Today's reading was in Exodus 14-15 and Matthew 17. Read online at http://bit.ly/64hMby.
I got to thinking today about why people come up with reasons to reject God. I know there are plenty, and I don't want to be so naive as to think that there are any legitimate reasons to reject Him. By legitimate reasons I mean those that God would say "oh, yeah, good point" to.
In line with that thinking, Exodus 14-15 tell the story of the first part of Israel's journey - out of the city of Rameses up to the place where they go through the Red Sea. So, as if all of the plagues that God sent into Egypt to persuade Pharaoh to let Israel go weren't enough, Pharaoh turned his heart yet again against Israel and pursued them, saying "why did we let Israel go from serving us? What were we thinking?!" Isn't that a decision to fight against God?
So after Pharaoh made his decision, God decided to use this for His glory, and hardened the heart of Pharaoh. So hard that Pharaoh and the Egyptian host saw the pillar of fire and of smoke, yet continued with their desire to pursue Israel. Then they saw the waters of the Red Sea open up and DRY LAND appear there. That is two separate miracles, folks! So the pillar stands between the Egyptians and Israel, presumably following behind Israel as a barrier until Israel gets to the other side. As the pillar moves, the Egyptian army pursues Israel by going through the same way, but when they get to the middle, the unthinkable happens: God looked unto the host of the Egyptians through the pillar and 'troubled' the host of the Egyptians. Then God takes the wheels off their chariots so they bogged down right there. THEN they say "let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians." Really? So, they didn't figure that out during the plagues? No, they didn't really repent of their actions, they just got "caught". We do the same thing, don't we? We keep living our lies until it becomes impossible to do anymore. Sometimes, however, by that time it is too late to avoid the dire consequences of those lies.
So what do we learn from this? Whatever you do, do not harden your heart against the things of God. People will always let you down - never let what other people do/have done be an excuse for why you won't surrender your life to God. You know what I mean - "I don't wanna be like THOSE people"; "If THAT's what a Christian is, then I don't wanna be one"; blah blah blah.We must draw near to God, grow our relationship with Him through his Word and prayer so we will recognize the things he does in our lives, have the right response to those things and not wait until we are getting pummeled and drowned by the waves of the Red Sea before we take action.
Are you ignoring the workings of God in your life? Maybe you don't even think there is anything God is doing in your life. You would do well to open your eyes, and if you desire to see those things and still don't, please get with me or someone else who can help you with the Bible and discover what it is God is doing! :-)
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
What happened to Chivalry?
Today's reading is Exodus 1-2 and Matthew 14:1-21. You can read it HERE.
Yesterday while leaving work I held the door open for a couple of ladies who were also leaving. I do this alot, and most of the time they pass along as if it is expected, or even sometimes offended that I did it. I always think in that situation 'get over yourself', but I never say it. You see, I don't do it for the 'thanks', but because it is the right thing to do. I think we should help people in general, but particularly if it is a woman - hold the door open, help her change her flat tire, pick up a load of books or groceries that she has dropped, on and on, etc. We have let a perverted few in our culture instill fear in us that we cannot help folks for being perceived wrong or politically incorrect. I have particular disdain for being politically correct at this moment in our history, and don't hold political views based on what is 'cool' or what the pointy headed elites tell me my views should be.
Anyway, I also had a few interesting comments on my facebook status as well. We so often give to get, and completely miss the point. I thought it was appropriate that I had that experience last night, because today's reading has Moses being born and raised in Egypt, then growing up and killing one of the Egyptians, and running for fear of his life. He ends up in the backside of the desert sitting by a well, perhaps feeling sorry for himself or just in despair at the course his life has taken. Maybe he is sitting there reflecting on what he did, looking for a way to redeem himself. Then comes a bunch of girls drawing water for their father's flock and shepherds come along and try to tell them they can't do that and to get lost. The Bible says Moses stood up and helped them. They didn't give him thanks, or if they did it doesn't say. All that happened is they ran home to tell daddy. Moses ends up with one of this guy's daughters and having a son. Its kinda funny how you start out with 'chivalry' and end up not being single. Don't do it for the thanks. Do it even if the gal is offended (believe me, even the most flaming liberal women will generally not reject the overture). Do it because it is the right thing.
Yesterday while leaving work I held the door open for a couple of ladies who were also leaving. I do this alot, and most of the time they pass along as if it is expected, or even sometimes offended that I did it. I always think in that situation 'get over yourself', but I never say it. You see, I don't do it for the 'thanks', but because it is the right thing to do. I think we should help people in general, but particularly if it is a woman - hold the door open, help her change her flat tire, pick up a load of books or groceries that she has dropped, on and on, etc. We have let a perverted few in our culture instill fear in us that we cannot help folks for being perceived wrong or politically incorrect. I have particular disdain for being politically correct at this moment in our history, and don't hold political views based on what is 'cool' or what the pointy headed elites tell me my views should be.
Anyway, I also had a few interesting comments on my facebook status as well. We so often give to get, and completely miss the point. I thought it was appropriate that I had that experience last night, because today's reading has Moses being born and raised in Egypt, then growing up and killing one of the Egyptians, and running for fear of his life. He ends up in the backside of the desert sitting by a well, perhaps feeling sorry for himself or just in despair at the course his life has taken. Maybe he is sitting there reflecting on what he did, looking for a way to redeem himself. Then comes a bunch of girls drawing water for their father's flock and shepherds come along and try to tell them they can't do that and to get lost. The Bible says Moses stood up and helped them. They didn't give him thanks, or if they did it doesn't say. All that happened is they ran home to tell daddy. Moses ends up with one of this guy's daughters and having a son. Its kinda funny how you start out with 'chivalry' and end up not being single. Don't do it for the thanks. Do it even if the gal is offended (believe me, even the most flaming liberal women will generally not reject the overture). Do it because it is the right thing.
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