

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.  He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.  Psalm 23

My Prayer: Lord You are a GREAT God, who is always with me, who is perfect and good and who goes before me always and has a place for me in Heaven!  Thank You Jesus.  I am not worth such love.  I am harsh with my words.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions?

Exodus 16

How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? v28

  
As the grumbling and complaining continued, the Lord became impatient.  The Israelites were rescued from Egypt and God had been providing for their needs, yet the Israelites lacked faith - they would not follow His instructions because they did not believe or trust Him fully (which is the most important commandment - see Matthew 22:37).  God is indeed a patient God but His patience is not unlimited. 

See the story of Ananias and Sapphira - both held onto their money tightly, and God desires us to be a cheerful giver.

As well, we don't know when Jesus will return and we need to be ready.  In Revelations, God is angry with the church at Laodicea - that they are luke warm in their faith and clearly not "ready". 

Jesus, help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and run the race with endurance - being ready and not dropping my focus on You - on good days and bad.  I know You are with me.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed a great God!  Thank You for loving me and adopting my mom and for saving a place for her in Heaven where she is not enjoying everlasting life and peace.  Thank You Jesus.  Yet I fail to be more bold in sharing You with others.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin and towards You.  Help me be more bold.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.

Exodus 15

If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you. v26

It did not take more than 3 days of wandering (see v22) without water after God demonstrated his might and protection by parting the Red Sea - after these three days, the Israelites began to grumble once again.

We should of course not complain or grumble about our circumstances - see posts here.  We must live a life of gratitude, and draw near to God - see also post yesterday.

Lord, Your hand is mighty, and You protect me, You provide for me, and You love me - this I know.

Thank You Jesus!

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God - creator of all things and able to do anything.  Thank You for how You bless me.  I am undeserving.  I speak harsh things about others.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and have them choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.

Exodus 14

And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. v31

No doubt, an important verse from this chapter is verse 13-14 when Moses responded to the Israelites' fear of being recaptured or killed by the Egyptians who had pursued them into the desert:

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” v13-14

Yet what is important as well is how the Israelites recognize what God has done.  What is unfortunate about the Israelites is how short their memory was - they recognized being spared from all of the plagues brought by God upon Pharaoh and Egypt, yet failed to live a life of gratitude and in awe of God.

We need to be in awe of God DAILY.  

Blessed are those who listen to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting at my doorway. Proverbs 8:34

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23

 

Give us each day our daily bread. Luke 11:3

My Prayer: Jesus - You are an awesome God who has done mighty things in my life and in the world - far too many for me to mention - incredible and I stand in awe of You.  I am grateful that You are my God and I am Your child.  I love You.  I am not worth the love You have for me.  I continue to be harsh with my words and I am selfish.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

Exodus 13

By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people. v21-22

As the Israelites escaped Egypt, led by Moses and Aaron, God was with them and He led them.  The people always had a sign of how God was with them and that He was directing their steps.

All of God's children should know that He is with us and leading us - we should however, stay near to Him so that we can recognize His presence and His guidance.

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4:8

Your word is a lamp for my feet,

    a light on my path. Psalm 119:105

Help me appreciate daily how God is with me and directing my steps.

My Prayer:  Lord, You are an awesome God and I know You are always with me and always leading me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
 

But Moses said to the Lord, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?

Exodus 6

But Moses said to the Lord, “Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me? v30

Even the greatest amongst us have self doubt and fear.  Moses, who in Deuteronomy 34:10-12 is known as only lesser to Jesus himself, had his doubts.  God want us to rest in Him and know that He is with us - He says this to Moses and all of His children.

We can find rest from our concerns, doubts, and fears, in God. 

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 

God will equip us and give us confidence also.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus - what an awesome God You are!  In my times of worry, concern, doubt, etc. You have provided rest, confidence, and peace.  Thank You Jesus - thank You for being with me always.  I am not worth such love.  I speak harshly to others and I am selfish.  Please forgive me and help me overcome my sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.”

Exodus 5

Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? Ever since I went to Pharaoh to speak in your name, he has brought trouble on this people, and you have not rescued your people at all.” v22-23

The Lord has a plan - yet often we don't know all of what God's plan is or we don't know what His timing may be.  We may hear from God and feel led to better understand God's plan but it requires patience on our part AND a willingness to engage with God for Him to give us patience and for Him to reveal more of His plan to us.

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

 Sometimes we must just have faith.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. Psalm 27:14

 

There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

This is what the Lord says:

“In the time of my favor I will answer you,
    and in the day of salvation I will help you[.] Isaiah 49:8

 

See also posts here.  

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who has responded in prayer and delivered blessings beyond my imagination - You are always with me and hear my prayers.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I often do not do all that You desire for me.  Please forgive me and help me turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So the Lord let him alone.

Exodus 4

So the Lord let him alone. v26

God gives all of us a calling.  Although we may not understand the nature of our calling, we all have one and we must heed this call and be prepared.   We must take God's instructions seriously - note how Moses avoids death at God's hand only when Zipporah circumcises her son - something Moses should have done.

We don't know why Moses did not perform this circumcision himself but this commentary suggests that peer pressure from within the Midianite community was a factor.

For me, this Bible passage is a special message for fathers.  Fathers have specific instructions from God - see posts here and here and we are to perform these duties.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who is faithful.  You always keep Your promise.  And I know You are always with me and You have equipped me to be the father You desire for me.  Thank You Jesus.  However, I often fall down in this role.  Please forgive me.  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?

Exodus 3

Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt? v11

If you've ever been called to God to serve in a specific capacity, yet feel unequipped to do so, you know exactly how Moses feels.  I have felt that way - yet I know that I am only the hands and feet of Jesus and He does the work through me.  All I need to do is submit to His will and He will equip me.

I will be with you. v12

We must all serve.

 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord Ephesians 6:7

“Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”Mark 9:35

Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:26-28

Although Moses' reservations about serving continue in Exodus 4, he goes on to become a biblical hero with no equal (other than Jesus himself). Upon Moses death, the Bible says this about him:

Since then, no prophet has risen in Israel like Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, who did all those signs and wonders the Lord sent him to do in Egypt—to Pharaoh and to all his officials and to his whole land. For no one has ever shown the mighty power or performed the awesome deeds that Moses did in the sight of all Israel.  Deuteronomy 34:10-12.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what a great God You are!  I've seen Your glory in how You have equipped me to serve - what an awesome God You are!  You have blessed me and I know I have blessed others through Your work in me.  Thank You for using me and for the blessing to serve.  I am not worth such love - I continue in my sin.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them.

Exodus 2

So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them. v25

God is not some distant being that is not active in our lives.  First, we must understand that he is always with us and He will never leave us.

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. Matthew 28:20

God love us...deeply.  We may not understand (Isaiah 55:8) what He is doing in our lives in the moment but whatever He is doing is for His glory and our good.

Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity. Joel 2:13

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, I know that You are a God that never leaves us or forsakes us, nor do You stop loving us.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love as I continue to be selfish, etc. and other sin continues in my life.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.

Exodus 2

Looking this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. v12

We all have sin and it is not wise to attempt to hide our sin - for God knows all of our sin and He is willing to forgive us if we come to Him in confession and with a heart to repent.

God wants us to return to Him - if we earnestly repent, God will help us gain victory over sin. 

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. Luke 15:7

With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies. Psalm 108:13

 

My Prayer:  Lord Jesus, You have helped me gain victory over many sins in my life and I am grateful - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love and blessing.  Other sin continues in my life.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself strength and wisdom.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But his father refused and said, I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations.

Genesis 48

But his father refused and said, I know, my son, I know. He too will become a people, and he too will become great. Nevertheless, his younger brother will be greater than he, and his descendants will become a group of nations. v19

With Jesus, we are not to conform to the patterns of this world (see Romans 12:2), but instead to follow and make Jesus a priority and we do this by renewing our minds through study of His Word.

One example of this is how Jesus wants us to focus less on being first, just as Israel (Jacob) focuses on God's desires versus those of Joseph who wants his elder son to receive his father's blessing.  

We need not worry about being "first".

 “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” Luke 13:30

 

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23, Matthew 16:24

 

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an incredible God, full of love, patience, compassion and mercy for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such love.  I am lazy and selfish.  Please forgive me and help me overcome such sin and turn towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.