Feb. 5, 2010

Elaine is three months old today.

Matthew 24:1-28 – signs of end time events.

Even so come, Lord Jesus

Feb 4, 2010 Devotions

This is a double day, because I missed my Bible reading yesterday.

Exodus 18:11  Now I know that the LORD is greater than all gods: for in the thing wherein they dealt proudly he was above them.

Could this be a reference to the fact that God showed Himself strong by attacking the various gods of Egypt?  I.e., He showed His power over the sun god by the plague of darkness, etc.?  Moses had just finished rehearsing the Egyptian plagues to Jethro when Jethro made the statement in vs. 11.

Exodus 20
The children of Israel were blessed to have contact and communication with God through the persons of Moses first, and later the priest.  How much more blessed am I to have direct access to God as a believer-priest.

Hebrews 4:14-16  Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.  15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Feb. 2, 2010 Devotions

Just to clarify, I am on the One Year Bible reading schedule.  I am reading the OT & NT daily, in addition to BSF.  I will figure out Psalms and Proverbs later.

 

Exodus 16:32 – the Lord commanded to keep a pot of manna to show to future generations so that they would know what He had done for His people.  I need to show my children what the Lord has done for our family.

God will always provide for His children.  A tree made the waters sweet.  Moses’ rod brought water from the rock.  Manna fell to the earth daily.  Why take ye thought for the morrow?  Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.

Matthew 22:31-32 “… have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,  32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”  Praise the Lord that He has made me alive in Christ!

February 1, 2010 Devotions

The Red Sea Miracle

Exodus 14:10-14  “And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and, behold, the Egyptians marched after them; and they were sore afraid: and the children of Israel cried out unto the LORD.  11 And they said unto Moses, Because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou taken us away to die in the wilderness? wherefore hast thou dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of Egypt?  12 Is not this the word that we did tell thee in Egypt, saying, Let us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness.  13 And Moses said unto the people, Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will shew to you to day: for the Egyptians whom ye have seen to day, ye shall see them again no more for ever.  14 The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”

When my circumstances seem impossible, and I cannot see the way out, when my heart is fearful and I feel alone, let me cry out to the LORD.  Only let me not cry with a complaining spirit and a heart critical of God’s design as Israel did.  Let me cry out in dependence and trust.  And let me take my hands off, let me stand still, and let God show His saving arm as He fights for me.

Exodus 14:31  And Israel saw that great work which the LORD did upon the Egyptians: and the people feared the LORD, and believed the LORD, and his servant Moses.

Exodus 15:11  Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Matthew 21:23-46 – The Parable of the Wicked Husbandman

The unbelief of Israel always amazes me.  I know it shouldn’t, because so many times I am unbelieving also.  But the words of Jesus here caught my attention -
vs. 37: “ But last of all he sent unto them his son, saying, They will reverence my son.”  How it must hurt the heart of God when anyone rejects Him!  But especially one of His chosen people.  He had given them the promises.  His prophets.  His words.  And last of all He sent unto them His Son, and they did not reverence Him.  They rejected Him.  Then vs. 45-46:  “And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.  46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.”   In the end, they realized that Jesus was speaking of them.  That He was offering them the Kingdom, but because of their rejection He was going to take it away and offer it to the Gentiles.  Even then they hardened their hearts and rejected Him the more.  How tragic.  Do I do this in my life?  Not with salvation perhaps, but with His gifts?  His Word?  His promises?  His expectations?  His fellowship?  How many times do I reject Him, and yet expect Him to continue to offer these things? 

January 31, 2010 Devotions

Exodus 13

Exodus 13:3  for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out from this place:

Exodus 13:8  And thou shalt shew thy son in that day, saying, This is done because of that which the LORD did unto me when I came forth out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:9  And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon thine hand, and for a memorial between thine eyes, that the LORD'S law may be in thy mouth: for with a strong hand hath the LORD brought thee out of Egypt.

Exodus 13:14  By strength of hand the LORD brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage:

Exodus 13:16  And it shall be for a token upon thine hand, and for frontlets between thine eyes: for by strength of hand the LORD brought us forth out of Egypt.

The LORD does so much for us by strength of hand, to show Himself strong on our behalf.  Do I even notice when His hand is working around me?  Or am I blind, until I am overwhelmed and finally come to Him, laying my burden at His feet.  In weakness I cry, “Lord, work on my behalf.  I cannot do it alone.  I need you.”  And then He tenderly responds, “I have been working.  Didn’t you see my hand in your circumstances?  I have been waiting for you to bring this to me.  Why did you try to bear it on your own?  Stand back, and watch me work in strength, and do not forget what I do for you.  Teach it to your children.”  Oh, I pray that my children will recognize His hand sooner and easier than I do!

Matthew 21:22 ties right in with this - “And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

Specific prayer requests -

1. Unmistakable Holy Spirit guidance regarding NYC – for me and for Ben.
2. Wisdom regarding dropping our health care coverage, or that Ben can add us to his policy without a waiting period.
3. Health, especially for Elaine, during the month without health care coverage.

January 30, 2010 Devotions

Exodus 10:2  “And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I am the LORD.”

We are supposed to tell our children the things which God has done in our lives, so that they can see and believe that He is God.  What an awesome responsibility!  Even a child as young as Elaine can intake the Scripture and the things of God.  What a great opportunity I have – a sponge in my own home!  I get to saturate her and shape her world view from God’s eyes.  I must ask the Lord to guide me and Ben as we raise our children for the Lord.

Matthew 20:1-20 – the parable of the workers in the vineyard.  The ones who had worked all day were upset that they were paid the same amount as those who worked but an hour.  But is not God just in all that He does?  Do I have any right to look at others around me and say, “That’s not fair.”  Or, “Why were they chosen and not me?”  Or, “Why do they get the spotlight?  I’m a better person.”  I know I struggle with this at church many times.  It used to be about piano playing, but I learned not to be jealous over that in my Hymn Playing class at ABC.  Now I am jealous for my husband, because I think he is a better person or more qualified than some other men in the church.  And yet the others seem to get recognized by the Pastor or commended from the pulpit, or lifted up as godly.  I must trust that the Lord knows what He is doing, and if others seem to get more honor or opportunity, it is because He has designed it so.  I must not complain that He is not fair and just, for He is.

January 29, 2010 Devotions

 

Exodus 8:10 b: “…that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the LORD our God.”  How true it is that I serve a God unlike any other!  He is good, loving, patient, kind, yet He is holy, just, and true.  I want it to be true, as did Moses, that those around me can know – by looking at my life – that there is none like unto the LORD my God.

While I'm sure it was hard for the Israelites to be in bondage in Egypt, God was using even that for good.  Had they not been in bondage, there would have been no signs before Pharaoh as Moses entreated for their release.  But what was the purpose of the signs before Pharaoh?  To show that there is none like Him in all the earth!  He showed Himself to Pharaoh and gave him the opportunity to repent, but Pharaoh hardened His heart.  I may be going through something unpleasant, or undesirable, or even tragic, but the LORD can and will use it in the lives of those around me to show that there is none like Himself.  What an awesome God I serve!

But sometimes the trials and circumstances in my life may be for my own benefit, as in Matthew 14:23-34.  The disciples were sent into the storm to test and prove their faith.  Jesus showed His power and then asked, “O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”  They had forgotten so soon Who their Master was, but He came to them walking on the water.  Even in the darkest times of life, Jesus is there beside me, watching over me, protecting me, and growing my faith.

Exodus 8:19 b: “…This is the finger of God…”  What an awesome thought.  The Egyptian magicians looked at what God had done, and they knew it was God who had done it.  They saw the finger of God at work around them.

Exodus 8:23 – there should be a notable difference between the people of God and the people of the world.

Matthew 16:24-26  “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.  26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”