Exodus 5-8
Day 23 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Moses and Aaron's confrontation with Pharaoh over a request from Moses that he take the Israelites into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to God.
During this time, Pharaoh's heart is hardened five times - despite it becoming clear to readers that God is working in the plagues demonstrated in Egypt and even Pharaoh's magicians indicated that “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19).
All of us may have experienced hardness of heart towards God at one time or another or we know others in our lives who have. We need hope that God can soften hardened hearts.
For a perspective on this - check out John Piper's post "Does God Ever Soften a Heart He Has Hardened?". See also this post for thoughts on how a hunger and thirst for righteousness ignites a "greater and greater flame of passion for God in our hearts".
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has softened my heart towards Yourself and towards others - thank You Jesus! I am grateful. Yet I am undeserving of Your mercy. I am often harsh with others. 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 love me. 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. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. 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 this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go. Exodus 8:32
Day 23 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) focuses on Moses and Aaron's confrontation with Pharaoh over a request from Moses that he take the Israelites into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to God.
During this time, Pharaoh's heart is hardened five times - despite it becoming clear to readers that God is working in the plagues demonstrated in Egypt and even Pharaoh's magicians indicated that “This is the finger of God” (Exodus 8:19).
All of us may have experienced hardness of heart towards God at one time or another or we know others in our lives who have. We need hope that God can soften hardened hearts.
For a perspective on this - check out John Piper's post "Does God Ever Soften a Heart He Has Hardened?". See also this post for thoughts on how a hunger and thirst for righteousness ignites a "greater and greater flame of passion for God in our hearts".
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has softened my heart towards Yourself and towards others - thank You Jesus! I am grateful. Yet I am undeserving of Your mercy. I am often harsh with others. 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 love me. 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. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. 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.
