What thing do I put before GOD?

Exodus 20: ⁴ “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

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Polishing was always my final step when washing my car.  After two hours of brushing, scrubbing and vacuuming, my mechanical beast was road ready. I entered the grounds of my consulting assignment and it was as grimy as it gets. Steel manufacturing and clean cars don’t mix.

As I sat at a stop sign trying to figure out where to go a truck hit my car! When they repaired it the door was never the same. It even rusted at the bottom. My car had lost its luster.

• I have placed cars on a pedestal when I have more concern over it than people.
• I have placed houses on a pedestal when I grow my debt to the point where I can’t help people.
• I have placed gadgets on a pedestal when I need to have the latest and greatest versus helping people.

I don’t really “bow down” to things but I sure do worship them.  I know this sounds old but I was so excited to finally have a “bag phone” that I drove around catching glimpses of people as I was on the phone. I guess this stuff provides status and elevates me to the “Ooo Ah” category amongst my peers.

• GOD knows HE can easily destroy my material things so I shouldn’t put too much trust in them.
• GOD knows material items will quickly go to my head and drives lust for other items.
• GOD knows the more items I get the less I will communicate with HIM.

Please don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to own things but my problem is sometimes the things own me.  I fight hard to keep them and lay awake trying to protect them.  GOD wants this kind of attention.  HE would love a deep conversation or two hours of special detailing. HE enjoys times of just talking instead of request after request. HE wants a relationship!

• Do you have a relationship with GOD?
• Are you worried about your stuff?
• Can GOD take away your stuff and you would be alright with it?
• Can you take care of your stuff because GOD gave it to you instead of the status you get?
• Will you use your stuff for GOD’s purpose?

Am I too familiar with GOD?

Exodus 19: ²⁰ The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up ²¹ and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. ²² Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.”

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Something woke me up so I decided to go to church this particular Sunday.  I was helping the teens because the teacher was “boring” but I had gone out the night before and only had a few hours of sleep. Sitting in class I found my mind drifting to many other places. When the teacher asked me a question I had no response.

Later that morning I found it impossible to keep my eyes open as the preacher seemed to take forever.  “When will I get out of this place?” I thought to myself.

• Sometimes I find myself going through the motions with GOD.
• Sometimes I treat GOD like a habit.
• Sometimes I want to be done with worshipping and get on with whatever I was doing.

I sometimes forget that GOD is GOD and not a pal or a boss. I treat HIM any old way and HE becomes my last thought or last resort. I dust HIM off when I get in trouble then put HIM away for safe keeping when I need HIM again. I don’t prepare myself to hear HIS message because worshipping is on my checklist and is viewed as something to get done.

• GOD says “wash my clothes” and prepare myself to meet HIM.
• GOD says “consecrate myself” getting myself in the correct mindset for HIM.
• GOD says “be ready” which means HE comes first and work or social comes second.

It’s easy to treat GOD as a habit instead of a being to be worshipped. It’s almost like saying “Yeah, yeah” to HIM and then doing my own thing. When HE makes life difficult for me then I try to use the argument “but I went to church, why aren’t you punishing those who are criminals?”

GOD wants me to treat HIM as GOD who is supreme, final and most powerful. HE can’t stand sin so HE allowed HIS SON to pay the price that I should have paid. HE doesn’t want me to take this gift lightly!

• How are you treating GOD?
• Do you view HIM as a pushover who only forgives or can you see HE also has supreme judgment?
• Do you fear the LORD?

Time to step up

Exodus 18: ¹⁹ Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you. You must be the people’s representative before God and bring their disputes to him. ²⁰ Teach them his decrees and instructions, and show them the way they are to live and how they are to behave.

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As I sat in church a thought popped in my head, actually it was a complaint. Actually it was several complaints. I had just finished another public speaking course and the guest preacher was boring! “I could do better than this guy” I thought to myself. “Why are they asking for money all the time?” “Why are those kids so bad?” “Why don’t they fix this place?” I think I’m going to go to another church!

• I sometimes complain about what somebody else is doing.
• I sometimes complain about the poor job other people are doing.
• I sometimes complain about my surroundings, expecting someone else to fix it.

The main question I never asked during my complaining is “how can I help?” Let’s face it, if GOD placed the problem in front of my face then maybe HE wants me to do something about it. I wonder what I can do.

• GOD wants me to be a representative for HIM.
• GOD wants me to teach HIS decrees and instructions to those who will listen.
• GOD wants me to show people how to live and behave.

Now when I attend I ask “what do YOU want me to do LORD” and HE always gives me an answer. My willingness to serve reduces my complaints significantly.

• Are you complaining?
• Do you see something wrong?
• What is GOD telling you to do about it?
• Do you realize you have a purpose that only you can do?

Faith plus actions wins the battle

Exodus 17: ¹⁰ So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. ¹¹ As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 

¹² When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. ¹³ So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.

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School seemed like it took forever to complete! It took a lot of painful nights and prayer. Paying off bills seemed to take forever. It took a lot of discipline and prayer. Training for a marathon seemed tedious and time consuming. It took a lot of perseverance and prayer. Why couldn’t GOD just give me the knowledge, money and strength to do what I want to do?

• I want qualities that I may not be ready for.
• I want results without the pain of having my character shaped.
• I want easy living without troubles that may strengthen me.

GOD could have wiped out the army that fought against Israel but HE allowed HIS people to fight and show faith while fighting. GOD used Moses the strength in Moses arms as a gauge for whether they were winning or losing the battle. Meanwhile the soldiers had to actually fight for their lives. Many were wounded but they won the battle.

• GOD strengthens me through trials.
• GOD provides for me through work HE has given me..
• GOD grows me through studying HIS Bible and serving HIS people.

Each trial grows me for GOD’s purpose. As much as I despise the training I love the result!

• Are you going through a battle?
• Do you feel you have to fight for everything right now?
• Can you accept the painful process of GOD growing you?
• Can you take notice of the changes GOD is making in your life for HIS purpose?

Complaining about GOD isn’t smart

Complaining about GOD isn’t smart

Exodus 16: ²⁶ Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any.”

²⁷ Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. ²⁸ Then the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? 

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Alarms, whistles and bells don’t sound when I want to sin.  There is a small still voice that says to me, “you shouldn’t do this” but I quickly ignore it and proceed anyway. Am I trying to prove GOD wrong or do I just want my way?

• GOD says to me, ”I have heard your complaints.”
• GOD says to me “How long will you refuse to keep my commands?”
• GOD says to me “How long will you refuse to keep my instructions?”

Honestly, this is the side of GOD I get a little nervous about. HE does have love that spans all of my sins but it doesn’t give me license to blatantly sin.  GOD heard HIS people complain in the desert and HE didn’t like it at all. Since HE doesn’t change I believe HE still doesn’t like complaints, especially about someone HE has a plan for.

I believe the more I complain the more GOD stores up against me.  HE knows I am coming from a very selfish place and HE isn’t pleased when I look at someone else as being the problem.

• GOD wants me to see HIS creations as being perfect.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS plan and not wander away from it.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS timing because HE know how to instill patience while providing.

Waiting on the LORD has not been one of my strengths so I complain. GOD wants me to turn my complaints into praise. This changes my perspective and puts me back on course!

• Are you complaining?
• Do you think your complaints are pleasing to GOD?
• Can you stop complaining and start serving?

Praising GOD is worth it

Exodus 15:

² “The Lord is my strength and my defense;
    he has become my salvation.
He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
³ The Lord is a warrior;
    the Lord is his name.

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Suitcases filled the car and we were on our way. Vacation was finally here and the drive was part of the fun. About an hour or so into the drive a very strange light appeared on the dashboard that could not be ignored. Soon after, the vehicle began to slow to a crawl. I move over to the shoulder and we called around trying to find the nearest dealer we could be towed to.

Three Thousand Six Hundred was the quote for a new transmission, but the service manager dug a little deeper and saw our impeccable maintenance history. He said “you don’t have to pay anything.” We sung a wonderful song!

• Sometimes I have to go through the pain in order to sing praise to GOD.
• Sometimes I have to go through problems in order to praise GOD.
• Sometimes I have to have trouble in my life in order to praise GOD.

I actually should praise HIM before HE delivers me from my trouble. HE has delivered me over and over again so I should look forward to watching HIS might unfurl before me. Praising GOD doesn’t manipulate HIM into my positive outcome rather it shows my allegiance to HIM in accepting HIS route.

HIS plan is best and I can praise HIM for it. I must admit, I do sing a little louder when HE does deliver me from pain!

• Are you waiting for delivery?
• Are you going through a difficult time?
• Can you stop and take a moment to praise GOD right now, thanking HIM for HIS method of delivery?

Stand Still and watch GOD work

Exodus 14: ¹³ 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. ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

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Technology is great when it works! Today I got up and I go through my usual routine of drinking coffee in order to pry one eye open. I sat down to check my technology security. Since I work with many technology companies, the right hand doesn’t always talk to the left. In other words my usual routine was thrown into a tizzy when I got a message “Access Denied” from my own technology.

Frantically I started making calls. As I spoke to support, they began to panic. Something within me said “calm everyone down” so I did. I got everyone to talk to each other and the problem was because of a simple change that I was not informed about. Something tiny caused a great deal of stress.

• When problems happen I get stressed out.
• When situations happen I start moving faster and faster trying to react before the situation gets worse.
• When trouble happens I squirm until I get out of trouble.

Even experts will say during any emergency, stay calm and I definitely agree. Panicking blinds me and I can’t think or hear. Many times the situation can be alleviated through some simple solution but in a panicked state I dream of big solutions instead of simple. This causes me to panic more!

• GOD says “do not be afraid” which means HE is in control.
• GOD says “stand firm” which means HE will absorb the blow.
• GOD says “today I will see deliverance” which says it all.
• GOD says “HE will fight for me” which means who can beat HIM?

My feeble plans and solutions are nothing compared to the almighty GOD! HE laughs at adversity and sneers at problems. HE commands evil to step back and watch HIS deliverance. I need only to be still.

• Are you in a panicked state?
• Do you see no way out of your situation?
• Can’t you depend on GOD to deliver you?
• Won’t you put your trust in HIM instead of your plans?

The LORD guides me

Exodus 13: ²¹ 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. ²² Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.

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Rushing water sound was getting closer and closer as we hiked deeper into the woods. It was getting very hilly and the canopy of the trees was thick so even during the day it was dim. Something within me said “watch your step.” As I cautiously moved forward the next step was off a blind small cliff high above rocky rushing water.

• When I stop listening to GOD HE allows me to fall into danger.
• When I fight to get my way I am blind to the pitfalls ahead.
• When I keep going on my path instead of following GOD I end up broken and beat up!

I have said this many times “GOD speaks to every person every day but many times I choose not to listen.” In fact, after ignoring HIM for long enough it seems like I can’t hear HIM at all.  When I can’t hear HIM it seems like my eyes grow dim and I can’t see the people HE wants me to serve. Then I find myself “lost.”

• GOD wants me to spend time with HIM daily so HE can guide me to a better place.
• GOD wants me to understand HIS ways so I can follow them daily.
• GOD wants me to open my eyes to see people in need to serve them.

In spite of my sinful nature, GOD guides me anyway.  Day and night HE leads me to HIS kingdom. I may run away but HE gently brings me back to HIS path.

• Are you letting GOD lead you or are you planning by yourself?
• Can GOD say “no” to your plan or are you stubborn?
• Won’t you ask GOD “where do YOU want me to go?”
• If you are in deep trouble, can’t you cry out to HIM to lead you besides still waters?

GOD forgives

Exodus 12: ²² Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it into the blood in the basin and put some of the blood on the top and on both sides of the doorframe. None of you shall go out of the door of your house until morning.

²³ When the Lord goes through the land to strike down the Egyptians, he will see the blood on the top and sides of the doorframe and will pass over that doorway, and he will not permit the destroyer to enter your houses and strike you down.

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Sometimes I forget that JESUS forgives me.  I mean it’s very clear that HE can’t stand sin and has some very clear rules that I have ignored. Should I run out and buy some livestock and figure out how to build an alter to sacrifice a lamb to be forgiven? Should I ignore HIS rules completely and do what I want?

• GOD told the Israelites to stay inside because HIS judgment was imminent.
• GOD gave specific rules for the Israelites to follow so they would remain safe from HIS judgment.
• GOD used a symbol of belief as the method of restraining HIS judgment.

I actually believe this was JESUS walking through the land.  Prior to HIS death burial and resurrection I believe HE told the Israelites to use the blood of an unblemished lamb to symbolize the death HE would go through for all of mankind.

• JESUS committed no sin and remained unblemished by sin.
• JESUS was murdered by people who attend church regularly and knew the Bible very well.
• JESUS left the cross as a symbol to everyone who believes in HIM, they can receive everlasting life.
• JESUS will allow people to not believe in HIM and to accept HIS judgment.

Accepting what JESUS did enables me to have eternal life. HE doesn’t want me to be part of an exclusionary club rather HE wants me to tell people about this great news! HE wants people to know HE forgives!

• Are you in the middle of a lifestyle that seems hard to stop?
• Are you battling with fear, sexuality outside of GOD’s structure, substance abuse, hatred, lust for power or something else?
• Can you stop trying to cure sin for a moment and look to JESUS who has already cured sin?
• Won’t you stop trying to look at your own power and look at HIS?

You will never know how high GOD will take you

Genesis 11: ³ (The Lord made the Egyptians favorably disposed toward the people, and Moses himself was highly regarded in Egypt by Pharaoh’s officials and by the people.)

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Daydreaming for only a second, I recalled the struggle of getting out of college. One person told me to change majors. Then as my mind shifted back to the meeting, I realized I was at the table making decisions for a large corporation.  I can’t take credit, although I would like to. GOD had made conditions favorable for me to get to that position. I never would have guessed I would be there.

• GOD can tear me down or raise me up depending on HIS plan.
• When GOD raises me up I have a responsibility to be a good steward of the position.
• GOD has a plan that is far greater than anything I can think of.

Moses said he couldn’t speak well then he made other excuses and finally he asked GOD to “send someone else.” He knew the message would be difficult and there was a possibility of rejection from his own people. BUT GOD saw something different. GOD opened the ears of the Egyptians and the Israelites to hear Moses message.

• GOD can make people hear me as long as I have HIS message.
• GOD can clear the way as long as I am on HIS path.
• GOD can move people to my favor as long as I am being used to draw people to HIM.

GOD can take me to heights I never would have imagined. HE can use a sinner like me to speak to kings of countries if that is HIS will. But for now HE wants me to speak to those around me who can hear.

• Do you know GOD made you special?
• Have you asked GOD what is your purpose?
• Can you stop trying to be somebody and let GOD elevate you?
• Won’t you stop doubting yourself and let GOD elevate you?

GOD has pinpoint precision

Exodus 9: ³ the hand of the Lord will bring a terrible plague on your livestock in the field—on your horses, donkeys and camels and on your cattle, sheep and goats. ⁴ But the Lord will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and that of Egypt, so that no animal belonging to the Israelites will die.’”

⁵ The Lord set a time and said, “Tomorrow the Lord will do this in the land.” ⁶ And the next day the Lord did it: All the livestock of the Egyptians died, but not one animal belonging to the Israelites died.

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Fascinated, I stood outside as the bright sky quickly turned dark. This was not a normal darkness rather the clouds had an eerie color to them. Olive green mixed with grey is the best description I can give the squall. Some of the clouds began to move faster then they started to spiral. It was time to take cover!

As I ran into the basement, the lights went off! Hard rain, wind and loud thunder rocked the house but eventually it passed. Our house was spared but the tornado did touch down with a wake of damage.

• I cannot explain the times where things happen all around me and I am spared.
• I do not understand the moments when problems are going on all around me and I am spared.
• I cannot fathom why a trial happens to some and I am spared.

Many other situations have happened that I cannot explain. From my car spinning out of control and touching nothing to lightning striking feet away and not harming me I have seen many situations where it could have been me but wasn’t. I wonder why GOD has spared me. What does HE want?

 GOD spares me because HE wants me to tell people about HIS SON.

• GOD spares me because HE wants me to show compassion to others just as HE has for me.
• GOD spares me because HE wants me to help those who hurt and show them a way to peace.

I can’t just say thanks for saving me and go about my business.  GOD wants me to interact with others to make sure they are alright.  HE protects me and makes me whole so I can help others focus on what HIS SON did for me.

• Have you been spared from the storm?
• Did something happen to the person right next to you and you were spared?
• Can you realize GOD has a purpose for you?
• Won’t you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?

Answered Prayer Doesn’t Mean I Am Following GOD

Exodus 8: ³⁰ Then Moses left Pharaoh and prayed to the Lord, ³¹ and the Lord did what Moses asked. The flies left Pharaoh and his officials and his people; not a fly remained. ³² But this time also Pharaoh hardened his heart and would not let the people go.

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“LORD please help me feel better” was the prayer when I felt unusually sick. A few hours later I felt better.  Now I can go “hang out” like usual. “Hanging out” was my code word for getting into mischief. Nothing had changed.  I didn’t learn my lesson.

• Sometimes my requests are selfish yet GOD answers my prayers.
• Sometimes my selfish requests make me turn my back on GOD yet HE answers my prayers.
• Sometimes my turning away from GOD makes me think I can do things on my own power yet HE answers my prayers.

Pharaoh was told to let the Israelites go to worship GOD. He wouldn’t and GOD sent plagues.  He hardened his heart at every plague even though his prayers were answered to remove them.

There is an old saying “you better be careful what you ask for, you might get it.” I get nervous about GOD helping me get on the wrong path. HE knows the heart and knows how incredibly wicked it is. HE can dig deep and see the motive behind my prayer. Scary thing about this is HE has given me free will to “not” choose HIS way.

• GOD would prefer that I consult HIM on my requests.
• GOD wants me to align my desires with HIS plan to draw all people to HIM.
• GOD desires that I seek HIS counsel, HIS timing and HIS answer which could be “no.”

Before I ask GOD for something I really should ask myself “Why do I want this?” Then when the answer pops in my head I should compare it to what GOD says is right. If they match then I can proceed. I know it’s harder than this statement but it is a start.

• Are your prayers selfish?
• Have you asked GOD to resolve your situation?
• Can you ask GOD to take control of your desires?
• Won’t you seek what GOD wants for you?

Does GOD help me fail?

Exodus 7: Then the Lord said to Moses, “See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron will be your prophet. ² You are to say everything I command you, and your brother Aaron is to tell Pharaoh to let the Israelites go out of his country. 

³ But I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in Egypt, ⁴ he will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and with mighty acts of judgment I will bring out my divisions, my people the Israelites.

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Empathetic was the way I acted when I first started working but as I rose through the ranks I became cynical.  “There they go doing something stupid” I would think to myself.  “If climb high enough I will fire all of these people.” My heart had become hard and I could cut a group as easily as signing a document.

• My blind goals can make my heart hard.
• My deaf aspirations can make my heart hard.
• My mute ambitions can make my heart hard.

Sometimes I forget that I’m put on this earth for humans, not for myself.  I fall into the “I want” trap and my blinders go up hardening my heart. The scary thing about having a hard heart is GOD may help solidify it so I can never return. HE did it to Pharaoh can HE do it to me?

• I better be careful not to think too highly of myself otherwise GOD may help me fail.
• I better be careful not to assume my salvation gives me carte-blanche to sin otherwise I may be a blind person destined to Hell assuming I was saved.
• I better be careful how I treat GOD’s people otherwise HE will treat me the same way if not worse.

Yes I know I am a sinner as is every human, but I cannot take my salvation lightly. I need to honor GOD with everything I do recognizing the need for HIM and running away from pouting when things don’t go my way. I also recognize there is a possibility of running away from GOD and HIM packing my bags to help me.

GOD wants me to be with HIM and HIS unconditional love reaches out to me to forgive me for all my sins.

• Are you fighting GOD with your lifestyle?
• Is your heart getting hard over “those” people?
• Can you recognize if your heart is getting hard and ask GOD to soften it even though you may lose the thing that caused your heart to be hard in the first place?

I will be your GOD

Exodus 6: ⁶ “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.

⁷ I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. ⁸ And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’”

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When GOD says “I will” it doesn’t mean it may happen or it possibly could happen, it means it will happen. But there are times when I doubt HIS promise to me. During these times I get nervous or make excuses to GOD just like Moses did when he kept telling GOD he wasn’t eloquent enough to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves.

I look at my abilities and power and can’t imagine doing something grandiose BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says “I will bring you” meaning I am not the one who has to provide the way.
• GOD says “I will free you” meaning anything that holds me in bondage will be broken.
• GOD says “I will redeem you with outstretched an arm and my might acts of judgment” meaning HE welcomes me, though sinful, and HE fights my battles.
• GOD says “I will take you as MY people” meaning I am part of HIS family and no longer HIS enemy.
• GOD says “I will be you GOD” meaning there is no person, place or thing greater than HIM.

GOD says “HE loves me” and “has a plan for me” and “will never leave me.” HIS might is far too great for HIM to go back on HIS word. HE says “I am the LORD.”

• Are you scared to cross over into greatness?
• Do you think GOD has something huge for you to do?
• Won’t you let GOD decide how to grow you and stretch you?
• Can’t you believe there is nothing too great for GOD?

Will it get any harder?

Exodus 5: ²² Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Why, Lord, why have you brought trouble on this people? Is this why you sent me? ²³ 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.”

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“I think I’ll start going to church” was my decision that I finally made. It had been a long time and a lot of sins that a church had seen me. The pastor spoke, I felt good, and life was good. Weeks later someone broke in my car and stole all my music.

Around the same time I was trying to sell an old car and the transmission went out on it. Then to top it off, I had unbearable pains in my chest. Isn’t life supposed to be better now that I am serving GOD? It seems to be worse! GOD where are you?

• When I start serving GOD I can expect opposition.
• When I give my life to GOD I can expect things to go wrong.
• When I pledge my allegiance to GOD I can expect retaliation from the enemy.

It seems like the moment I decide to serve GOD, things go downhill. Pressures of life, temptation to follow corruption and a desire to jump on the easy road all become obstacles to following GOD. It doesn’t get easier because few will say “It’s great that you are following GOD” rather they will exclaim “Why not do what we are doing?”

• GOD says to me “stay the course.”
• GOD says to me “don’t give up or give in.”
• GOD says to me “people may doubt but I AM with you always.”

GOD’s love for me is unfailing in spite of my sins. When I turn my face to HIS, my back is turned to those who do not follow HIM. Opposition will arise but GOD’s love and power is unmatched!

• Have you decided to follow GOD and more trouble has popped up?
• When you said “I give my life to YOU LORD” did things start getting worse?
• Can you still see that GOD loves you tremendously?
• Won’t you take a moment to release the situation and praise HIM?

GOD not me, send someone else!

Exodus 4: ¹⁰ Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

¹¹ The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? ¹² Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

¹³ But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

¹⁴ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. 

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“Why doesn’t this church have a good choir?” was the thought that ran through my mind. Then another thought popped in my head, “why don’t they have a program that reaches out ‘this’ group of people?” Then another thought came to mind, “wow this building is old, they should fix it up.”

Then the pastor asked for volunteers to help with “something” but I wasn’t listening. I mean they are always begging for money or volunteers. I’m sure someone else will step up.

• Sometimes when there is a need I make excuses.
• Sometimes I can’t see people in need because I have my head down doing my thing.
• Sometimes I ignore the needy because it just seems like it would take so much work to help them and I don’t have the time, resources or energy to assist.

GOD speaks to me all the time; I just choose to not listen to HIM.  HE shows me people in need during what seems like the most inopportune times.  Whether tired or worn down or busy, it seems like something will pop up when I’m at my worst. “Can’t you send someone else?” I ask.

• GOD has a special purpose for me that only I can do.
• GOD has a plan for me that does not always include my plans.
• GOD wants me to see HIS plan as a benefit, not an inconvenience.

Quite honestly if it were my plan, I and everyone I know would be wealthy, retired and on constant vacation. BUT GOD wants something different. HE wants me to prepare the way for HIS SON’s return. This will be met with anguish, fights and challenges. I choose to accept HIS plan.

• Are you avoiding people in need because you are in need?
• Do you feel you have nothing left to give?
• Can you look to GOD and ask HIM what HE wants you to do?
• Won’t you reach out and help someone today?

GOD is concerned

Exodus 3: ⁷ The Lord said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. ⁸ So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

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Sitting in my apartment, staring out in space, life seemed to be a mess.  My grades were suffering.  It seemed as if every bill collector knew my phone number.  Then a knock on the door startled me into reality. “Who is it?” I asked. They said my name with an inflection of inquisition.

“Yes” I replied. “You’ve been served” the sheriff replied. In my helpless stupor I had not paid a number of parking tickets.  “Why is this happening to me?” I screamed out!

• “Why me” is the question I scream when things seem to be going wrong.
• “What now” is the question I exclaim when yet another situation arises.
• “How long” is the question I moan when the trial seems to go on and on.

“Is GOD even listening to me” is usually the thought that pops in my head when things seem to go off track. Then I try to get righteous by telling GOD how good I am by rolling down a list of how I served HIM in the past as if HE doesn’t know. Maybe I am thinking of GOD the wrong way.

• GOD is concerned when I go through trials.
• GOD is concerned when I hurt inside.
• GOD is concerned when trouble knocks on my door.

HE is so concerned about me that HE decided to do something about it.  JESUS volunteered to rescue me from death and the FATHER and HOLY SPIRIT agreed. My belief in the act of JESUS becoming a human to die specifically for me and HIS resurrection relieves my situation.

I am now part of the most powerful family I could ever ask for. Now GOD’s promises flow over me and I am truly forgiven and blessed in spite of my sins and situations.

• Are you going through something?
• Does it seem like you have been in the same situation for a while?
• Can you stop fretting for a moment to praise GOD for HIS many blessings anyway?
• Won’t you open your heart to the understanding that GOD is concerned about you?