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.

How Do I Prove It?

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

As we continue our series, let us examine the second excuse of Moses. (Again, I would encourage you to read the entire text during this week and again during next week.)

Exodus 3:13 (NIV) Moses said to God, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?”

While I am certain there are more scholarly opinions than mine; to me, this is the modern day fear of responding to someone else’s criticism. What if someone asks what I’m doing? What if someone challenges me? What if someone says, ‘Who do you think you are?’ How do I prove it? It is hard for me to believe Moses ever doubted God’s capabilities; after all, he had just been introduced to God through the anomaly of a burning bush that was never consumed. Rather, I think Moses doubted himself and his own abilities. I think Moses wanted God to give him a backup plan ‘just in case’.

Do we ever find ourselves offering similar excuses today? It is one thing if we decline an opportunity because we are already engaged in prior commitments or acts of service. It is another if we decline simply out of self-generated fears, self-doubt, or hesitations. How did God respond to Moses, and is this not how God still responds to us?

Exodus 3:14, 15b (NIV) God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ... This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.

By way of example, please allow me to share a personal moment. I believe with all my heart that God has given me skill and ability as a writer. When God prompts my heart to use the gift he has given me, I do not worry about criticisms or challenges that I might incur. But that is now. When I first began writing, my heart was flooded with self-doubt and hesitations... What if people don’t think it’s interesting? What if people think I don’t know what I’m talking about? What if I don’t use the right scriptures, or worse, what if I use scripture incorrectly? Through the years I have come to understand that if God is tugging at your heart or presenting you with opportunities... He is already well aware of your insecurities, and He stands with you ready to guide you. God – the very same I AM who always was, is, and always will be – is waiting for you to respond.

 

Heavenly Father, our Lord God;

If we are honest, too many times we resist responding to the opportunities you give us for service in your Name. We stand with Moses full of excuses. Yet you are the Lord God Almighty, and you are the One who wipes away our insecurities, the One who provides strength and courage to complete each task you assign. Create in us a willingness to respond.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

The devotional How Do I Prove 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.

Who Am I? Why Me?

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

Note from the author: Occasionally I like to write a mini-series of devotions, and such is the plan for the next two weeks (10 devotions in all). The primary text will span the story of Moses from his calling at the burning bush, through the trials of the ten plagues, up until the final moment Pharaoh final says, “Go! Leave!” I realize this is approximately nine chapters of scripture; but I encourage you to read the entire passage at least once during each of these two weeks, perhaps more if you are able. However, our focus will not be the plagues; although an abundance of information might be, and has been, gleaned from such a study. Rather, our focus on Week One will be the five excuses Moses gives the LORD as to why someone else should do the job. Our focus on Week Two will be the five compromises Pharaoh makes for failure to yield. May the LORD bless both the writing and the reading of this study for His purposes.

Exodus 3:7-12 (NIV) The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out... ...so now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.” ...But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?”

This is Moses’ first excuse. Who am I? Why me? Perhaps we can partially understand Moses’ first excuse; after all, Moses had just encountered the God of his forefathers (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) in a bush that was burning but not consumed. Moses was standing barefoot on holy ground, hiding his face for fear of death – for one cannot look upon the face of God and live, (c.f., Exodus 33:20). Because of this, perhaps Moses felt the same way the psalmist David would later express his own feelings of being lowly as a worm, (c.f., Psalm 22:6). Whatever the reasoning, Moses did not perceive himself to be the right man for the task.

As we relate this to modern times, how many times have we sensed the Lord tugging at our own heart... urging us to encourage someone else; yet our answer mimics Moses’... Why me?  We reason within ourselves; it’s not my business. I’m not the right person. I’ve got my own problems. Who am I to encourage anyone else?

Here is the LORD’s answer:

Exodus 3:12 (NIV) And God said, “I will be with you.”

 

Heavenly Father, our Lord God;

We admit our excuses and we repent. Forgive our hesitations in responding to the opportunities you give us to encourage one another. During the next two weeks, show us our weaknesses and insecurities. Teach us how to seek Your wisdom and guidance. Teach us how to rely on the strength and courage You graciously supply for every task You give us.

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.  

 

The devotional Who Am I? Why 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.

Navigating the Ups and Downs of Life

Isaiah 40:28 (NIV) Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

Each of us, at some point in time, must navigate the ups and downs of life. But what happens when it seems like there are substantially more downs than ups? What happens when our heart becomes so weary that we falter; feeling as if we are holding on to our faith by mere threads?

In verse 28, as noted above, we find several wonderful characteristic traits of our Heavenly
Father – first that he is “everlasting” – our God has always been, is now, and always will be. Next, our LORD God Almighty is the everlasting Creator of “the ends of the earth” – the entire earth; not just the outer edges, but everything in-between.  This same LORD, our Heavenly Father, does not get tired nor weary as do we humans; He remains alert and watchful at all times. And finally, and perhaps most incredibly and most comforting; His understanding is far beyond anything comprehensible to mere humans. He is not limited temporally nor spatially, neither are His power and wisdom restricted in any way.

Sometimes our circumstances, particularly the reasons for them, make no sense to us. Sometimes we pray for better solutions. Yet sometimes the best solution is a basic and simple trust in our Heavenly Father whose wisdom and understanding we do not and cannot possibly fathom.

Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Gracious Heavenly Father,

You are fully aware of our circumstances – of the ups and downs we are navigating. Through it all, strengthen our trust in you. Provide the daily strength needed to strengthen our faith in you. Thank you for family and friends who surround us with love and prayers. Remind us that this is also our responsibility as part of the Christian family, to love and pray for others.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

 

The devotional Navigating the Ups and Downs of Life 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.