Response to Blood – Hard Heart

Response to Blood – Hard Heart

Exodus 7: ²² Then the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments; and Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the Lord had said. ²³ And Pharaoh turned and went into his house. Neither was his heart moved by this. ²⁴ So all the Egyptians dug all around the river for water to drink, because they could not drink the water of the river. ²⁵ And seven days passed after the Lord had struck the river.

 

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Pharaoh’s magicians were also able to turn water into blood. Pharaoh was not impressed with what GOD did through Aaron’s rod and the command that Moses gave to Aaron. He went into his house, ignoring Moses and Aaron. The Egyptians had to dig for water near the river.

 

My Observations:

• Pharaoh was not impressed with what GOD did as the first plague.
• Pharaoh’s magicians were able to do something supernatural which “solidified” his thinking that he was still a god.
• Pharaoh took away the straw for an enormous quota of bricks which made the Hebrews work harder; meanwhile, GOD took away the river, causing “all” the Egyptians to have to work hard just to drink.

 

This was the second warning to let GOD’s people go. The first caused Pharaoh to take away the straw for the brick quota. Pharaoh’s response to this plague was a hardened heart towards GOD. He was not impressed by the little trick that GOD did, or so he thought it was a trick.

 

He did not know that GOD was methodically removing a mindset that existed in the nation of Egypt. To keep the mindset of pride going, Pharaoh made “all” the Egyptians dig for water. Meanwhile, the Hebrews had plenty of fresh water to drink in the land of Goshen. The Egyptians had to work harder than the cruel directive Pharaoh gave to the Hebrews. GOD saw Pharaoh’s response before he gave it.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about Pharaoh’s response to the plague of blood?
• Is fear driving you to a place where you are unable to change?
• Is your reliance on your own abilities getting you nowhere, causing you to seek GOD’s help?

First Plague: Water Becomes Blood

First Plague: Water Becomes Blood

Exodus 7: ¹⁴ So the Lord said to Moses: “Pharaoh’s heart is hard; he refuses to let the people go. ¹⁵ Go to Pharaoh in the morning, when he goes out to the water, and you shall stand by the river’s bank to meet him; and the rod which was turned to a serpent you shall take in your hand. ¹⁶ And you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness”; but indeed, until now you would not hear! ¹⁷ Thus says the Lord: “By this you shall know that I am the Lord. Behold, I will strike the waters which are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood. ¹⁸ And the fish that are in the river shall die, the river shall stink, and the Egyptians will loathe to drink the water of the river.” ’ ”

 

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GOD spoke to Moses and let him know that Pharaoh’s heart was hard and he would not let the people go. GOD gave Moses a warning to tell Pharaoh what HE was about to do.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to use a structure of Warning, Action and Response (WAR).
• GOD was taking down a mindset versus a particular nation.
• Pharaoh would have to go through nine other plagues.

 

To take down a mindset, GOD would give Pharaoh a warning. HE would then take action. And Pharaoh would respond. Pharaoh was at WAR with GOD and fighting a losing battle. The first plague was turning the river into blood.

 

This was the lifeline of commerce, cleanliness and food. I also believe that GOD was responding to a previous Pharaoh who demanded that the Hebrew male children be thrown in the river. GOD would use the WAR pattern nine more times until Pharaoh let the people go. This was the first warning.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS warning to Pharaoh?
• Have you ever been too scared to heed a warning and ultimately got hit with the problem?
• Is it possible that GOD is warning you to surrender your plan to HIM?

No Secrets

 

No Secrets

Revelation 17: ³ The Spirit took control of me, and the angel carried me to a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a red beast that had names insulting to God written all over it; the beast had seven heads and ten horns. ⁴ The woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and covered with gold ornaments, precious stones, and pearls. In her hand she held a gold cup full of obscene and filthy things, the result of her immorality. ⁵ On her forehead was written a name that has a secret meaning: “Great Babylon, the mother of all prostitutes and perverts in the world.” ⁶ And I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of God's people and the blood of those who were killed because they had been loyal to Jesus.

 

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Wanting to be “successful” I took classes and obtained mentors to guide me to the top. Little did I know that in order to be in the “in” crowd”, I would be subject to secrets. One guy would use the company jet to bring prostitutes to private islands.

 

• I had to decide if the climb was worth keeping the secret.
• I had to decide to align with people who did things that were against my beliefs.
• I had to decide if I would join in, or look the other way or leave.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, had the HOLY SPIRIT take control of him and was allowed to be carried by the angel to a desert where he saw a great city that fooled people into their lustful actions. The woman (city) was drunk with the thought of GOD losing HIS power because of the death of HIS people.

 

My Observations:

• GOD can see my hidden motives to take control from HIM.
• GOD can see my innermost desires, not matter how disgusting they may be.
• GOD can see anything hidden, and HE will make it known, even the things that fool me.

 

There is nothing hidden from GOD. I mean, even when I try to fool myself, GOD sees the deep rooted hidden desire and exposes it. Since I can be fooled and I don’t know my motives, what hope is there for me? Plenty!

 

GOD wants me to know myself enough to confess where I fall short so I can confess this to HIM, so HE would cleanse me of the things I can so easily fall into. HE wants me to have HIS name on my forehead, carrying HIS message boldly so all can see it and return back to HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the HOLY SPIRIT wanted to show the writer this image?
• Have you ever been in a situation where if you kept a secret you would be paid, even if it went against your morals?
• Would you be willing to trade your morals to fit in or would you stand firm for what GOD wants from you today?

Dead Right

 

Dead Right

Revelation 16: ⁸ Then the fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was allowed to burn people with its fiery heat. ⁹ They were burned by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God, who has authority over these plagues. But they would not turn from their sins and praise his greatness.

 

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“You may not want to do what you are about to do” was the warning I received. But I felt strongly that “I” could do the thing I was trying to do. I did the thing and was able to complete what I set out to do, but the consequences of what I did were not accounted for.

 

• I was right, but ended up figuratively dead.
• I was able, but did not take into consideration the consequences of my actions.
• I did what I did and said what I said, but ended up in a worse situation than before the warning.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the fourth angel pour out the fourth bowl containing GOD’s anger out on the sun. People were burned and they knew this was a curse from GOD, yet they refused to turn from their sins. They may have figured that they would be in control by rebelling against GOD directly.

 

My Observations:

• My heart needs to be protected from getting cold and stony against GOD.
• Whatever is in my heart will come out in my words and actions.
• GOD sees my heart and want to change it to follow HIM in a loving way.

 

I can do anything, but is anything I do good for me? I mean, if I rebel against GOD, is that a good idea? No! Unfortunately, there are times when I don’t want to listen to the warnings or even the corrections sent by GOD.

 

Fortunately for me, HE sends HIS soft correction to me and allows me to come back to HIM. HE always accepts my ask for forgiveness and restores me fully. Anyone who refuses to ask GOD for forgiveness may experience the pain of HIS wrath.

 

Challenge

• Why did the writer include who had the authority?
• Have you ever done something wrong and deserved to be corrected?
• Will you seek GOD’s correction in your life so HE can forgive you and set the wonderful plan HE has for you into action today?

Get Uncomfortable

 

Get Uncomfortable

Revelation 2: “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:

 

“This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and who walks among the seven gold lampstands. ² I know what you have done; I know how hard you have worked and how patient you have been. I know that you cannot tolerate evil people and that you have tested those who say they are apostles but are not, and have found out that they are liars. ³ You are patient, you have suffered for my sake, and you have not given up. ⁴ But this is what I have against you: you do not love me now as you did at first. ⁵ Think how far you have fallen! Turn from your sins and do what you did at first. If you don't turn from your sins, I will come to you and take your lampstand from its place. ⁶ But this is what you have in your favor: you hate what the Nicolaitans do, as much as I do.

 

⁷ “If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!

“To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of God.

 

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Trying out lying on purpose felt strange and scary. My first attempt did not work too well as the recipient could see right through my deceit. I made some adjustments and tried it again. But it still did not work. “You have to believe in what you are telling others” was the advice of a schemer, so I lied to myself. That worked!

 

• I was falling and did not know how fast.
• I did not know I was walking away from GOD by trying to fit into the world.
• I needed someone to tell me to get back on track to a better path.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote to the church of Ephesus first. This is part one of a seven part set of deep warnings all believers need to hear. JESUS said what HE saw in the heart. HE saw people who tried to compartmentalize HIM by doing what is right most of the time, but got comfortable with blatant sin.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS wants me to remember when I first accepted HIM as my Savior.
• JESUS also wants me to remember how easy it was to follow HIS commands.
• JESUS want me to get uncomfortable with any sin that has crept into my life.

 

“GOD won’t mind” is a lie I have told myself over the years. I mean, HE is supposed to forgive believers right? Meh. JESUS HIMSELF gives us a warning about becoming too comfortable with sin, even though HE is the one who will forgive us of all sin.

 

HE knows the power sin can have in our lives and the devastation it can cause. Something that may seem like an innocent sin may be bigger that I think. I believe JESUS wants me to take HIS death and resurrection seriously.

 

Challenge

• Is there any part of this warning from the writer that can be unsettling?
• Have you examined your life and compared it to when you were on fire?
• Will you win the victory so JESUS will give you the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of GOD someday?

Bringing Back

Bringing Back

James 5: ¹⁹ My friends, if any of you wander away from the truth and another one brings you back again, ²⁰ remember this: whoever turns a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner's soul from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

 

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Furious at hypocrite “Christians”, I decided to stop going to church. I went to parties and “enjoyed” my days as much as I could. A few people tried to reach me with the valuable words of JESUS, but I could not listen until things really started going wrong for me.

 

• I was hurt and angry.
• I was curious about what the world had to offer and found out it had nothing.
• I had no place to go so I turned back to GOD.

 

James provides some wise advice regarding those who try to walk away from GOD to fall into sin. He implies that everyone who sees a person walk away should keep trying to bring the person pack into the truth. He then explains the reward of forgiveness.

 

My Observations:

• GOD knows the trouble I can get into and is always willing to take me back
• GOD knows I may go through periods when I do not feel like following HIM, BUT HE is so loving that HE welcomes me back.
• GOD knows I may choose the wrong way BUT HE wants me to choose HIS way which is the only way to life.

 

Choosing a destructive path seems foolish yet alluring. I mean, there may be times when I think GOD’s ways are not as important as the ways of the world. But when I fall deeper into trouble, I have nowhere to turn. I find myself without GOD and without help from the world. BUT GOD is gracious.

 

HE send people to me and sends HIS love through many other people. HE blesses me with HIS grace and wipes away my tears, heals my pain and guides me to the right path. I am glad GOD welcomes me back when I wander from HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer warn people about wandering?
• Have you ever gotten tired of hearing about GOD, or tired about someone else’s approach to GOD that you felt you should leave HIM and try some things that you know in your heart may be harmful?
• Will you allow GOD to speak to you through other people if you have turned away from GOD?
• Will you continue to pursue those who have walked away so he or she may turn back to GOD and be forgiven of many sins?

Message Received

Message Received

Galatians 4: ¹² I beg you, my friends, be like me. After all, I am like you. You have not done me any wrong. ¹³ You remember why I preached the gospel to you the first time; it was because I was sick. ¹⁴ But even though my physical condition was a great trial to you, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you received me as you would an angel from heaven; you received me as you would Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ You were so happy! What has happened? I myself can say that you would have taken out your own eyes, if you could, and given them to me. ¹⁶ Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?

 

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Communication was getting messy. I would say something but the other person would hear it differently than what was in my heart. Somehow the message that I sent was not the message that was received.

 

• I felt like giving up on communicating.
• I felt like my words would be twisted no matter what was said.
• I felt a strong concern for those I sent a message to.

 

At one point the people of Galatia could hear the words of CHRIST through Paul. But over time, they turned away from the message and started following those who spoke of the latest trend. Paul begs for them to return to their first love, namely CHRIST.

 

My Observations

• It is understandable to want out of my trials so GOD is patient with me.
• I have a tendency to want plans to go “my” way so GOD speaks softly to me until I hear HIM.
• Even in the middle of my pain, suffering or agony GOD can be my purpose.

 

No one likes to suffer so when someone speaks about relief, it is instantly accepted by the masses. “Just take one of these” or “Simply do this and your problems will clear up” are the fallacies the world wants me to believe. BUT GOD says something different.

 

In the middle of my pain, GOD wants me to say “JESUS is LORD of my life, the rock of my salvation, whom shall I fear.” HE knows Satan introduces me to strange personalities named “Fear of my future” and “I don’t want to be sick” and “Be comfortable at all costs.”  All are okay when they include CHRIST as the provider, but sometimes I leave HIM and follow them. I am glad GOD reminds me HE is in control.

 

Challenge

• Do you hear the appeal from the writer?
• What is the writer trying to get everyone to do?
• Will you look beyond your fears, worries and doubts and turn back to CHRIST as the only answer today?

Scared Straight

Scared Straight

Acts 19: ¹⁷ When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus, they were all seized with fear, and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. ¹⁸ Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. ¹⁹ A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas. ²⁰ In this way the word of the Lord spread widely and grew in power.

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“Jackpot, I found a checkbook” a friend of mine said. Broke and hungry we thought of ways we could use this to our advantage, although I felt something say “this is wrong.” We didn’t want to “steal” so we simply went to the grocery store and bought goods that would last us a month. On the way home my car broke down. The cost to repair was almost exactly half of what we spent.

• There were times when I knew I was doing something wrong but did it anyway.
• There were times when I lied to myself, trying to justify what I knew was wrong.
• There were times when I thought I could get away with something only to find myself in a worse spot.

Some people who wanted notoriety, tried to cast out demons in the name of JESUS who Paul preached about. A demon responded to them through the possessed man and stripped them naked, beating them bloody in the process. The news of this scared many. They believed in JESUS, confessed what they had done and turned from their deep sin.

• GOD wants me to come to HIM when I am not scared.
• GOD wants me to believe in JESUS when things are going well.
• GOD wants me to accept HIS gift of love when I am not worried, afraid or hurt.

Love is shown by GOD all the time. Unfortunately, I ignore it until something goes wrong. Sometimes something major has to go wrong for me to turn my eyes to GOD. Fortunately for me, GOD is gentle, kind, peaceful and full of love.

Not only does HE allow me to choose a path of calamity, HE does not rub it in my face when I return to HIM, begging HIM for forgiveness. Instead, HE welcomes me back with open loving arms. I am glad GOD’s grace is sufficient.

• Are you hiding something?
• Do you think you are getting away with the thing you did?
• How long do you want to remain a prisoner to your hidden sin?
• Will you confess publicly what you have done and turn away from your sins by believing JESUS is your Savior today?

Where to Turn

Luke 8: ⁴⁰ So it was, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed Him, for they were all waiting for Him. ⁴¹ And behold, there came a man named Jairus, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him to come to his house, ⁴² for he had an only daughter about twelve years of age, and she was dying.

But as He went, the multitudes thronged Him. 

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Having no answers, I was in a panic. It seemed like my problems were more than I could handle at the time. I tried asking coworkers and friends, but they had no answers. My family wouldn’t understand. Where could I go for answers?

• There were times when I did not have any answers.
• There were times when I ran out of ideas.
• There were times when the problems seemed to be bigger than any solution I could come up with.

Jairus had nowhere to turn. His only child was sick and he went to JESUS for the answer. He probably heard of JESUS through the news that spread all over the area about HIS miraculous healing. He fell at JESUS’ feet begging HIM to come to his house.

• When I run out of answers I should turn to JESUS.
• When I am faced with problems I should turn to JESUS.
• When I do not have any answers and the problems keep coming, I should turn to JESUS.

JESUS says “Come unto ME all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.” HE does not want me exasperated rather at peace. HE knows the enemy will constantly seek to put up hurdles for me to jump so HE makes it easy by carrying me over each obstacle. JESUS gives me hope when there is no hope.

• Do you feel hopeless?
• Do you feel alone with the problems you face?
• Will you turn to JESUS today and give HIM your problems while asking for HIS peace today?