Tag: moses

Feeling far Short on Strength and Sufficiency. Nothing but Vapors in our Mind, our Soul and our Spirit. Exodus 15:1-8

Exodus 15:1-8 Complete Jewish Bible

15 Then Moshe and the people of Isra’el sang this song to Adonai:

“I will sing to Adonai, for he is highly exalted:
the horse and its rider he threw in the sea.

2 Yah is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.
This is my God: I will glorify him;
my father’s God: I will exalt him.
3 Adonai is a warrior;
Adonai is his name.

4 Pharaoh’s chariots and his army
he hurled into the sea.
His elite commanders
were drowned in the Sea of Suf.
5 The deep waters covered them;
they sank to the depths like a stone.

6 Your right hand, Adonai, is sublimely powerful;
your right hand, Adonai, shatters the foe.
7 By your great majesty you bring down your enemies;
you send out your wrath to consume them like stubble.

8 With a blast from your nostrils the waters piled up —
the waters stood up like a wall,
the depths of the sea became firm ground.

Word of God for the Children of God

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Exodus 15, often called the Song of Moses, teaches us to praise God for His mighty deliverance and power, as well as the importance of trusting Him even in the midst of life’s challenges, celebrating God’s protection and provision

Exodus 15:2 encapsulates the essence of a profound spiritual declaration, one that has guided and uplifted countless souls across millennia.

It is an ancient verse that serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence in our lives, offering strength, joy, and salvation.

What is the message of Exodus 15-2?

It is an encouraging statement of how we can rely on God’s strength, which is so much greater than our own. It is an eternal reminder that God is our mighty salvation from ALL our problems… big and small. But looking closely, this verse is framed with the rightful context for our lives that can be easy to forget.

What does “song” mean in Exodus 15-2?

The song of Moses that we have in Exodus 15 is characterized by praise and celebration for God’s delivery of His people from the army of Pharaoh which God caused to be swallowed up in the Red Sea.

What are two key lessons from Exodus?

Exodus shows how God kept Pharaoh from continuing to oppress the Israelites and from destroying them.

The book also shows how God moved the people of Israel into the wilderness to begin the ages long process of developing them into the nation he wanted them to become. This is a good reminder that after deliverance comes development.

Here’s a deeper look at the lessons Exodus 15 imparts:

  • Praise and Worship: The chapter is a powerful song of praise, highlighting God’s triumph and victory. The Israelites, after being rescued from the Red Sea, express their joy and gratitude for God’s intervention. 
  • God’s Power and Glory: Exodus 15 portrays God as a mighty warrior, demonstrating His ability to overcome enemies and provide salvation. The song emphasizes God’s holiness, awfulness, and miraculous power. 
  • Trust in God: The Israelites’ experience in the Red Sea serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of trusting in Him, even when faced with difficult situations. 
  • God as a Savior: The song reminds us that God is our strength, song, and salvation, offering comfort and guidance in times of trouble. 
  • God’s Covenant Love: The song highlights God’s love and commitment to his people, a promise of protection and guidance as they journey towards their destiny. 
  • Lessons for Today: Exodus 15 encourages us to continually, constantly sing praises to God, trust in His strength, and find solace in His presence, reminding all of us to approach life’s challenges with a heart full of gratitude and faith. 

How can I apply the many profound lessons from Exodus into my life today?

Some, but immeasurably far from all, inspiring, profound lessons from Exodus.

  • Freedom is a divine right: The story of Exodus is about the Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt. 
  • God can use broken people: God can use people who have done bad things. 
  • God cares about justice and mercy: God provides rules and structure so we can succeed as His people. 
  • God’s mighty acts show He is the one true God: God’s mighty acts show He is the Lord of all Creation. 

How to apply Exodus to our 21st century Christian life; 

  • Be willing to experience the Exodus in your own life.
  • Let God take you from captivity to freedom.
  • Hold onto your faith and have courage as you wait on deliverance.
  • Celebrate as you wait, knowing that your deliverance will lead you to a greater place, role, or position.
  • Trust in God through it all.
  • Remain as a foreigner because He’s with you.
  • His promises are true.
  • His mercies are new every morning
  • Great is His Faithfulness.

Here’s an even deeper dive into the devotional message of Exodus 15:2:

  • God as Strength and Song: The verse declares God as the source of strength and joy (“my strength and my song”). In times of difficulty, we can find solace and power in knowing God is our source of strength. 
  • Salvation: The Israelites, having just experienced a miraculous deliverance from Pharaoh, understand God as their savior. This verse reminds us of God’s transformative presence in our lives, emphasizing that we are saved by Him. 
  • Personal Testimonial: This isn’t just a general statement, but a personal declaration: “This is my God, and I will praise Him”. It’s an affirmation of faith and a recognition of God’s personal involvement in our lives. 
  • Praise and Exaltation: The verse encourages praise and exaltation of God, recognizing Him as the God of our fathers and forefathers. This demonstrates the legacy of faith and the importance of honoring God. 
  • Trust in God’s Power: The Israelites had seen God’s power displayed in the Red Sea miracle, and they understood God as their strength and their defense. We should remember that God is our strength and our defense in every part of our lives, even in difficult times. 
  • God is our Refuge: Exodus 15:2 reminds us to remember that God is our refuge in times of trouble, just as He was for the Israelites. We can trust that God will guide us through every storm and difficulty, and that his love and grace are always with us. 
  • Apply it to our lives: This verse is a covenant call to action, urging us to declare God is our God and to proclaim His name, recognizing Him as our only refuge and our only sure deliverer, and to place our trust in His power and guidance. 

The power of God is always accessible to us, and it is always sufficient for all his purposes for our life—including every single detail.

Every single thing you’re working on and towards for his glory right now.

And when we finally know this, when we truly understand that the Lord will strengthen us sufficiently to help us climb the mountain of life and trudge through each bump and valley—we find great gratitude for this gift.

And as we continue to recognize and praise him for the life-giving gift of strength he keeps pouring out, we begin to swell with increased touches of joy.

A joy of the Lord radiating in us and around us, additional stores of his strength.

Keeping us truly sturdy, steadily moving forward, with him right by our side.  

In the name of God, the father and God the Son and God, the Holy Spirit,

Praying …

Psalm 46

To the chief Musician for the sons of Korah, A Song upon Alamoth.

1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 though the waters thereof roar and be troubled,
though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God,
the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved:
God shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved:
he uttered his voice, the earth melted.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
what desolations he hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth;
he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder;
he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God:
I will be exalted among the heathen,
I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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Therefore, let us be committed, let us be .1% more resolved, to give heed to these ancient Words from the Lord: “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.” Deuteronomy 3:21-28

Deuteronomy 3:21-28 New International Version

Moses Forbidden to Cross the Jordan

21 At that time I commanded Joshua: “You have seen with your own eyes all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings. The Lord will do the same to all the kingdoms over there where you are going. 22 Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”

23 At that time I pleaded with the Lord: 24 “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?  25 Let me go over and see the good land beyond the Jordan—that fine hill country and Lebanon.”

26 But because of you the Lord was angry with me and would not listen to me. “That is enough,” the Lord said. “Do not speak to me anymore about this matter. 27 Go up to the top of Pisgah and look west and north and south and east. Look at the land with your own eyes, since you are not going to cross this Jordan. 28 But commission Joshua, and encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land that you will see.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Deuteronomy 3:22 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, “Ye shall not fear them: for the Lord your God he shall fight for you.”

This verse comes from the book of Deuteronomy, which is the fifth book of the Old Testament and is attributed to Moses.

The context of this verse is very important for understanding its meaning.

In the preceding verses, Moses is recounting to the Israelites the victories they had over the kings of the Amorites and Bashan.

He reminds them that it was not their own strength or military prowess that had enabled them to defeat these enemies, but rather it was the Lord alone who fought for them and gave them the victory. In verse 21, Moses encourages the Israelites to not be afraid of the enemies they will face as they continue their journey to possess the Promised Land, for it is the Lord who will fight for them.

One of the key themes of this verse is the now nearly foreign idea of courage, strength and trust in God’s protection.

The Israelites were facing formidable enemies as they advanced towards the Promised Land, and it would have been quite natural for them to feel fear and uncertainty entering a “promised” land they knew virtually nothing about.

However, Moses assures them that they do not need to fear because the Lord their God will be the one to fight for them. This theme of courage and strength in the face of an unknown measure of adversity and crisis level trust in God’s provision is a recurring motif throughout the Bible is particularly emphasized in the book of Deuteronomy – Moses’ final discourse before Joshua took over.

The verse also highlights the absolute sovereignty and limitless power of God.

The Israelites are reminded their victory over their enemies is not dependent on their own capabilities or resources, or lack thereof, but on the Lord alone who is and always will be able to fight for them and secure their success.

This serves as a powerful reassurance to the Israelites that their security and wellbeing are ultimately 100% safe in the hands of a mighty and faithful God.

Symbolically, this verse can be interpreted as a representation of the broader theme of spiritual warfare.

While the Israelites were facing physical battles against their enemies, the underlying message is that there are spiritual battles taking place as well.

The assurance that the Lord will fight “unbeatable foes” for them serves as a reminder that believers are not alone in their struggles against spiritual forces, but that God is actively interceding, continually intervening, on their behalf.

Additionally, this verse speaks highly to the concept of divine protection and provision. The Israelites were being led to a land flowing with milk and honey, but they had to face numerous challenges and adversaries along the way.

The promise that God would fight for them is an undeniable demonstration of his everlasting commitment to care for his people and to ensure that they will ultimately inherit the blessings he has promised to them from the beginning.

Deuteronomy 3:22 contains a powerful message of assurance, confidence and courage, of strength, trust, and divine intervention.

It reassures believers, even us today, that they can face their enemies with confidence, knowing that the Lord their God will be the one to fight for them.

This verse serves as a source of encouragement and hope for believers facing adversity and serves as a sure reminder of the faithfulness and power of God.

One too many of us will always trust in Chariots and Horses …

Psalm 20 New International Version

Psalm 20[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

1 May the Lord answer you when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.[b]
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the Lord grant all your requests.

6 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call!

I do not know of anyone who has not been afraid of something or someone at some time in their life.

Have you experienced the fear of a medical diagnosis, or of being harmed, or of being threatened by someone in authority, or of moving from a place of comfort and safety to a place that could be unwelcoming or even dangerous?

Have you feared growing old, or being alone in your old age, or perhaps of our losing your cognitive and or physical abilities or something you have worked for? Have you been getting afraid of losing loved ones or even your own life?

When we are afraid, it can be helpful to recall times when God demonstrated his love, care, and power.

We can trust in the Lord, who is faithful. We do not have to be afraid (Psalm 27:1).

Psalm 27:1-2 Complete Jewish Bible

27 (0) By David:

(1) Adonai is my light and salvation;
whom do I need to fear?
Adonai is the stronghold of my life;
of whom should I be afraid?
2 When evildoers assailed me
to devour my flesh,
my adversaries and foes,
they stumbled and fell.

Moses faced his own fears when hostile kings and their armies threatened the people of Israel (see Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11).

But God told him not to be afraid because God would defeat their enemies.

God told Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua so he too would trust God, not rely on his own limited abilities or be afraid of other nations as they crossed the Jordan River. (Joshua 1:1-9)

Joshua 1:1-9 Christian Standard Bible

Encouragement of Joshua

1 After the death of Moses the Lord’s servant, the Lord spoke to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’s assistant: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now you and all the people prepare to cross over the Jordan to the land I am giving the Israelites. 3 I have given you every place where the sole of your foot treads, just as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will be from the wilderness and Lebanon to the great river, the Euphrates River—all the land of the Hittites—and west to the Mediterranean Sea. 5 No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. I will be with you, just as I was with Moses. I will not leave you or abandon you.

6 “Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their ancestors to give them as an inheritance. 7 Above all, be strong and very courageous to observe carefully the whole instruction my servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go. 8  This book of instruction must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on[a] it day and night so that you may carefully observe everything written in it. For then you will prosper and succeed in whatever you do. 9 Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

We can face our fears on our own, or we can listen to God. We should obey when the Spirit nudges or tells us to be still. God has our back. He will give us strength and courage to stand. The Lord is always with us and will always take care of us.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 8 Christian Standard Bible

Psalm 8

God’s Glory, Human Dignity

For the choir director: on the Gittith. A psalm of David.

1 Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!
You have covered the heavens with your majesty.[a]
2 From the mouths of infants and nursing babies,
you have established a stronghold[b]
on account of your adversaries
in order to silence the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I observe your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you set in place,
4 what is a human being that you remember him,
a son of man[c] that you look after him?
5 You made him little less than God[d][e]
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You made him ruler over the works of your hands;
you put everything under his feet:
7 all the sheep and oxen,
as well as the animals in the wild,
8 the birds of the sky,
and the fish of the sea
that pass through the currents of the seas.

9 Lord, our Lord,
how magnificent is your name throughout the earth!

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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God has Chosen to Insert Himself Into the Affairs of Man: Face to Face, God’s Heart is Meeting with Moses. Exodus 33:7-16

Exodus 33:7-16 Complete Jewish Bible

7 Moshe would take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp. He called it the tent of meeting. Everyone who wanted to consult Adonai would go out to the tent of meeting, outside the camp. 8 Whenever Moshe went out to the tent, all the people would get up and stand, each man at his tent door, and look at Moshe until he had gone into the tent. 9 Whenever Moshe entered the tent, the column of cloud would descend and station itself at the entrance to the tent; and Adonai would speak with Moshe. 10 When all the people saw the column of cloud stationed at the entrance to the tent, they would get up and prostrate themselves, each man at his tent door. 11 Adonai would speak to Moshe face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. Then he would return to the camp; but the young man who was his assistant, Y’hoshua the son of Nun, never left the inside of the tent.

(iii) 12 Moshe said to Adonai, “Look, you say to me, ‘Make these people move on!’ But you haven’t let me know whom you will be sending with me. Nevertheless you have said, ‘I know you by name,’ and also, ‘You have found favor in my sight.’ 13 Now, please, if it is really the case that I have found favor in your sight, show me your ways; so that I will understand you and continue finding favor in your sight. Moreover, keep on seeing this nation as your people.” 14 He answered, “Set your mind at rest — my presence will go with you, after all.” 15 Moshe replied, “If your presence doesn’t go with us, don’t make us go on from here. 16 For how else is it to be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people, other than by your going with us? That is what distinguishes us, me and your people, from all the other peoples on earth.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

The biblical story of Moses is one marked by powerful encounters with the high authority of man used to being successful, used to being in charge, used to being obeyed, used to standing in the presence of leaders of nations and the presence of God. Though he did not know it, from thee very beginning of his life Moses was a man of controversy, a fugitive, and anointed by God to fulfill God’s heart for his children to be set free from captivity and safe under his lordship.

From birth, Moses was divinely set apart to lead God’s people back into right relationship with God. And this calling was fulfilled because of God’s desire to consistently meet with Moses and show up through his life in miraculous ways.

In looking at the life of Moses, two types of encounters with God stand out as especially transformative and illustrative of God’s heart to meet with his people. As we look at these two examples of God meeting Moses, may Scripture fill your heart with a desire to meet with your heavenly Father as Moses did.

First, Exodus 3:1-6 gives us insight into the first real encounter Moses had with the Great I Am. Scripture says,

Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.

In the miraculous story of the burning bush, we see God’s grace and divine favor on the life of an undeserving under a sentence of death man. Moses had fled the scene after murdering an Egyptian for assaulting a Hebrew man. For years he had been hiding in the desert, living outside of any real earthly impact.

But God called Moses out of the wilderness into a life of deep, eternal impact.

Second, we see God’s merciful and forgiving heart to consistently meet with Moses in the Tent of Meeting found in Exodus 33:7-11. Scripture says,

Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. Whenever Moses went out to the tent, all the people would rise up, and each would stand at his tent door, and watch Moses until he had gone into the tent. When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.

How incredible is the magnitude of the heart of our God that he would choose to meet alone with Moses “face to face, as a man speaks to his friend.” 

If God would deliberately meet with Moses, a man who has not been redeemed by the sacrifice of Jesus, how much more would he meet with you and me?

If God, who created the universe in six days would show grace to Moses, how much more available is grace to us who have God himself dwelling within us!

You and I have access to relationship far greater than a face-to-face encounter like Moses had. We have God’s Spirit within us fellowshipping with our Spirit.

How Can We Feel God’s Presence?

John 14:7-15 Amplified Bible

Jesus’ Oneness with the Father

7 If you had [really] known Me, you would also have known My Father. From now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”

8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father and then we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long a time, and you do not know Me yet, Philip, nor recognize clearly who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words I say to you I do not say on My own initiative  or  authority, but the Father, abiding continually in Me, does His works [His attesting miracles and acts of power]. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe [Me] because of the [very] works themselves  [which you have witnessed]. 12 I assure you and most solemnly say to you, anyone who believes in Me [as Savior] will also do the things that I do; and he will do even greater things than these [in extent and outreach], because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in My name [[a]as My representative], this I will do, so that the Father may be glorified and celebrated in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name [as My representative], I will do it.

15 “If you [really] love Me, you will keep and obey My commandments.

John 14:18-24 Amplified Bible

18 “I will not leave you as orphans [comfortless, bereaved, and helpless]; I will come [back] to you. 19 After a little while the world will no longer see Me, but you will see Me; because I live, you will live also. 20 On that day [when that time comes]  you will know for yourselves that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. 21 The person who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who  [really] loves Me; and whoever [really] loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and reveal Myself to him [I will make Myself real to him].” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) asked Him, “Lord, what has happened that You are going to reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered, “If anyone [really] loves Me, he will keep My word (teaching); and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling place with him. 24  One who does not [really] love Me does not keep My words. And the word (teaching) which you hear is not Mine, but is the Father’s who sent Me.

Jesus’ disciples were upset. For three years they had been with Jesus.

They had walked with him and talked with him face to face. And now he was about to leave. How could they possibly go on without seeing him face to face?

How could they face the challenges of life without his daily presence?

In his farewell address the Lord Jesus put the disciples’ minds at ease.

He told them that his returning to the Father was for their good (John 16:7).

He promised to send the Holy Spirit, who would live in them and teach them about living for God.

And through the Spirit they’d be able to enjoy God’s presence always.

Through the Holy Spirit you and I can experience God’s face to face, heart to heart presence every moment of the day. All we have to do is ask in prayers.

Jesus says Luke 11:13, “If you … know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

The most important prayer we can pray each day is to ask for the all-powerful presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

When we have the Holy Spirit guiding us each day, we will not only experience God’s presence in our own lives, but we’ll also be able to show God’s presence to others as we live God’s way, displaying the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).

True restored relationship finds its source in continual, unending encounters with God’s presence, His Holy Spirit dwelling with us, within us and upon us.

Approaching God with Confidence

Hebrews 4:14-16 Amplified Bible

14 Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior].  15 For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet  without [committing any] sin. 16 Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

Priests were God’s chosen servants; they served as mediators between God and his people.

They worked in the temple, praying for the people and bringing their sacrifices to God.

They offered sacrifices on behalf of the people to make atonement for their sins.

And only the high priest was allowed to enter the most holy place to stand before God.

Earlier in Hebrews, Jesus is referred to as the “faithful high priest.” Here, in chapter 4, he is called the “great high priest.”

This means he is actually the greatest of all high priests.

He is the One, the Only, true High Priest.

Jesus is the greatest because, unlike all the others, he “has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Because he is sinless and perfect, he is now able to stand before God as the one who can make atonement for our sins.

Because of his perfect life, Jesus’ atonement for our sins is real and lasting.

For this reason, we do not need to be afraid to enter God’s presence; in fact, we can have “assurance and confidence” when we approach God.

We can be assured and we can be confident that with our entrance we will surely “receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Please, please, please, don’t be afraid to approach God.

God went to Moses ….

God went to all men and women and children – John 3:16-21

16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only and unique Son, so that everyone who trusts in him may have eternal life, instead of being utterly destroyed. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but rather so that through him, the world might be saved. 18 Those who trust in him are not judged; those who do not trust have been judged already, in that they have not trusted in the one who is God’s only and unique Son.

19 “Now this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, but people loved the darkness rather than the light. Why? Because their actions were wicked. 20 For everyone who does evil things hates the light and avoids it, so that his actions won’t be exposed. 21 But everyone who does what is true comes to the light, so that all may see that his actions are accomplished through God.”

Instead, approach him with confidence, knowing that even though we cannot do this in our own strength, we can do it through Jesus, the great High Priest.

May we bravely pursue the greater portion of our face to face, heart to heart relationship with our heavenly Father today. May our Spirit come alive as we grow in our awareness of God’s Spirit. May we have powerful, transformative encounters with God’s presence likened to that which Moses experienced.

Guided Prayer:

1. Meditate on God’s desire to meet with Moses. Allow Scripture to fill you with a longing to meet with God as Moses did.

“When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ And he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.” Exodus 3:4-6

“When Moses entered the tent, the pillar of cloud would descend and stand at the entrance of the tent, and the Lord would speak with Moses. And when all the people saw the pillar of cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, all the people would rise up and worship, each at his tent door. Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. When Moses turned again into the camp, his assistant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, would not depart from the tent.”  Exodus 33:9-11

2. Where can you make your tent of meeting? Where and when, can, will you consistently encounter the presence of God and meet with your heavenly Father face-to-face?

3. Take time to meet with God as Moses did. Open your heart and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal his nearness.

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” John 14:15-17

Having a consistent time and place to meet with God allows us to develop a rhythm by which we grow in experiencing God’s presence.

To have our own Tent of Meeting is vital to Christian spirituality.

Choose a place and time that won’t get disrupted and will help you center your life around meeting with your heavenly Father.

These is absolutely nothing more critical, more important or pressing than seeing the face of God, being transformed by his love and nearness every day.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 84 Complete Jewish Bible

84 (0) For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of the sons of Korach:

2 (1) How deeply loved are your dwelling-places,
Adonai-Tzva’ot!
3 (2) My soul yearns, yes, faints with longing
for the courtyards of Adonai;
my heart and body cry for joy
to the living God.

4 (3) As the sparrow finds herself a home
and the swallow her nest, where she lays her young,
[so my resting-place is] by your altars,
Adonai-Tzva’ot, my king and my God.

5 (4) How happy are those who live in your house;
they never cease to praise you! (Selah)
6 (5) How happy the man whose strength is in you,
in whose heart are [pilgrim] highways.

7 (6) Passing through the [dry] Baka Valley,
they make it a place of springs,
and the early rain clothes it with blessings.
8 (7) They go from strength to strength
and appear before God in Tziyon.

9 (8) Adonai, God of armies, hear my prayer;
listen, God of Ya‘akov. (Selah)
10 (9) God, see our shield [the king];
look at the face of your anointed.
11 (10) Better a day in your courtyards
than a thousand [days elsewhere].
Better just standing at the door of my God’s house
than living in the tents of the wicked.

12 (11) For Adonai, God, is a sun and a shield;
Adonai bestows favor and honor;
he will not withhold anything good
from those whose lives are pure.

13 (12) Adonai-Tzva’ot,
how happy is anyone who trusts in you!

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com/

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It! Just How Do I Say ‘Yes’ to God? Proverbs 3:5-8

Proverbs 3:5-8 Complete Jewish Bible

5 Trust in Adonai with all your heart;
do not rely on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him;
then he will level your paths.

7 Don’t be conceited about your own wisdom;
but fear Adonai, and turn from evil.
8 This will bring health to your body
and give strength to your bones.

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Those Hidden Conversations – God with My Sins

Trust in Adonai with all of your heart …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

Do not rely on your own understanding …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

In all your ways acknowledge Adonai …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

Then Adonai will level your Paths …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

Don’t be wide eyed and conceited about your own wisdom …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

But fear Adonai, and turn from evil …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

This will bring health to your body …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

And give strength to your Bones …!

Yes! No! Maybe Maybe Not? Doubtful! Do Not Get Your Hopes Up! Forget It! Not On Any Day of the Week With a Y in It!

Do we seriously want to learn how to say yes to God? Many of us do. But saying yes to what God asks may include saying no to what you want and to what others think is best…how do we simply say yes when it’s hard to do?

This is when things get hopelessly complicated right? It is so easy to go along with God’s program when we are on board, but what about when God’s “ask” requires us to risk too much, leave our comfort zones, or walk by blind faith?

Saying yes to God is a bold declaration. In our ‘wise’ finite minds, we have to be certain we know just what we are getting into before we claim we are “all in.”

What Does It Look Like to Say YES to GOD?

Since I am a person who constantly needs concrete, real-life examples, I have been praying, seeking God, and going back and forth into the Bible for some answers. I wanted to see what saying yes looks like. Does that make sense?

So I opened my link to Biblegateway.com, started by making a list of all the ordinary, flawed, messed up, scared, and insecure people in the Bible who said yes to God not knowing, suspecting, what it would mean for their lives.

People In The Bible Who Said YES To GOD

  • Noah said YES when God asked him to build the ark.
  • Abraham said YES when God asked him to sacrifice his only son.
  • Joseph said YES when God asked him to forgive his brothers who beat and sold him into slavery.
  • Moses said YES when God told him to go to Pharaoh and ask him to let the Israelites go.
  • Rahab said yes when asked to hide the Israelite spies and risk her own life and the lives of her family.
  • David said YES when God asked him to fight the giant Goliath with only a slingshot and a few stones.
  • Esther said YES when Mordecai told her to go to the king to save her people.
  • Daniel said YES when God told him not to bow down and worship other idols.
  • Mary said YES when the angel told her she would carry God’s son, Jesus.
  • The disciples said YES when Jesus asked them to leave everything behind and follow him.
  • Paul said YES when God asked him to deliver the good news of Jesus to the Gentiles.
  • Ananias said YES when Jesus told him to touch Paul’s eyes, restore his sight, begin his apostleship to the Gentiles, plant churches, write letters which eventually became the bulk of the New Testament, by far, the greatest evangelist of the 1st century church.

How Do We Say Yes to God?

Proverbs 3:5-8 Amplified Bible

5 
Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.
6 
[a]In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way].
7 
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord [with reverent awe and obedience] and turn [entirely] away from evil.
8 
It will be health to your body [your marrow, your nerves, your sinews, your muscles—all your inner parts]
And refreshment (physical well-being) to your bones.

First, determine to say no in your mind.

“A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.” – Proverbs 25:28 MSG

I like how the New King James Version put it as well:

“Whoever has no rule over his own spirit is like a city broken down, without walls.”

That word “spirit” can also mean mind.

And isn’t that the truth.

If we can’t rule our minds, then we are defenseless against the enemy’s schemes. We are like a home with its doors and windows knocked in. Anyone can come in and steal and kill whatever they want. A person without the ability to control their thoughts is the exact same person that the enemy will go after.

Telling yourself no means confronting the thoughts that are not from God.

Thoughts of rejection, insecurity, doubt, self-doubt… these things are not from God. And if those thoughts are running amok, and rampant in our minds, we are actually telling God no! We cannot believe both the world’s lies and God’s truth at the same time. If we are accepting the lies, then we are rejecting God’s Truth.

Where in your thought-life do you believe lies?

Second, have faith in God’s promises.

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.“ – Hebrews 11:1

Saying yes to God means stepping out into the unknown; moving forward in something that you believe God is asking you to do (it’s confirmed in His Word).

When those young people stood up before the whole church, they had no idea where God was going to lead them. I remember in fall 2005 confessing to my pastor that I was planning to be a great evangelist because I didn’t see any women in my future. He just laughed and told me no! I married my wife 2010.

If you read Hebrews 11, you’ll see all those ‘heroes of the faith’ who have gone before us with faith to see things that were unseen at the time.

Take the Patriarch Abraham for example; God asked him to leave his country and go somewhere else to establish a new covenant with Him. BY FAITH Abraham obeyed and went out even though he did not know where he was going (Hebrew 11:8-9 and Romans Chapter 4)

Here are more verses for mediation.

Do we .01% believe God when he says these things? Do you trust that He is working all things for YOUR GOOD? That He does have a purpose in your life?

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

 “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”  –Isaiah 40:31

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”-Isaiah 43:2

Even our lack of faith cannot thwart God’s purposes.

All of the saints spoken of in Hebrews 11 were flawed humans just like us, and God still used them.

Why? Because they (some very reluctantly) continued to say yes to Him!

Exodus 3:1-12 Amplified Bible

The Burning Bush

3 Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro (Reuel) his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb (Sinai), the mountain of God. 2 The [a]Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing flame of fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was on fire, yet it was not consumed. 3 So Moses said, “I must turn away [from the flock] and see this great sight—why the bush is not burned up.” 4 When the Lord saw that he turned away [from the flock] to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then God said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet [out of respect], because the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.

7 The Lord said, “I have in fact seen the affliction (suffering, desolation) of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters (oppressors); for I know their pain and suffering. 8 So I have come down to rescue them from the hand (power) of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a land [that is] good and spacious, to a land [b]flowing with milk and honey [a land of plenty]—to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite. 9 Now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me; and I have also seen how the Egyptians oppress them.

The Mission of Moses

10 Therefore, come now, and I will send you to Pharaoh, and then bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 And God said, “Certainly I will be with you, and this shall be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve and worship God at this mountain.”

They ultimately rejected the lies of the enemy and continued to trust despite their very obvious and severe shortcomings.

This word is for us too.

This day, if God is asking you to move forward on something – say YES!

How will you know if God is asking you to say yes to something?

He will confirm it through His word.

Do not be shy to ask for confirmation, either!

Ask God to confirm what He is asking. He will do it.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 8 Complete Jewish Bible

8 (0) For the leader. On the gittit. A psalm of David:

2 (1) Adonai! Our Lord! How glorious
is your name throughout the earth!
The fame of your majesty
spreads even above the heavens!

3 (2) From the mouths of babies and infants at the breast
you established strength because of your foes,
in order that you might silence
the enemy and the avenger.

4 (3) When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and stars that you set in place —
5 (4) what are mere mortals, that you concern yourself with them;
humans, that you watch over them with such care?

6 (5) You made him but little lower than the angels,
you crowned him with glory and honor,
7 (6) you had him rule what your hands made,
you put everything under his feet —
8 (7) sheep and oxen, all of them,
also the animals in the wilds,
9 (8) the birds in the air, the fish in the sea,
whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

10 (9) Adonai! Our Lord! How glorious
is your name throughout the earth!

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

https://translate.google.com/

What Lessons Can We All Still Learn from the Israelites’ Wandering Years Exodus 17:15-16? 

Exodus 17:15-16 Christian Standard Bible

15 And Moses built an altar and named it, “The Lord Is My Banner.”[a] 16 He said, “Indeed, my hand is lifted up toward[b] the Lord’s throne. The Lord will be at war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

The Word of God for the Children of God.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

In the book of Exodus, we read the story of how God’s people had endured years of bondage under the Egyptians.

They were enslaved, oppressed, abused, mistreated people.

They needed rescue, they needed a way of escape, needed freedom. God saw their need, didn’t miss a thing, in his perfect timing, he acted on their behalf.

The people of Israel spent 40 years in the desert. 40 years of wandering. 40 years of journeying towards the Promised Land that God had given them.

That’s a very long time.

The days must have been intense, hot, dry, I’m sure they got weary.

But God met them where they were, he made sure they had what they needed.

They learned through every hard, grueling step, how much they relied on Him.

It is not so much faith that is important, but the One in Whom you place your trust. Some people trusted in chariots and some in world leaders.

Some trust in themselves, their finances, their family ties, or their talents.

Some trust in their physical strength, in their intelligence education, their personality, their artistic abilities, or performing lots of good works.. but what is most important is trusting Jehovah-Nissi, (the Lord our banner) for He has promised to fight for us, when our enemies come at us like a raging angry flood.

What is necessary for life and living, for death and dying, is our hope in God.

The strength that is needed for today and the blessed hope we have in the world to come, is a heart that trusts in Jesus Christ, and wholly relies on His sufficient grace and mighty strength to get them through all of their weakest moments.

Every person we know and each security in which we place our trust, will one day let us down – including reliance on our own strength and abilities.

What is needed is a willingness to admit our fullest need and have a dependent trust on God to timely supply all we will need according to His riches in glory.

In Exodus, the Lord revealed Himself to Israel as Jehovah-Nissi, (the Lord our banner). The people of God had just escaped from Egypt. They were no fighting army. They had no experience of defeating a fierce enemy.

But they had been brought out of slavery by God, Who provided food for their bodies and led them in the wilderness by pillars of fire and smoke.

The menacing army they faced carried a victorious standard at the head of their battalions of fierce, well trained fighting men, which was meant to intimidate their opponents, instill fear in their ranks, fear and second thoughts in leaders.

It was as they journeyed through the wilderness that the Amalekites came up and fought against Israel at Rephidim, and Moses said to Joshua, “Choose men for us and go out, fight against Amalek, and tomorrow I will station myself on the top of the hill with the staff of God in my hand.”

Trust in God to deliver you, was Moses’ crystal clear instruction. 

While Moses held up the Staff of God, Israel prevailed, but whenever he put his hand down, Amalek prevailed, Aaron and Hur held up the tired arms of Moses until the Amalek’s army was defeated.

On that day, God revealed Himself as Jehovah-Nissi, (the Lord our banner), “and Moses built an altar and named it The LORD is My Banner.”

As Israel’s armies fought Amalek on the field of conflict in the physical realm.. so Moses battled the adversary in a parallel sphere, through spiritual warfare.

As the Israelites fought their physical enemy with sword and spear, so Moses battled a spiritual enemy in the heavenly realm – through prayer and through intercession. Moses defied the satanic realm as he held up the Standard of God.

What faith was demonstrated by Moses, Aaron, Hur, Joshua, and the entire army of God. They trusted Him to fight for them, and He did not disappoint.

As Israel raised weapons of war against their bitter foe, so Moses lifted high the Rod of the LORD against the principalities and powers in heavenly places. 

The earthly foe could only be overcome in the spiritual realm. Victory or defeat of Joshua’s army would be determined by the effective prayer of Israel’s faithful watchman.. for the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much – the effective prayer of a REDEEMED man.

Just as soldiers raise their battle standards high, proclaiming allegiance to king and country, so Moses lifted up his Banner to the Lord.

Moses raised up the Rod of God to proclaim Whose they were, Who was their true Champion, and in Whom they trusted.

The Lord God was their Defense and Defender, and so they fought under the authority, direction, and power of God, Who from that day on, became to Israel, “Jehovah-Nissi: The Lord Is My Banner.”

The arms of Moses grew weary and the legs of this prayer-warrior weakened as he travailed in intercession for those in his care.

Spiritual warfare is intense, and the arm of flesh fails when we face the enemy’s onslaught in our own strength.

But Aaron and Hur joined forces with Moses as together they raised high the standard of God, and the outnumbered armies of Israel continued to battle the Amalekites with swords and spears.

The long fatigued arms of an 80+ year old Moses were held aloft until sunset, against spiritual wickedness in high places, for only as he interceded for Israel was Joshua’s victory secure.

It was as Moses prayed for the people of Israel that the enemy was overcome.

Although he grew weary and rested his exhausted body on a stone, Moses kept the Rod of the Lord high, lifted up in prayer, so that we finally read, “Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword.”

We too fight under the same standard, for Christ is our Banner.

Jesus is our Jehovah-Nissi. His is the Standard under which we stand and the Commander Whom we obey.

We too lift high the name of Jesus, for He is our Rod and our Staff.

We too rest our weary soul in Him, for His is the Rock of our salvation, and He is our Strong Tower to Whom we flee for safety.

The Lord is our Banner – the Lord is MY Banner.

Like the armies of Israel under the leadership of Joshua, we are not to rely on our own strength, for Christ’s strength is sufficient for all the difficulties and dangers we may face.

He is the One upon Whom we are to cast our heavy burdens and rest our weary souls for Jesus won every spiritual battle we will face, when He proclaimed from the Cross, “It is finished.”

5 Things We Can Learn from the Israelites’ Wandering Years in the Desert:

1. The way to our promised land is not always easy, in fact, it rarely is. But it’s worth it.

God had promised his people a land that would be full of blessing. But the way there would stretch their faith and lead them through journeys where they’d have to depend on God like nothing before.

Maybe you feel like the blessing is too long in coming, maybe you feel like giving up. Be assured again today that God is faithful and he will use all things to strengthen our faith and bring goodness to his people.

Stay strong, keep pressing through.

2. God will make a way where there doesn’t seem to be a way.

As the Israelites got closer that sea must have looked bigger and deeper.

Their eyes focused on the problem.

They forgot about the bigness of their God. But God didn’t forget about them.

Even if the way He’s leading doesn’t seem to make much sense and His timing seems off, or the wait feels long, and wandering in desert places is the last thing we want to do, we can trust Him.

Always. He knows our way. He sees the big picture. He has good in store.

3. God will lead us day and night.

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to given them light…” Exodus 13:21

God never left his people alone in their journey. His presence was always there, a reminder to them that they hadn’t been left on their own in the wilderness.

God will not leave us to fend for ourselves, struggling to find our way.

He will lead us.

He promises to be faithful. We may not see him in a pillar of cloud or fire these days, but we have his Word, and the Holy Spirit to give guidance to our days.

4. God fights on behalf of his people

“Then the angel of God…withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them…” Exodus 14:19

He gives us victory and power even when it doesn’t make sense. After a battle against the fierce Amalekites, when God gave his people a great victory, the Bible says, “Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. He said, ‘For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord…” Exodus 17:15-16

We’re never left to wrestle through on our own in hard places. He doesn’t send us out to fight the enemy in our own strength. He just tells us to be still, to stand strong, and to know he’s fighting on our behalf.

5. God provides in miraculous ways

“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I will rain down bread from heaven for you…” Exodus 16:4

They were hungry. God sent manna. They were thirsty. God sent water gushing from a rock. Every day a miracle was right before their eyes. They just had to pick up the manna, drink the water, accept the blessing.

And just like the people of Israel had to look to God to meet their needs, so it is with us.

They couldn’t store it up, they had to look for it daily. And God always provided.

Sometimes we miss the miracles of his provision, out of busyness or stress. We try to get things going too fast all on our own, spinning around, trying to get it all done. Or other times we might start to forget what matters most.

But even for those days, there’s His grace. He waits for us. His provision and blessing, they never run dry. Every day, his miracles lie right before our eyes. We just have to choose to look for them and stay extra close in his presence.

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Hoy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

All glory, honor, praise and Thanks be unto You, Jehovah Nissi, for the spiritual lessons I can learn from faithful saints like Moses and Joshua, Aaron and Hur. May I recognize that in everything, Jesus is all I need, and that under Your banner I can face the future in full assurance and peace. I pray that my prayers and intercessions will be underpinned by Jesus, the Rock of my Salvation, the Hope of the whole earth and the Standard with Whom I am identified. With every passing day, I pray that I may trust in Him, stand against the enemy in prayer and intercession, and be upheld in truth,  through Jesus Christ, my God and Savior, in Whose name I pray, AMEN.

Psalm 20 Christian Standard Bible

Psalm 20

Deliverance in Battle

For the choir director. A psalm of David.

1 May the Lord answer you in a day of trouble;
may the name of Jacob’s God protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and sustain you from Zion.
3 May he remember all your offerings
and accept your burnt offering. Selah

4 May he give you what your heart desires
and fulfill your whole purpose.
5 Let us shout for joy at your victory
and lift the banner in the name of our God.
May the Lord fulfill all your requests.

6 Now I know that the Lord gives victory to his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with mighty victories from his right hand.
7 Some take pride in chariots, and others in horses,
but we take pride in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand firm.
9 Lord, give victory to the king!
May he[a] answer us on the day that we call.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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God’s Answers for Life’s Challenges: Moses and Overcoming Inadequacy. Exodus 4:1-13

Exodus 4:1-13 New American Standard Bible 1995

Moses Given Powers

4 Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen [a]to what I say? For they may say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A staff.” 3 Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his [b]hand— 5 “that  they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”

6 The Lord furthermore said to him, “Now put your hand into your bosom.” So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then He said, “Put your hand into your bosom again.” So he put his hand into his bosom again, and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you or [c]heed the [d]witness of the first sign, they may believe the [e]witness of the last sign. 9 But if they will not believe even these two signs or heed what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”

10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been [f]eloquent, neither  [g]recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am [h] slow of speech and [i]slow of tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 13 But he said, “Please, Lord, now [j]send the message by whomever You will.”

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

Moses was from the Levitical line from Jacob, and was called to be God’s great prophet to Israel.

Set afloat upon the Nile River by his mother to protect him from Pharaoh’s wrath and lethal edict against the lives of the Hebrew children, he was found by the daughters of that Pharaoh and he was raised to be a Prince in their courts.

Driven out of Egypt by a murder charge, walked through the wilderness to the land of Median where he was the one who would lead the children of Israel out of Egypt, and became the nation’s renowned Lawgiver, at eighty years of age!

Kept by God in social isolation for half his life, he was in the despised vocation of sheep-herder, lived in the parched, arid wilderness, where his self-will was allowed to rest for 40 years, raise a family but still suffer as a broken criminal.

It was here that one day the fiery flame of the Lord met with him at the burning bush and Moses found himself being summoned by the God of His fore fathers, called out of comfort by his name to save God’s people from slavery in Egypt.

Before his intense training program, Moses thought He could do all things through his own strength.

But it was not until his will was built up in Egypt, torn down and crushed by the Lord in his own exile, his wilderness walk, that Moses had his earth-shattering encounter with God alone on Mount Sinai, Who announced, “I AM Who I AM.”

Moses… the former prideful prince of Egypt, became the most humble of men, due to his encounter with God.

He immediately recoiled from the enormous responsibility God chose to lay upon his shoulders.

How could a man that stuttered so badly and spoke so inarticulately be the chosen mouthpiece for the God of the universe?

How could Moses convey God’s orders to the great king of the earth?

“I am not a man of words,” he pleaded.

“I am not good at public speaking. I do not have a gift of the gab. I am not fluent in language. I find it difficult to get my words out and stumble over my speech – I am not an eloquent orator” – were his excuses.

Moses had not yet proved God’s sufficient grace.

He had yet to discover that His grace is perfected in our weaknesses.

Moses had not yet acknowledged the inexhaustible riches of God’s grace and His unlimited power to work in the lives of His people.

But God not only makes man’s lips and mouths. He makes the deaf to hear, the dumb to speak, and gives sight to the blind.

The Lord is the One Who possesses power over all the senses, attributes of men.

He is the One that created all things, and He is the One Who holds all things together. God is well able to equip His chosen vessel with the qualification and abilities needed to fulfil His heavenly instructions – for His grace, and His grace alone is sufficient, His strength alone which is made perfect in our weakness.

Claiming to have a speech impediment was only one of a number of excuses Moses gave to the Lord.

He was also concerned that Israel would neither believe him nor respect his word, and he begged God to send someone else who was more qualified than he.

He claimed that he would not be able to explain Who the Lord was to the people, and had to be told sternly, “I AM Who I AM.” Moses had to learn that God alone was the only answer to every single question and the provider for all we need.  

Believing in God and Our Overcoming Inadequacy

Exodus 4:10-13 New American Standard Bible 1995

10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been [a]eloquent, neither [b]recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am [c] slow of speech and [d]slow of tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 13 But he said, “Please, Lord, now [e]send the message by whomever You will.”

Matthew 10:17-20 New American Standard Bible 1995

17 But beware of men, for they will hand you over to the courts and scourge you in their synagogues; 18 and you will even be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. 19 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how or what you are to say; for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. 20 For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.

In our life of faith, there are times when God calls us to tasks that can seem beyond our abilities.

Like Moses, we might think we lack the skills or eloquence to do what God has asked.

Severe doubts and insecurities can grip our hearts, causing us to question whether we can truly serve God’s purpose.

When God called Moses to go before Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses hesitated.

He felt that he could not communicate the message well.

He may even have had a speech impediment.

But God said, “Who gave human beings their mouths?”

In other words, God is the one who equips and empowers the ones he calls. So he assured Moses that he would be with him, guiding his words and actions.

Just as God did not overlook Moses’ concerns, he also sees our severest doubts and knows our all too real limitations.

But God chooses us, imperfect as we are, to accomplish his plans.

And it is in our moments of weakness that God’s strength shines through. He deeply delights in using us to accomplish extraordinary feats for his glory.

10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works  than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

15 “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. (John 14:10-15)

When we feel inadequate, remember our sufficiency comes from God alone.

He provides all the necessary resources, wisdom, and strength to carry out his purposes. We can always trust that God will equip us with exactly what we need, when we need, require it and he will never leave us to face our challenges alone.

We show in the words we speak that our hearts are in tune with God.

Jesus tells his disciples to worry not because they “will be given what to say.” (Matthew 10:19)

Sharing Christ is not simply a matter of thinking up the right words to say; we must allow God’s words to flow through us.

The lessons Moses had to learn are as relevant today as the day he was ordered to remove his shoes from on the holy mount of God.

It is never easy when the Lord says GO, for we often want to stay.

Nor is it easy when He instructs us to STAND STILL and wait, for too often we think we want to go.

But when our fleshly self-will has finally been broken by our gracious God and we can then unreservedly whisper, “Thy will, not mine be done,” as did Christ in Gethsemane… then as we open our mouth we will pray and speak the words that He Himself chooses to give us, and we all will finally discover His grace IS sufficient for His strength is made perfect in our weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

8 Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast [a]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

British Theologian and Evangelist F.B. Meyer (1847-1929) summed up the attitude that each of us should have when God places a call on any of our lives,

“Cherish the lowliest thought you choose of yourself, but unite it with the loftiest conception of God’s All-Sufficiency. Self-depreciation may lead to the marring of a useful life. We must think soberly of ourselves, not too lowly… nor too extravagantly. The one talent must not be buried in the earth.”

John 16:32-33 New American Standard Bible 1995

32 Behold, an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone; and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

In the name of God, the Father and God the Son and God the Holy Spirit,

Let us Pray,

Psalm 16 New American Standard Bible 1995

The Lord the Psalmist’s Portion in Life and Deliverer in Death.

A [a]Mikhtam of David.

16 Preserve me, O God, for I take refuge in You.
2 [b]I said to the Lord, “You are [c]my Lord;
I have no good besides You.”
3 As for the [d]saints who are in the earth,
[e]They are the majestic ones in whom is all my delight.
4 The [f]sorrows of those who have [g]bartered for another god will be multiplied;
I shall not pour out their drink offerings of blood,
Nor will I take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and my cup;
You support my lot.
6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;
Indeed, my heritage is beautiful to me.

7 I will bless the Lord who has counseled me;
Indeed, my [h]mind instructs me in the night.
8 I have set the Lord continually before me;
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
9 Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will dwell securely.
10 For You will not abandon my soul to [i]Sheol;
Nor will You [j]allow Your [k]Holy One to [l]undergo decay.
11 You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Lord God, thank you for choosing us despite our weaknesses. Forgive our array of excuses, strengthen us to step out in faith to serve as you call us to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.

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