Go Play with Someone Else

For personal reasons just over 10 years ago, I decided to permanently close out my FaceBook account. However, before doing so, I remember posts of not one, but several, individuals whose posts seemed to be united in looking forward to the second coming of Christ.  What a glorious time that will be, indeed!  Many of these posts also carried a secondary theme – giving less credit to the adversary, aka satan, devil, whatever you want to call him.  To this I also give a resounding AMEN!

It is truly discouraging to listen to so many folks who unwittingly build up the adversary by crediting him with all their problems, faults, and illnesses.  I remember back – in many years past – while at some sort of gospel revival, that I actually recall the guest speaker suggesting unless Satan was persecuting you, then you were apparently no threat to him.  It is my belief that nothing could be further from the truth; allow me to explain…

When I read my Bible, I see that clearly that I am a sinner in need of forgiveness and salvation.

Romans 3:23 (NIV)  …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

What I have earned, and what I deserve, is death.

Romans 6:23 (NIV)  For the wages of sin is death…

I cannot work my way out of this one!  I simply can’t do it on my own, no matter how hard I might try.  Salvation must come from only ONE source…it is a FREE gift from God.

Ephesians 2:8, 9 (NIV)  For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

Romans 11:6 (NIV)  And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were [works], grace would no longer be grace. 

What is grace?  The best explanation I have ever heard, and one widely used today, is this: 

GRACE = God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense

As I mentioned, this is widely used today, but I truly wish I knew an original source.

Many may disagree (that is your right to do so), but I personally firmly believe in the Deity of Christ, who was with God in the beginning, came to Earth in human form, was crucified, died, buried, but who was resurrected and now sits at the right hand of God our Heavenly Father.  It was God’s incredible plan to use his ONLY begotten Son as payment for the debt of our sins so that we might have eternal life.

John 1:1, 2 (NIV)  In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning.

John 1:14 (NIV)  The Word became flesh and lived for a while among us.

  Nothing less could make Jesus Christ be the perfect sacrifice that was required for our lives!

So how do we receive this gift?  Oh my how we tend to complicate the very simple truth! You only need to believe it is true and ask – that’s it!

John 3:16 (NIV)  For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 10:9, 10 (NIV)  If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

Romans 10:13 (NIV)  Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.

This means EVERYONE! This means me! This means you!

Okay, so by now you are undoubtedly thinking that somehow, I forgot what today’s blog title was and what the focal point of this devotional was supposed to be. No, I’m actually right there! You see, Jesus Christ won the victory when He shed his precious blood on the cross to pay for my sins.  This was part of God’s incredible plan for ALL of us. But the point is that the “game” is over, the battle has ALREADY been won!  I don’t need to keep battling and struggling through life anymore.  I don’t have to be bullied any more by the adversary.  He has already lost, and I (through Christ) have already won.  It’s as simple as that.

Remember when you were little? There was always some kind of bully on the playground.  You would run home and tell your folks how he/she was mean to you and he/she didn’t play fairly.  Remember what your folks said?  I can almost guarantee they did NOT tell you to go engage in a deep theological discussion with the bully; and I’m willing to dare say they also did NOT let you blame the bully for your problems, nor did they sign you up for counseling classes.  I’m pretty sure they told you something to the effect of, “There are a lot of other kids on the playground. Why don’t you go find someone else to play with?” Sound familiar?

Here’s the bottom line:  I don’t have to PLAY with the adversary.  I can PLAY with others now. I am free from my sin through the blood that Christ shed on the cross. The bully has no power unless I give it to him.  He can’t bother me unless I let him.  My job is to:

James 4:7 (NIV)  Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist [e.g., have nothing to do with; don’t even acknowledge] the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you.

Hebrews 12:2 (NIV)  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)  Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

It’s just so incredibly simple – GO  PLAY  WITH  SOMEONE  ELSE!

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

The devotional Go Play with Someone Else appeared first on Write From My Heart on June 24, 2015, at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com  As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

The 47th State

Although I was born in New England and raised in Florida, I currently reside in the vast state of New Mexico.  To those of you slightly geographically challenged, yes, New Mexico is part of the United States proper and received Statehood in 1912.  It is that big chunk of land that lies between Texas and Arizona on any modern USA map.  According to the 2016 World Population Review^[1], New Mexico is the 5^th largest state in area, yet the 6^th most sparsely populated territory – ranking  #37 in population at just 2,135,288.  That is undoubtedly more information than you need or desire, so let me get back on track.

As I said, I currently reside in New Mexico.  Recently, I was reading a book about New Mexico and noticed several contradictions!  Here is just one example:

(p. 21)  “Commercial agriculture was not practiced…families produced what they needed, with a small surplus to enable them to afford necessary purchases.”

(p. 185)  “…they built dairies to provide fresh milk for children, had wells dug…” (One might infer that dairies, especially commercial dairies, also tend to require large commercial crops of grain.)

So how can it be that New Mexico does NOT practice commercial agriculture…yet it DOES build commercial dairies/crops?  Can this book be trusted? Is it fraud?  Oops! Wait a minute, I forgot to mention that the book I was reading was an anthology – a collection of essays^[2] by thirteen different authors, spanning the sixty-five years from 1900-1965.  Furthermore, the essays range in style from narrative to documentary.  However, they are ALL focused on ONE central theme of the historical development of New Mexico.  The above quotes, although technically accurate in wording, are definitely only partial quotes^{[3 and 4]} and grossly taken out of context. The anthology is correct.

Those who would deny the validity of the Bible will often make similar mistakes.  They justify their position on the basis of the Bible apparently containing several contradictory statements. Yet they purposefully forget or refuse to acknowledge that the Bible is an anthology – a collection of works including poetry, law, narratives, documentaries, and apocalyptical writings – with  approximately 40 authors spanning a history of approximately 1,500 years.  Skeptics rarely acknowledge the background of the authors, their living conditions, or any other factors (e.g., geographic, economic, political, cultural) occurring during the time of each written work.  Yet the Bible, with its variety of works and diversity of authors, has ONE central theme – it is the inspired work of God, our Heavenly Father and Creator of all that exists.

Here is an ironic twist for skeptics to consider:  God, who inspired the authors of the Bible, warned in advance – yes, thousands of years in advance – that there would be skeptics. 

Two of the primary authors of New Testament writings, Paul and Peter, write clear warnings:

2 Timothy 4:1-4 (NLT^[5])  I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom:  Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.  For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching.  They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.  They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 

2 Peter 3:3 (NLT)  Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. 

The Bible makes something else perfectly clear as well.  Those who reject truth and chase after myths will not enter the Kingdom of God.

Revelation 21:27 (NIV)  Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. 

Dear Friends, you may choose to scoff at the validity of the Bible today; however, there is a day coming – and coming soon – that your scoffing will cease.  For at that time, you will know and acknowledge the truth:

~~~God is real. His Word is truth.~~~

Here is another truth.  The Bible offers hope.  Jesus, himself, states:

John 3:16 (NLT)  For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 

John 6:47 (NLT)  I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life. 

~~~God is real.  God loves you!~~~

 

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian – looking forward to the Blessed Hope of Christ’s return!

 

[1] worldpopulationreview.com/states/new-mexico-population/

[2] DeMark, Judith B., ed. Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. Print.

[3] Jensen, Joan M. “Farm Families Organize Their Work, 1900-1940.” Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Ed. Judith Boyce DeMark. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. 13-27. Print.

[4] Schackel, Sandra. “Healthcare Across Cultures: Public Health Nurses in Hispanic and Native American Communities.” Essays in 20^th Century New Mexico History. Ed. Judith           Boyce DeMark. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press, 1994. 181-197. Print.

[5] Holy Bible, New Living Translation. Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2004. Print.

The devotional The 47^th State appeared first on Write From My Heart on May 24, 2016, at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com   As the original author, I reserve the right to update, modify as needed, and repost.

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Your Wealth Is Mine

Primary Text for this past two weeks through today: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Today we come to Pharaoh’s final attempt at failed compromise. The locusts are gone, but now an overwhelming darkness has settled over the land – a darkness so dense it could be felt. We must remember; God is light, darkness is the withdrawal of light. This judgement of darkness spoke plainly that Egypt was now abandoned by God. Nothing remained but the soon coming tenth and final plague of death... the Egyptians had a darkness they could not light up; the followers of the LORD had a light which man could not extinguish.

Exodus 10:24 (NIV) Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, “Go, worship the LORD. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind.”

Pharaoh contended with all his cunning to keep Israel from becoming a separate and holy nation unto God. First he kept them within the land, then he permitted only a short distance—within eyesight so to speak, then he tried splitting the family, now his final failed compromise: leave your possessions with me. Ironically, or perhaps methodically, Satan uses the same tactics on us today.

Matthew 6:21 (NIV) For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Satan can still win if he keeps our investments and priorities ‘in the land’. If our treasured possessions are of the world, and draw us into loyalty with the world; so too will our affections be centered on worldly things, drawing us further away from the Light of the World, Christ our Savior. The only true solution for the darkness of any and all sin is the Light of Christ.

John 1:4-5 (NIV) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Ephesians 5:8 (NIV) For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light.

John 3:19 (NIV) This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

John 8:12 (NIV) When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Almighty and Gracious God,

The wealth of the world pulls us away from You and the Light of Christ your Son. Draw us back into your loving arms. Forgive our waywardness. Renew a right and committed spirit within us.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Your Wealth Is Mine appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Split the Family

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32  Although this is approximately nine chapters, I encourage you to take time to read the entire passage, more than once if you are able.

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.” – Ronald Reagan

The fourth compromise [technically only the third] is the division of the family unit. It follows the plagues of the livestock, the boils, the hail, meanwhile the plague of locusts is in full effect.

Exodus 10:8-11 (NLT) So Moses and Aaron were brought back to Pharaoh. “All right,” he told them, “go and worship the LORD your God. But who exactly will be going with you?” Moses replied, “We will all go – young and old, our sons and daughters, and our flocks and herds. We must all join together in celebrating a festival to the LORD.” Pharaoh retorted, “The LORD will certainly need to be with you if I let you take your little ones! I can see through your evil plan. Never! Only the men may go and worship the LORD, since that is what you requested.” And Pharaoh threw them out of the palace.

The division of the family unit is perhaps the most cunning wile of Satan. Liberal philosophy today is focusing in on separating – in any and all ways possible – the parent from the children; even within the legal system. Why? For precisely the same reason that Pharaoh would let the adults go for as it is with “freedom” – “Chrisitanity” (i.e., worship of God) is always one generation away from extinction! Any day of the year, Satan would gladly trade an adult for a child! The world tells us “don’t insist that your children read the Bible, pray, or go to church”, “don’t stress them out”, “entertain them with Bible cartoons, Bible comics and movies”, or better yet, “let them decide when they want to go to church”... and Satan loves that approach!

I ask forgiveness as I alter the quote from Ronald Reagan:

“Christianity, faith in God, is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like to live in a Christian home where the Bible is read and taught, and the family unit prays together and attends church together.”

Almighty and Gracious God,

How far we have fallen! We have not served you with our whole heart. We have succumbed to the lukewarmness of the world; and worse, we have allowed the deterioration of the family unit according to the world’s standards. We are broken. Heal our hearts and strengthen our resolve to use whatever time allotted to us to build back the family units and the Christian home.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The devotional Split the Family appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Not Too Far

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

The counting of Pharaoh’s compromises is slightly askew because remember his ‘first’ compromise was really no compromise at all – I will not even consider it. His ‘second’ compromise then becomes only his first real compromise... be Hebrew, but stay in the land – be Christian, but stay in the world.

Now we come to the third, or oddly it is the second-half of the first real compromise. It follows during a continuation of the plague of flies. Remember also that God specifically desired a people who were holy and set apart from all other nations. Pharaoh contested the complete separation of the Hebrews to the bitter end.

Exodus 8:26-28 (NIV) But Moses said, “That [i.e., to stay in the land] would not be right. The sacrifices we offer the LORD our God would be detestable to the Egyptians. And if we offer sacrifices that are detestable in their eyes, will they not stone us? We must take a three-day journey into the wilderness to offer sacrifices to the LORD our God, as he commands us.” Pharaoh said, “I will let you go to offer sacrifices to the LORD your God in the wilderness, but you must not go very far.”

At first glance, for the Hebrews being allowed to finally go into the wilderness sounds like a fair compromise, but is it? No! It is attached to a very long chain... you must not go very far. And after all, a chain is a chain no matter how long it is!

How might this translate to modern-day temptations for Christians. Today’s world offers a chain of guilty feelings to Christians – you will be conspicuous if you overdo your religion. The message to Christians is to avoid dogmatic or extreme positions of faith – give a little, take a little. There is no need to let Christianity spoil your life! The false admonitions of the world ask, ‘How will you attract them if you don’t live like them?’ ‘Can’t we all just get along?’ ‘We don’t want to offend anyone.’ ‘Let’s not get too carried away; let’s not go too far.’

Revelation 3:15-16 (NIV) I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Almighty and Gracious God,

Forgive our lukewarmness. Forgive our desire to ‘blend in’ with the world, to not ‘go too far’. You have called us to be living examples of faithful witnesses for Christ. Strengthen our courage and boldness to speak the gospel message.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Not Too Far appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Stay in the Land

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Before we begin with the next of Pharaoh’s compromises; it might be a good idea to review a brief synopsis of the ten plagues. The tenth plague stands alone; it is separated from all of the others because of its special relation to Israel and their redemption. But the other nine plagues seem to arrive in groups of three... each group of three begins with a warning prior to each of the first two plagues, then the third plague comes without warning. This is significant because it helps us remember that God will not always strive with man (c.f., Genesis 6:3), furthermore, warnings repeated but unheeded will be followed by sudden and terrible judgement.

Today we will explore Pharaoh’s second compromise; but since the first was no compromise, this will be Pharaoh’s first real measure of compromise. The warning of the staff which became a serpent had no effect on Pharaoh because it was replicated through the secret arts of his magicians; even though Aaron’s serpent/staff swallowed up the others. The first plague of water turning to blood happens, again the warning was unheeded. Then frogs covered the land, but once the frogs were gone, so was the concern. The plague of lice, or as recorded in some translations ‘gnats’, comes suddenly without warning. Pharaoh’s heart remains hard. So the first set of three plagues passes without compromise (c.f., Exodus 7:8 - 8:19).

The fourth plague (Exodus 8:20-25), the plague of flies demonstrates God making a distinction between the Egyptians and the Hebrews who were His people, and it comes with a strong warning.  It is not until the fourth plague (introducing the second set of three) occurs that Pharaoh issues his first real compromise:

Exodus 8:25 (NIV) Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Go, sacrifice to your God here in the land.”

Sounds okay, doesn’t it? But it is not okay! Earlier the king had set the tone when he told Moses and Aaron, “...why are you taking the people away from their labor? Get back to your work!” (v. 5:4) God’s command was given in no uncertain terms; there was to be a complete separation of His people unto Himself! If we could relate Pharaoh’s compromise in today’s terms for Christianity, perhaps it is that staying “in the land” is similar to “remaining in the world.” The world has no use for Christianity and time going to church is “wasted” time. Time away from the routines of work and play.

James 4:4 (NIV) You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.

This verse is often misused and taken out of context. It is a warning that adapting to the world’s view – the world’s standards – cannot coincide with being a follower of God’s will and way. He desires a holy people; a people set apart from the world’s ways. Yet that is the temptation Christians face; we don’t want to stand out; we want to have, and to do, all the fun things the world offers. Sadly, there are numerous modern churches whose “worship services” become more of entertainment shows than honoring to God. That was Pharaoh’s compromise back then... okay, be a Hebrew, just stay in the land. And it is still Satan’s compromise to us today... okay, be a Christian, just stay in the world.

Almighty and Gracious God,

It is so easy to compromise with the world. This is not what you desire. You desire Christians to live a life that is holy, set apart, dedicated and focused on You. Forgive our failings. Strengthen our resolve to love you more, serve you more, honor you with our whole being.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Stay in the Land appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

I Will Not Even Consider It

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Last week we examined the five excuses of Moses; this week we are moving forward to explore the five compromises of Pharaoh. Again I would encourage you to take time this week to read the entire text; although it is approximately nine chapters, it is well-worth your time. May God bless both the writing and the reading of this mini-series, and may we find practical application guiding us in a stronger faith and closer daily walk with our Heavenly Father.

Exodus 5:1-2 (NIV) Afterward Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and said, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Let my people go, so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.’” Pharaoh said, “Who is this LORD, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD and I will not let Israel go.”

Ironically the entire event does not begin with the Lord hardening Pharaoh’s heart, which he told Moses in advance he would do (c.f., 4:21); rather the event begins with Pharaoh’s hardening of his own heart. This occurs prior to God hardening Pharaoh’s heart which occurs during the giving of the plagues – here Pharaoh definitely and defiantly refused to recognize or obey God. Now I am not by any means a Greek scholar, but I have noticed in some resources that the Greek word for “know” ‘oida’ used here implies not just that Pharaoh didn’t know God with any type of intimate or personal knowledge, but it implies “I will not even consider”.

The first ‘compromise’ of Pharaoh is in reality no compromise. This is serious business. For one who willingly and willfully chooses error – chooses sin – will eventually be given over to their choice.

2 Thessalonians 2:10b (NIV) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.

Romans 1:28 (NIV) Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.

Pharaoh’s obstinate refusal to acknowledge God echoes down through the ages today. Seemingly today the first attack on Christian faith is “There is no God” - “I will not even consider it.” The first step of salvation by faith is acknowledgement leading to belief:

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

1 John 5:5 (NIV) Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

Romans 10:9-10, 13 (NIV) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. ... For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

 

Almighty and Gracious God,

Soften the hearts of those who refuse to acknowledge your existence. Create within us a passion for fervently praying for those who so desperately need to discover salvation in Christ; and for those who have drifted from the faith they once claimed as a child and need renewal. We thank you for your patience and we humbly ask for your will and way to be fulfilled.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional I Will Not Even Consider It appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Please Send Someone Else

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Moses has run out of excuses. Now he simply tells the Lord to find someone else. This does not go over well with the Lord and we read in the Scriptures the Lord finally becomes angry with Moses.

Exodus 4:13-17 (NIV) But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do. He will speak to the people for you, and it will be as if he were your mouth and as if you were God to him. But take this staff in your hand so you can perform the signs with it.”

Telling the Lord what to do is never a good option. Yet time and again, that is exactly what we attempt to do because we are convinced that only we know what we can and cannot do. Unfortunately it is usually a result of what we want to do or do not want to do that motivates us.

The Lord was definitely angry, but even in his anger, he did not change his plans – he still selected Moses for the task. Not only that, but God’s patience with Moses prevails and he prepares Moses’ brother (who as we notice is already enroute) to be the spokesperson for Moses. God will speak to Moses, Moses will speak to Aaron, and Aaron will speak to the people. Problem solved.

There is another small detail that is worth noting. All this time, Moses has been tending to the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, in the land of Midian (c.f., 3:1). Moses has not taken one step toward the land of Egypt yet. Moses is still trying to maneuver his way out of that task. Meanwhile, Moses’ brother Aaron is still living with the Hebrews in the land of Egypt, but is now on his way to find his brother Moses (c.f., 4:14). To me, this speaks volumes to us today. We live day-to-day in our own little world, our own little set of circumstances, our own little agendas. The LORD God Almighty is Omnipresent, Omniscient, and Omnipotent – He is the Great I AM – nothing escapes His notice, nor His will, nor His way.

Romans 8:28 (NIV) 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.

Pay attention to this verse... it does NOT say all things are good. It DOES say that God is working FOR the good of those who love HIM. Just as in the day of Moses, when God was already working out all the details; so too, God is already working out the details in our lives. Who are we to ever doubt his judgements, his plans, his will, or his way? Our excuses become insignificant hurdles. All God ever asks for is our obedience with a willing heart.

Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Heavenly Father, our Lord God;

Sometimes I wonder why we get so caught up in our lives, our own self-interests, or our own inadequacies, that we fail to see You are in control of all things. Nothing escapes your plans. Teach us to desire Your will and way more than our own.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The devotional Please Send Someone Else appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

 

I'm Not Good Enough

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

As we reach the fourth excuse of Moses it seems as if we have reached the whining and complaining stage. God has already confirmed his Holiness and his Omnipotence. He has given Moses physical signs to convince the elders. He has also warned Moses that Pharaoh will not listen; all in order that God’s wonders might be seen. Yet Moses is still focused on “self-inadequacies”. Moses still persists that he is not good enough.

Exodus 4:10 (NIV) Moses said to the LORD, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”

 The Lord’s response is direct and to the point! Who made you?

Exodus 4:11-12 (NIV) The LORD said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”

When we whine and complain about our own inadequacies it is an affront to our Creator. We would not be asked to share our faith if we were unable to communicate. I am reminded of the Lord’s admonition to Ezekiel – time and again the Lord instructed Ezekiel that his job was to warn the people regardless of their response. It is a good reminder for us today:

Ezekiel 2:5 (NIV) And whether they listen or fail to listen – for they are a rebellious people – they will know that a prophet has been among them.

We may not be prophets such as Ezekiel was called to be, but we are witnesses for Christ. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we are witnesses by our every spoken word, and often by our actions and reactions to life’s events. The question we must ask ourselves is this: Whether others listen or fail to listen – will they see because of us that a “witness for Christ” has been among them?

Heavenly Father, our Lord God;

Forgive our whining and complaining. Help us to come to the realization that we are good enough because You created us. We are good enough to share with others the hope that we profess. We are good enough to share the gospel good news of Christ our Savior. We are your witnesses and that is our primary job. We leave the results in your hands – for whether they listen or fail to listen – may they know a “witness” has been among them.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional I’m Not Good Enough appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

What If They Don't Believe Me?

Primary Text for the next two weeks: Exodus 3:1 – 12:32

Today, we explore the third excuse of Moses. It is perhaps important to remember that Moses is still in the preparation stage. Before he is to speak with Pharaoh, he must first convince the elders of Israel, and his third excuse is in direct relation to telling the leaders about God’s plan to leave Egypt. We open with God’s command:

Exodus 3:16 (NIV) “Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them...”

Exodus 4:1 (NIV) Moses answered, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?”

It is at this point that God gives Moses three specific signs for Moses to convince the leaders. The first sign is a staff which turns to a serpent (4:2-5), the next sign is a leprous hand (4:6-8), and finally water turned to blood (4:9). Many scholars have attached symbolism to each of these signs, but my understanding is still at the rudimentary stage... I simply see a man with fears and doubts holding him back; but a Holy Omnipotent God who conquers fears and provides courage.

Perhaps this is the simple lesson for us today. We are commanded to be witness of our faith to those with whom we have contact – in our homes, our neighborhood, our places of work. When we falter or hesitate to speak a good word about the hope we have within us... our God is Omnipotent... He can conquer our fears and give us the courage and strength – the ability – to share our faith with others. As the LORD reminded Gideon:

Judges 6:14, 16a (NIV) The LORD turned to him and said, “Go in the strength you have... Am I not sending you?” ... “I will be with you...”

Heavenly Father, our Lord God;

All too often we remain silent when a word of encouragement is needed. All too often we withdraw instead of sharing our faith. All too often we ask, What if they don’t believe me? We ask your forgiveness. Through the examples of Moses and Gideon we see your Holy Omnipotence and realize you conquer our fears and you provide the courage and strength we need each day. For this we offer you our humble gratitude. Create a willing heart within us to be your witnesses.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

 

The devotional What If They Don’t Believe Me? appeared first on Write From My Heart at https://writefrommyheartblog.blogspot.com 

Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version^®, NIV^®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.^® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.