Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 3 (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

 

Tenth Plague: Death of Firstborn – Warning Part 3 (Feast of Unleavened Bread)

Exodus 12: ¹⁴ ‘So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance. ¹⁵ Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread. On the first day you shall remove leaven from your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that person shall be cut off from Israel. ¹⁶ On the first day there shall be a holy convocation, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them; but that which everyone must eat—that only may be prepared by you. ¹⁷ So you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for on this same day I will have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day throughout your generations as an everlasting ordinance. ¹⁸ In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. ¹⁹ For seven days no leaven shall be found in your houses, since whoever eats what is leavened, that same person shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether he is a stranger or a native of the land. ²⁰ You shall eat nothing leavened; in all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’ ”

 

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GOD continues with HIS instructions to Moses to give to the children of Israel. HE gives precise instructions regarding the Passover Feast of Unleavened Bread.

 

My Observations:

• GOD instituted the Feast of Unleavened Bread for the Israelites to follow until sin is abolished.
• GOD wanted the people to celebrate the start and finish of this week.
• GOD seems to equate leaven or yeast with false doctrine and the poisonous mindset of religious leaders who wanted followers versus making followers of GOD.

 

Ever since the garden of Edan, GOD was fighting a mindset that there is no need for HIM or no need to place faith in HIM. Even before religious leaders were established, GOD put together an annual feast that would help the leaders recognize that GOD needs to be followed, not man. Unfortunately, religious leaders focused people on activity versus heartfelt belief, causing people to think they could earn GOD.

 

JESUS would later say, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.” Their doctrine did not point to JESUS as the Messiah; rather, they were focused on building selfish kingdoms, misusing HIS name. For seven days, GOD wanted purity and to focus on HIM with no manipulation from human mindsets.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS institution of the Feast of Unleavened Bread?
• Have you wanted something so badly, that you believed you could manipulate GOD by following a religious leader?
• Can you focus your mindset on GOD as your leader versus your favorite religious or political leader?

Priorities Addressed

Priorities Addressed

Jude 1: ³ My dear friends, I was doing my best to write to you about the salvation we share in common, when I felt the need of writing at once to encourage you to fight on for the faith which once and for all God has given to his people. ⁴ For some godless people have slipped in unnoticed among us, persons who distort the message about the grace of our God in order to excuse their immoral ways, and who reject Jesus Christ, our only Master and Lord. Long ago the Scriptures predicted the condemnation they have received.

 

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After planning and making several trips back and forth to the hardware store, I finished installing my sprinkler / irrigation system. I was excited and as I began to program watering times, clouds gathered. These clouds were darker than usual. Suddenly, tornado sirens sounded! But instead of rushing into the house, I finished setting my sprinkler system. The tornado touched down two blocks over. I should have gone inside.

 

• Another priority came up that needed to be addressed immediately, but I ignored it.
• A danger that threatened life arose and I did not take heed.
• A warning was clearly given for me to take action, and I kept doing what I was doing.

 

Jude, human brother of JESUS, begins his letter with a strong warning. At first he was going to write about salvation. This topic, while extremely important, was put aside to address a more immediate problem, namely false teaching. He was aware of what people were saying about JESUS by those who pretended to be part of HIM but were not.

 

My Observations:

• Many people mention the name of JESUS who do not believe the HE is GOD who became a human to die for the sins of humanity and was raised from the dead.
• Those who do not believe, provide solutions that keeps him or her doing things that do not please GOD, trying to justify their actions using GOD’s name.
• GOD sees my heart and wants me to fight for my faith to make sure I am not influenced by those who oppose HIM.

 

False teachers look like real teachers. I mean, when half truths are told and omissions take place, its hard to tell false teachers from real teachers. BUT GOD knows and HE is ready to point them out.

 

GOD sees the heart and know who is for HIM or against HIM.HE knew liars would talk about HIS SON in a negative way, yet HE allowed HIM to die on the cross for you and me. False teachers do not want to surrender their lives to this teaching, instead he or she add philosophies that may oppose CHRIST. I am glad GOD protects you and me form those who pretend to love GOD.

 

Challenge:

• Why does the writer change the topic?
• Have you ever heard something that sounded true enough to be credible, like commercials, yet were false?
• Will you seek a relationship with JESUS by reading the Bible, HIS Word, today?

Knowing True Love

Knowing True Love

1 John 5: ¹⁸ We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them.

¹⁹ We know that we belong to God even though the whole world is under the rule of the Evil One.

²⁰ We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we know the true God. We live in union with the true God—in union with his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and this is eternal life.

²¹ My children, keep yourselves safe from false gods!

 

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“I love this suit!” I exclaimed. But when it got too small and frayed, I wanted something else. “I love this car!” I said. But when years passed, the maintenance made me get less and less excited.

 

• Items I said “I loved” tended to wear out and so did my “love” for the item.
• When problems developed with the item, my love changed.
• I worried about losing, tearing or breaking the items and I bragged about them whenever I could.

 

John ends his letter with assurance. He wanted to make sure that believers would be taken care of. He said “We know” so that believers would place the love of GOD in their minds and in their hearts and to turn from seeking “false gods.”

 

My Observations:

• Any person, place or thing that I worship over GOD will become a false god to me.
• JESUS loved us and came to give us understanding so that we may know true love.
• Experiencing true love makes me change my desires for false love.

 

“I don’t want that anymore” is confusing to the world. I mean, when the world presents fame and fortune as a good thing, shouldn’t I join in? Maybe not if those things cause me to stop seeking GOD. Unfortunately, the more fortune I have and the more famous I become, the less “time” I have for GOD. Eventually HE is in none of my decisions until I face problems.

 

GOD wants me to be in union with HIM at all times. This means reducing sin so HE can keep me safe from the Evil One. It also means knowing that I belong to GOD versus HE belonging to me. I am glad HE has given us understanding to live in union with the true GOD.

 

Challenge

• What false gods is the writer speaking of?
• Have you ever worshiped someone or something or a title or an action?
• Will you place loving GOD over all your actions and stuff so you can live in union with the true GOD, who loves you deeply, today?

Situation Handled

Situation Handled

2 Peter 2: False prophets appeared in the past among the people, and in the same way false teachers will appear among you. They will bring in destructive, untrue doctrines, and will deny the Master who redeemed them, and so they will bring upon themselves sudden destruction. ² Even so, many will follow their immoral ways; and because of what they do, others will speak evil of the Way of truth. ³ In their greed these false teachers will make a profit out of telling you made-up stories. For a long time now their Judge has been ready, and their Destroyer has been wide awake!

 

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After being lied on, I felt worried that people would not be able to believe my side of the story. I laid awake trying to think of ways to make the truth known, I approached someone to ask for advice. “How do I fight this liar?” “You don’t.” was his tough to hear reply. But it was followed by “GOD sees what is going on and HE has the situation under control.”

 

• I wanted to expose the false statements.
• I wanted to be the one to expose the liar.
• I wanted “my” name cleared so I could keep doing what I was doing.

 

Peter begins with a warning to believers that false teachers will slip in amongst them and tell lies for money. Peter may have observed that these slick and polished speakers would be hard to get rid of because they spoke to desperate people who craved their lies. He, himself denied JESUS and witnessed Judas betray HIM. He repented and warned everyone.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s word is precious and pure and should be used to bring people to a saving relationship with HIS SON.
• There will be false teachers who preach for money, who could care less about making up stories to keep the crowd entertained.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the situation under control.

 

Noisy liars seem to get their way. I mean, we see examples of very wealthy people telling lies to keep their profits and maybe even oppress various groups of people. Meanwhile, those in need seem to be in trouble without a way. BUT GOD has “The WAY.”

 

JESUS said, “I AM the way and the truth and the life.” This is the true doctrine to follow. Humans want people to follow false doctrines to amass a great wealth. Unfortunately, people will fall for it. BUT GOD wants you and me to follow HIM. I gladly worship JESUS in Spirit and truth.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer brings up this warning?
• Have you ever been so desperate that you would listen to liars?
• Will you take a moment to see if you are listening to liars and turn to CHRIST who is the truth today?

Participate Anyway

Participate Anyway

Galatians 4:¹⁷ Those other people show a deep interest in you, but their intentions are not good. All they want is to separate you from me, so that you will have the same interest in them as they have in you. ¹⁸ Now, it is good to have such a deep interest if the purpose is good—this is true always, and not merely when I am with you. ¹⁹ My dear children! Once again, just like a mother in childbirth, I feel the same kind of pain for you until Christ's nature is formed in you. ²⁰ How I wish I were with you now, so that I could take a different attitude toward you. I am so worried about you!

 

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After a long day I sat on the bus headed home. Traffic was thick so we creeped down the street. I looked out the window and saw people from my school taking an alternate route since the main one was filled. I could also see thugs waiting to rob them.

 

• I felt there was nothing I could do.
• I felt bad for the those who were about to be victimized.
• I felt angry at those who were trying to take advantage of others for their own gain.

 

Paul expresses his deep concern for those who have turned away from the saving message of JESUS to follow other messages that provided temporary hope. Thieves desiring attention were busy trying to steal love versus living it. All Paul could do is be concerned from a distance. It seemed hopeless.

 

My Observations

• When I see someone being wronged, I can ask GOD to intercede.
• GOD lets me know that prayer is more powerful than thieves, even though it doesn’t feel that way in the moment.
• Vengeance is for the LORD so my participation is for all people involved to receive HIS mercy.

 

It is painful to watch someone try to steal people’s hearts. I mean, those who are hurt try their best to keep other people hurt because misery loves company. BUT GOD holds the key to that situation.

 

It takes faith to let go of the obvious trap you can see someone walking into. GOD sees the heart of those who are being victimized and those who are being predators. HE hears your prayers even though you may have to participate from a distance. I am glad GOD intervenes and intercedes for those HE is bringing back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• What “other people” is the writer speaking about?
• Can you feel the writers pain and passion for everyone he spoke the gospel to?
• If you see someone intentionally trying to hurt someone and you are not able to directly intervene, will you participate anyway by asking GOD for HIS protection and mercy?

Stubbornness is Not Permanent

 

Stubbornness is Not Permanent

Romans 11: ²⁵ There is a secret truth, my friends, which I want you to know, for it will keep you from thinking how wise you are. It is that the stubbornness of the people of Israel is not permanent, but will last only until the complete number of Gentiles comes to God. ²⁶ And this is how all Israel will be saved. As the scripture says,

 

“The Savior will come from Zion
    and remove all wickedness from the descendants of Jacob.
²⁷ I will make this covenant with them
    when I take away their sins.”

 

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Speeding past the “slow” drivers felt great until I hit traffic. I was getting impatient. I saw an empty lane and wondered why no one used it to “get ahead” of the other cars. I darted into the empty lane only to see there was an accident ahead in that lane. Wanting to get back in “my” spot in the lane I left, the other drivers would not let me in. I recognized a few cars I had sped past.

 

• There were times when I was too stubborn to change.
• There were times when I needed to change but lacked surrender.
• There were times when I thought I should be first but wound up last.

 

Paul explains GOD’s grace for the Israelites. The nation will someday believe that JESUS was and is the Messiah. But, instead of being first in line to receive GOD’s blessings, they will have to wait until the full number of Gentiles comes to GOD.

 

• GOD wants me to know that the last will be first and the first will be last.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE can outwait any stubbornness I may hold onto.
• GOD wants me to surrender to HIM because HE has all the answers.

 

Stubbornness in one case refers to not following GOD the way HE wants me to. I mean, I can get mad at HIS timing, methods and lack of doing things “my” way or I can surrender my life to HIS timing, methods and doing things “HIS” way.

 

GOD wants me to say “JESUS is LORD”, “JESUS died for me” and “JESUS is alive” every day. I cannot be too stubborn to mention HIM daily. I surrender my life to HIM and HIS grace is sufficient.

 

• Are you battling GOD with something?
• Are you too stubborn to see you need to surrender, even when you thought you already had?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to the true Messiah, namely JESUS, who will guide you to HIS purpose today?

Shown to be Right

 

Shown to be Right

Romans 3: Do the Jews then have any advantage over the Gentiles? Or is there any value in being circumcised? ² Much, indeed, in every way! In the first place, God trusted his message to the Jews. ³ But what if some of them were not faithful? Does this mean that God will not be faithful? ⁴ Certainly not! God must be true, even though all human beings are liars. As the scripture says,

 

“You must be shown to be right when you speak;
    you must win your case when you are being tried.”

 

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“Who broke this?” I was asked. “I don’t know” was my lying answer, knowing full well I broke it. “I promise I will never do that again” was my lying statement when I got caught speeding. “I believe GOD can do anything” was my lying statement when doubt filled me up so much that I took matters in my own hands.

 

• Many times I have lied out of convenience.
• Many times I have lied to protect myself.
• Many times I have lied for no reason at all.

 

Paul continues the explanation of GOD’s relationship with humanity. He speaks about GOD choosing the Jews to reveal HIS message to the world. Unfortunately, this all important message was not handled with the faith it deserved. Some were not faithful to the message and chose to lie, to keep a following versus pointing their lives to JESUS.

 

• GOD wants me to grow up enough to speak the truth about JESUS.
• GOD wants me to recognize that I need HIM to open my eyes to my lies.
• GOD wants me to confess my lies because they stain any righteous acts I may do.

 

One prophet, Isaiah, was called to be a speaker for GOD. He confessed to GOD that he was a liar. GOD healed him of lying by giving him courage to speak the truth about JESUS. He then wrote this about JESUS, “But HE was wounded for our transgressions, HE was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon HIM, And by HIS stripes we are healed.”

 

GOD can take a liar like me, forgive those lies and fill me with confidence in HIM that HE will be faithful because HE cannot and will not ever lie to me. When HE says “You are forgiven for all your sins because you believe in MY SON” HE means it. I believe I am forgiven for my lies.

 

• Are you a liar, even to yourself?
• Do you hide things to protect your image?
• Will you change your speech and be “shown to be right” so others can hear what JESUS has done by HIS forgiveness today?

False Facts

False Facts

Acts 19: ³⁵ The city clerk quieted the crowd and said: “Fellow Ephesians, doesn’t all the world know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell from heaven? ³⁶ Therefore, since these facts are undeniable, you ought to calm down and not do anything rash. ³⁷ You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. ³⁸ If, then, Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a grievance against anybody, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. ³⁹ If there is anything further you want to bring up, it must be settled in a legal assembly. ⁴⁰ As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today. In that case we would not be able to account for this commotion, since there is no reason for it.” ⁴¹ After he had said this, he dismissed the assembly.

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With passion, I quoted some information to a group. After many moments of arguing, someone pulled me to the side and said “The information you are quoting is wrong.” The person showed me the correct information and I was thoroughly embarrassed. I had to now, go and correct what I had passionately argued over.

• There were times when I wanted to be heard more than being right.
• There were times when I wanted to exert power, so I got into arguments.
• There were times when I quoted things as fact when they may not have been true.

An official of the city was finally able to quiet the rioting. But when he spoke, he told everyone about Ephesus being the guardian of the temple goddess Artemis and her relationship with heaven. He quoted this as an undeniable fact. The crowd dispersed, but what was heard?

• GOD wants me to learn about HIM.
• GOD wants me to understand HE is the only GOD.
• GOD wants me to speak the truth about JESUS being the one and only SON of GOD.

Being part of a group can sometimes outweigh telling the truth. I mean, when I feel empowered to speak “a” truth, it feels good to be validated by a local group. BUT GOD wants me to be brave enough to speak “the” truth.

GOD is the only GOD. There is no other. HIS SON, JESUS, along with the HOLY SPIRIT are inseparable, all knowing, all seeing and all powerful. HE revealed facts that cannot be refuted and JESUS’ return cannot be stopped. I am grateful for these facts in which I live my life by.

• What facts are you willing to die over?
• Are the facts you live by worth losing eternal life?
• Will you place your passion on JESUS versus manmade facts that conveniently change often?

True Greatness

True Greatness

John 8: ⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

⁵⁹ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

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JESUS declares that HE was the one who gave Moses the laws and the ten commandments by saying “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This infuriated the church leaders because they refused to bow down to HIM as their king. JESUS was saying HE has the power over death which was given to HIM by the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to give HIM more credit than I normally do.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is involved in every facet of my life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE controls everything and has thrown Satan to earth.

Underestimating who JESUS is, was the church leader’s big mistake. I make this mistake often with people. I mean when I mistreat someone or overlook the throw away people, I am underestimating those GOD wants me to serve. This is just like the Pharisees.

• JESUS wants me to see HIS greatness so I can tell others about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS power to save me and those who also believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to accept that HE is the GREAT I AM.

JESUS was and is forever. HE was and is all powerful. HE was and is all seeing, all knowing and is everywhere. I serve the Living GOD.

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Will you allow the Great I AM to take you to places you never dreamed of?

People Checklist

Luke 3: ⁷ Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? ⁸ Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. ⁹ And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.”

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Looking at my calendar I realized I was triple booked with events. I made an appearance at each gathering spending only minutes with the host. I made sure they knew I was there and had the best intentions, but I was busy. In later years, I was triple booked again, only this time it was for funerals.

• There were times when I went to a lot of events.
• There were times when I spent more time going to the events than being at the event.
• There were times when I wanted to be seen at the event than actually “being” at the event.

John was filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and discerned the hearts of those who came out to be baptized. Some people may have come there because everyone else was there or to be seen by the ”right” people. He tried to change their perspective because some of the crowd may have felt they deserved to be there because their families were long time church goers.

• GOD wants me to serve others with my heart filled with HIS love.
• GOD wants me to not to think more highly of myself because I attend church.
• GOD wants me to bear fruit worthy of repentance rather than “looking good” on the outside and being rotten on the inside.

Having people on a checklist is not always the best. I do understand that I cannot save everyone and if I do not set boundaries, I could burn myself out. BUT GOD does want me to spend quality time with people so I can bear HIS fruit.

Only GOD’s fruit is good. HE looks at my heart and can tell when I am bearing fruit for myself rather than for HIM. HE wants me to point to HIM by sitting and crying and laughing and praying with people all while pointing to HIS amazing grace for me. HE want me to be there for people rather than check listing my appearance.

• Are you treating GOD as a checklist item?
• Do you sympathize with people?
• Can you spend some quality time with those who need you today?

But GOD

Jeremiah 10: ¹⁰ But the Lord is the true God;
    he is the living God, the eternal King.
When he is angry, the earth trembles;
    the nations cannot endure his wrath.

¹¹ “Tell them this: ‘These gods, who did not make the heavens and the earth, will perish from the earth and from under the heavens.’”

¹² But God made the earth by his power;
    he founded the world by his wisdom
    and stretched out the heavens by his understanding.
¹³ When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar;
    he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth.
He sends lightning with the rain
    and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

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Opening up a fortune cookie, I eagerly awaited the futuristic message. Disappointed by the vague contents, I shunned their predictive qualities. I turned to the newspaper where I would, on occasion, read my horoscope. Once it said “I would meet someone who traveled far.” I did! The person I met traveled all the way from 138th street. That was pretty far!

• There have been times in my life that I sought messages about my future.
• There have been times I wanted to know what would happen to me.
• There have been times when I sought any little message about what was going to happen next.

I have no idea why I was so curious about the future. I still am to this day. I love reading about what will happen next. The problem is, I was reading predictions made by those who have no idea about what will happen next. Vague empty words leave the masses guessing in their application. Some people make the words apply as if they had mystical qualities. But none of these match GOD.

• BUT the LORD is the true GOD; HE is the living GOD, the eternal King.
• BUT GOD made the earth by HIS power; HE founded the world by HIS wisdom.
• BUT GOD stretched out the heavens by HIS understanding.

No idol, trinket, bead, symbol or empty word can replace GOD. Anything made by human hands has no value when compared to GOD. HE is the only one who can make the earth tremble and the waters roar. No one can withstand HIS wrath, yet everyone is invited to HIS love. GOD’s immense power is peacefully controlled to love even me.

• What are you seeking as a sign?
• Do you put your trust in bank accounts, motivational speakers or some shrine you bow down to?
• Can you place your trust in the one living and true GOD today?