GOD’s Deliverance Celebrated

GOD’s Deliverance Celebrated

Exodus 18: ⁷ So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law, bowed down, and kissed him. And they asked each other about their well-being, and they went into the tent. ⁸ And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardship that had come upon them on the way, and how the Lord had delivered them. ⁹ Then Jethro rejoiced for all the good which the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had delivered out of the hand of the Egyptians. ¹⁰ And Jethro said, “Blessed be the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, and who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. ¹¹ Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the gods; for in the very thing in which they behaved proudly, He was above them.” ¹² Then Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and other sacrifices to offer to God. And Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.

 

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Jethro and Moses had not seen each other for a while so the conversation was about catching each other up on daily affairs. Moses told Jethro about the amazing things GOD did in the short time he was gone. The 430-year reign of tyranny of Egypt had ended.

 

My Observations:

• Moses told Jethro about the plagues, chase and rescue from the Egyptians.
• Jethro may have believed in gods, similarly to the Egyptians.
• Jethro praised the one true GOD for delivering the children of Israel out of the hands of the Egyptians by sacrificing a burnt offering and “other” offerings.

 

Just hearing the stories about what GOD did, converted Jethro into a full believer. For decades, Jethro believed in gods, but the one true GOD was now recognized. Moses told Jethro about the conversations with GOD. I bet they talked for hours.

 

Jethro probably hung onto every word of Moses. He may have asked follow on questions that Moses delightfully answered. The Egyptians were famous because of GOD. Joseph was placed in Egypt to sustain them during the famine. Egypt did not know that GOD had a plan to tear down the mindset that any human could be a god. HE also was preparing the way for JESUS to be recognized as the KING of kings.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the conversation he had with Jethro?
• Have you looked back on all the things GOD has brought you through?
• Is it time to take a moment to celebrate what GOD has done in your life?

 

True Deliverance from Danger

 

True Deliverance from Danger

Exodus 14: Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: ² “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, opposite Baal Zephon; you shall camp before it by the sea. ³ For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are bewildered by the land; the wilderness has closed them in.’ ⁴ Then I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, so that he will pursue them; and I will gain honor over Pharaoh and over all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so.

 

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GOD was leading. HE told Moses where to camp and told him that HE was going to let Pharaoh pursue the children of Israel. GOD had the children of Israel move to a dead end that looked like Pharaoh would have a strategic advantage.

 

My Observations:

• The triune GOD led the children of Israel into a place that looked dangerous.
• GOD told Moses that HE was about to wipe out the Egyptians.
• Pharaoh let the people go, but wanted to bring the people back.

 

GOD seems to allow people to think they are in charge. This limiting belief hardens the heart, or solidifies a way of thinking that GOD is not necessary. GOD was setting Pharaoh up to be wiped out. GOD warned the children of Israel what HE was about to do.

 

I always believed that the children of Israel ended up at a bad place that GOD needed to provide rescue. This clearly shows that the camp at the Red Sea was part of GOD’s plan. I believe the same goes for the situation you are in. GOD has a victorious plan that.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS bold statement regarding Pharaoh?
• Are you in a situation that looks like your back is up against the wall and there seems to be no escape?
• Do you believe that GOD’s escape plan is to provide you with eagle’s wings so you can soar and your strength be renewed?

First Action to Dismantle a Mindset

First Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 7: ¹⁹ Then the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their streams, over their rivers, over their ponds, and over all their pools of water, that they may become blood. And there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in buckets of wood and pitchers of stone.’ ” ²⁰ And Moses and Aaron did so, just as the Lord commanded. So he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. ²¹ The fish that were in the river died, the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink the water of the river. So there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.

 

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GOD told Moses to tell Pharaoh to let HIS people go. That was the warning. But now it was time for action. GOD told Moses to speak to Aaron. So he did. Aaron took his rod and touched the water in the river and all water turned into blood. Even water in buckets and stone pitchers turned into blood.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave Pharaoh a chance to let the people go, but Pharaoh’s heart became hard and would not surrender to GOD.
• GOD said to Moses that he would be like GOD to Aaron, so Moses commanded Aaron to strike the water.
• GOD started the process of dismantling a belief system that openly opposed HIM.

 

When GOD made the promise to Noah that HE would not wipe out humans with a flood in the future, I believe HE was also saying HE was going to allow humans to choose HIM as GOD. Unfortunately, some humans saw themselves as god.

 

This belief system existed with the Egyptians. Pharaoh was revered as a god. But the true GOD was dismantling this belief. HIS first action was to turn the life sustaining water into blood. There was no escape. GOD was delivering HIS people from those who had a mindset that they could be a god. HE may have used blood on the first plague to show we need the blood of JESUS to sustain physical life as well as eternal.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses of the action HE took against Pharaoh when turning water into blood?
• Have you taken your eyes off of GOD and placed them in a limiting belief?
• What limiting belief do you have that makes you fear, worry or doubt that GOD can deliver you?

Your Setback is Included in Deliverance

Your Setback is Included in Deliverance

Exodus 5: ¹⁵ Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried out to Pharaoh, saying, “Why are you dealing thus with your servants? ¹⁶ There is no straw given to your servants, and they say to us, ‘Make brick!’ And indeed your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people.”

 

¹⁷ But he said, “You are idle! Idle! Therefore you say, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to the Lord.’ ¹⁸ Therefore go now and work; for no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the quota of bricks.” ¹⁹ And the officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble after it was said, “You shall not reduce any bricks from your daily quota.”

 

²⁰ Then, as they came out from Pharaoh, they met Moses and Aaron who stood there to meet them. ²¹ And they said to them, “Let the Lord look on you and judge, because you have made us abhorrent in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us.”

 

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Moses and Aaron performed the miraculous signs that GOD would do to the Egyptians and they believed. Many of them had stopped working because of their belief. This enraged Pharaoh, who quickly gave a wild erratic rule to take away their raw material, knowing it would make life more difficult, so he could beat them and make them feel scared of being disobedient.

 

My Observations:

• When Pharaoh realized that he may be losing power, he exerted force to control the people.
• Pharaoh’s cruel punishment made the children of Israel confront Moses and Aaron.
• The children of Israel felt their situation had gone from bad to worse.

 

At one point the children of Israel were crying out to GOD for deliverance. GOD heard their cries and responded with HIS deliverance plan. When the plan was put into effect, the children of Israel were delighted! Unfortunately, they had more suffering to overcome.

 

Their expectation was that GOD would make this happen swiftly and easily. They did not know that GOD’s plan included the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart. They only saw the result coming. We feel the same way. When we get the smallest sign from GOD, we rejoice, but possibly fall to pieces when there is a setback, or so we think. GOD has taken into consideration any opposition you and I face. HE is still going to be the deliverance!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the cruelty of Pharaoh and the response of the children of Israel?
• Have you ever experienced a setback and wondered if GOD has left you or abandoned the plan HE promised you?
• Can you hold on through the setbacks, knowing that GOD has accounted for them in HIS deliverance?

Unexpected Breakthrough

Unexpected Breakthrough

Genesis 38: ²⁷ Now it came to pass, at the time for giving birth, that behold, twins were in her womb. ²⁸ And so it was, when she was giving birth, that the one put out his hand; and the midwife took a scarlet thread and bound it on his hand, saying, “This one came out first.” ²⁹ Then it happened, as he drew back his hand, that his brother came out unexpectedly; and she said, “How did you break through? This breach be upon you!” Therefore his name was called Perez. ³⁰ Afterward his brother came out who had the scarlet thread on his hand. And his name was called Zerah.

 

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When Tamar was ready to give birth, a midwife got ready. When the first baby stuck out his hand, the midwife tied a scarlet thread around it. But his brother came out unexpectedly.

 

My Observations:

• Tamar’s midwife must have delivered a lot of babies and knew by Tamar’s size, that she was having twins.
• Zerah was expected to come out first, but Perez came out unexpectedly.
• Perez would become the one who would be in the lineage of JESUS.

 

Humans expect things to happen one way, BVUT GOD makes them happen another. The midwife knew a lot about delivering babies, therefore had an expectation. But that expectation was met with the unexpected. Same goes with our lives. We expect GOD to act one way, and HE does something unexpected.

 

Unlike Esau and Jacob, there was no fighting in the womb. Both brothers were mentioned in the lineage of JESUS. Zerah got a shout out, but Perez had the descendants. The King of kings and the LORD of Lords would come through an unexpected breakthrough.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail to Moses about the birth of Perez and Zerah?
• What are your expectations of GOD?
• Can you believe that GOD is orchestrating an unexpected breakthrough for you?

Supposed To Be

Supposed To Be

Genesis 5: ²⁸ Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and had a son. ²⁹ And he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” ³⁰ After he begot Noah, Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years, and had sons and daughters. ³¹ So all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years; and he died.

 

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Seeing the Garden of Eden guarded by the cherubim was a constant reminder that humans had messed up royally! For eight generations, people cried out to the LORD because of stories they heard that were passed down from Adam. He may have said “When we were in the garden, the plants would plant themselves and didn’t have to be watered. There was plenty and the animals did not attack us.”

 

Lamech heard these stories of how it was supposed to be and may have had a conversation with the LORD, who gave him the prophecy of deliverance through his son Noah.

My Observations:

• Lamech must have been respectful as he possibly questioned the LORD about the way things were supposed to be.
• Lamech acknowledged GOD’s curse and wanted something better for all people.
• GOD may have answered Lamech by telling him the world would be forever changed through his son Noah.

 

For five hundred and ninety-five years, Noah’s siblings heard Lamech speak prophetic words. This was probably very challenging for them. “Noah is going to comfort us” were supposed to be words of encouragement, but instead the siblings may have seen this as a problem. They would not join Noah in the prophecy spoken about him.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about what was said?
• Has GOD said something special to you and it has not happened yet?
• Will you remain encouraged, knowing GOD keeps all of HIS promises and will deliver you HIS way and in HIS time?

Special Delivery

Special Delivery

Philippians 4: ¹⁸ Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ²⁰ Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

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Looking in my mailbox, I received a note that was unusual for me. “Pick up your package at the front desk” it said. It did not have a return address so it was from someone in the dorm. It had gifts in it.

 

• I was delighted.
• I felt great receiving something unexpected.
• I did not know I needed what was in the package.

 

Paul received many care packages from the people in Philippi. While he was spreading the Gospel, they supported his needs with many packages. Epaphroditus was the delivery person who spent time keeping the packages safe.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants my heart open to become a supplier of needs.
• GOD sends me to deliver packages from others when I cannot provide them myself.
• GOD has plenty to give and HE wants me to be a distributor.

 

For many years I thought this passage was about getting stuff. I mean, GOD supplying all “Y” needs sounds cool. But it seems like the sweet aroma to GOD was from those who gave or supported people who were spreading the Gospel. Giving is often overlooked in this passage because I usually want more.

 

Having enough is a strange concept. It means I am thankful for the little I have. It also means I can give someone some of what I have and GOD will be pleased. I gladly will become a delivery person when I don’t have much to give but when I  do, I will give to those in need.

 

Challenge

• What aroma does the writer speak of?
• What needs do you have?
• Will you supply someone’s needs today or become a delivery person if you have nothing to give?

It will be alright

 

It will be alright

Romans 7: ²¹ So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

 

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.

 

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“You have no skills” the recruiter said. “What do you mean?” I asked insulted. “Though you rose to a high level at your last company, you only have the skill for that company.” I found myself without a job, not being able to go back to the last one and seemingly, not being able to go to another. I felt despair.

 

• There have been times when there seemed like I had no answers.
• There have been times when the situation seemed difficult, no matter which way I turned.
• There have been times when I wondered if anyone cared.

 

Paul truly expresses the conflict that is inside of humans by getting personal. He cries out, “What a wretched man I am!” Paul, who used to be Saul, went around having people murdered, thinking he was eradicating those who were not “following” GOD. This horrible past would remain with him forever. How to move forward?

 

• GOD delivers me when the situation seems impossible.
• GOD shows me that HE cares for me no matter what my past looks like.
• GOD saved me from my past through JESUS CHRIST our LORD!

 

“Thanks be to GOD!” are words that brought me out of despair. I mean, when I listened to everyone else, things seemed impossible. But when I listened to GOD, all things were possible because I believe in JESUS. HE picked me up when no one else would. HE delivers me out of situations when it seems impossible. JESUS is my deliverer!

 

• Are you in a situation that seems hopeless?
• Do you place all of your trust in jobs or money and you have neither?
• Will you get hope by believing GOD loves you and JESUS will deliver you if you put your trust in HIM today?

Safe Delivery

 

Safe Delivery

Acts 23: ³¹ So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul with them during the night and brought him as far as Antipatris. ³² The next day they let the cavalry go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. ³³ When the cavalry arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him. ³⁴ The governor read the letter and asked what province he was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, ³⁵ he said, “I will hear your case when your accusers get here.” Then he ordered that Paul be kept under guard in Herod’s palace.

 

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Feeling uneasy, I went back to the hotel room. I was parting from the company after more than a decade of work there. A new group came in and decided to clean house. I had faced this before, but this time it was different. I feared my physical safety. I was relieved when I was dropped off at the airport.

 

• There have been times when I felt uneasy.
• There have been times when I feared for my life.
• There have been times when I needed protection and did not know where to turn.

 

Paul was surrounded by over 400 soldiers. When they arrived far enough, the cavalry went all the way to his destination, while the other soldiers returned to the barracks. Paul was protected all the way to the next place.

 

• GOD wants me to seek HIS protection.
• GOD says to me “Do not be afraid.”
• GOD watches over me when I am in the presence of my enemies.

 

There is no situation GOD does not know about. It may be confusing or even scary that I don’t know what is going on. BUT GOD does. HE knows the situation and has factored in someone else’s evil in HIS great plan for me. Any robbery of earthly treasures from me is noted by GOD. HE rewards me with heavenly treasures that cannot rot or rust. I place my trust in GOD.

 

• Are you feeling uneasy about your situation?
• Do you feel unsafe?
• Will you continue to put your trust in GOD, knowing HE is the only one who can deliver you to safety today?

Relieved and Excited

Relieved and Excited

Acts 12: ¹¹ And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel, and has delivered me from the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the Jewish people.”

¹² So, when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. ¹³ And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a girl named Rhoda came to answer. ¹⁴ When she recognized Peter’s voice, because of her gladness she did not open the gate, but ran in and announced that Peter stood before the gate. ¹⁵ But they said to her, “You are beside yourself!” Yet she kept insisting that it was so. So they said, “It is his angel.”

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“At least it’s not raining anymore” I said to the other long-faced campers. Moments later, the van rolled back to the campsite with the injured child all bandaged up. They had been gone for hours. I was relieved that the person was alright. I was more relieved to have our leader back. I mean we couldn’t do anything without him and we were bored!

• When the trial is over, I get relieved.
• When the trial is over, I get excited.
• When the trial is over, I want to tell everyone.

Rhoda answered the door, heard Peter’s voice and became so excited that she forgot to open the door. Everyone at the house was mourning the death or Mary’s son, James brother of John. It seemed like the little excitement of seeing the power of the HOLY SPIRIT was lost. But Peter arrived under impossible odds. The excitement grew.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of mourning.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of the trial.
• GOD wants me to seek HIM in the middle of the pain.

It is not easy to praise GOD when it seems like all is lost. I mean, just when I start living my life for GOD, it seems like more problems occur. GOD knows the persecution will increase when I give my life to HIM. BUT GOD does provide relief and excitement that keeps me going. Some things cannot be fixed, but I put my trust in GOD to use them for HIS good.

• Are you in mourning?
• Does it seem like all is lost?
• Will you understand that it is alright to be in mourning and GOD loves you even though it may be difficult to hear that right now?

Dear LORD, please heal those hurting right now. Bless them with peace that only comes from you. amen

Urges

Urges

Acts:5 ¹⁷ Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, ¹⁸ and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. ¹⁹ But at night an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, ²⁰ “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.”

²¹ And when they heard that, they entered the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those with him came and called the council together, with all the elders of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

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“Don’t go in that room while we are gone” was the statement given to me. I hadn’t thought about it before, but now that I had a restriction, I only wanted to go in “that” room. I thought of excuses for being in the room, but the door was closed most of the time.

One day, the door was left open. I put one foot in the room to test it out. Nothing happened. I went in boldly and became comfortable, too comfortable. They caught me in the room and I could not remember the “excuses” I made up.

• Sometimes I get urges that were prompted by someone telling me what I should not do.
• Sometimes I get urges to do something I am not supposed to do.
• Sometimes I get urges from something I was exposed to.

Fed up, the high priest and other church leaders had the apostles arrested. BUT GOD sent angels to release them, telling them to speak the “words of this life.” Early in the morning, they could not do anything else but teach.

• GOD wants me to seek HIM so my urges point to serving HIM.
• GOD wants me to listen to HIM so I desire to do what HE says.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS calling so I want what HE wants.

Urges can be great when pointed to GOD. I mean if I got the urge to speak to someone in an encouraging way, expressing GOD’s love, then HE would be extremely pleased. Unfortunately some of my urges come from places of temptation. Any follow through on those urges are against GOD.

Obedience to GOD makes me place my urges under HIM so I can exercise self-control and bear the fruit of the Spirit. I am grateful GOD leads me not into temptation but delivers me from evil.

• What urges are you following?
• Are you asking GOD “Should I be doing this” or acting on your own urges?
• Will you stop fighting GOD by not exercising self-control and present HIS gift of love through kindness and peace today?

Delivering Celebration

Luke 1: ⁵⁷ Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son. ⁵⁸ When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

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“Look… I can walk!” were my words of joy. I was excited because I could not say the same weeks prior due to being laid up on the couch with an injury. The LORD healed me and I was elated to be able to do something so basic.

• When I get through the storm I feel excited.
• When I get healed I feel relieved.
• When I get delivered I feel free.

Elizabeth had given up on the dream of having children years before the announcement, yet somehow she wasn’t bitter at GOD. HE found favor in her unlike the bitter desert people Moses delivered, who complained about their situation daily. GOD delivered her mercy and she delivered a prophet.

• GOD wants me to have patience when I am going through the storm.
• GOD wants me to praise HIM during the storm.
• GOD wants me to increase my excitement for HIM during the storm.

The longer the trial, the bigger the delivery. No other woman in Elizabeth’s neighborhood was praised like her, because their deliveries were common. GOD takes me through some uncommon trials too. HE uses difficult situations to bring delivery for HIS people.

HIS SON suffered a great deal and was blamed for every one of my sins. GOD delivered me from eternal separation from HIM and for that I am truly grateful.

• Are you going through an extended trial?
• Do you feel like giving up?
• Can you replace any bitterness you have and replace it with praise for GOD today?

Rescue is Only a Question Away

Psalm 144: ¹⁰ to the One who gives victory to kings,
    who delivers his servant David.

From the deadly sword ¹¹ deliver me;
    rescue me from the hands of foreigners
whose mouths are full of lies,
    whose right hands are deceitful.

¹² Then our sons in their youth
    will be like well-nurtured plants,
and our daughters will be like pillars
    carved to adorn a palace.
¹³ Our barns will be filled
    with every kind of provision.
Our sheep will increase by thousands,
    by tens of thousands in our fields;
¹⁴     our oxen will draw heavy loads.
There will be no breaching of walls,
    no going into captivity,
    no cry of distress in our streets.
¹⁵ Blessed is the people of whom this is true;
    blessed is the people whose God is the Lord.

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David was fleeing for his life and a few times this was true for me. From being chased by bullies, thugs and gang members, running became a solution of necessity. As an adult I remember running from other bullies in companies, creditors and collection agencies. Fear filled my bones, BUT GOD was always there.

• GOD tells me “Stand still and watch the salvation of the LORD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the only path to deliverance.”
• GOD whispers to me “I AM the gate; no one gets into the kingdom but by ME.”

The LORD is truly my shepherd, I shall not want. HE gives me peace and restores me even when I don’t deserve it. I am excited that I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever!

• Can you place your full trust in GOD today?
• Will you stand still and watch the deliverance of the LORD?
• Can you be honest with GOD and let HIM know your needs without stating them in anger?
• Will you let GOD be your LORD today?

Deserving Deliverance

Psalm 79: ⁹ Help us, God our Savior,
    for the glory of your name;
deliver us and forgive our sins
    for your name’s sake.

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Sitting in my final, I asked GOD to help me recall some of the information I crammed into my head the night before. I didn’t understand the concepts and the professor told me a week before that unless I wrote an outstanding final, I would fail. After my prayer I took the final and got a C on the test and a failing grade overall.

Praying that GOD undo damage I have caused is rather futile, especially if it’s for my personal gain. I expected that GOD clean up the damage while I skip merrily through the situation. It did not happen. GOD allowed me to face the consequences of my decision and quite honestly it was the best thing that happened to me. My study habits got infinitely better afterwards.

• GOD delivers me not because of me, but in spite of me.
• GOD delivers me in the middle of my sins, not after I clean myself up.
• GOD delivers me because of HIS name and HIS sake, not because I demand it or deserve it.

When I look at my life I see points where GOD intervened in the middle of my sins. HE showed tremendous restraint and did not pour out wrath rather HE dished out a heaping helping of HIS grace. I can also see times where HE allowed the consequences of my sins to hit me in the face.

This prayer is appropriate. Israel was in captivity for turning away from GOD for the thousandth time. The writer knew there was nothing that could be said to deserve deliverance. All they could write was “Forgive our sins for YOUR name’s sake.” GOD’s name is pure and so is HIS love for me. I praise HIM because I do not deserve the blessings HE has bestowed on me.

• Do you feel you deserve deliverance?
• Are you busy telling GOD how good you have been?
• Can you stop trying to steer GOD and praise HIM?
• Will you ask HIM to deliver you on HIS terms?

Being Restored

Job 42: ¹⁰ After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. 

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¹² The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. 

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Pondering Job’s calamity I learned a lot about GOD and myself. Job was trying to do what was right all his life. His faith was tested in extreme measures all in one day by losing his family, wealth and health. These are things that I and many I know hold dearly to their hearts. Quite honestly it looked like GOD was the bad guy in the story, but it was Satan who asked to do all of this to Job after GOD said “consider my servant Job.”

Here is what I learned:

• GOD sees every faithful action I do and wants me to do it for HIM no matter what condition I’m in.
• GOD knows I’m a sinner and I cannot fool HIM so I should stop trying to be righteous and start trusting in HIM.
• GOD’s ways are not my ways so I should not try to make HIM follow my ways rather learn how to follow HIM.
• GOD allows calamity in my life and others but HE always has a marvelous plan that we are not always privy to in this life.
• GOD is always in my corner even when it looks disastrous.

Job had to hang in through some incredibly rough times. He had no one around him who could help him through a GOD ordained issue. He had no way to stop the calamity and had practically given up. He wished he wasn’t born. BUT GOD restored him.

I did ponder a question. “Why did people have to die?” and all I could get from this slice of history is GOD has that in HIS control. HE holds life and death in HIS hands and “everything under heaven is HIS.” HE owns humans, wealth and health. Satan wants me to look at GOD as the problem when he is the one who seeks to devour me.

My focus should always remain on faith in GOD, trust in HIS love and hope in HIS deliverance.

• Do you think your righteousness is saving you from calamity?
• Do you trust in yourself more than you trust in GOD’s love for you?
• Will you stop trying to maneuver GOD and flow down HIS rushing river?
• Can you ask GOD to show you HIS plan for you this day and this day alone?

Fasting Prayer Belief

Ezra 8: ²¹ There, by the Ahava Canal, I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. ²² I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” ²³ So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.

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Upon reading this I could not think of an example because the message was too powerful. There were too many elements that caught my eye.

Ezra declared a fast to humble the group.

            What I hear is I need to fast every now and then to see just how much I need GOD.

Ezra asked GOD for a safe journey, not only for himself but everyone who traveled with him.

            What I hear is I need to ask GOD for HIS protection of all those HE sends to me.

Ezra was ashamed to ask the king to protect them because of their belief in GOD’s deliverance.

            What I hear is belief takes faith and the acceptance of trouble or protection from GOD.

Ezra did what he said by fasting and praying and GOD answered their prayer.

            What I hear is believe and move forward because GOD is listening.

This is an amazing piece of history because GOD delivered a weak broken band of people, who were carrying valuable items, from thieves and enemies who could care less about them.  I imagine they didn’t sleep very well during this three day journey. I imagine they felt frightened yet driven to complete the task at hand.

Depending on GOD every step of the way must have felt pretty scary BUT GOD was faithful and protected them, not because they were sinless, but because HE is GOD.

• Are you about to go through a trial?
• Do you feel you are holding fast to your beliefs?
• Have you taken time to humble yourself by fasting and praying?
• Will you take the time to ask GOD for HIS protection of you, the people around you and your stuff?

Responding Quick Enough

2 Chronicles 34: ²⁷ Because your heart was responsive and you humbled yourself before God when you heard what he spoke against this place and its people, and because you humbled yourself before me and tore your robes and wept in my presence, I have heard you, declares the Lord. 

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“Toughen up” was the phrase given to me as I was told to fire a person. This was a test to see if I could cut it in management. Everyone around me seemed to be scared of this person but I sat him down with my letter to him and simply said, “Your services are no longer needed here.”

“What was everyone scared about?” I thought to myself. Years later and several fired people later, I ran into a person who I had to “let go” who seemed different. He was no longer a thing that could be fired; rather he was a human with a family. When I “let him go” something bothered me.  I wonder what that was.

• Sometimes my drive keeps me from hearing things.
• Sometimes my determination keeps me from listening.
• Sometimes my position keeps me from having a soft heart.

Now I know why some of the elderly are so nice. After “letting people go” in a cold calloused way, I now see I had to harden my heart in order to be “tough enough” to make it in the position. I don’t mean I would not fire a rebellious or slothful employee, I mean I have to have a different courage.

• I have to have courage enough to listen to GOD rather than letting my ambition deafen me.
• I have to have courage enough to listen to GOD rather than plodding down a destructive course.
• I have to have courage enough to listen to GOD rather than thinking everything will be fine if I don’t repent.

GOD wants me to have a humbled heart. I have to appreciate rather than alienate. HE tells me to live the way HE designed and only HE can determine my course. My action is to have a responsive heart which takes spiritual ears and a humbled soul.

• Are you at war with GOD?
• Do you think you will win the fight against GOD?
• Can you stop the battle and follow HIS leading?
• Will you humble yourself and listen to what HE has to say? 

Asking GOD the right questions

1 Chronicles 14: ¹⁰ so David inquired of God: “Shall I go and attack the Philistines? Will you deliver them into my hands?”

The Lord answered him, “Go, I will deliver them into your hands.”

  

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Struggling to get the extremely large piece out of the garage, a few of us tussled with what I call “the Rock of Gibraltar furniture.” Three of us put our heads together, plotting our path carefully, hoping the furniture would get lighter. As we saddled this mountainous piece of furniture in our hands we struggled at the first set of steps just getting it into the house.

Once in, we had to climb steps, I believe these folks had 50,000 or so. I walked backwards and the other two gentlemen were on the end, pushing upward. When we reached the top of the stairway to my dismay, there were boxes blocking our path. We were holding this heavy thing and could not set it down!

• Sometimes I run into obstacles and feel discouraged.
• Sometimes I run into barriers and feel like giving up.
• Sometimes I run into road blocks and feel like dropping heavy loads.

My tendency is to “plan” better and cut GOD out of the picture. I mean we could have checked the full path and been successful right? Wrong! The path was clear but boxes were placed in the path as we were on our way. GOD wants me to plan but do it in a different way.

• GOD wants me to ask HIM if I should even be doing what I’m doing.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM for success rather than focusing on my own power.
• GOD wants me to ask HIM to handle extremely large problems as well as the small.

David’s army was but a flea compared to the Philistines. BUT GOD was with David and nothing could stop him. When GOD is with me who can be against me? GOD’s power is infinite, so it is up to me to ask HIM the right questions to determine my success that day.

• Are you making decisions on your own?
• Do you think you can accomplish things on your own power?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?
• Will you look to GOD to provide “success” to you HIS way?

Time for deliverance!

2 Kings 19: ²⁹ “This will be the sign for you, Hezekiah:

“This year you will eat what grows by itself,
    and the second year what springs from that.
But in the third year sow and reap,
    plant vineyards and eat their fruit.
³⁰ Once more a remnant of the kingdom of Judah
    will take root below and bear fruit above.
³¹ For out of Jerusalem will come a remnant,
    and out of Mount Zion a band of survivors.

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After what seemed to be an extremely long rough patch, I got news that my school loan had been paid off. Then at the same time I got another letter. I had taken out a loan for a car and that was not paid off. For the first time in years, I deposited a whole paycheck into the bank. What was I going to do with the extra cash?

• Outside of the storm GOD does bring peace.
• Outside of the trial GOD does show me still waters.
• Outside of the pain GOD does provide comfort.

At that time I was focused on money and living day to day. I had no concept of generously giving or living my life with a purpose. I would make bills and pay bills off. I mean that’s what life is about right? GOD says something different.

• GOD says “Sow sparingly, reap sparingly.”
• GOD says “Go make disciples, teach, baptize.”
• GOD says “Bear fruit.”

So many times I forget that I am part of GOD’s kingdom and HE is the owner of everything. HE delivers me in HIS time and in HIS way. What looks like a mess to me, IS GOD’s deliverance. HE wants me to recognize HIS grace and be ready to sow in plentiful fashion through generosity, actions and words.

• Are you in trouble?
• Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired?
• Can you see “this year” is GOD’s deliverance?
• Won’t you open your eyes to see GOD’s power?

When faith seems to fail

2 Kings 2: ⁹ So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.

¹⁰ “What!” exclaimed the king of Israel. “Has the Lord called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?”

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“I will go” were my words as I volunteered for a short term mission’s trip. I mustered up all the faith I had at the time, in order to do this. Once I got on the trip things started off smooth but I was assigned to ride with the guy who drove a camper. He couldn’t keep up with the caravan and eventually got lost. We couldn’t speak the language and did not have a GPS, map or a clue!

This was the beginning of the trip! We had many missteps. We were constantly late, once four hours. The last straw was when I set up the equipment, it didn’t work. “GOD, why have you brought me to this place only to fail?!”, I cried out.

• Sometimes I get to a place where things seem bleak and I cry out.
• Sometimes I step out on faith only to meet a greater challenge when I get there.
• Sometimes I take a chance and my risk is met with tougher circumstances.

Faith takes trust in GOD, but sometimes when I used up all of my faith, I run into a situation where I can’t see my way beyond the next circumstance. Looking back, I realize I may have given up a bit too soon on many difficult situations.

• GOD said “MY ways are not your ways.”
• GOD said “Trust in ME for I shall never leave you nor forsake you.”
• GOD said “Believe in the one who can not only kill the body but destroy the soul.”

GOD has delivered me through many bleak situations. HIS power and might seem to overturn even the gravest circumstance. HE easily plows through any problem. When I step out on faith, I should expect to come up against the enemy’s attack. I must add trust to my faith and watch GOD work HIS plan, which includes the tough situation.

• Are you facing a difficult situation?
• Do you feel like you have stepped out on faith only to face a larger situation?
• Can you add trust to your faith and watch GOD deliver you?
• Can you praise GOD for the future victory today?