How is the world is week 8, 2009 over? I cannot believe it.
I love Ex 40:34 - Then the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the LORD filled the tabernacle.
I so want my heart to be God's tabernacle and be filled with His love. I want people to see Jesus in me, not Annette.
As we read through Leviticus and learn about the precise detail God has for the priestly garments, the ceremonies required, and the various types of offerings, I am so thankful Jesus is my sin offering. He took my sins and infirmities and saved me. I am so thankful the Lamb of God saved us...
Thank You Lord for Your Word and the theme of Leviticus - holiness - You want us to be Your holy people. May I become the holy child You have called me to be.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Week 7 - Exodus 22-38
As I read chapter 22, I am struck by how clear God's laws are, very black and white, certainly something we do not today in the world and sometimes even in the church.
Verse 28 really convicted me: 28 "You must not blaspheme God [k] or curse a leader among your people.
I know between 1992 and 2000 I rarely prayed for the president, but I sure complained about him. Whether my candidate is elected to the office of president or not, as a Christian I am called to pray mightily for the president. I prayed mightily for President Bush, who knows how President Clinton's years in office would have been if I had earnestly prayed for him. I have numerous friends who say the same thing...
Verse 29 really touched me as well:
"You must not hold back [offerings from] your harvest or your vats. Give Me the firstborn of your sons.
Chapter 23: 19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD your God.
Do I bring Him the best of the firstfruits of everything He has given me?
Verse 24:You must not bow down to their gods or worship them. Do not imitate their practices. Instead, demolish them and smash their sacred pillars to pieces.
Have I let any ungodly practice creep into my life because of cultural influences?
Chapter 24: The Lord is so precise in the details He gave to the Israelites, He continues to be percise as He discloes the Covenant Ceremony to them.
Verse 8: Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you concerning all these words."
Those words are so dear to me, as I think of the Blood of Jesus being shed for me.
Verse 12: The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commands I have written for their instruction."
Can you imagine hearing the audible voice of Yaweh saying Come up to Me on the mountain...it doesn't matter what words finish the sentence...Come up to Me...thankfully we can come up to Him in worship and prayer.
Chpater 25: 1 The LORD spoke to Moses: 2 "Tell the Israelites to take an offering for Me. You are to take My offering from everyone whose heart stirs him [to give]. (A) 3 This is the offering you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red (B) and manatee skins; [a] acacia wood; 6 oil (C) for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx [b] along with [other] gemstones for mounting on the ephod and breastpiece.
I am astounded at the variety of items the Israelites were asked to put in the offering. As we give our tithes, we must remember the Lord may have a variety of things for us to offer on top of our tithe and the items may change with seasons if life.
Chapter 26: I am also amazed by the instructions pertaining to the curtains. It is hard for me to envision the magnitude of the project, so different than my great-grandmother's quilting circle.
Chapter 27: We learn about the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Courtyard, the Lampstand and Oil.
Chapter 28: We read about the priestly garments, verse 4: These are the garments that they must make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a specially woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons so that they may serve Me as priests.
I realize I am not a Levite, but I am called to ministry as a Christian. Am I wearing holy spiritual garments? Do I put on love as instructed in the New Testament? Am I wearing robes of righteousness...what about my armor?
The ephod and breastpiece: the work the Lord asked them to do is amazing...the gems and percision required.
verse 29: "Whenever he enters the sanctuary, Aaron is to carry the names of Israel's sons over his heart on the breastpiece for decisions, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
Aaron was to carry the Names of Israel's sons over his heart just as I am to carry the Name of God' Son on and in my heart as I make decisions and petition our Father with prayer.
Verse 36: You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave it, like the engraving of a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD
A great reminder for me to live a life consecrated to Him.
Chapter 29: I must repeat myself...after reading the detailed instructions about Aaron and his sons being consecrated - I am so glad to be a New Covenant girl!
Chapter 30: In today's world many people do not think about things which are sacred, but as Christians we should. The chapter is full of things which were sacred to God.
Chapter 31: 1 The LORD also spoke to Moses: 2 "Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft 4 to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. 6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be with him. I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the [other] furnishings of the tent
When the Lord calls us to do something, He will give us the wisdom we need just as He did with the craftsmen He called.
Verse 13: "Tell the Israelites: You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the LORD who sets you apart.
In what way do I observe the Sabbath? Do I attend church and then fill the day with activity or give it to Him? (Honestly - I would have to say a combination of both many Sundays.)
Chapter 32: This falls back into the What is wrong with these people category:
1 When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god [a] who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don't know what has happened to him!" 2 Then Aaron replied to them, "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters and bring [them] to me."
The scene chills me, shows me how easy it is to fall into idolatry.
Verse 8:They have quickly turned from the way I commanded them; they have made for themselves an image of a calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and said, 'Israel, this is your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
Chapter 33: But I will not go with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way." 4 When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn't put on their jewelry.
How many times has the Lord not been able to go with me because of sin I have let into my life?
Verse 19-23:He said, "I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 20 But He answered, "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." 21 The LORD said, "Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen."
Can you imagine the awe of this conversation with Yaweh?
Chapter 34: such beautiful words found in verse 6: Then the LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,
Verse 8: Moses worships Yaweh and intercedes for the Israelites...oh how I need to intercede for people, my prayer life has been all about family and self since my father died. My mother and I still need prayer, but I need to be in prayer for other people as well.
Verse 12: Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you.
Through business or social connections, have I made a "treaty" with anyone that is displeasing to the Lord?
Verse 35: and the Israelites would see that Moses' face [i] was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the LORD.
Oh that Jesus would radiate from my face and speak to non believers and people who need to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
Chapter 35: Moses tells the people what the Lord commanded.
Chapter 36:5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the LORD commanded to be done."
Can you imagine if the entire Body of Christ gave in this manner?
Chapter 37 & 38 - believe it or not, I have nothing to add...
Verse 28 really convicted me: 28 "You must not blaspheme God [k] or curse a leader among your people.
I know between 1992 and 2000 I rarely prayed for the president, but I sure complained about him. Whether my candidate is elected to the office of president or not, as a Christian I am called to pray mightily for the president. I prayed mightily for President Bush, who knows how President Clinton's years in office would have been if I had earnestly prayed for him. I have numerous friends who say the same thing...
Verse 29 really touched me as well:
"You must not hold back [offerings from] your harvest or your vats. Give Me the firstborn of your sons.
Chapter 23: 19 "Bring the best of the firstfruits of your land to the house of the LORD your God.
Do I bring Him the best of the firstfruits of everything He has given me?
Verse 24:You must not bow down to their gods or worship them. Do not imitate their practices. Instead, demolish them and smash their sacred pillars to pieces.
Have I let any ungodly practice creep into my life because of cultural influences?
Chapter 24: The Lord is so precise in the details He gave to the Israelites, He continues to be percise as He discloes the Covenant Ceremony to them.
Verse 8: Moses took the blood, sprinkled it on the people, and said, "This is the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you concerning all these words."
Those words are so dear to me, as I think of the Blood of Jesus being shed for me.
Verse 12: The LORD said to Moses, "Come up to Me on the mountain and stay there so that I may give you the stone tablets with the law and commands I have written for their instruction."
Can you imagine hearing the audible voice of Yaweh saying Come up to Me on the mountain...it doesn't matter what words finish the sentence...Come up to Me...thankfully we can come up to Him in worship and prayer.
Chpater 25: 1 The LORD spoke to Moses: 2 "Tell the Israelites to take an offering for Me. You are to take My offering from everyone whose heart stirs him [to give]. (A) 3 This is the offering you are to receive from them: gold, silver, and bronze; 4 blue, purple, and scarlet yarn; fine linen and goat hair; 5 ram skins dyed red (B) and manatee skins; [a] acacia wood; 6 oil (C) for the light; spices for the anointing oil and for the fragrant incense; 7 and onyx [b] along with [other] gemstones for mounting on the ephod and breastpiece.
I am astounded at the variety of items the Israelites were asked to put in the offering. As we give our tithes, we must remember the Lord may have a variety of things for us to offer on top of our tithe and the items may change with seasons if life.
Chapter 26: I am also amazed by the instructions pertaining to the curtains. It is hard for me to envision the magnitude of the project, so different than my great-grandmother's quilting circle.
Chapter 27: We learn about the Altar of Burnt Offering, the Courtyard, the Lampstand and Oil.
Chapter 28: We read about the priestly garments, verse 4: These are the garments that they must make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a specially woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons so that they may serve Me as priests.
I realize I am not a Levite, but I am called to ministry as a Christian. Am I wearing holy spiritual garments? Do I put on love as instructed in the New Testament? Am I wearing robes of righteousness...what about my armor?
The ephod and breastpiece: the work the Lord asked them to do is amazing...the gems and percision required.
verse 29: "Whenever he enters the sanctuary, Aaron is to carry the names of Israel's sons over his heart on the breastpiece for decisions, as a continual reminder before the LORD.
Aaron was to carry the Names of Israel's sons over his heart just as I am to carry the Name of God' Son on and in my heart as I make decisions and petition our Father with prayer.
Verse 36: You are to make a plate of pure gold and engrave it, like the engraving of a seal: HOLY TO THE LORD
A great reminder for me to live a life consecrated to Him.
Chapter 29: I must repeat myself...after reading the detailed instructions about Aaron and his sons being consecrated - I am so glad to be a New Covenant girl!
Chapter 30: In today's world many people do not think about things which are sacred, but as Christians we should. The chapter is full of things which were sacred to God.
Chapter 31: 1 The LORD also spoke to Moses: 2 "Look, I have appointed by name Bezalel son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 I have filled him with God's Spirit, with wisdom, understanding, and ability in every craft 4 to design artistic works in gold, silver, and bronze, 5 to cut gemstones for mounting, and to carve wood for work in every craft. 6 I have also selected Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be with him. I have placed wisdom within every skilled craftsman in order to make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on top of it, and all the [other] furnishings of the tent
When the Lord calls us to do something, He will give us the wisdom we need just as He did with the craftsmen He called.
Verse 13: "Tell the Israelites: You must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you will know that I am the LORD who sets you apart.
In what way do I observe the Sabbath? Do I attend church and then fill the day with activity or give it to Him? (Honestly - I would have to say a combination of both many Sundays.)
Chapter 32: This falls back into the What is wrong with these people category:
1 When the people saw that Moses delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said to him, "Come, make us a god [a] who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don't know what has happened to him!" 2 Then Aaron replied to them, "Take off the gold rings that are on the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters and bring [them] to me."
The scene chills me, shows me how easy it is to fall into idolatry.
Verse 8:They have quickly turned from the way I commanded them; they have made for themselves an image of a calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and said, 'Israel, this is your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt.
Chapter 33: But I will not go with you because you are a stiff-necked people; otherwise, I might destroy you on the way." 4 When the people heard this bad news, they mourned and didn't put on their jewelry.
How many times has the Lord not been able to go with me because of sin I have let into my life?
Verse 19-23:He said, "I will cause all My goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim the name Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion." 20 But He answered, "You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live." 21 The LORD said, "Here is a place near Me. You are to stand on the rock, 22 and when My glory passes by, I will put you in the crevice of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. 23 Then I will take My hand away, and you will see My back, but My face will not be seen."
Can you imagine the awe of this conversation with Yaweh?
Chapter 34: such beautiful words found in verse 6: Then the LORD passed in front of him and proclaimed: Yahweh—Yahweh is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger and rich in faithful love and truth,
Verse 8: Moses worships Yaweh and intercedes for the Israelites...oh how I need to intercede for people, my prayer life has been all about family and self since my father died. My mother and I still need prayer, but I need to be in prayer for other people as well.
Verse 12: Be careful not to make a treaty with the inhabitants of the land that you are going to enter; otherwise, they will become a snare among you.
Through business or social connections, have I made a "treaty" with anyone that is displeasing to the Lord?
Verse 35: and the Israelites would see that Moses' face [i] was radiant. Then Moses would put the veil over his face again until he went to speak with the LORD.
Oh that Jesus would radiate from my face and speak to non believers and people who need to rededicate themselves to the Lord.
Chapter 35: Moses tells the people what the Lord commanded.
Chapter 36:5 and said to Moses, "The people are bringing more than is needed for the construction of the work the LORD commanded to be done."
Can you imagine if the entire Body of Christ gave in this manner?
Chapter 37 & 38 - believe it or not, I have nothing to add...
Monday, February 9, 2009
Week 6 Part 2 - Exodus 15-21
In Chapter 15:1-18, the Israelites reiterate everything the Lord has done for them as they praise Him. I think this is a valuable example to us, as we praise or pray – we can build our faith by reviewing what He has done for us. We see another 1 of His names: The Lord Who Heals – Jehovah Rapha…glory to Him.
Chapter 16: 3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to make this whole assembly die of hunger!" Do you ever want to say what is wrong with these people until you realize we’ve all been those people at 1 time or another.
Verse 10: 10 As Aaron was speaking to the entire Israelite community, they turned toward the wilderness, and there, in a cloud, the LORD's glory appeared. I hope to witness His glory cloud some day – wouldn’t it be great if it happened in church!
Chapter 17: 3 But the people thirsted there for water, and grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you ever bring us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" They were back to thinking Egypt was better…Moses was afraid they would kill him, I know they were human and we are human, but it is hard to imagine their fear knowing what they witnessed the Lord doing for them since they departed Egypt. In verse 15: We see His Name – The Lord is My Banner – Jehovah Nisi…remember He goes before us in battle.
Chapter 18: Moses has a family reunion, I really never think about his family. Jethro gives Moses some wise advice which he takes:
19 Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. 20 Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. 21 But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place [them] over the people as officials of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 22 They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear [it] with you. 23 If you do this, and God [so] directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied." We cannot do it alone and if we think we can, the Lord cannot use us in ministry.
Chapter 19: God tells how He brought the people to Him, to be His people, His holy nation, this convicted me to be in earnest prayer again for Israel.
Chapter 20: The 10 Commandments – I am using the Holman Christian Standard Bible for this study, I wanted to use a version I have not read in the past. I found this a fresh way to look at verse 7: Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will punish anyone who misuses His name. Lord, Your name is misused in songs, conversation, TV shows, and movies. Please forgive us. Convict people as they misuse Your Name. I am so thankful You have a name which is not known on earth and cannot be profaned here.
Chapter 21: I must say once more, I am so glad I am a New Covenant Girl! Can you imagine trying to live by all these laws when you would have to make a sacrifice every time you sinned. A lamb or bird would die. We’d go broke trying to buy unblemished lambs. I am so thankful I am redeemed by the Blood of Jesus.
Chapter 16: 3 The Israelites said to them, "If only we had died by the LORD's hand in the land of Egypt, when we sat by pots of meat and ate all the bread we wanted. Instead, you brought us into this wilderness to make this whole assembly die of hunger!" Do you ever want to say what is wrong with these people until you realize we’ve all been those people at 1 time or another.
Verse 10: 10 As Aaron was speaking to the entire Israelite community, they turned toward the wilderness, and there, in a cloud, the LORD's glory appeared. I hope to witness His glory cloud some day – wouldn’t it be great if it happened in church!
Chapter 17: 3 But the people thirsted there for water, and grumbled against Moses. They said, "Why did you ever bring us out of Egypt to kill us and our children and our livestock with thirst?" They were back to thinking Egypt was better…Moses was afraid they would kill him, I know they were human and we are human, but it is hard to imagine their fear knowing what they witnessed the Lord doing for them since they departed Egypt. In verse 15: We see His Name – The Lord is My Banner – Jehovah Nisi…remember He goes before us in battle.
Chapter 18: Moses has a family reunion, I really never think about his family. Jethro gives Moses some wise advice which he takes:
19 Now listen to me; I will give you some advice, and God be with you. You be the one to represent the people before God and bring their cases to Him. 20 Instruct them about the statutes and laws, and teach them the way to live and what they must do. 21 But you should select from all the people able men, God-fearing, trustworthy, and hating bribes. Place [them] over the people as officials of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 22 They should judge the people at all times. Then they can bring you every important case but judge every minor case themselves. In this way you will lighten your load, and they will bear [it] with you. 23 If you do this, and God [so] directs you, you will be able to endure, and also all these people will be able to go home satisfied." We cannot do it alone and if we think we can, the Lord cannot use us in ministry.
Chapter 19: God tells how He brought the people to Him, to be His people, His holy nation, this convicted me to be in earnest prayer again for Israel.
Chapter 20: The 10 Commandments – I am using the Holman Christian Standard Bible for this study, I wanted to use a version I have not read in the past. I found this a fresh way to look at verse 7: Do not misuse the name of the LORD your God, because the LORD will punish anyone who misuses His name. Lord, Your name is misused in songs, conversation, TV shows, and movies. Please forgive us. Convict people as they misuse Your Name. I am so thankful You have a name which is not known on earth and cannot be profaned here.
Chapter 21: I must say once more, I am so glad I am a New Covenant Girl! Can you imagine trying to live by all these laws when you would have to make a sacrifice every time you sinned. A lamb or bird would die. We’d go broke trying to buy unblemished lambs. I am so thankful I am redeemed by the Blood of Jesus.
Week 6 Exodus 1-14 Part 1
In Ex. 1 we find the Israelites in Egypt, they have prospered since the deaths of Joseph and the former Pharaoh. The new Pharaoh decides they are too numerous and may join Egypt’s enemies in war against Egypt.
10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country."
Can’t you just imagine the enemy whispering in Pharaoh and his advisers’ ears?
11 So the Egyptians assigned taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor.
If we listen to satan when he whispers in our ear, he become our taskmaster and oppresses us.
In Ex 2, we get our 1st glimpse of Moses the man when he kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew slave. Sometimes I have trouble seeing what the Bible has to say about Moses because I imagine Charlton Heston. Moses had been raised in the palace, but he knew he was a Hebrew. He was frightened he would be killed for killing an Egyptian. He fled to Midian. He assisted the priest of Midian’s daughters at the well.
19 They answered, "An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock."
The 2nd time we see him as someone who rescues people. I have to ask myself do I see the downtrodden, those who face injustice, or do I turn a blind eye?
23 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out; and their cry for help ascended to God because of the difficult labor. 24 So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 God saw the Israelites, and He took notice.
God took notice of His people, such beautiful words. Just because we think we are not hearing from the Lord does not mean He does not hear us or notice us. He does. God is never late.
Ex 3 Moses is shepherding the flock…a picture of what he is about to do with God’s people, a symbol of what Jesus does for us.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you witnessed the burning bush as Moses did? I wonder would I be in awe or would I throw water on it trying to extinguish the fire?
11 But Moses asked God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
How many times do we cry out use me in ministry Lord? Only to say – Lord you can’t mean me. Surely You don’t want me to do that. I mean come on, this is totally out of my comfort zone…I don’t want to return to Egypt. Of course we just need to remember He is with us because He sent us. 14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you." I think verse 14 is 1 of the most powerful verses in the Bible. I Am has sent me to you. Let it resonate for a minute. I want to worship Yaweh as I type!
18 They will listen to what you say. Then you, along with the elders of Israel, must go to the king of Egypt and say to him: The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go on a three-day trip into the wilderness so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. A reminder, we need to be prayed up before we embark on something for the Lord and fasting may be in order as well.
Ex 4: 10 But Moses replied to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant —because I am slow and hesitant in speech." How often have I asked the Lord to send someone else?
31 The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD had paid attention to them and that He had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. We need to remain in worship as the Lord sends us out into the world.
Ex 5: 2 But Pharaoh responded, "Who is the LORD that I should obey Him by letting Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and what's more, I will not let Israel go." Pharaoh certainly came to know Yaweh, didn’t he!
22 So Moses went back to the LORD and asked, "Lord, why have You caused trouble for this people? And why did You ever send me? 23 Ever since I went in to Pharaoh to speak in Your name he has caused trouble for this people, and You haven't delivered Your people at all." How I can identify with Moses, it’s all about God’s timing and not mine…sometimes we feel foolish while waiting because we do not see the big picture, we are in the minute unlike our God.
Ex 6: 1 But the LORD replied to Moses, "Now you are going to see what I will do to Pharaoh: he will let them go because of My strong hand; he will drive them out of his land because of My strong hand." 2 Then God spoke to Moses, telling him, "I am Yahweh. 3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but I did not make My name Yahweh known to them.
Powerful words, gives me Holy Ghost chill bumps. God is more than able to do what He says He will do.
6 "Therefore tell the Israelites: I am Yahweh, and I will deliver you from the forced labor of the Egyptians and free you from slavery to them. Have I been dwelling in Egypt? Am I a slave to anything other than Christ? If the answer is yes, I need to remember – Yaweh delivered me from Egypt and forced labor. I am a blood bought, free woman in Christ Jesus!
9 Moses told this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their broken spirit and hard labor. Have I been so broken, so exhausted, I have not listened to God’s message in a sermon or in the Word?
Ex 7: 5 The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out My hand against Egypt, and bring out the Israelites from among them."
Lord, I always want to know You are Yaweh, I pray my country knows You are Yaweh before You have to stretch Your had over us.
Ex 8 – 11 We come to the plagues, makes me shudder when I read them. How often have I opened the doors to “plagues” in my house because I did not surrender to the Lord or I have prayed Annette’s will in the Name of Jesus.
Ex 12 – The Passover – what words can describe the Passover experienced by the Israelites? We are so fortunate to be New Covenant girls. Do we expect to meet our Passover Lamb when receiving Communion, or is it a tradition?
Ex 13:17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, "The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war." 18 So He led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation. How often do we think about turning around and living in the past?
Ex 14: 4 I will harden Pharaoh's heart so that he will pursue them. Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." So the Israelites did this. Do I give the Lord glory or seek it for myself?
Egypt is starting to look good again, bondage no longer seems like a bad thing to them:
11 They said to Moses: "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Isn't this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
31 When Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. - May I believe by faith and not depend on sight!
10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country."
Can’t you just imagine the enemy whispering in Pharaoh and his advisers’ ears?
11 So the Egyptians assigned taskmasters over the Israelites to oppress them with forced labor.
If we listen to satan when he whispers in our ear, he become our taskmaster and oppresses us.
In Ex 2, we get our 1st glimpse of Moses the man when he kills an Egyptian who is beating a Hebrew slave. Sometimes I have trouble seeing what the Bible has to say about Moses because I imagine Charlton Heston. Moses had been raised in the palace, but he knew he was a Hebrew. He was frightened he would be killed for killing an Egyptian. He fled to Midian. He assisted the priest of Midian’s daughters at the well.
19 They answered, "An Egyptian rescued us from the shepherds. He even drew water for us and watered the flock."
The 2nd time we see him as someone who rescues people. I have to ask myself do I see the downtrodden, those who face injustice, or do I turn a blind eye?
23 After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out; and their cry for help ascended to God because of the difficult labor. 24 So God heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 25 God saw the Israelites, and He took notice.
God took notice of His people, such beautiful words. Just because we think we are not hearing from the Lord does not mean He does not hear us or notice us. He does. God is never late.
Ex 3 Moses is shepherding the flock…a picture of what he is about to do with God’s people, a symbol of what Jesus does for us.
Have you ever wondered what you would do if you witnessed the burning bush as Moses did? I wonder would I be in awe or would I throw water on it trying to extinguish the fire?
11 But Moses asked God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"
How many times do we cry out use me in ministry Lord? Only to say – Lord you can’t mean me. Surely You don’t want me to do that. I mean come on, this is totally out of my comfort zone…I don’t want to return to Egypt. Of course we just need to remember He is with us because He sent us. 14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you." I think verse 14 is 1 of the most powerful verses in the Bible. I Am has sent me to you. Let it resonate for a minute. I want to worship Yaweh as I type!
18 They will listen to what you say. Then you, along with the elders of Israel, must go to the king of Egypt and say to him: The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go on a three-day trip into the wilderness so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. A reminder, we need to be prayed up before we embark on something for the Lord and fasting may be in order as well.
Ex 4: 10 But Moses replied to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant —because I am slow and hesitant in speech." How often have I asked the Lord to send someone else?
31 The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD had paid attention to them and that He had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped. We need to remain in worship as the Lord sends us out into the world.
Ex 5: 2 But Pharaoh responded, "Who is the LORD that I should obey Him by letting Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and what's more, I will not let Israel go." Pharaoh certainly came to know Yaweh, didn’t he!
22 So Moses went back to the LORD and asked, "Lord, why have You caused trouble for this people? And why did You ever send me? 23 Ever since I went in to Pharaoh to speak in Your name he has caused trouble for this people, and You haven't delivered Your people at all." How I can identify with Moses, it’s all about God’s timing and not mine…sometimes we feel foolish while waiting because we do not see the big picture, we are in the minute unlike our God.
Ex 6: 1 But the LORD replied to Moses, "Now you are going to see what I will do to Pharaoh: he will let them go because of My strong hand; he will drive them out of his land because of My strong hand." 2 Then God spoke to Moses, telling him, "I am Yahweh. 3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but I did not make My name Yahweh known to them.
Powerful words, gives me Holy Ghost chill bumps. God is more than able to do what He says He will do.
6 "Therefore tell the Israelites: I am Yahweh, and I will deliver you from the forced labor of the Egyptians and free you from slavery to them. Have I been dwelling in Egypt? Am I a slave to anything other than Christ? If the answer is yes, I need to remember – Yaweh delivered me from Egypt and forced labor. I am a blood bought, free woman in Christ Jesus!
9 Moses told this to the Israelites, but they did not listen to him because of their broken spirit and hard labor. Have I been so broken, so exhausted, I have not listened to God’s message in a sermon or in the Word?
Ex 7: 5 The Egyptians will know that I am the LORD when I stretch out My hand against Egypt, and bring out the Israelites from among them."
Lord, I always want to know You are Yaweh, I pray my country knows You are Yaweh before You have to stretch Your had over us.
Ex 8 – 11 We come to the plagues, makes me shudder when I read them. How often have I opened the doors to “plagues” in my house because I did not surrender to the Lord or I have prayed Annette’s will in the Name of Jesus.
Ex 12 – The Passover – what words can describe the Passover experienced by the Israelites? We are so fortunate to be New Covenant girls. Do we expect to meet our Passover Lamb when receiving Communion, or is it a tradition?
Ex 13:17 When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them along the road to the land of the Philistines, even though it was nearby; for God said, "The people will change their minds and return to Egypt if they face war." 18 So He led the people around toward the Red Sea along the road of the wilderness. And the Israelites left the land of Egypt in battle formation. How often do we think about turning around and living in the past?
Ex 14: 4 I will harden Pharaoh's heart so that he will pursue them. Then I will receive glory by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD." So the Israelites did this. Do I give the Lord glory or seek it for myself?
Egypt is starting to look good again, bondage no longer seems like a bad thing to them:
11 They said to Moses: "Is it because there are no graves in Egypt that you took us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt? 12 Isn't this what we told you in Egypt: Leave us alone so that we may serve the Egyptians? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the wilderness."
31 When Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and believed in Him and in His servant Moses. - May I believe by faith and not depend on sight!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Post - Week 5
I have done all the readings...am behind w/ the post...hope to have it up tomorrow...here's part of it:
Job 20: Zophar responds to Job:
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite (replied: 2 This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset!
How often have I responded because I am upset? Did I count to 3, think to remain silent, or decide I must respond because I was right!
3 I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply.
And there you have Zophar in all his humanity – all my understanding makes me reply. I will be judged for my words one day, Lord have mercy on me.
Job 21: Job responds to Zophar:
2 Pay close attention to my words;
let this be the consolation you offer.
3 Bear with me while I speak;
then after I have spoken, you may continue mocking.
Job wanted to make his point without interruption, how many times have I tried or succeeded in interrupting someone based on my understanding and what I assume they will say? I understand Job’s frustration with his friends and his current situation. Still he does not curse God. In verse 34, Job really hits his point home:
34 So how can you offer me such futile comfort?
Your answers are deceptive.
Job 22, our friend Eliphaz weighs in again. Eliphaz thinks because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us…many times our words can be correct but our hearts are all wrong when we speak.
2 Can a man be of [any] use to God? Can even a wise man be of use to Him? 3 Does it delight the Almighty if you are righteous? Does He profit if you perfect your behavior? 4 Does He correct you and take you to court because of your piety?
I am skipping down to verse 21 now, Eliphaz wrongly assumes that Job had not really known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good to a new believer, but not to Job. Let us mind our words regarding our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are in a season of suffering, let’s me mindful of Job and remain focused on the Lord.
Job responds to Eliphaz in Chapter 23, he admits to bitter complaints:
3 If only I knew how to find Him, so that I could go to His throne. 4 I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would learn how He would answer me; and understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He prosecute me forcefully? No, He will certainly pay attention to me.
Job goes on to say in chapter 24:
22 Yet God drags away the mighty by His power; when He rises up, they have no assurance of life.
23 He gives them a sense of security, so they can rely [on it], but His eyes [watch] over their ways.
24 They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and shrivel up like everything else. They wither like heads of grain.
25 If this is not true, then who can prove me a liar and show that my speech is worthless?
When it’s all said in done, seasons in life may have been hard, evil people may seem to skip through the tulips, but the Lord knows and sees all. He will judge and His judgment is righteous and just.
Bildad has a few words in chapter 25:
Dominion and dread belong to Him, the One who establishes harmony in the heavens.
Can His troops be numbered? Does His light not shine on everyone?
How can a person be justified before God? How can one born of woman be pure?
If even the moon does not shine and the stars are not pure in His sight,
how much less man, who is a maggot, and the son of man, who is a worm!
Thankfully though born of a woman we are made pure through Jesus Christ, we are cleansed from our sin and made righteous when we make Jesus our Lord and Saviour all because He was born of a virgin.
Job 20: Zophar responds to Job:
1 Then Zophar the Naamathite (replied: 2 This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset!
How often have I responded because I am upset? Did I count to 3, think to remain silent, or decide I must respond because I was right!
3 I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply.
And there you have Zophar in all his humanity – all my understanding makes me reply. I will be judged for my words one day, Lord have mercy on me.
Job 21: Job responds to Zophar:
2 Pay close attention to my words;
let this be the consolation you offer.
3 Bear with me while I speak;
then after I have spoken, you may continue mocking.
Job wanted to make his point without interruption, how many times have I tried or succeeded in interrupting someone based on my understanding and what I assume they will say? I understand Job’s frustration with his friends and his current situation. Still he does not curse God. In verse 34, Job really hits his point home:
34 So how can you offer me such futile comfort?
Your answers are deceptive.
Job 22, our friend Eliphaz weighs in again. Eliphaz thinks because Job complained so much of his afflictions, he thought God was unjust in afflicting him; but Job was far from thinking so. What Eliphaz says, is unjustly applied to Job, but it is very true, that when God does us good it is not because he is indebted to us…many times our words can be correct but our hearts are all wrong when we speak.
2 Can a man be of [any] use to God? Can even a wise man be of use to Him? 3 Does it delight the Almighty if you are righteous? Does He profit if you perfect your behavior? 4 Does He correct you and take you to court because of your piety?
I am skipping down to verse 21 now, Eliphaz wrongly assumes that Job had not really known God, and that prosperity in this life would follow his sincere conversion. The counsel Eliphaz here gives is good to a new believer, but not to Job. Let us mind our words regarding our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we are in a season of suffering, let’s me mindful of Job and remain focused on the Lord.
Job responds to Eliphaz in Chapter 23, he admits to bitter complaints:
3 If only I knew how to find Him, so that I could go to His throne. 4 I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would learn how He would answer me; and understand what He would say to me. 6 Would He prosecute me forcefully? No, He will certainly pay attention to me.
Job goes on to say in chapter 24:
22 Yet God drags away the mighty by His power; when He rises up, they have no assurance of life.
23 He gives them a sense of security, so they can rely [on it], but His eyes [watch] over their ways.
24 They are exalted for a moment, then they are gone; they are brought low and shrivel up like everything else. They wither like heads of grain.
25 If this is not true, then who can prove me a liar and show that my speech is worthless?
When it’s all said in done, seasons in life may have been hard, evil people may seem to skip through the tulips, but the Lord knows and sees all. He will judge and His judgment is righteous and just.
Bildad has a few words in chapter 25:
Dominion and dread belong to Him, the One who establishes harmony in the heavens.
Can His troops be numbered? Does His light not shine on everyone?
How can a person be justified before God? How can one born of woman be pure?
If even the moon does not shine and the stars are not pure in His sight,
how much less man, who is a maggot, and the son of man, who is a worm!
Thankfully though born of a woman we are made pure through Jesus Christ, we are cleansed from our sin and made righteous when we make Jesus our Lord and Saviour all because He was born of a virgin.
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