Today’s Reading:  Exodus 19-27

At Mount Sinai, God entered into a covenant relationship with the people of Israel.  In Exodus 19-23, God taught the people who He was and what it should look like for them to have a covenant relationship with Him.  What first appears to be a list of instructions or rules (10 Commandments) is actually God teaching His children about who He is – about His character and holiness.   

A lot of what God required in this covenant relationship in Exodus is the same that He requires of us today.  His instructions on how we can live in relationship with Him include how we live in relationship with others. He clearly instructs us in regards to how His people should treat one another.  To love God is to love others.

LOVE GOD

If we are to enter into a relationship with the Most Holy God, we must live a life of holiness.  It is not simply about salvation and the forgiveness of sins.  Once we have been rescued from the bondage of our sins, we are to live out our faith daily in the glory of the presence of God, manifesting His holy character.

You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a god who is jealous [passionate] about his relationship with you. – Exodus 34:14

The first four commandments help us understand our Holy God and why He must have our undivided attention.  He is the Lord our God and nothing should be more important than Him.  We are to treat His name as holy and dedicate the Sabbath to Him.  Our covenant relationship with Him requires that we give Him first place in our lives – that we love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength.

But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. – Exodus 20:6

LOVE OTHERS

The next six commandments are about how we are to treat one another:  Honor your parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not testify falsely against your neighbor and do not covet what your neighbor has.  God then laid out additional requirements regarding how our covenant relationship with Him should be reflected in our relationships with those around us – how we should treat one another fairly.  

But if there is further injury, the punishment must match the injury:  a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a bruise for a bruise. – Exodus 21:23-25

This concept of equal response to the crime or injustice is repeated more than once in the Old Testament.  The people’s sinful response was to “one up” each other or respond harsher than the initial mistreatment, so God is instructing them to pay back in kind.  It is the law of retaliation.  The penalty must fit the crime.  

Anyone who injures another person must be dealt with according to the injury inflicted – a fracture for a fracture, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. Whatever anyone does to injure another person must be paid back in kind. – Leviticus 24:19-20

But Jesus showed us a whole new way to love God by loving others.  What if we did not retaliate at all?  

Jesus said, “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and tooth for a tooth.’  But I say, do not resist an evil person!  If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.  If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.  If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles.  Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” – Matthew 5:38-42

Love God, love people.  This is a great way to sum up the 10 Commandments given to Moses, which is exactly how Jesus summed up all the Law of Moses when asked by the Pharisees which commandment was the most important.

Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’  The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

God, I love you so much but I ask for you to teach me how to love you more.  It is such a joy and privilege to be in a covenant relationship with you.  I long to understand you, to be filled with your holiness so that I can love you by loving others.  Help me to live out my faith daily through my actions – that my response to your holy character would show in my ability to love others the way you love me.  God, only you are capable of producing this kind of love in my heart.  Fill me with who you are, lavish me with your unfailing love.  Amen.

Today’s Reading:  Exodus 15-18

Therefore, say to the Israelites:  “I am the Lord, and I WILL BRING YOU OUT from under the yoke of the Egyptians.  I WILL FREE YOU from being slaves to them, and I WILL REDEEM YOU with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.  I WILL TAKE YOU as my own people, and I WILL BE YOUR GOD.  Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.  And I WILL BRING YOU to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob.  I WILL GIVE it to you as a possession.  I am the Lord.” – Exodus 6:6-8

Do you ever feel like God is trying to get your attention?  He wants to be Lord – He wants to show us that He is in charge!  Just as he allowed the Israelites to suffer at the hands of the Egyptians, He allows us to walk on this journey He has for us – not always one of suffering like the Israelites did but an unknown path.  Just as God showed His power to all the Israelites through the plagues, God wants to show us that His mighty hand is at work.  By the things going on in your life right now, He wants you to know that He is the Lord.

If Pharaoh had listened to Moses and Aaron after their first few encounters, it is possible that the Israelites would have seen Moses and Aaron as their rescuers.  If Pharaoh had treated them kindly and let them go, the Israelites would have bowed to Pharaoh.  Instead they saw that God was at work, He was in control, He was El Shaddai, God Almighty (6:3).

God is saying – stop looking to food to satisfy you.  Let me satisfy you.

God is saying – stop looking to people to give you want you want.  Let me provide for you.

God is saying – stop looking to caffeine to energize you.  Let me strengthen you.

God is saying – stop focusing on what you want, what will make you feel better.  Let me be Lord.

I am the Lord.  I will be on time.  

“Now the length of time the Israelite people lived in Egypt was 430 years.  At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord’s divisions left Egypt” (12:40-41).

I am the Lord.  I know what is best for you and I will choose the path.  

“When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter.  For God said, ‘If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.’” (13:17)

I am the Lord.  I will guide you.  

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night.  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar by night left its place in front of the people (13:21-22).

I am the Lord.  Be still.  

“Moses answered the people, ‘Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still’” (14:13-14).

I am the Lord.  I will heal you.

He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you” (15:26).

I am the Lord.  I have heard you and I will provide.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “I have heard the Israelites’ complaints.  Now tell them, ‘In the evening you will have meat to eat, and in the morning you will have all the bread you want.  Then you will know that I am the Lord your God.’”…When they measured it out, everyone had just enough…Each family had just what it needed (16:11-18).

I am the Lord.  I will use your story to help others believe that I am God.

Moses told his father-in-law everything the Lord had done to Pharoah and Egypt on behalf of Israel.  He also told about all the hardships they had experienced along the way and how the Lord had rescued his people from all their troubles.  Jethro was delighted when he heard about all the good things the Lord had done for Israel… “Praise the Lord,” Jethro said, “for he has rescued you from the Egyptians…I know now that the Lord is greater than all other gods, because he rescued his people from the oppression of the proud Egyptians” (17:8-11).

Almighty God, help us to recognize your mighty hand on our lives.  Lord we submit to your Lordship – to your will, your way, in your time.  Remind us over and over again today that you are Lord – that you know what is best and will guide us, heal us and provide for us.  Forgive us for our complaining and help us to rest in your provisions.  Forgive us for the times we have been too discouraged, too consumed and too stubborn to trust you.  Use the story of your great power displayed in our lives.  Bring those who do not believe to a saving knowledge of who YOU are through your glory reflected in us.  Amen.

Today’s Reading:  Exodus 5-14

Have you ever accused God of doing nothing?

Then Moses went back to the Lord and protested, “Why have you brought all this trouble on your own people, Lord?  Why did you send me?  Ever since I came to Pharoah as your spokesman, he has been even more brutal to your people.  And you have done nothing to rescue them!” – Exodus 5:22-23

So let me ask again – Have you ever been so bold as to accuse God Almighty of doing nothing?  

Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh, just as God told them to do, but Pharoah did not react the way the Israelites expected – God did not provide in the way and in the time His people thought He would.  Instead of letting the Israelites go, Pharoah increased the workload by making the people provide their own straw for making the bricks.  The workers took their anger out on Moses and Moses took his confusion out on God.  God had a plan and He was about to move in such a way that the Hebrew nation would NEVER forget.

“…You can be sure that I have heard the groans of the people of Israel, who are now slaves to the Egyptians.  And I am well aware of my covenant with them.  Therefore, say to the people of Israel:  ‘I am the Lord.  I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt.  I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment.  I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God.  Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt.  I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  I will give it to you as your very own possession.  I am the Lord!” – Exodus 6:5-8

What a powerful word from God!  Yet the people were too discouraged by their circumstances to find hope in God’s promises, too consumed by their own pain to see the capacity of God to rescue them and too stubborn to wait on God’s perfect timing and plan.  They refused to listen.  But God was about to get their attention in a grand display of His mighty power:

• A plague of blood turned the water of the Nile River into a stinky river of dead fish, taking away the Egyptians source of drinking water.

• A plague of frogs invaded their river, their bedrooms, their kitchens, their lives.

• A plague of gnats covered everyone and everything, causing the Egyptian magicians to shout out “This is the finger of God!” – Exodus 8:19

• A plague of flies filled their homes and the palace, covering the ground and throwing the land of Egypt into chaos.

• A plague killing all the livestock owned by the Egyptians still did not move Pharoah’s stubborn heart.

• A plague of festering boils broke out on all the Egyptian people.

• A plague of hail fell on all the people, livestock and plants throughout the land of Egypt.  Never in the history of Egypt had there been a storm like that, with such devastating hail and continuous lightning (9:24).

• A plague of locusts covered the land, devouring any plant that had survived the hailstorm.

• A plague of darkness covered the entire land of Egypt for three days.

• It was finally the plague of the firstborn that caused Pharoah and the Egyptians to urge the Israelites to leave.  

During all of these plagues, God’s people were protected.  They became the audience to God’s grand display of judgment.  The Israelites were given specific instructions to follow to make sure the angel of death passed over their house, sparing their firstborn.  God’s people now had experienced God firsthand and had a story to pass on to their children and grandchildren, from one generation to the next for the remainder of time.

“This is a day to remember.  Each year, from generation to generation, you must celebrate it as a special festival to the Lord.” – Exodus 12:14a

“Then your children will ask, ‘What does this mean?’ And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt.  And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’” – Exodus 12:26-27a

“This is a day to remember forever – the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery.  Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand…This annual festival will be a visible sign to you, like a mark branded on your hand or your forehead.  Let it remind you always to recite this teaching of the Lord:  ‘With a strong hand, the Lord rescued you from Egypt.’” – Exodus 13:3,9

The story of God rescuing the Israelites from their Egyptian captivity is a story I grew up learning and a story I have taught to my daughters.  They know God is powerful because they know of the plagues.  They know God provides “dry land” when all we see is “the Red Sea” in front of us and the “Egyptian army” behind us (Exodus 14).  

But we have more than just the stories of those who have gone on before us to tell the next generation.  We also have our own stories – stories of difficulty, pain and discouragement – times when God has stepped into our situation with a mighty hand.  We have stories that provide proof that God provides and that God heals.  These faith-building stories are gifts for our children and our children’s children.  

God, when I am tempted to accuse you of doing nothing, help me to remember ALL that you have done in my life – according to your plan and in your time.  You are the God who rescues, who provides and who saves.  Thank you for your presence in my life!  To you be all the glory!  Amen.   

Today’s Reading:  Genesis 24 & 29, Exodus 2

REBEKAH

It was evening and Rebekah did the same thing she did every evening.  She gathered her empty water jug and walked to the well along with the other women.  Perhaps the water would be used to prepare the evening meal or to water the garden where she grew food for her family.  It was her routine and, perhaps, her favorite time of day – the opportunity to take a walk with the other women.

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that Rebekah’s life was forever changed.  Today was different than the other days.  Today there was a servant with 10 camels kneeling close to the well.  Rebekah went down to the spring, filled her jug and then came up again.  The servant ran over to her and asked for her drink.  Without hesitation, Rebekah quickly lowered her water jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink.  She offered to draw water for all 10 camels and quickly emptied the remainder of the jug into the trough and returned to the spring over and over again, drawing perhaps as much as 250 gallons of water for the camels (Genesis 24).

I wonder what Rebekah’s reaction was when the servant gave her a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists.  Had she ever been given a gift of such value?  Did she realize the significance of the gift?  Did she have any idea of how quickly her life was going to change?

Rebekah was simply living out her routine of daily spending time at the well and God met her there.  Her life was never the same.  God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey, willing to go wherever God wanted her to be – even if that was a very long way from her family and friends, from the life she had always known.  God blessed her generously and she became a matriarch in the lineage of the Messiah.

RACHEL

It was the middle of the day and Rachel did the same thing she did every day.  She gathered her father’s flock and led them to the well to give them something to drink.  Every day she made this trip to the well, waiting until the other shepherds all arrived and moved the stone from the mouth of the well.  It was her routine and, perhaps, her favorite time of day – the opportunity to take a quiet walk with the sheep.

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that Rachel’s life was forever changed.  Today was different from other days.  Today there was a stranger talking with the other shepherds at the well.  He was a kind man who moved the stone from the mouth of the well and watered her father’s flock for her.  His name was Jacob (Genesis 29).  

I wonder what Rachel’s reaction was when this handsome man kissed her and then began to cry.  Had anyone ever kissed her before?  Did she realize the significance of this moment?  Did she have any idea of how quickly her life was going to change?

Rachel was simply living out her routine of daily spending time at the well and God met her there.  Her life was never the same.  God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey.  God blessed her generously, and she experienced what it was to be loved and highly favored by a man of God.  

ZIPPORAH

It was evening and Zipporah did the same thing she did every evening.  She gathered her empty water jug and walked to the well with her six sisters.   Every evening the girls made this trip to the well, bringing back water to fill the troughs for their father’s flocks.  It was her routine and, perhaps, her favorite time of day – the opportunity to take a walk with her sisters.

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that Zipporah’s life was forever changed.  Today was different than the other days.  Today there were cruel shepherds at the well who chased them away, keeping them from what they needed to do.  But there was also a hero at the well who swept in and rescued the girls from the shepherds.  His name was Moses (Exodus 2).

I wonder what Zipporah’s reaction was when this handsome man dressed as an Egyptian prince came to her rescue.  Had anyone ever done something of that kind of value for her before?  Did she realize the significance of this moment?  Did she have any idea of how quickly her life was going to change?

Zipporah was simply living out her routine of daily spending time at the well and God met her there.  Her life was never the same.  God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey – a journey that would someday take her a very long way from her family and friends, from the life she had always known.  God blessed her generously and she had a front row seat to watching her husband be used by God to rescue His people out of slavery.  

THE SAMARITAN WOMAN

It was noon and the Samaritan woman did the same thing she did every day.  She gathered her empty water jug and walked to the well alone.  Every day she made this trip to the well by herself, avoiding the other women who would come to the well later in the day.  She wanted to avoid the stares and the whispering, the condemnation she knew she deserved.  But there was a hero at the well that day, a Savior who knew her secrets and offered her living water.

Jesus replied, “Anyone who drinks this water will soon become thirsty again.  But those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again.  It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” – John 4:13-14

It was in living out her routine of daily spending time at the well that the Samaritan’s life was forever changed.  Today was different than the other days.  Her heart leapt at the thought of a different life, a life in which she would no longer need to face the condemnation of others each day.  She understood the value of the gift she was being offered when Jesus told her, “I am the Messiah!” (John 4:26).  She ran to the village and brought many Samaritans back to the well to meet Jesus.

The Samaritan woman was simply living out her routine of daily coming to the well and Jesus met her there.  Her life was never the same.  God had a plan for her life and she began a new journey – a journey that would take her a long way from the sinful life she had known for so long; a life in which she would never thirst again.

YOU

It is in living out a routine of daily spending time at the well that OUR lives can be changed forever.  God meets us when we faithfully spend time in His presence.  Many days it will feel the same, like routine. But there will be days in which God gives us a moment that will change our lives forever.  He has a plan for our lives and He longs to guide us daily on our new journey – a journey with God-moments, opportunities, and living water.

“And all who thirst will thirst no more,

And all who search will find what their souls long for,

The world will try, but it can never fill,

So leave it all behind, and come to the well.”  (Mark Hall, Matthew West; sung by Casting Crowns)

Today’s Reading:  Exodus 1-4

God is never unaware. What a great reminder on Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. As we mourn the loss of millions of babies following the legal decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973, it is good to be reminded that our God is sovereign and is aware of our loss. He is aware of every heart in need of restoration and He has a plan for each life.

The nation of Egypt had grown very powerful because of the hand of God on Joseph’s life, yet they were still a self-seeking, sinful people and they oppressed God’s children.  A new king was now in leadership and he was intimidated by the size of Joseph’s growing family – the Israelites.  He created a plan to keep them from growing even more.  He made them slaves and appointed brutal slave drivers over them, assigning them with crushing labor.  The more he oppressed God’s people, the more the Israelites multiplied and spread.  Life was bitter for the Israelites as they were worked without mercy and under the pressure of ruthless demands (Exodus 1:11-14).

Pharoah gave an order to the Hebrew midwives to kill every newborn boy, only letting the girls live.  But the midwives feared God and refused the King’s orders.  So Pharoah ordered all the Egyptians to kill every newborn Hebrew boy (1:22).  Imagine the terror and grief of God’s people as their babies were yanked from their arms and cast into the Nile River.

But God is never caught unaware.  He is never without a plan.  God raised up a leader from one of those baby boys to rescue his people.  A married couple from the tribe of Levi gave birth to a son and hid him for three months.  When they could no longer hide him, they placed him in a basket and laid it among the reeds of the Nile River, with the baby’s sister watching close by.  Pharoah’s daughter found the baby and claimed it as her own.  Because GOD IS GENEROUS, He even worked out a way for the baby’s mother to take him back home and nurse him until he was old enough to move into the palace and be raised by the princess, who named him Moses (2:1-10).   

Although Moses was adopted into this royal family, he never lost his connection with the Hebrew people.  He saw how hard they were forced to work and came to their defense, killing an Egyptian who was beating one of the Hebrew slaves.  When Pharoah heard of this, he tried to kill him so Moses fled Egypt and went to live in the land of Midian (2:11-15).  There GOD PROVIDED him with a wife, the daughter of the Midian priest, Jethro.

While tending Jethro’s flocks one day on Mount Sinai, the mountain of God, Moses came across a blazing fire in the middle of a bush.  The bush was engulfed in flames but was not consumed by the fire.  As Moses stepped forward to get a closer look, he heard from God.   

“I have certainly seen the oppression of my people in Egypt.  I have heard their cries of distress because of their harsh slave drivers.  Yes, I am aware of their suffering.  So I have come down to rescue them from the power of the Egyptians and lead them out of Egypt into their own fertile and spacious land.  It is a land flowing with milk and honey…Now go, for I am sending you to Pharoah.  You must lead my people Israel out of Egypt.”  – Exodus 3:7-10

Again, God is never caught unaware.  He is never without a plan.  He knows how His people suffer and He hears their cries, responding with His perfect plan.  Moses had the privilege to be a part of this plan – to have a front row seat to the mighty hand of God at work.  But Moses responded in fear and doubt.

God said “Go” and Moses responded “Who am I?”  God made it clear – it isn’t about who you are but about who I am and “I Am Who I Am” (3:14).  Moses protested – What should I say?  God responded – “Say this…”  Moses reacted in fear and doubt, asking “What if…?” God pointed out the staff in Moses hand and told him to throw it down to the ground.  It turned into a snake.  God told him to pick up the snake by the tail and when he obeyed, the snake turned back into the staff.  God was showing Moses how he would perform all kinds of miracles to show Himself to both Pharoah and the Israelites.  

Then the Lord asked Moses, “Who makes a person’s mouth?  Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see?  Is it not I, the Lord?  Now go!  I will be with you as you speak, and I will instruct you in what to say.” – Exodus 4:11-12

God is never caught unaware.  He is never without a plan and that plan often involves us.  He calls us to do something and He desires obedience and faith.  When we say – Who am I?  What can I do?  God says – It’s not about you, it’s about me and “I Am Who I Am.”  When we ask how, God says – take what I have already placed in your hand, what I have already equipped you with, and let go of it.  I will take it from there.  I will tell you what to do and I will give you the words to say.  

Many of us are called by God to rescue others who are suffering.  We have a message to give those who are hurting – God hears, He is concerned and He has a plan to rescue them.  Let’s listen closely to God today as we make ourselves available to be used by Him in the lives of others.  Let’s respond in obedience and faith instead of fear and doubt.  Let others know that God has seen, He has heard, He is concerned and He has come down to rescue them!!!

Heavenly Father, thank you for the many ways in which you have generously provided for us.  Thank you for being present and active in our lives, knowing what has been and what will come.  It is comforting to know that nothing about my day will catch you off guard or unaware.  Help me to trust you in the midst of it all.  When I start to argue or find excuses, remind me that it is about you.  Remind me of who you are and what you have already provided in my life.  Give me the courage to respond in obedience and faith.  Amen.

Today’s Reading:  Job 26-42

In our humanity, we often think we know better than God what should happen.  In our arrogance, we often think we have all the answers.  In our ignorance, we often question God instead of submitting to His plan.  But do we know?  Do we understand?  Can we even imagine?  Are we as strong as God?

Elihu speaks boldly to Job:  

“Listen carefully to the thunder of God’s voice as it rolls from his mouth.

It rolls across the heavens, and his lightning flashes in every direction.

Then comes the roaring of the thunder – the tremendous voice of his majesty.

He does not restrain it when he speaks. God’s voice is glorious in the thunder.

WE CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE THE GREATNESS OF HIS POWER.

“He directs the snow to fall on the earth and tells the rain to pour down.

THEN EVERYONE STOPS WORKING SO THEY CAN WATCH HIS POWER.

The wild animals take cover and stay in their dens.

The stormy wind comes from its chamber, and the driving winds bring the cold.

God’s breath sends the ice, freezing wide expanses of water.

He loads the clouds with moisture, and they flash with his lightning.

The clouds churn about at his direction.

They do whatever he commands through the earth…

“Do you know how God controls the storm and causes the lightning to flash from his clouds?

Do you understand how he moves the clouds with wonderful perfection and skill?

When you are sweltering in your clothes and the south wind dies down and everything is still,

he makes the skies reflect the heat like a bronze mirror.  Can you do that?

“We cannot look at the sun, for it shines brightly in the sky when the wind clears away the clouds.

So also, golden splendor comes from the mountain of God.

He is clothed in dazzling splendor.

WE CANNOT IMAGINE the power of the Almighty;

but even though he is just and righteous, he does not destroy us.

No wonder people fear him.

All who are wise show him reverence.”  – Job 37:2-12,15-18,21-24

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?

Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.

Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?

Tell me, if you know so much.

Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line?

What supports its foundations and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted with joy?

Who kept the sea inside its boundaries as it burst from the womb, and as I clothed it with clouds and wrapped it in thick darkness?

For I locked it behind barred gates, limiting its shores.

I said, ‘This far and no farther will you come.  Here your proud waves must stop!’

Have you ever commanded the morning to appear and caused the dawn to rise in the east?

Have you made daylight spread to the ends of the earth, to bring an end to the night’s wickedness? …

“Have you explored the springs from which the seas come?  

Have you explored their depths?

Do you know where the gates of death are located?

Have you seen the gates of utter gloom?

Do you realize the extent of the earth?

Tell me about it if you know!

Where does the light come from, and where does the darkness go?

Can you take each to its home?

Do you know how to get there?

But of course you know all this!

For you were born before it was all created, and you are so very experienced! … (Job 38:1-13,16-21)

Then the Lord said to Job,

“Do you still want to argue with the Almighty?

You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers? …

Are you as strong as God? … (Job 40:1-2,9a)

Then Job replied to the Lord:

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.

You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’

It is I – and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me…

I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”  – (Job 42: 1-2,6)

Wow, I wish I could say I have never argued with God.  I wish I could claim I have never disagreed with God or questioned His decisions.  Unfortunately, I am as guilty as Job.  It was I who was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.  

This morning I recognize that YOU, Almighty God, are strong and powerful and wonderful.  I listen to the strong winds blowing outside and I recognize your strength.  I stay inside from the below freezing temperature outside today and I recognize your control.  I do not know what is best.  I do not pretend to understand your greater plan.  But I do trust you.  I sit quietly and watch Your power at work – the power I cannot even fathom the depth of.  You, Oh God, are holy and You, Oh God, are great!  Amen.

Today’s Reading:  Job 11-25

“Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” (Job 2:10)  Job’s friends seemed to have an understanding of Job’s sufferings as if it was simply Job’s turn.  He had been blessed for years and now it was his turn to suffer hardships – the reality of life.  It is as if they are asking – where is your faith and where are your confident words now that the shoe is on the other foot?

They mocked Job saying, “Your words have supported those who were failing; you encouraged those with shaky knees.  But now when trouble strikes, you lose heart.  You are terrified when it touches you.  Doesn’t your reverence for God give you confidence?  Doesn’t your life of integrity give you hope?” – Job 4:4-6

Job had an attitude of self-pity and defeat – I can argue with God but what good will it do?  He won’t listen anyhow.  

“So who am I that I should try to answer God or even reason with him?  Even if I were right, I would have no defense.  I could only plead for mercy.  And even if I summoned him and he responded, I’m not sure he would listen to me.  For he attacks me with a storm and repeatedly wounds me without cause.  He will not let me catch my breath, but fills me instead with bitter sorrows.  If it’s a question of strength, he’s the strong one.  If it’s a matter of justice, who dares to summon him to court?” – Job 9:14-19

I agree with Elihu’s response to Job when he said, “But it is wrong to say God doesn’t listen, to say the Almighty isn’t concerned” (Job 35:13).

Job goes on to question God’s wisdom in even allowing him to be born if He was going to eventually let him suffer like this (Job 10:8-12,18-22).  Job demonstrates an internal conflict between being in awe of the power of God and being disappointed with the wisdom of God.  In one breath he is speaking of how great God is and in another breath he is questioning the motives and decisions of God.  If Job was without sin before the hard times came, he is now demonstrating his human, sinful side by questioning the authority of God.

More than that, Job was downright angry with God.  Many of us can relate to a moment in our lives where we questioned God by asking “Why?”  In our grief, we experienced anger and we took our anger to God but there’s a difference between taking your anger to God and taking your anger out on God.  I think this is where Job messes up.  It’s not a sin that he is experiencing human emotions in the midst of his grief and pain, it is what he does with the emotion that trips him up.  Job is arguing with God and criticizing God’s wisdom.  

Are you currently questioning the wisdom of God regarding a situation in your life?  Are you arguing with God?  Are you angry with Him?  Let’s look at some verses in Job to consider just how awesome and wise our God is – how worthy He is of our trust in even the most difficult times.   Let us consider that God is greater than we can understand.

“Can you solve the mysteries of God?

Can you discover everything about the Almighty?

Such knowledge is higher than the heavens – and who are you?

It is deeper than the underworld – what do you know?

It is broader than the earth and wider than the sea?” – Job 11:7-9

“God stretches the northern sky over empty space and hangs the earth on nothing.

He wraps the rain in his thick clouds, and the clouds don’t burst with the weight.

He covers the face of the moon, shrouding it with clouds.

He created the horizon when he separated the waters; he set the boundary between day and night.

The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke.

By his power the sea grew calm…

These are just the beginning of all that he does, merely a whisper of his power.

Who, then, can comprehend the thunder of his power?” – Job 26:7-12,14

“God alone understands the way to wisdom; he knows where it can be found, for he looks throughout the whole earth and sees everything under the heavens.

He decided how hard the winds should blow and how much rain should fall.

He made the laws for the rain and laid out a path for the lightning.

Then he saw wisdom and evaluated it thoroughly.

And this is what he says to all humanity:  

‘The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is real understanding.’” – Job 28:23-28

“Look, God is all-powerful.  Who is a teacher like him?

No one can tell him what to do, or say to him, ‘You have done wrong.’

Instead, glorify his mighty works, singing songs of praise…

Look, God is greater than we can understand.  His years cannot be counted.” – Job 36:22-24,26

God, you are greater than we can comprehend.  Help us to simply rest in your wisdom, submitting ourselves to your greatness and your authority in our lives.  Lord, give us the strength to let go of our need to understand and simply trust you.  So when the reality we are facing is as bitter as our morning coffee, Lord we ask for the gift of faith and the ability to trust in order to sweeten up our perspective.  Thank you for loving us patiently when we lack understanding.  We love you back!  Amen.

Today’s Reading:  Job 1-10

This book starts out very much like a fairytale – Once upon a time… There was once a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz.  He was blameless – a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil (Job 1:1). We all know the story.  Job was a righteous man who had been blessed abundantly by God.  He had a large family, lots of servants and lots of animals.  He was, in fact, the richest person in that entire area (1:3).

We don’t really think of the timing of Job’s life as falling between Genesis and Exodus, but historians believe this to be the case.  There were many years between the death of Joseph (1805 BC) and the birth of Moses (1526 BC).  The story of Job falls here.

The higher you go the harder you fall.  This saying would have rung true for Job.  He lost it all when Satan challenged God regarding the faithfulness of Job.  God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away his possessions and then by causing him physical pain through terrible boils from his head to foot.  Job’s response shows the strength of his faith as he continued to praise God.

“I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave.

The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away.

Praise the name of the Lord!” – Job 1:21

When his wife nagged him, encouraging him to curse God and die, Job’s response was one that I could learn a lot from:  “You talk like a foolish woman.  Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” – Job 2:10

Reading through the book of Job, it is clear that Job is having a difficult time.  He feels the pain and suffers from the loss just like anyone else would.  He is surrounded by “friends” who are trying to give him advice through this time of suffering but seem to only be saying the wrong things.  We’ve probably all been there – either we have been the one going through a hard time and had well-meaning friends say something that makes the pain worse OR we have been the one who has sincerely tried to comfort a friend only to end up saying the last thing they wanted to hear.  

Job’s friends assume that Job is being punished for something and needs to repent in order for the hard times to end.  Perhaps Job’s friends are slightly enjoying the fact that Job is not perfect – that something is finally going wrong for him.  Jealousy is a powerful thing, even among friends, and it is possible that the words of self-righteousness coming from Job’s friends are a result of past envy or attempts to measure up to Job.

Job’s friend, Bildad, makes a mistake commonly made today.  He assumes that blessings that can be measured in earthly ways come to the righteous and the wicked can never prosper here on earth.  “But if you pray to God and seek the favor of the Almighty, and if you are pure and live with integrity, he will surely rise up and restore your happy home.  And though you started with little, you will end with much.” – Job 8:5-6

Oh the prosperity gospel!  We’ve all heard it and probably believed it to some degree.  But, the fact remains that there are some incredibly righteous, godly Christians who live and die “dirt poor” in earthly terms.  And there are some very ungodly, unbelieving, downright wicked people who have everything they could possibly ask for in regard to their position and possessions.  This is not easy to understand but our response to what seems unfair in life should be to simply trust God and, as Job did, look forward to our heavenly rewards instead of measuring our earthly possessions.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.

And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God!

I will see him for myself.

Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.

I am overwhelmed at the thought!” – Job 19:25-27

As with most fairy tales, although this one is nonfiction, Job’s story has a happy ending.  God steps in healing Job physically and restoring him with earthly possessions even greater than what he once had.  And the great news for us today is that our story has a happy ending also!  No matter what our current circumstances are, no matter how much we are suffering today, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven where there will be no more sorrow, no more pain, no more loss.  In the words of Job, “Praise the name of the Lord!”  In the words of David:

I give you all the credit, God—
    you got me out of that mess, you didn’t let my foes gloat.

God, my God, I yelled for help and you put me together.
God, you pulled me out of the grave,
    gave me another chance at life when I was down-and-out.

All you saints! Sing your hearts out to God!  Thank him to his face!
He gets angry once in awhile, but across a lifetime there is only love.
The nights of crying your eyes out give way to days of laughter.

When things were going great I crowed, “I’ve got it made.
I’m God’s favorite.  He made me king of the mountain.”
Then you looked the other way and I fell to pieces.

I called out to you, God; I laid my case before you:
“Can you sell me for a profit when I’m dead?
    Auction me off at a cemetery yard sale?
When I’m ‘dust to dust’ my songs and stories of you won’t sell.
So listen! And be kind!  Help me out of this!”
You did it: you changed wild lament into whirling dance;
You ripped off my black mourning band and decked me with wildflowers.
I’m about to burst with song; I can’t keep quiet about you.
God, my God, I can’t thank you enough. – Psalm 30, The Message

Today’s Reading:  Genesis 37-50

God’s will vs. God’s plan.  Have you ever felt an overwhelming panic that what is happening around you is not the will of God?  Have you ever had to learn that God has a plan even when the choices of others are outside of God’s will?

This morning, I read over Genesis 37-50 again – the story of Joseph’s life from start to finish.  Joseph’s life was affected time and time again by the sinful decisions of others, but God was NEVER uninvolved.  Joseph’s brothers sinned against him out of jealousy when they sold him into captivity, but God did not abandon Joseph.

A lot of good came out of the rest of Joseph’s life, even though the trajectory of his life was changed when his brothers sold him into slavery.  It wasn’t God’s perfect will for Joseph to be sinned against, separated from his family, and sold into slavery – yet God’s plan was to use it for good.  

The Lord was with Joseph and he prospered, and he lived in the house of his Egyptian master.  When his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord gave him success in everything he did, Joseph found favor in his eyes and became his attendant.  Potiphar put him in charge of his household, and he entrusted to his care everything he owned. – Genesis 39:2-4

It wasn’t God’s perfect will for Potiphar’s wife to lust after Joseph and lie about his integrity, causing Joseph to spend years in prison, but God’s plan was to use it for good.  

But while Joseph was there in the prison, the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.  So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there. – Genesis 39:20b-22

God is blessing Joseph through his sufferings once again.  Joseph’s time in prison gave him the opportunity to interpret the dream of the chief cupbearer, who eventually told Pharoah of Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams.  As a result of Joseph’s interpretation of Pharoah’s dreams, the lives of many were saved from the devastating famine.

Joseph speaks to this after his father’s death, when his brothers threw themselves down in repentance before him saying, “We are your slaves.”  

But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid.  Am I in the place of God?  You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  So then, don’t be afraid.  I will provide for you and your children.”  And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them. – Genesis 50:19-20

This may be where some of us disagree theologically but allow me to share where I stand.  I do not believe it is God’s will that anyone should sin or be sinned against, yet God is NEVER without a plan because He loves us and He wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).  HE MAKES BEAUTIFUL THINGS come out of the sinful actions of man.  When we are wronged or sinned against or suffer the consequences of our own sins, God has not abandoned us nor does He plan to.  Instead he works out this BEAUTIFUL PLAN OF REDEMPTION in the midst of this sinful world.  God does not will for us to sin but neither is He surprised by it.  He stills plans HOPE for our future.

Is it God’s will that an unmarried woman gets pregnant?  No, but God has a plan for that unborn baby and for its parents.  Sometimes that plan involves blessing a couple struggling with infertility through adoption.   

Is it God’s will that a man should leave his wife or that a wife should leave her husband?  No, but God has a plan to bring the wayward spouse to repentance and He has a plan to bless the life of the one left to suffer the consequences of their spouse’s sin.

Is it God’s will when a drunk driver kills an innocent bystander?  No, but God has a plan to provide healing for those who are left grieving and to use their healing to minister to others who have suffered loss.

Is it God’s will that America should consider it a woman’s right to end the life of her unborn baby?  No, but God has a plan to use the sin of abortion to bring many to repentance.  God has a plan to use individuals to reach out to those affected by abortion or considering abortion.  

I love how the message parallels the NIV here:  Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid.  Do I act for God?  Don’t you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now – life for many people. – Genesis 50:19 (The Message)

Do I act for God?  When I am sinned against or suffer the consequences of someone else’s sin, is it for me to refuse to forgive them?  Do I act for God?  Is it my right to question or be angry with God that He did not intervene and prevent the hurt?  Do I act for God?  God never leaves us or abandons us.  We can trust in the God of this promise:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Thank you for being the Lord of my life!  Thank you for taking every detail of my life and for using them to accomplish something good.  Lord, I trust you with the good and the bad, with the joys and the heartaches.  I pray for a strong faith and daily reminders to trust you.  Show me today when I am manipulating my circumstances or attempting to act for you.  Get my attention when I begin to question you.  I know that you never leave or abandon us.  Teach us to trust that you are the God who works for the good of those who love him and OH how I love you!  Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 30-36

God confirmed his promise again to Jacob at Bethel – that He would bless Jacob with many descendants and give the land he once gave to Abraham and Isaac to Jacob and his descendants. Oh how wonderful it is that God sees our need to be reminded of His promises, to be made aware of His presence.

Jacob set up a stone pillar to mark the place where God had spoken to him. Then he poured wine over it as an offering to God and anointed the pillar with olive oil. And Jacob named the place Bethel (which means “house of God”), because God had spoken to him there. – Genesis 35:14-15

The very next thing the scripture tells us is that Jacob left Bethel and moved his family on toward Ephrath. His beloved Rachel was pregnant for the second time and she went into labor. Her pains were intense and the delivery was very hard. Finally she gave birth to a son and, with her final breath, named him Benoni (which means “sons of my right hand”).

Rachel was the love of Jacob’s life. He met her when he arrived in Paddan-Aram. She was bringing her father’s flocks to the well and Jacob moved the stone from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s flocks for her. Within a month, Jacob was in love with Rachel and asking her father, Laban, to take her as his wife. He loved her so much that he was willing to work seven years in exchange for his bride. When his uncle deceived him and instead gave him her older sister, Leah, Jacob agreed to another seven years of labor in order to marry Rachel.

Now loving Rachel did not mean that marriage came easy. When she was unable to have children and her sister Leah had already given birth to four sons, Rachel became very jealous and pleaded with Jacob to give her children.

Then Jacob became furious with Rachel. “Am I God?” he asked. “He’s the one who has kept you from having children!” – Genesis 30:2

Now Rachel had a choice. She could draw close to God and trust Him with the desires of her heart, or she could let jealousy and pride guide her actions. Rachel chose the latter. Instead of WAITING FOR GOD’S PLAN IN GOD’S TIME, Rachel began to manipulate her circumstances to get what she wanted. She gave her servant, Bilhah, to Jacob as a wife. Bilhah gave Jacob two sons and Rachel declared, “I have struggled hard with my sister, and I’m winning!” (Gen.30:8)

Apparently two can play at this competitive game because Leah gave her servant to Jacob and added 2 points to her score. Then the sisters began to barter for mandrakes, which were believed to aid in procreation. Again, Rachel was using manipulation and control to get what she wanted instead of going to the Giver of all good gifts. Oh how I wish I could not relate to Rachel here! I wish I never had the tendency to panic and take things into my own hands instead of trusting in God for every provision!

Leah gave birth to two more sons and a daughter but Rachel remained barren. God eventually remembered Rachel in spite of her bitter heart and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son.

“God has removed my disgrace,” she said. And she named him Joseph, for she said, “May the Lord add yet another son to my family.” – Genesis 30:24

Even in the first moments of holding her newborn son, a gift from God, Rachel is already displeased and desiring more from God. Instead of clinging to the God who provides, Rachel stole the household gods from her father and hid them, choosing to worship false gods instead of the one true God.

GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY, in GOD’S TIME – a lesson Rachel never seemed to learn. She gave birth to a second son but was not given the opportunity to raise him. In her struggle to always get more from God, Rachel lost all she had and Jacob lost his first love, Rachel.

Jacob has just renewed his covenant relationship with God at Bethel and now he is burying his sweetheart. Jacob built another stone pillar, this time over Rachel’s grave (35:20). He gathered his large family together and continued on. Jacob could have chosen anger and bitterness at the loss of his wife right after recommitting his life to God, but he chose to accept GOD’S WILL, GOD’S WAY, in GOD’S TIME.

I sometimes find myself with a “you owe me, God” attitude. I know it is wrong and reject that kind of thinking, but then later identify expectations in my heart that need disposed of. For example, when we obeyed God and moved to Texas, it took us almost three years to sell our house. I found myself questioning why God blesses some people with a quick sale yet our house remained unsold. We had obediently followed God’s call on our life and yet our prayers to sell the house seemed to be going unanswered. Almost daily I had to let go of my sinful accusations and let God do things His way in His time. The same struggle remains when I hear of the pastor who dies in a motorcycle accident or the Christian friend who battles cancer. I find myself asking God “why” and hearing Him once again reply, “Trust me.”

It’s all yours, Lord. Everything I want to manipulate and control – every situation, every unknown, every relationship, every heartache – it’s all yours. Thank you for the blessings you so generously pour out into my life each day. I praise you for all you allow in my life – good and bad. TEACH ME THROUGH EVERY STRUGGLE and strengthen my faith in you. I love you so much, El Shaddai – God Almighty! Amen.