First Two Commandments – No gods, No Idols

First Two Commandments – No gods, No Idols

Exodus 19: And God spoke all these words, saying:

 

² “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

 

³ “You shall have no other gods before Me.

 

⁴ “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

 

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Moses made it back to the people to warn them about staying away from the mountain, otherwise they would be killed. When Moses got back, GOD spoke.

 

My Observations:

• GOD begins the Ten Commandments by revealing how HE wants to relate to the people.
• GOD let’s the people know that it was no coincidence that they were delivered out of Egypt.
• GOD made it clear that he sees those who hate HIM and who make idols that mock HIS position and power.

 

These first two commandments are extremely important to GOD. HE could not stan it when Pharaoh was revered as a god, and HE does not like it when we raise politicians or other celebrities to godlike status.

 

GOD does explain that HE has mercy on those who love HIM and keep HIS commandments. After 430 years, the children of Israel needed to hear the mindset that GOD wanted them to take to heart. They had believed that a human could be a god. They also believed in idols. GOD made it clear that gods and idols were not to ever be worshipped. HE and HE alone is GOD.

HE said “I AM the LORD your GOD,” when HE began HIS speech.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses that HE started off the Ten Commandments by telling the people about no gods and no idols?
• Have you made a politician or cither celebrity a god by speaking about him or her more than JESUS?
• Is GOD higher than any politician, celebrity or local leader to you so your actions can be guided by HIM?

Song of Triumph Part 1

Song of Triumph Part 1

Exodus 15: Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and spoke, saying:

 

“I will sing to the Lord,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!
² The Lord is my strength and song,
And 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 man of war;
The Lord is His name.
⁴ Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
⁵ The depths have covered them;
They sank to the bottom like a stone.

 

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Wow! GOD kept HIS word! Moses and the children of Israel were so elated that they broke out in song. They started the first chorus with what GOD did.

 

My Observations:

• Moses and the children of Israel were relieved and excited.
• Moses probably sang first and the children of Israel repeated his words.
• Moses mentioned what GOD did and who HE was.

 

From the time Moses was born, he had a special relationship with GOD that he could not quite figure out. He tried to do things for GOD with deadly disastrous results. BUT GOD saw his heart. GOD told Moses that HE would save the people from the Egyptians. They thought this was impossible. Even when the plagues were poured out by GOD, they may have thought the Egyptians had it coming, but did not believe.

 

But when GOD performed the biggest miracle they had ever seen, they cheered and sang! The Red Sea fell on the Egyptian army. They knew this was the last thing standing in the way of their true freedom. Pharaoh had no army, no servants, no crops, no gold or silver. They were free and GOD was recognized as their “strength,” their “song,” and their “salvation.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the song they sang?
• Have you ever been so elated that you just had to sing or praise?
• Can you sing praises to GOD for being your strength, song and salvation?

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Mindsets Addressed by GOD

Exodus 14: ²⁶ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come back upon the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” ²⁷ And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its full depth, while the Egyptians were fleeing into it. So the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. ²⁸ Then the waters returned and covered the chariots, the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. Not so much as one of them remained. ²⁹ But the children of Israel had walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left.

 

³⁰ So the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. ³¹ Thus Israel saw the great work which the Lord had done in Egypt; so the people feared the Lord, and believed the Lord and His servant Moses.

 

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When GOD took the wheels off of their chariots, the Egyptians were filled with fear and tried to turn around from their pursuit of the children of Israel. They may have gotten close to them but fear made them turn around. Moses held up his hand again and the sea returned to its full depth.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wiped out the last thing the Egyptians had, namely a mindset of power.
• The Egyptian mindset of believing in humans as gods was wiped out by GOD.
• The children of Israel heard Moses before the plagues, saw the miracles that would be performed, saw the actual plagues happen, but did not believe until they saw the Egyptian army killed by the Red Sea.

 

Mindsets can help our free will or attack it. The children of Israel were so used to being slaves, that they could not see GOD for who HE was. They cried for help and GOD came. They watched GOD take down Egypt. They left. But it wasn’t until the sea swallowed up the army that they believed in the LORD and they believed in Moses. We treat GOD the same.

 

Our limiting beliefs can limit what GOD can do in our lives. HE does not force HIMSELF on us, rather stands back and knocks on our hearts. If we let HIM in, then HE can do amazing things. GOD allowed Pharaoh to think he was a god. GOD hardened Pharaoh’s heart by simply letting him think he was in charge. All of Egypt fell because GOD saw that his heart would not change. GOD did just as HE promised.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about how HE wiped out the Egyptian army?
• How many times has GOD rescued you and yet you may still be operating with limiting beliefs of HIM?
• Is there a limiting belief that makes you tentative that GOD can do what HE said HE would do?

Eighth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

 

Eighth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 10: ⁸ So Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, “Go, serve the Lord your God. Who are the ones that are going?”

 

⁹ And Moses said, “We will go with our young and our old; with our sons and our daughters, with our flocks and our herds we will go, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.”

 

¹⁰ Then he said to them, “The Lord had better be with you when I let you and your little ones go! Beware, for evil is ahead of you. ¹¹ Not so! Go now, you who are men, and serve the Lord, for that is what you desired.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence.

 

¹² Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come upon the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land—all that the hail has left.” ¹³ So Moses stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind on the land all that day and all that night. When it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. ¹⁴ And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt and rested on all the territory of Egypt. They were very severe; previously there had been no such locusts as they, nor shall there be such after them. ¹⁵ For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they ate every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. So there remained nothing green on the trees or on the plants of the field throughout all the land of Egypt.

 

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When Pharaoh’s servants asked him to do something about the pending situation, Pharaoh went into negotiation mode. He asked Moses, who would go. Moses said, “Everyone and their livestock.” Pharaoh countered the statement with “Men only.” GOD waited on Moses to hold up his rod, then HE caused locusts to come in and eat anything that was salvageable from the broken, burnt trees.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was addressing the unhealthy pride of Pharaoh and those who followed him.
• GOD wanted them to surrender their cruelty, slavery and superiority way of thinking.
• GOD took away their source of food that they were known for when Joseph stored up grain to save the Egyptians decades prior to this plague.

 

Dismantling the mindset versus killing the people seems to be what GOD was doing. HE saw the pride in the Egyptians who took Joseph’s direction by storing up grain in mass warehouses. When the famine ended after Joseph’s time, the Egyptians may have kept going with producing large amounts of food and selling it to surrounding areas.

 

GOD sent locusts to eat every little crumb and every morsel that was green. There would be nothing left to be proud of. Pride is one of GOD’s things HE despises. HE gave Pharaoh many chances to do the opposite of pride, namely surrender. HE does the same with you and me. When we dig our heels in versus surrendering to GOD’s will, we act like Pharaoh. GOD was dismantling pride for everyone.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s refusal to let the people go?
• What thing are you refusing to surrender, despite the warnings you have received?
• Are you open to asking GOD about what you need to surrender to HIM that is blocking your success?

Fourth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Fourth Action to Dismantle a Mindset

Exodus 8: ²⁴ And the Lord did so. Thick swarms of flies came into the house of Pharaoh, into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt. The land was corrupted because of the swarms of flies.

 

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Twenty-four hours passed and Pharaoh did not let GOD’s people go. GOD allowed swarms of flies to overrun the land.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have used poisonous snakes, but HE chose flies, which made the land diseased or corrupted.
• GOD seems to be addressing a mindset of the Egyptians by having overwhelming issues come at them that they could not handle.
• Part of GOD’s warning to the Egyptians is that they may know the HE is LORD.

 

It is interesting that GOD would allow a mindset to continue the way it did. The Egyptians believed that frogs and flies had superior powers than those they were trying to enslave. GOD used flies to make everything they touched, disgusting. Imagine one fly crawling on you. Now imagine twenty. Now imagine two hundred. Try to eat anything or drink anything or go to the bathroom.

 

The Egyptian admiration of flies would turn into horror, all because of a hardened heart. GOD wants you and me to see how important it is to keep a heart that is able to be guided by HIM. A hard heart is one that does not believe it needs GOD. Pharoah thought he was a god. The one and true GOD was dismantling that belief. HE did not send flies to the Land of Goshen.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS action of sending the flies?
• Are there parts of your life that need GOD and you have not asked HIM into your life?
• How is GOD protecting you from a mindset that opposes HIM?

Worship Instructions

Worship Instructions

Revelation 22: ⁸ I, John, have heard and seen all these things. And when I finished hearing and seeing them, I fell down at the feet of the angel who had shown me these things, and I was about to worship him. ⁹ But he said to me, “Don't do it! I am a servant together with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all those who obey the words in this book. Worship God!” ¹⁰ And he said to me, “Do not keep the prophetic words of this book a secret, because the time is near when all this will happen. ¹¹ Whoever is evil must go on doing evil, and whoever is filthy must go on being filthy; whoever is good must go on doing good, and whoever is holy must go on being holy.”

 

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“Who fixed this?” was the question posed to me as if I did something great! But, it wasn’t me who had done the deed that would receive accolades. “Don’t look at me” was my reply to direct the investigation somewhere else.

 

• I was kind of jealous that I was not going to receive accolades.
• I wanted to be “recognized” but was not worthy of recognition.
• I sought accolades more intentionally from that day on.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, admits to being overwhelmed by what he saw and heard. He wanted to place this overwhelmed feeling somewhere, so he decided to worship the angel who showed him the marvelous, prophetic things that no one else has ever seen. The angel responded very clearly. “Don’t do it!” and “Worship GOD!” He

 

My Observations:

• Humans want accolades and praise, BUT GOD deserves all of our praise!
• Humans try to make a name for themselves, BUT GOD’s name is the one who should be said daily!
• Humans say other humans names more than they  say JESUS, BUT HE is our Savior who should be mentioned with honor.

 

Getting praise where JESUS need to receive it is dangerous. I mean, we should not have false humility, however, we should recognize when JESUS should get the praise versus a human. There is a difference. I can wash dishes and maybe receive praise for it, BUT JESUS is the one who saves people from eternal separation from HIM.

 

GOD handles hearts, not me. HE fixes situations and provides the right resources at the right time. Even “my” talent should be credited to GOD. I also have to let go of people. “evil must go on doing evil.” I gladly give GOD all the praise and honor!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer spoke of himself?
• Have you ever wanted to receive accolades and praise?
• What steps will you take to intentionally surrender and follow what GOD wants you to do today?

Unfiltered Worship

Unfiltered Worship

Revelation 4: ⁹ The four living creatures sing songs of glory and honor and thanks to the one who sits on the throne, who lives forever and ever. When they do so, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders fall down before the one who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives forever and ever. They throw their crowns down in front of the throne and say,

 

¹¹ “Our Lord and God! You are worthy
    to receive glory, honor, and power.
For you created all things,
    and by your will they were given existence and life.”

 

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“Who are those people gathered in the field?” I asked one of the leaders on the missions trip. “They are people who worship GOD” was the response. They were all wearing white and did not have a building, seats or instruments. Later, we sat in a church. Many people, who had nothing, gathered to sing praise songs. They sang for hours!

 

• I looked at my watch to see when they would be done.
• I enjoyed the singing, but wanted it to be done so we could get on with it!
• I realized, after a while, that I was not really worshipping from my heart, but out of habit.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, hears wonderful songs about JESUS. These songs contained glory, honor and thanks for HIM causing the people who were very important to throw their crowns at HIS feet. They rejoiced and praised HIM for HIS power!

 

My Observations:

• JESUS Is worthy to be praised!
• Sometimes I want to hold back because I want to appear a certain way before humans.
• One day my worship will not be filtered with sin, problems or troubles!

 

Unfiltered worship can only take place in heaven. I mean, when all sin, worries and human structures are torn down, we can celebrate what JESUS has done! All problems will be solved and celebration will happen on a grand scale that lasts forever.

 

Will people get tired of praising JESUS? No! Our sinful minds cannot fathom true worship that lasts forever. We look at our watches and think of boredom if worship lasts longer than three songs. One day my worship for GOD will come out of sheer elation! I will not be embarrassed but filled with joy!

 

Challenge

• How does the writer describe worship?
• Have you ever got so excited about something that you just wanted to shout with joy?
• Will you look beyond problems and praise GOD for what HE has done and is doing and will do in your life?

New Mindset Towards Insults

New Mindset Towards Insults

1 Peter 4: ¹² My dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful test you are suffering, as though something unusual were happening to you. ¹³ Rather be glad that you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may be full of joy when his glory is revealed. ¹⁴ Happy are you if you are insulted because you are Christ's followers; this means that the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is resting on you. ¹⁵ If you suffer, it must not be because you are a murderer or a thief or a criminal or a meddler in other people's affairs. ¹⁶ However, if you suffer because you are a Christian, don't be ashamed of it, but thank God that you bear Christ's name.

 

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“Four eyes!” was the insult hurled at me that sent me crying. I could no longer play with my blocks. This insult was about my new glasses. I was the only one in my classroom with glasses. The teacher pulled me to the side and taught me this saying “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me.” I tried it and it worked! That is until I became an adult.

 

• I was taught at a young age to ignore insults.
• A new mindset towards insults was given to me so I could handle when people tried to be mean.
• Realizing that insults are meant to hurt people reminds me to stay away from using them, even passively.

 

Peter provides a perspective on suffering. He went through fear, doubt and denial of JESUS. When JESUS restored HIM as a true follower, Peter preached with passion. He knew that church leaders would be jealous and would persecute him and anyone who believed in JESUS. Peter gave them a new mindset towards insults.

 

My Observations:

• Resilience starts with me knowing I can be slandered and insulted, simply because I believe in JESUS as my Savior.
• Resilience requires that I have a new mindset towards insults where I should expect them.
• Resilience makes me stronger because I know I am on the right track when I am insulted, slandered and debased for my relationship with CHRIST.

 

Insults sting for a moment. I mean, when someone passionately calls me a name, even though it may be false, I sometimes can feel the sharpness of the word. But it is not the insult that is the problem, it is how I respond.

 

GOD expects me to “Love one another” even when insulted by him or her. HE loves when I am thankful with a clear conscience. HE sees those who use insults, passive or aggressive, and owns vengeance. HE simply wants me to live above insults and walk in JESUS’ footsteps. I am glad GOD gives me a path that helps me not internalize insults.

 

Challenge

• What mindset is the writer presenting?
• Have you ever be insulted and knew the insult was false, but it hurt anyway?
• Will you adopt a new mindset, knowing you will be insulted because of your relationship with JESUS?

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?