O.T. #159 "One More Time"
Oct. 31, 2013
Exodus 11-Part 1
Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will strike Pharaoh and the land of Egypt with one more blow. After that, Pharaoh will let you leave this country. Exodus 11:1
LET IT GLOW
How many times do I have to lend this to my neighbor? One more time? Really?
In Matthew 5:42 and 44 Jesus answers, Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
The nine plagues of God upon Pharaoh and their Egyptian gods ended. Each plague showed God to be more powerful than their man-made gods. He displayed miraculous signs among them. If you missed studying them, I advise going back and reading the previous posts. The nine plagues were: water turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock dying, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. Today we study about the final and tenth plague. All of this was done so the Hebrews would know that God is the LORD.
Plague #10 Death of the Firstborn
The LORD told Moses that He was bringing one more plague, one more blow. During the process, Moses probably didn't know how many plagues there would be. This time was different. The Hebrews would actually be let go and Pharaoh would thrust them out. This is the first mention of the word thrust.
Thrust means drive out from a possession. (Strong's Concordance)
Sounds like good news to me-after being slaves for over 400 years, the Hebrews would finally get to leave for their Promised Land. However, God took drastic measures for this to be accomplished.
New Living Translation says it this way, In fact, he will be so eager to get rid of you that he will force you all to leave.
Are you eager to leave this world and go into the everlasting one? Where will you be spending your eternity-heaven or hell? Do we stop to think about it? Do we ask others?
LET IT GROW
The Israelites were instructed to borrow (meaning to request in Hebrew) from their Egyptian neighbors articles of silver and gold. The LORD had caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites. Also, Moses was considered a very great man in the land of Egypt and was respected by Pharaoh's officials and the people alike. No longer was Moses looked down upon and ignored. Thus, these gold and silver articles would be the Hebrews' wages during all those years of slavery. Also, these items would be used for the building of a temple in the wilderness.
Do we share with our neighbors when they request something? Better yet, do we give to the Lord when He requests something of us?
LET IT GO
Let go of anything that is more important than God.
When He asks something of us, gladly let go of it.
Lend to and love my neighbor.
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Darkness
O.T. #158 "Darkness"
Oct. 30, 2013
Exodus 10-Part 3
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Exodus 10:22-13
LET IT GLOW
When I was a child, we were not surrounded by cities with such a population growth as now. Their street lights were not lighting up our sky. It was dark on my country road back then. The moon and stars were so noticeable in the sky that they were the light in the darkness. It was not so for the Egyptians during the ninth plague. All stayed dark for three days and nights. How bad would that be?No cooking food, no working, no normal life.
Plague #9 Darkness
The plagues seem to have occurred in a pattern of sets of three, with the third happening without a warning. So it was for the ninth plague, The Egyptians had no warning of three days of darkness, no light.
The Egyptians had four sun gods-Re, Aten, Atum, and Horus. Our Jehovah God showed His supernatural power over them.
How dark was it? Verse 23 of NIV says No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
Light is not a physical property; it is an aspect of God's character. In judgment, God can withdraw His presence so significantly that the void remaining is darkness which may even be felt. Seemingly, God did not even allow artificial light sources to work. the Egyptians would attempt to use candles and lamps but were unable to produce light. (David Guzik)
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 NIV)
Is God the light of our life or do we let sin keep our heart dark?
LET IT GROW
Pharaoh sought to compromise with Moses, ultimately God, a fourth time. He was willing to let the Israelites go and serve the LORD, but they had to leave their flocks, herds, and other possessions behind in Egypt. Remember, the Egyptians lost their livestock in plague 5, so the king wanted those of the Israelites.
Moses refused to leave their animals behind because those were to be used in sacrifices and offerings unto God. (verse 25) God requires all we possess, without compromise.
Do we surrender all we have to Him? Do we use what we have for His glory? Do our possession possess us or do we possess our possessions? Can we easily let go of anything and everything if and when God requires it?
Then Pharaoh's words to Moses were final when he promised Moses death if he ever saw Moses' face again. In turn, Moses agreed that he would never appear before the king again. (verse 29)
Charles Swindoll says, "This account of divine judgment has not been recorded and preserved simply for the sake of history. Events such as these have been written for our instruction in godly living (1 Cor. 10:1-11). Two life-changing thoughts stand out:
When God judges, He does a thorough job.
When god blesses, He holds nothing back.
Friend, if you haven't placed your trust in Jesus as your Savior, I pray you will today. Simply ask Him to forgive you of your sins and believe in your heart that Jesus is the Messiah.
Christian friend, are you living a godly lifestyle? Or is your lifestyle ungodly, awaiting discipline from the Almighty? The light of His mercy is waiting for your repentance.
LET IT GO
Allow God's light to shine in my life.
Surrender my lifestyle to Him so it honors God.
Oct. 30, 2013
Exodus 10-Part 3
And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. Exodus 10:22-13
LET IT GLOW
When I was a child, we were not surrounded by cities with such a population growth as now. Their street lights were not lighting up our sky. It was dark on my country road back then. The moon and stars were so noticeable in the sky that they were the light in the darkness. It was not so for the Egyptians during the ninth plague. All stayed dark for three days and nights. How bad would that be?No cooking food, no working, no normal life.
Plague #9 Darkness
The plagues seem to have occurred in a pattern of sets of three, with the third happening without a warning. So it was for the ninth plague, The Egyptians had no warning of three days of darkness, no light.
The Egyptians had four sun gods-Re, Aten, Atum, and Horus. Our Jehovah God showed His supernatural power over them.
How dark was it? Verse 23 of NIV says No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived.
Light is not a physical property; it is an aspect of God's character. In judgment, God can withdraw His presence so significantly that the void remaining is darkness which may even be felt. Seemingly, God did not even allow artificial light sources to work. the Egyptians would attempt to use candles and lamps but were unable to produce light. (David Guzik)
God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5 NIV)
Is God the light of our life or do we let sin keep our heart dark?
LET IT GROW
Pharaoh sought to compromise with Moses, ultimately God, a fourth time. He was willing to let the Israelites go and serve the LORD, but they had to leave their flocks, herds, and other possessions behind in Egypt. Remember, the Egyptians lost their livestock in plague 5, so the king wanted those of the Israelites.
Moses refused to leave their animals behind because those were to be used in sacrifices and offerings unto God. (verse 25) God requires all we possess, without compromise.
Do we surrender all we have to Him? Do we use what we have for His glory? Do our possession possess us or do we possess our possessions? Can we easily let go of anything and everything if and when God requires it?
Then Pharaoh's words to Moses were final when he promised Moses death if he ever saw Moses' face again. In turn, Moses agreed that he would never appear before the king again. (verse 29)
Charles Swindoll says, "This account of divine judgment has not been recorded and preserved simply for the sake of history. Events such as these have been written for our instruction in godly living (1 Cor. 10:1-11). Two life-changing thoughts stand out:
When God judges, He does a thorough job.
When god blesses, He holds nothing back.
Friend, if you haven't placed your trust in Jesus as your Savior, I pray you will today. Simply ask Him to forgive you of your sins and believe in your heart that Jesus is the Messiah.
Christian friend, are you living a godly lifestyle? Or is your lifestyle ungodly, awaiting discipline from the Almighty? The light of His mercy is waiting for your repentance.
LET IT GO
Allow God's light to shine in my life.
Surrender my lifestyle to Him so it honors God.
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Grasshoppers
O. T. #157 "Grasshoppers"
Oct. 29, 2013
Exodus 10-Part 2
Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again.
Exodus 10:14b
LET IT GLOW
I remember one dry summer having grasshoppers all over the place outside, it seemed. Walking in the grass, they would jump; they were sitting on fence posts; eating up anything that was green, although fields were dry and brown like straw. They would leave evidence of their presence by spitting brown stuff, which we called tobacco, but it wasn't. Then at night you could hear their noise. It was horrible. That was back in 1980, the year of the drought. It was bad enough just visiting home where it happened, much less living among them. (We had moved to college earlier in the year.)
I can't imagine having grasshoppers in your house and other buildings, as the Egyptians experienced.
By the way, this is the first mention of locust or locusts.
However, God keeps His promises. What He says He will do, He does it. Pharaoh and Egypt have experienced seven awful plagues of devastation. God demonstrated His awesome power to the world. Also, Israel would later look back and speak of God's greatness, power, protection, and loving kindness during this time. Then came plague number eight...
Plague #8 Locust
Again, Moses and Aaron are sent to Pharaoh with a warning from God. This time it will be locusts if he will not let God's people go to worship Him in the wilderness.
This is the first mention of locusts. Locusts are grasshoppers, according to Strong's Concordance;
it is a variety of voracious grasshoppers or cicadas, in Webster's Dictionary.
Cicada, (si-ka'da), is an insect that makes a shrill sound by vibrating certain membranes, as defined by Webster's Dictionary.
What is the warning to Pharaoh if he refuses again?
Do we have unpleasant house guests? That is, in our house, or life, do we have a bad attitude, unforgiveness, jealousy?
Are we letting anything eating up our faith in God?
LET IT GROW
"How long will this man be a snare to us? " Pharaoh's officials asked him that question.
Strong's Concordance defines a snare as a noose for catching animals; a hook for the nose; a trap.
This is the first mention of the word snare.
Pharaoh's attendants persuade him to come to terms with Moses. He will allow the men to go, falsely pretending that this was all they desired. He swears that they shall not remove their little ones. Satan does all he can to hinder those that serve God themselves, from bringing their children to serve him.
Pharaoh would have taken hostages from the Israelites for their return, by holding their wives and children in captivity. (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible)
Do we let Satan snare us, trap us in a sinful way of life?
In light of the destruction, Pharaoh's servants relent, persuading the king to let the Hebrews go. It is Pharaoh who puts stipulations on the permission, compromising by letting only the men go. Really, only the men need to go worship?
God won't bargain; He holds all the negotiating leverage. Things are to be done God's way, not our way. Often times we "give in" to God, without fully submitting to Him. We do a task part way. That's so we can hop around it like a grasshopper.
The next morning the east wind blew in the locusts on Egypt destroying the plants and trees. Verse 15 says, They covered all the ground until it was black.
Is our heart black with sin as the ground was in Egypt? Jesus can cleanse it if we only ask Him to.
Well, Pharaoh desperately summons Moses and Aaron, saying that he had sinned against God and them, wanting them to forgive him, and pray to the LORD their God to take away the deadly plague. (verses 16-17)
Then God caused a west wind to carry the locusts into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt. (verses 18-19).
If they were planning on chocolate covered grasshoppers for dessert or barbecued grasshoppers for supper, they missed their chance.
How mighty is our God!
Troubles come, troubles go at His bidding. How strong is our faith to endure through them?
LET IT GO
Watch out for snares and locusts.
Turn to the Lord Jesus and His Word.
Oct. 29, 2013
Exodus 10-Part 2
Never before had there been such a plague of locusts, nor will there ever be again.
Exodus 10:14b
LET IT GLOW
I remember one dry summer having grasshoppers all over the place outside, it seemed. Walking in the grass, they would jump; they were sitting on fence posts; eating up anything that was green, although fields were dry and brown like straw. They would leave evidence of their presence by spitting brown stuff, which we called tobacco, but it wasn't. Then at night you could hear their noise. It was horrible. That was back in 1980, the year of the drought. It was bad enough just visiting home where it happened, much less living among them. (We had moved to college earlier in the year.)
I can't imagine having grasshoppers in your house and other buildings, as the Egyptians experienced.
By the way, this is the first mention of locust or locusts.
However, God keeps His promises. What He says He will do, He does it. Pharaoh and Egypt have experienced seven awful plagues of devastation. God demonstrated His awesome power to the world. Also, Israel would later look back and speak of God's greatness, power, protection, and loving kindness during this time. Then came plague number eight...
Plague #8 Locust
Again, Moses and Aaron are sent to Pharaoh with a warning from God. This time it will be locusts if he will not let God's people go to worship Him in the wilderness.
This is the first mention of locusts. Locusts are grasshoppers, according to Strong's Concordance;
it is a variety of voracious grasshoppers or cicadas, in Webster's Dictionary.
Cicada, (si-ka'da), is an insect that makes a shrill sound by vibrating certain membranes, as defined by Webster's Dictionary.
What is the warning to Pharaoh if he refuses again?
- God would bring locusts into Egypt the next day.
- Locusts would be so many that they would cover the ground so it is unseen.
- They would devour what little is left in Egypt after the hailstorm, even the trees.
- They would fill all the houses and offices of the Egyptians.
- The locusts will be worse than any of their ancestors had ever seen.
Do we have unpleasant house guests? That is, in our house, or life, do we have a bad attitude, unforgiveness, jealousy?
Are we letting anything eating up our faith in God?
LET IT GROW
"How long will this man be a snare to us? " Pharaoh's officials asked him that question.
Strong's Concordance defines a snare as a noose for catching animals; a hook for the nose; a trap.
This is the first mention of the word snare.
Pharaoh's attendants persuade him to come to terms with Moses. He will allow the men to go, falsely pretending that this was all they desired. He swears that they shall not remove their little ones. Satan does all he can to hinder those that serve God themselves, from bringing their children to serve him.
Pharaoh would have taken hostages from the Israelites for their return, by holding their wives and children in captivity. (Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible)
Do we let Satan snare us, trap us in a sinful way of life?
In light of the destruction, Pharaoh's servants relent, persuading the king to let the Hebrews go. It is Pharaoh who puts stipulations on the permission, compromising by letting only the men go. Really, only the men need to go worship?
God won't bargain; He holds all the negotiating leverage. Things are to be done God's way, not our way. Often times we "give in" to God, without fully submitting to Him. We do a task part way. That's so we can hop around it like a grasshopper.
The next morning the east wind blew in the locusts on Egypt destroying the plants and trees. Verse 15 says, They covered all the ground until it was black.
Is our heart black with sin as the ground was in Egypt? Jesus can cleanse it if we only ask Him to.
Well, Pharaoh desperately summons Moses and Aaron, saying that he had sinned against God and them, wanting them to forgive him, and pray to the LORD their God to take away the deadly plague. (verses 16-17)
Then God caused a west wind to carry the locusts into the Red Sea. Not a locust was left anywhere in Egypt. (verses 18-19).
If they were planning on chocolate covered grasshoppers for dessert or barbecued grasshoppers for supper, they missed their chance.
How mighty is our God!
Troubles come, troubles go at His bidding. How strong is our faith to endure through them?
LET IT GO
Watch out for snares and locusts.
Turn to the Lord Jesus and His Word.
Monday, October 28, 2013
How Long?
O. T. #156 "How Long?"
Oct. 28, 2013
Exodus 10-Part 1
And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews. How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve me. Exodus 10:3
LET IT GLOW
There have been times that I have asked, "How long?"
How long do I have to endure this? How long before this prayer is answered? How much longer will this continue? How long before...
God asked Pharaoh how long... Want to see what it was about? Read on, dear friend.
Why is all of this happening-seven plagues upon the Egyptians and their king, their livestock, their crops, their food supplies, their land?
It was so:
Last December, my sister in law went into the hospital for heart surgery, which was successful, but other complications developed, and though she almost died, she is came home 4 months later and is doing well.
Recently, after 6 weeks of walking pneumonia and asthma, I recovered. I spent 3 weeks in bed, unable to do very little due to such breathing problems. I still contend with the asthma. However, the Lord has given my breath back to me.
What about you? Are you sharing the wonderful works of God with your family?
LET IT GROW
Moses and Aaron went to the Pharaoh and delivered the message from God. It included the question, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?" (NIV, verse 3)
The word humble, in the Hebrew language is anah (pronounced aw-naw'), and means several things. The definitions applied in this Scripture is submit self, weaken. (Strong's Concordance)
In Webster's Dictionary, humble can mean low in station, unimportant, lowly; meek or modest in manner; abase.
Pride was at the heart of the problem, so Pharaoh's problem was a matter of pride. He didn't want to give into God. Do we ever have that problem?
God gave Pharaoh an opportunity to:
However, are we?
1 Peter 5:5c, NIV says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:6, NIV says, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
LET IT GO
of my sins;
my ways;
my stubbornness.
Then repent, submit, and obey God.
Tell my children and grandchildren of the miraculous deeds of God.
Oct. 28, 2013
Exodus 10-Part 1
And Moses and Aaron came in unto Pharaoh, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD God of the Hebrews. How long wilt thou refuse to humble thyself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve me. Exodus 10:3
LET IT GLOW
There have been times that I have asked, "How long?"
How long do I have to endure this? How long before this prayer is answered? How much longer will this continue? How long before...
God asked Pharaoh how long... Want to see what it was about? Read on, dear friend.
Why is all of this happening-seven plagues upon the Egyptians and their king, their livestock, their crops, their food supplies, their land?
It was so:
- God could perform His miraculous signs among them; (verse 1)
- the Israelites would tell their children and grandchildren how God dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how He performed His sign among them; (verse 2)
- the children of Israel would know that God is the LORD; (verse 2)
- we could share the mighty works of God and encourage the future generations to come.
Last December, my sister in law went into the hospital for heart surgery, which was successful, but other complications developed, and though she almost died, she is came home 4 months later and is doing well.
Recently, after 6 weeks of walking pneumonia and asthma, I recovered. I spent 3 weeks in bed, unable to do very little due to such breathing problems. I still contend with the asthma. However, the Lord has given my breath back to me.
What about you? Are you sharing the wonderful works of God with your family?
LET IT GROW
Moses and Aaron went to the Pharaoh and delivered the message from God. It included the question, "How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me?" (NIV, verse 3)
The word humble, in the Hebrew language is anah (pronounced aw-naw'), and means several things. The definitions applied in this Scripture is submit self, weaken. (Strong's Concordance)
In Webster's Dictionary, humble can mean low in station, unimportant, lowly; meek or modest in manner; abase.
Pride was at the heart of the problem, so Pharaoh's problem was a matter of pride. He didn't want to give into God. Do we ever have that problem?
God gave Pharaoh an opportunity to:
- hear the truth (Gen. 8:10); there is no one like the LORD our God;
- repent of his sins (Gen. 8:19); his magicians recognized the plague of gnats as the finger of God;
- submit unto Almighty God (El Shaddai) during all 7 plagues;
- reconsider and obey, which is God's grace.
However, are we?
1 Peter 5:5c, NIV says, God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.
1 Peter 5:6, NIV says, Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.
LET IT GO
of my sins;
my ways;
my stubbornness.
Then repent, submit, and obey God.
Tell my children and grandchildren of the miraculous deeds of God.
Friday, October 25, 2013
God's Handiwork or Work of God's Hand?
O.T. #155 "God's Handiwork or Work of God's Hand?
Oct. 25, 2013
Exodus 9-Part 3
So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. Exodus 9:24
LET IT GLOW
Have you experienced or seen the mighty wonders of God lately?
Yesterday I traveled down the mountains for a meeting in the capital city of my state. I saw beautiful red leaves which had already changed from green. They seem to be the early ones in the fall process. The setting sun shining brightly upon the red trees made them glisten. Only God could make such a marvelous sight. How can people pass by them and not proclaim God's glorious handiwork? I often say, "Look, Lord, at such a beautiful tree." As though He hasn't seen it all along. Maybe He chuckles at my finite mind.
Well, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, which was a very smart man, I am sure, seemed to pass by the work of God's hand upon his life. It was in the form of plagues instead of beauty.
God forewarns Pharaoh about His seventh plague coming if he does not release the Israelites so they can worship God. So far we have read about the water turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock died, boils on people and animals. I think of all the devastation that has occurred. Isn't anyone going to try to talk some sense into this king? Haven't the people suffered enough due to this man's pride?
Egypt's fish and other meat supply was demolished, frogs and insects everywhere, even the pain of the boils. How terrible to live in Egypt. Except for the land of Goshen, the Hebrews were not effected by today's plague.
How strong is our faith?
LET IT GROW
PLAGUE #7 Hail
It was a grievous hail that Egypt had never seen.
Rain itself is infrequent in Egypt, and then only along the Mediterranean coast and rarely south of Cairo. Hail would be a very unusual occurrence in Egypt. (Falwell)
What do we know about this hailstorm, the work of God's hand?
Set-god of storms,
Nut-a sky goddess,
Osiris-a god of crops and fertility,
Seth-protector of crops.
[Resource: Moses, God's Man For a Crisis, by Charles Swindoll, from a chart written by John D. Hannah, using various sources listed on page 56 in Swindoll's Bible study guide]
Do we experience the work of God's hand on our lives and just pass by it without recognizing it?
Or do we marvel at His handiwork?
What a Mighty God we serve and worship!
LET IT GO
Open my eyes to see the work of God in my life.
Praise Him for His beautiful creation.
Let go of any hardness in my heart.
Love God and others.
Look for red trees in my life today.
Oct. 25, 2013
Exodus 9-Part 3
So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation. Exodus 9:24
LET IT GLOW
Have you experienced or seen the mighty wonders of God lately?
Yesterday I traveled down the mountains for a meeting in the capital city of my state. I saw beautiful red leaves which had already changed from green. They seem to be the early ones in the fall process. The setting sun shining brightly upon the red trees made them glisten. Only God could make such a marvelous sight. How can people pass by them and not proclaim God's glorious handiwork? I often say, "Look, Lord, at such a beautiful tree." As though He hasn't seen it all along. Maybe He chuckles at my finite mind.
Well, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, which was a very smart man, I am sure, seemed to pass by the work of God's hand upon his life. It was in the form of plagues instead of beauty.
God forewarns Pharaoh about His seventh plague coming if he does not release the Israelites so they can worship God. So far we have read about the water turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, livestock died, boils on people and animals. I think of all the devastation that has occurred. Isn't anyone going to try to talk some sense into this king? Haven't the people suffered enough due to this man's pride?
Egypt's fish and other meat supply was demolished, frogs and insects everywhere, even the pain of the boils. How terrible to live in Egypt. Except for the land of Goshen, the Hebrews were not effected by today's plague.
How strong is our faith?
LET IT GROW
PLAGUE #7 Hail
It was a grievous hail that Egypt had never seen.
Rain itself is infrequent in Egypt, and then only along the Mediterranean coast and rarely south of Cairo. Hail would be a very unusual occurrence in Egypt. (Falwell)
What do we know about this hailstorm, the work of God's hand?
- It was the worse hailstorm on Egypt that had ever been witnessed. (verse 24)
- Thunder, lightning, and rain accompanied the hail. (verse 23)
- It struck all that was in the field, man and beast, plants and trees. (verse 25)
- It was escaped only by the land of Goshen. (verse 26)
- It prompted a momentary repentance and another promise of release from Pharaoh (verses 27-28)
- All four crops were important economic resources-flax and barley, yet the wheat and rye were not up out of the ground so they were not effected. (verse 31-32)
- Upon the ceasing of the hail, Pharaoh reneged on his word, sinned again and hardened his heart, and did not let the Hebrews leave. (verse 34) (Swindoll)
Set-god of storms,
Nut-a sky goddess,
Osiris-a god of crops and fertility,
Seth-protector of crops.
[Resource: Moses, God's Man For a Crisis, by Charles Swindoll, from a chart written by John D. Hannah, using various sources listed on page 56 in Swindoll's Bible study guide]
Do we experience the work of God's hand on our lives and just pass by it without recognizing it?
Or do we marvel at His handiwork?
What a Mighty God we serve and worship!
LET IT GO
Open my eyes to see the work of God in my life.
Praise Him for His beautiful creation.
Let go of any hardness in my heart.
Love God and others.
Look for red trees in my life today.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Boils
O. T. # 154 "Boils"
Oct. 24, 2013
Exodus 9-Part 2
And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. Exodus 8:9
LET IT GLOW
I have not had a boil on my body, but I have had a painful sore that made it difficult to sit. It required surgery when I was in the ninth grade. It was so embarrassing to carry a pillow to sit on in my classes at school following the surgery. I can't imagine having painful boils covering my body, as the Egyptians had.
Just to review, we have read about Pharaoh and the Egyptians experiencing five plagues-water turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, and death of livestock. God used these plagues as an attempt to get the king, Pharaoh, to let the children of Israel leave Egypt and go a three-day journey into the desert for sacrificing unto God. Pharaoh kept refusing.
Then without warning, like the third plague, Moses had received instructions from God to relay to Pharaoh.
Plague #6 Boils
What happened during this time?
A boil, according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, refers to an ulcer, something inflamed.
Doesn't it sound very painful to have these sores all over your body? Job had these to contend with, also.
Do you have hard feelings, unforgiveness, or bitterness toward someone that is a sore spot in your life? Does it keep festering up as a sore inside your heart or mind? Maybe it happens whenever you see the person that hurt you, when you think about them, or hear their name? It can be a painful sore spot if you don't get it worked out or forgiven. Have you taken it to Jesus? He had the power to heal when He was on earth and He still has that same power.
LET IT GROW
This plague was directed at the Egyptian god Imhotep, the god of medicine.
The Egyptian magicians had no cure or special spell to remove the plague of boils. In fact, they were affected, also.
Pharaoh was unwilling to acknowledge the total sovereignty of the God of Israel. This is the first time that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Previously, Pharaoh had hardened his own heart.
The purpose of the plagues was to teach Pharaoh and the Egyptians (and the Israelites as well), that there is none like God in all the earth. (verse 14) This series of supernatural calamities were to cripple one of the greatest nations on earth. (Falwell)
John MacArthur said that God was carrying out His purpose through Pharaoh; Pharaoh was personally responsible for his actions as the command of verse 13 implies.
A similar thing will happen during the latter days according to Revelation 16:2.
Do we turn to doctors with medicine or to the God who provides healing and the ingredients for the medicine for our healing?
LET IT GO
Don't let things fester inside of me; take it to God.
When I am sick, take it to God.
If my heart is sin sick or my body is physically sick, take it to God.
Oct. 24, 2013
Exodus 9-Part 2
And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt. Exodus 8:9
LET IT GLOW
I have not had a boil on my body, but I have had a painful sore that made it difficult to sit. It required surgery when I was in the ninth grade. It was so embarrassing to carry a pillow to sit on in my classes at school following the surgery. I can't imagine having painful boils covering my body, as the Egyptians had.
Just to review, we have read about Pharaoh and the Egyptians experiencing five plagues-water turned to blood, frogs, gnats, flies, and death of livestock. God used these plagues as an attempt to get the king, Pharaoh, to let the children of Israel leave Egypt and go a three-day journey into the desert for sacrificing unto God. Pharaoh kept refusing.
Then without warning, like the third plague, Moses had received instructions from God to relay to Pharaoh.
Plague #6 Boils
What happened during this time?
- God told Moses and Aaron to throw handfuls of soot/ashes from a furnace into the air in the presence of Pharaoh.
- It would become fine dust over the whole land of Egypt, and festering boils would break out on mean and animals throughout the land. The dust could have been from a lime kiln or a brick-making furnace. What was used in the oppressive labor became a source of a health hazard for the oppressors.
- Moses and Aaron obeyed God and He kept His Word-boils came on man and beast.
- Pharaoh's magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils on them.
A boil, according to Strong's Exhaustive Concordance, refers to an ulcer, something inflamed.
Doesn't it sound very painful to have these sores all over your body? Job had these to contend with, also.
Do you have hard feelings, unforgiveness, or bitterness toward someone that is a sore spot in your life? Does it keep festering up as a sore inside your heart or mind? Maybe it happens whenever you see the person that hurt you, when you think about them, or hear their name? It can be a painful sore spot if you don't get it worked out or forgiven. Have you taken it to Jesus? He had the power to heal when He was on earth and He still has that same power.
LET IT GROW
This plague was directed at the Egyptian god Imhotep, the god of medicine.
The Egyptian magicians had no cure or special spell to remove the plague of boils. In fact, they were affected, also.
Pharaoh was unwilling to acknowledge the total sovereignty of the God of Israel. This is the first time that God hardened Pharaoh's heart. Previously, Pharaoh had hardened his own heart.
The purpose of the plagues was to teach Pharaoh and the Egyptians (and the Israelites as well), that there is none like God in all the earth. (verse 14) This series of supernatural calamities were to cripple one of the greatest nations on earth. (Falwell)
John MacArthur said that God was carrying out His purpose through Pharaoh; Pharaoh was personally responsible for his actions as the command of verse 13 implies.
A similar thing will happen during the latter days according to Revelation 16:2.
Do we turn to doctors with medicine or to the God who provides healing and the ingredients for the medicine for our healing?
LET IT GO
Don't let things fester inside of me; take it to God.
When I am sick, take it to God.
If my heart is sin sick or my body is physically sick, take it to God.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Cows
O.T. #153 "Cows"
Oct. 23, 2013
Exodus 9-Part 1
And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. Exodus 9:6
LET IT GLOW
As I write this, my neighbor's cows are in our yard again, pooping and making deep prints, making a mess of our well-groomed yard. How ironic that today's lesson is about the plague on the Egyptians' cows and livestock. How tempting it is to pray for the same thing for my neighbor's stock. It is hard to keep a "love your neighbor" attitude, I must admit. I would like to have a few steaks from them today, since this has happened countless times. So I have a BA-bad attitude that needs changing, Lord Jesus. So does Pharaoh.
Four times God gave Pharaoh warning about the plagues to come, but he refused to let the Hebrews leave Egypt. Now another plague is coming, to prove God is greater and more powerful than the Egyptian gods.
Apparently stabled livestock did not succumb to the pestilence. Although incredibly severe, some animals were still alive afterwards for Egypt to continued without total loss to an economy which depended on domesticated animals. A few months later, the seventh plague killed some cattle still in the field.(MacArthur)
Plague #5 Livestock
What did the Lord do?
LET IT GROW
The MacArthur Bible Commentary informs us:
Pharaoh had to check on the Israelites situation-none of their livestock was killed. Yet, his resistance and disobedience continued with a hard heart.
Did you notice that when the previous four plagues occurred, Pharaoh asked Moses to entreat the LORD so He would remove the plague? When all the animals died in the fields, there was no reason to ask.
What we make an idol of, it is just with God to remove from us. This proud tyrant and cruel oppressor deserved to be made an example by the Just Judge of the universe. (Matthew Henry)
Are there any idols in our life that we need to let go?
LET IT GO
Check my heart.
Grow in faith in Jesus.
Forgive my neighbor and love him as Jesus does.
Oct. 23, 2013
Exodus 9-Part 1
And the LORD did that thing on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypt died: but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. Exodus 9:6
LET IT GLOW
As I write this, my neighbor's cows are in our yard again, pooping and making deep prints, making a mess of our well-groomed yard. How ironic that today's lesson is about the plague on the Egyptians' cows and livestock. How tempting it is to pray for the same thing for my neighbor's stock. It is hard to keep a "love your neighbor" attitude, I must admit. I would like to have a few steaks from them today, since this has happened countless times. So I have a BA-bad attitude that needs changing, Lord Jesus. So does Pharaoh.
Four times God gave Pharaoh warning about the plagues to come, but he refused to let the Hebrews leave Egypt. Now another plague is coming, to prove God is greater and more powerful than the Egyptian gods.
Apparently stabled livestock did not succumb to the pestilence. Although incredibly severe, some animals were still alive afterwards for Egypt to continued without total loss to an economy which depended on domesticated animals. A few months later, the seventh plague killed some cattle still in the field.(MacArthur)
Plague #5 Livestock
What did the Lord do?
- He sent Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go so they could serve Him.
- If Pharaoh refused to let them go, the hand of the LORD would bring a terrible plague, murrain, upon the cattle in the field, horses, donkeys, camels, sheep and goats. (NIV) Murrain means a pestilence according to Strong; signifies a deadly disease according to Falwell.
- The children of Israel would have nothing die.
- The appointed time for the plague was the next day.
- It happened as the LORD had said.
LET IT GROW
The MacArthur Bible Commentary informs us:
This was the first time personal property was targeted. Livestock was very valuable to the Egyptians. Whatever the exact nature of this pestilence-anthrax, murrain, or other livestock disease-it was clearly contagious and fatal. Religious implications were obvious:
- Egypt prized the bull as a sacred animal with special attention and worship being given to the Apis bull, the sacred animal of the god Ptah.
- The goddess Hathor, represented by a cow, or a cow-woman image, was worshiped in several cities.
Pharaoh had to check on the Israelites situation-none of their livestock was killed. Yet, his resistance and disobedience continued with a hard heart.
Did you notice that when the previous four plagues occurred, Pharaoh asked Moses to entreat the LORD so He would remove the plague? When all the animals died in the fields, there was no reason to ask.
What we make an idol of, it is just with God to remove from us. This proud tyrant and cruel oppressor deserved to be made an example by the Just Judge of the universe. (Matthew Henry)
Are there any idols in our life that we need to let go?
LET IT GO
Check my heart.
Grow in faith in Jesus.
Forgive my neighbor and love him as Jesus does.
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