Category: Exodus

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Give Honor

Today would have been my parents seventy-seventh wedding anniversary. Each time this day arrives on the calendar my heart is flooded with wonderful memories and a sense of love.

Dad has been in heaven for seventeen years and Mom joined him a year ago. Theirs was not a perfect marriage but we always knew they loved each other and would work together to make it through the tough times. I am so glad for that example.

One of the Ten Commandments is for us to honor our fathers and mothers.

“You must honor and respect your father and your mother. Do this so that you will have a full life in the land that the Lord your God gives you.” Exodus 20:12 ERV

Parents were established by God to be an outreach of His love to us, His children. When we honor them as His authority in the home, we are honoring His word. We are honoring Him.

We have a promise of long life if we honor and obey our parents.

“Children, obey your parents the way the Lord wants, because this is the right thing to do. 2 The command says, “You must respect your father and mother.” This is the first command that has a promise with it. 3 And this is the promise: “Then all will go well with you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-3 ERV

I wasn’t always the most obedient child, that I will admit. I had my times of doing my own thing and going my own way but still they loved me.

It breaks my heart when I see kids who disrespect their parents, who feel their ways are old fashioned and out of touch. It makes me wonder how our heavenly Father’s heart must ache for His children who are “off doing their own thing”.

“A few days later the younger son gathered up all that he had and left. He traveled far away to another country, and there he wasted his money living like a fool…The son realized that he had been very foolish. He thought, ‘All my father’s hired workers have plenty of food. But here I am, almost dead because I have nothing to eat…While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him coming and felt sorry for him. So he ran to him and hugged and kissed him…My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!’ So they began to have a party.” Luke 15:11-24 ERV

Even when we are gone from His presence, the Father is watching for us to come home. When we come back, He runs to embrace us and welcomes us with loving arms.

If you’re earthly parents are gone, like mine are, and you feel that you didn’t show them the honor and respect they were due, go to the heavenly Father and repent. He has a forgiving heart and open arms.

If your parents weren’t loving or godly, go to the Father and let Him heal those hurts and embrace you as His child.

If you still have your folks give them a call. Tell them you love them and thank them for doing the best they knew how in raising you. Give them honor as God instructed us too.

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Keep Your Hands Full

The last couple of days the blog has focused on words – God’s Word and our words. This morning we’re going to see how the two of them line up.

When the Lord called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt Moses felt unprepared. The Lord told him the shepherd’s rod that he carried would be used as a sign of God’s power.

“‘The Lord answered, “What’s that in your hand?” “A walking stick,” Moses replied. 3 “Throw it down!” the Lord commanded. So Moses threw the stick on the ground. It immediately turned into a snake, and Moses jumped back.4 “Pick it up by the tail!” the Lord told him. And when Moses did this, the snake turned back into a walking stick.5 “Do this,” the Lord said, “and the Israelites will believe that you have seen me, the God who was worshiped by their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’” Exodus 4:2-5 CEV

Moses held that rod up, before God and the enemy, as a remembrance that God said He would fight for Israel and defeat their enemies and lead them into the Promised Land. God has promised to fight for us and defeat our enemies.

God has placed a rod in our hands but it’s more powerful than any sword or physical implement of battle.

“God’s word is alive and working. It is sharper than the sharpest sword and cuts all the way into us. It cuts deep to the place where the soul and the spirit are joined. God’s word cuts to the center of our joints and our bones. It judges the thoughts and feelings in our hearts. 13 Nothing in all the world can be hidden from God. He can clearly see all things. Everything is open before him. And to him we must explain the way we have lived.” Hebrews 4:12-13 CEV

When we know and speak God’s word it reinforces us with courage and hope. It keeps us from falling into the sin of worry and discouragement.

God’s word is powerful enough to give us new life in Christ. It is rich enough to provide salvation – wholeness, soundness – in every situation. A centurion captain came to Jesus and asked that his servant be healed.

“But the officer said, “Lord, I’m not good enough for you to come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. 9  I have officers who give orders to me, and I have soldiers who take orders from me. I can say to one of them, ‘Go!’ and he goes. I can say to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes. I can say to my servant, ‘Do this!’ and he will do it.’ 10 When Jesus heard this, he was so surprised that he turned and said to the crowd following him, “I tell you in all of Israel I’ve never found anyone with this much faith!” Matthew 8:8-10 CEV

The centurion knew the power of words spoken by one in authority. He knew the words spoken by Jesus would bring results.

In our battle today we have a rod, a powerful sword in our hand and the word of God in our mouth – we have all we need to defeat our enemy. Jesus is our example – when He was tempted by satan His weapon of defense was “it is written, it is written, it is written”.

Our response should be the same!

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Walk of Victory

A new day! A fresh start – opportunities, potential, promise all lay ahead of you today. How will you spend the time that God has given you today?

If there are obstacles in your way do what Moses did:

“And the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me.” Exodus 8:20 NKJV

Speak to Pharaoh and tell him the Great I AM – has freed you from his power and set you in a place of victory.

Joshua told us we would have good success if we meditated on God’s word day and night.

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:8-9 NKJV

And King David told us to rise early and seek God.

“Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You.9 Deliver me, O LORD, from my enemies; In You I take shelter.10 Teach me to do Your will, For You are my God; Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.” Psalm 143:8-10 NKJV

This morning in my prayer time the Lord reminded me of the times I have gotten up and told Him, “Father, I just feel like I want to fall into a heap”. But then He also reminded me of why I got up and kept going.

“Children, you belong to God, and you have defeated these enemies. God’s Spirit is in you and is more powerful than the one who is in the world.” I John 4:4 CEV

Don’t despise getting up early. It’s God’s time of preparation, getting you ready for the day and a walk of victory!

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Complete Trust

As I sat down with my coffee this morning, I picked up my journal and wrote, “I don’t know what today has in store, but You do and I trust You. Thank You for being completely trustworthy”.

And then I began to meditate on two words – completely trustworthy.

Can someone be trustworthy without being completely trustworthy? No, I don’t think that’s possible. The word “trustworthy” means one thing – worthy of trust. If there is ever a situation when someone or something can’t be trusted, then they stop being trustworthy.

Knowing God’s character, knowing His heart, we know that He is always worthy of our trust. He does not lie; He does not change, He is always the same.

“That is, the Lord passed in front of Moses and said, ‘Yahweh, the Lord, is a kind and merciful God. He is slow to become angry. He is full of great love. He can be trusted.'” Exodus 34:6 ERV

The Lord said that about Himself. There is no one greater to give testimony of God’s faithfulness.

“God is not a man; he will not lie. God is not a human being; his decisions will not change.
If he says he will do something, then he will do it. If he makes a promise, then he will do what he promised.” Numbers 23:19 ERV

Completely trustworthy.

When God gives us His promise, He keeps it. Many times, placing our trust in Him bypasses our understanding. We are limited in our scope of knowledge but His is infinite. He knows the beginning from the end. He knows our future and the path we should be taking.

“Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ERV

As all of this was filling my heart and mind, the words of a song came rushing in. It was written by Rita Springer, Josh Baldwin, Ethan Gregory Hulse, and Marcus R Harris. This song has become my anthem when worry and fear try to captivate me, “Stand in Your Love”.

“When darkness tries to roll over my bones
When sorrow comes to steal the joy I own
When brokenness and pain is all I know
Oh, I won’t be shaken, no, I won’t be shaken

My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love
My fear doesn’t stand a chance
When I stand in Your love!”

Fears, and we will have them, dissipate when I focus on the love of the Father. He has promised to never leave me or abandon me. He has promised to be my protector and my provider. He has promised to forgive all my sins and He has promised to adopt me as His own. He has promised that His love with never fail.

Fear doesn’t stand a chance when I focus on His love. He is completely trustworthy!

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How Big Is God?

That’s a good question! How would you answer it?

This morning as I sit here trying to formulate my answer, I am reminded of the many examples of God’s greatness in the Bible. Let me share a few:

  • In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
  • He saved Noah during the flood
  • Parted the Red Sea
  • Had the sun stand still
  • Delivered Daniel from the lions
  • Helped David kill Goliath with a stone
  • Blinded an entire army
  • Raised Lazarus from the dead
  • Stopped a storm at sea
  • Orchestrated a jail break
  • Opened blind eyes
  • Healed a blood disease
  • Turned water to wine
  • Defeated death

“The Lord is your God. He is the God of gods and the Lord of lords. He is the great God. He is the amazing and powerful fighter. To him everyone is the same. He does not accept money to change his mind. 18 He defends widows and orphans. He loves even the strangers living among us. He gives them food and clothes. 19 So you must also love them, because you yourselves were strangers in the land of Egypt. 20 “You must respect the Lord your God and worship only him. Never leave him. When you make promises, you must use his name only. 21 He is the one you should praise. He is your God. He has done great and amazing things for you. You have seen them with your own eyes.” Deuteronomy 10:17-21 ERV

I guess the next question is this. How big do you need God to be?

“He made heaven and earth. He made the sea and everything in it. He can be trusted to do what he says. 7 He does what is right for those who have been hurt. He gives food to the hungry. The Lord frees people locked up in prison.8 The Lord makes the blind see again.
The Lord helps those who are in trouble. The Lord loves those who do right. 9 The Lord protects strangers in our country. He cares for widows and orphans, but he destroys the wicked. 10 The Lord will rule forever!” Psalm 146:6-10 ERV

What are you facing that is too big or too hard for God to handle?

There is a whole lot of craziness going on in our world but none of it is bigger than our God. All of it combined isn’t bigger than our God!

“God said to Moses: I am the eternal God. So tell them that the Lord, whose name is “I Am,” has sent you. This is my name forever, and it is the name that people must use from now on.” Exodus 3:14-15 CEV

As big and as great as God is He stills gives us an open invitation to come straight to His throne and find help in our time of need!

How big is God? He’s big enough to handle all my worries and concerns. My God, and my Father is big enough to handle it all!

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What Am I Missing?

For years I have had a wonderful fascination with clouds. I’m not sure when it began or why, but I know I have taken hundreds, if not thousands, of photos with nothing but clouds.

When we left the Big Sky Country of Montana and moved back to Arizona eight years ago, I was concerned that I wouldn’t have a view where I could enjoy the clouds. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered the path of my morning walk took me to wide open space with an unrestricted view of the sky.

Those of you who were following my blog last summer were the beneficiary of my mountain views and the wonderful cloud formations that I enjoyed nearly every day. Last night coming home from a day’s Good Samaritan outing, I was greeted by this sight as we rounded the bend and started to drop down into our little hidden valley.

That cloud spoke volumes to my heart! It was welcoming me home, but it was also a vivid reminder of the Father’s hand of protection.

“21 The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. 22 And the Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people.” Exodus 13:21-22 NLT

When the Israelites left Egypt, the Bible tells us the Lord guided them with a cloud by day and fire by night. This cloud shaded them from the scorching sun and the fire pillar kept them warm at night. The cloud also rested between them and their pursuers when they crossed the Red Sea.

Protection and direction.

My thoughts center on that when I see a cloud of this magnitude. I’m captured by the greatness of our God who promises to be our shield and our defense. I don’t like cloudless skies.

The Bible tells us about another cloud – a cloud we should all be looking for.

“16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a commanding shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. First, the believers who have died will rise from their graves. 17 Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. 18 So encourage each other with these words.” I Thessalonians 4:16-18 NLT

When the Lord returns to gather the believers and take them to heaven, He will come in the clouds! Dave used to tease me and tell me that I would probably be photographing clouds on the day of the Lord’s return. I really can’t imagine anything more wonderful!

As I stare at those cloud filled skies my heart is at peace, I am comforted by a sense of my Father’s presence. Where are you leading me today? I don’t want to miss out on anything you have planned for me.

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No More Excuses

I know I need to but…

Excuses – none of us like excuses. As parents we have heard our children give us a 1000 reasons why they couldn’t or didn’t do what they were told. As co-workers we hear the reasons and excuses on why something wasn’t their responsibility or in their job description.

We have a large segment of our society that won’t take or accept responsibility for their own actions but are quick to justify or excuse their actions.

It’s frustrating to say the least!

Now imagine you are God. How many times each minute do you hear excuses. The devil made me do it was the first excuse ever; I’m not qualified, I’m not talented, I’m too busy…on and on it goes. I was reminded of Moses this morning – making excuses.

“Moses asked the Lord, ‘Suppose everyone refuses to listen to my message, and no one believes that you really appeared to me?'” Exodus 4:1 CEV

And the Lord provided him with signs and an answer.

Then”Moses replied, “I have never been a good speaker. I wasn’t one before you spoke to me, and I’m not one now. I am slow at speaking, and I can never think of what to say.” Exodus 4:10 CEV

The Lord provided him with an additional answer.

Resistance, excuse #3. “Moses begged, ‘Lord, please send someone else to do it.’” Exodus 4:13 CEV

At this point the Lord is angered. He isn’t mad like we get mad but He was angered by Moses’ resistance to obeying what he has been asked to do. It’s as if Moses were saying, I know it’s you Lord but that’s just not enough.

Have you ever said something like that to the Lord? Me neither – ya, right! The Lord has given us His promise to never leave us or forsake us and He’s given us the Holy Spirit to be our strength and our guide, what more do we need? He’s even given us His Word filled with examples of His faithfulness to people in the past.

The Lord will listen to our fears, our concerns and our excuses but He will remind us that He has called us; He won’t give up on us.

“Aaron will speak to the people for you, and you will be like me, telling Aaron what to say. I will be with both of you as you speak, and I will tell each of you what to do. 17 Now take this walking stick and use it to perform miracles.” Exodus 4:16-17 CEV

No more excuses – time to go and do what we are called to do knowing that the Lord’s power and promises won’t fail!

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The Gift of Trust

Up earlier than usual this morning. Couldn’t sleep, lots on my mind. Made my way to the sofa to read and pray…for family, friends, our nation, personal circumstances and things that had to be prayed through by the Holy Spirit.

As I read, the word “trust” repeatedly came from the pages and from my heart. Really, that’s what Christmas is all about – trusting that the gift of His Son would bring us all the salvation that the Father had planned. Trusting in His goodness and love; his mercy and grace.

Trusting that the Father is always faithful!

“ Then the Lord came down to him in a cloud, stood there with Moses, and spoke his own name. 6 That is, the Lord passed in front of Moses and said, “Yahweh, the Lord, is a kind and merciful God. He is slow to become angry. He is full of great love. He can be trusted.” Exodus 34:5-6 ERV

“So remember that the Lord your God is the only God, and you can trust him! He keeps his agreement. He shows his love and kindness to all people who love him and obey his commands. He continues to show his love and kindness through a thousand generations,” Deuteronomy 7:9 ERV

The Father knows we have a tendency to forget things and He never wants us to forget His love and faithfulness so He repeatedly reminds of it through His word.

“God’s way is perfect. The Lord’s promise always proves to be true. He protects those who trust in him. 32 There is no God except the Lord. There is no Rock except our God.” II Samuel 20:31-32 ERV

What a precious gift we have been given! We have the Father’s promise and He is completely worthy of trust – there is no God except our Lord.

“So come near to God with a sincere heart, full of confidence because of our faith in Christ. 23 We must hold on to the hope we have, never hesitating to tell people about it. We can trust God to do what he promised.” Hebrews 10:22b-23 ERV

This morning I needed to be reminded to trust! I found myself wavering, on the verge of worry and that’s when I heard in my heart “I trust You”. May you need to hear those same words today – “I trust You”. The Lord is faithful; His word never fails, He always keeps His promises.

A few days back I told you about my favorite Christmas CD, The Gift, by Kenny Rogers. I want to share just a few lyrics from one of the songs on that album.

“God said, Mary pure and holy
With this baby, I trust you
She said, surely I’m not worthy
And it scares me, but I trust you.

Underneith a shining star
In a manger stall
Mary held the gift of love
God gave to us all.

Precious baby pure and holy
I’m not worthy, but I trust you

Precious baby pure and holy
Will you save me, I trust you
Son of Mary, I trust you…*

Receive this wonderful gift that the Father has given us – open your heart and say “Son of Mary, Son of God, I trust you”!

*I Trust You written by Skip Ewing and Don Schlitz

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A Stubborn Mule

Have you ever faced a dilemma when you wondered which way you should go – which was the right decision to make? I have on multiple occasions. In fact, Dave and I have a few decisions ahead of us in the next few weeks that we are still seeking the Lord’s direction on.

It’s great to know that we aren’t left to our own limited knowledge. We have Someone we can talk to and gain insight from Who knows the beginning and the end. Someone who is infinite in wisdom and willing to help.

“I was still being held prisoner in the courtyard of the palace guards when the Lord told me: ‘I am the Lord, and I created the whole world. 3 Ask me, and I will tell you things that you don’t know and can’t find out.'” Jeremiah 33:1-3 CEV

I am so grateful that His wisdom goes far beyond mine and that I can depend on the Lord to give me the direction I need. His wisdom keeps us from making mistakes if we are willing to listen.

“You said to me, ‘I will point out the road that you should follow. I will be your teacher and watch over you. 9 Don’t be stupid like horses and mules that must be led with ropes to make them obey.’” Psalm 32:8-9 CEV

The image I used for today’s blog makes me laugh. I have sometimes been like the mule in the picture. Dug in and unwilling to move. However, I am thankful for the Lord’s patience and love. The Bible tells us He is “long-suffering”.

“And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him (Moses) there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,” Exodus 34:5-6 KJV

Thank you Lord for being merciful, gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth!

The Lord is faithful to forgive our sins of stubbornness and disobedience. He is abundant in goodness.

“So I confessed my sins and told them all to you. I said, ‘I’ll tell the Lord each one of my sins.’ Then you forgave me and took away my guilt. 6 We worship you, Lord, and we should always pray whenever we find out that we have sinned. Then we won’t be swept away by a raging flood. 7 You are my hiding place!  You protect me from trouble, and you put songs in my heart because you have saved me.” Psalm 32:5-7 CEV

The Lord is merciful and He always forgives. I think the raging flood mentioned in the verses above is the flood of guilt that rushes over us and keeps us from moving forward. The Lord doesn’t want us being held captive by guilt or thoughts of unworthiness. He not only forgives our sins, He also chooses to forget them.

Those are excellent reasons to sing!

Today I am grateful for the Lord’s leading, for His forgiveness and for giving me a clean conscience.

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He Did It Again!

It amazes me how my Father, my God, delights in ending my day! Last night He gave me this great display as I was getting off work!

Spectacular!!

I went to sleep last night with an old song running through my mind. I’ve shared it with you before but it was so appropriate.

“Our God is an awesome God, He reigns from heaven above, With wisdom, power and love, Our God is an awesome God.”

Oh, and He is certainly that! Amazing and awesome!!

Then this morning as I gazed at this picture from last night’s sunset another song came to mind. I really can’t think of a better way to start any morning than in song of praise to the Father.

“Way Maker, Miracle Worker, Promise Keeper, Light in the Darkness, My God that is who You are“

Isn’t it mind boggling that God wants us to know Him in such a dramatic way. Each one of those characteristics of God are spelled out for us in Scripture.

“God is no mere human! He doesn’t tell lies or change his mind. God always keeps his promises.” Numbers 23:19 CEV

“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Isaiah 43:19 NIV

“Once again Jesus spoke to the people. This time he said, “I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” John 8:12 CEV

“Our Lord, no other gods compare with you— Majestic and holy!  Fearsome and glorious!
Miracle worker!” Exodus 15:11 CEV

Do you need to know the right way to go or to depend on Someone who will never lie? Do you feel you are groping around in the darkness? Maybe you just need a miracle. If any of those apply, come to Almighty God, our gracious heavenly Father, in Him you will find all you need.

He did all this for those in the Bible as an example for us and He will do it again!

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