Discovering God: Week 9

November 20, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 40:1-33

-          Read Exodus 40:34-38

-          Read Isaiah 42:5-9

Devotional Thoughts

Preparing to Worship (Exodus 40:1-33)

The tabernacle is ready.  At a specific time and specific place God directed Moses to set up His tabernacle.  The directions are detailed.  They are followed with reverence and awe.  Specific people dressed in specific clothes.  Every single part of this tabernacle, the preparation of it, and the worship in it had meaning.  The people expected to meet God.  They carefully prepared for this significant event.  With humble hearts and open minds they readied themselves for the glory of God.  How prepared and ready are we to worship?  What does reverence and awe look like in our lives?  How prepared are we for the presence of the Lord?

Witnessing God's Glory (Exodus 40:34-38)

When everything was ready the cloud that had guided the people settled on the tabernacle.  The glory of the Lord filled the place.  So powerful was this glory that Moses could not even get close to it.  At night fire was in the cloud.  This was a constant and visible testimony to God's presence.  The cloud of God's glory became the guide of the people.  When God moved, the people moved with Him.  All could see.  All stood as witnesses to God's glory.  All knew the presence of the Lord.   A gathering of God's people (church) is to be a place where God's presence is found, witnessed, and known.  It is a place guided by the Lord.  It is a place of dedication, awe, and inspiration.  This is God's desire.  Does this describe our church?  Are we able to see the glory of God that surrounds and fills His people?  What holds us back?  If something holds us back, what can we do to change it?

Being a "Light to the Nations" (Isaiah 42:5-9)

The call of God continued long after the people arrived in the Promised Land.  From generation to generation the people had a mission.  They were to be God's people.  God provided for them, gave them life, and kept them safe.  God has called the people to righteousness.  The people were to be a "light to the nations" or a living testimony of God's glory.  They were to care for the poor and those in need.  They were not to give glory to anyone or anything other than God.  God is always true to His people.  His people are not always true to Him.  Today we can change.  One heart rededicated to being God's person matters.  Each of us matter.  Let us be God's people.

Discovering God: Week 8

November 13, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 24:9-18

-          Read Exodus 25:1-9

-          Read Exodus 24:1-8

Devotional Thoughts

On the Mountain with God (Exodus 24:9-18)

The elders and Moses went up to be with God.  In His presence they were safe as they ate and drank.  They were in relationship of the one true God.  From here God called Moses up to mountain to receive His instruction.  Moses trusted the elders to watch over the people in his absence.  On the mountain settled the glory of the Lord.  From the cloud, God called to Moses and Moses went to Him.  40 days and 40 nights Moses was with God.  The glory of the Lord was powerful.  From a distance it looked like fire devouring the mountain top.  Moses was with God in the presence of His glory.  Can we imagine such an experience?  How amazing must it have been to experience the glory of the Lord?  This was a mountain top experience.  We still have these today.  God’s glory is part of our lives.  In order for Moses to experience it he had to answer the call, climb the mountain, and wait on the Lord.  What if we were willing to do the same?

An Offering (Exodus 25:1-9)

God gave Moses instruction.  The worship Moses was able to do on the mountain would be shared with the whole of the people.  A tabernacle was to be built following very specific instructions from God.  This would be a place of worship where the presence of God would dwell among the people.  The people are given an opportunity to join in this work.  An offering is to be taken from all "whose hearts prompt them to give".  It is not a forced gift.  It is an opportunity to connect with God personally and as a community.  The people responded and the tabernacle was built.   What is your heart prompting you to do?  How willing are we to give in worship to God?

“We Will Do” (Exodus 24:1-8)

Moses told all the people what God had revealed to him.  God clearly communicated His message and His way to His people.  God still does this.  In response the people offered sacrifices.  They gave of themselves and what they had to honor God.  They voluntarily agreed to the covenant God offered them.  They promised to do what the Lord directed.  They promised to be obedient.  They chose this.  A significant moment in our salvation is making a choice.  It is saying “we will do” and aligning our life with God.  How have you made this choice?  How has your life changed because of it?

Discovering God: Week 7

November 6, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 32:1-10

-          Read Exodus 32:11-35

-          Read Exodus 33:12-34:35

Devotional Thoughts

A Golden Calf (Exodus 32:1-10)

While Moses is with God on the mountain, the people God delivered, provided for, and guided got impatient and convinced Aaron to make "gods" for them.  They sacrificed their gold and jewels in order that Aaron could create a golden calf.  To this calf they turned to worship.  In the name of this calf they had a festival and a party.  They had greater faith in the "god" they made for themselves than for the God who brought them out of slavery.  God tells Moses this.  God is angry.  God gets angry.  God's wrath burned against this stiff-necked people.  Rebelling against God is not a good idea.  God does not rejoice in rebellion.  Do we have a rebellious spirit in us?  How does it come out?  How often do we choose what we know over what God is doing?

Broken Tablets (Exodus 32:11-35)

God was ready to start new with just Moses.  He was ready and able to end this Israelite experiment.  Moses interceded on the people’s behalf.  Moses was able to change God's mind.  God listens to the prayers of His people.  So Moses goes down to the people with God's law written on stone tablets in his hands.  God's called one with God’s good guidance faced a rowdy group of partiers worshipping a golden calf.  Moses felt the same anger God felt.  In his anger he broke God's tablets, he destroyed the calf and forced the people to eat the dust of it, and he called for the deaths of nearly 3000 of the worst offenders.  Rebellion comes at a price.  This rebellion cost the people their gold, the lives of their family, and their connection with God.  Without Moses interceding again they would have been wiped out.  The people made this choice.  With that choice came consequences.  What do your choices say about your relationship with God? 

A Renewed Relationship (Exodus 33:12-34:35)

Moses returns to the mountain.  There he meets God again.  The very glory of God is shown to Moses and Moses is forever changed by it.  New tablets are made.  Moses asks for forgiveness on behalf of the people.  Forgiveness is given.  God initiates a covenant relationship with His people.  He clearly states what following Him requires and what it will bring.  God has not abandoned those who rebelled against Him.  The glory of God is seen most clearly in His grace.  How have you experienced God's grace in your life?  

Discovering God: Week 6

October 30, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

-          Read Exodus 15:22 – 16:3

-          Read Exodus 16:4 – 36

-          Read Exodus 17:1 – 7

Devotional Thoughts

Grumbling in the Desert (Exodus 15:22 – 16:3)

Three days earlier Moses led the people to safety on dry ground after God displayed his power over nature when he parted the Red Sea, and his power over the mightiest army on earth when he crushed it beneath the waves.  For three days Moses led the people through the desert.  The people have been unable to find water to drink.  They begin to complain to Moses.  In three days they have forgotten the power of God.  Moses follows God’s instructions and throws a piece of wood in some bitter water, making it sweet. God provided.  The people continue on in the desert and begin to complain that they have no food to eat. They have forgotten God’s provision again.  How easy it is for our faith to be so strong, and then trials come which cause us to doubt God.  Have you walked through the desert without water?

Manna in the Desert (Exodus 16:4 – 36)

God heard the complaining of his people. God responded with grace and told them he was going to provide bread from heaven.  This bread appeared every morning for forty years while the people traveled through the desert.  Each person gathered exactly what he needed, no more, no less. God's provision is always complete.  God knows exactly what we need.  God knows how to provide exactly what we need.  Some of the people tried to gather too much, and the bread rotted and became infested with maggots.  Do you sometimes want more than what God provides? Are you content with God's grace in your life?  God gave instructions to the people concerning the bread to test them to see if they would be obedient. God's grace is not to be taken for granted.  Do you value it, or do you live in disobedience?

Water from the Rock (Exodus 17:1 – 7)

The people once again find themselves without water.  Their complaining has now turned to quarreling. They begin to desire their old life in Egypt over the hardships of the desert.  How quickly they have forgotten the slavery they were under in Egypt.  In the Christian journey there are many trials. It is better though to suffer in the desert with God, than to remain in slavery to the old paths of sin and destruction.  God provides water again.  Do you test God's patience with your unbelief?

Discovering God: Week 5

October 23, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 15:1-3
• Read Exodus 15:4-13
• Read Exodus 15:17-18

Devotional Thoughts

Starting the Song (Exodus 15:1-3)

The Red Sea is parted.  Moses leads the people to safety on dry ground.  The people watch as the greatest army in the world is crushed by the waves.  They are saved.  They are free.  God has delivered them.  The people stood in awe.  Have you ever stood in awe of God?  Perhaps you saw something or experienced something that just made you fully aware of God's majesty and power.  How did you respond?  Why is it that some songs we sing to the Lord bring tears to our eyes?  The Israelites stood safely on the bank of the Jordan and sang.  They put their experience into song.  They put their awe into their voices as they sang.  What the Lord had done would not be forgotten.  The song would live on.  Generations would know and remember what happened that day.   What song are you singing?  How will you pass on what God has done to the next generation?  Are you willing to sing?

A Song of Deliverance (Exodus 15:4-13)

The lyrics of the song tell the story of how God delivered His people.  It tells the story of Pharaoh's army.  How they boasted of their power.  How they sought to destroy and consume God's people.  It tells of how God's power was greater.  How God consumed and destroyed this army that thought it was so powerful.  The song of deliverance gives full glory, power, and credit to God.  By God's action, the people were saved.  The Lord is the trustworthy guide for His people and His people recognize this.  Who or what has power and authority in your life?  Are you like Pharaoh's army, confident in your own power and disdainful of God?  Are you fearful of those who have power?  Do you see God who is greater by far than all other powers?  Sing the song of salvation.  God's power is with us.

A Song of Praise (Exodus 15:17-18)

The people heard the promise of God.  If God's power could overcome the Egyptians than God is certainly able to lead them to the Promised Land.  The people praise the Lord for who He is, what He has done, and what He will do.  Can we do the same?  Praise is an expression of trust and faith.  Praise bubbles up from real encounters with our real Lord.  Praise is central to the life of a Christian.  What can you praise God for today?

Discovering God: Week 4

October 16, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 5:1-21
• Read Exodus 8:19
• Read Exodus 14:5-31

Devotional Thoughts

Increasing Conflict (Exodus 5:1-21)

Moses arrives in Egypt.  He meets with the Pharaoh and asks for his people to be let go.  The Pharaoh is upset by this.  He begins to make the lives of the Israelites harder.  They will have to do more work in order to receive the same benefit.  The Israelite people are unable to stand up before this and the Egyptians begin to punish them.  The Israelites are called “lazy” and the work remains unreasonable.  The Israelites now blame Moses for their hardship.  They do not see a man sent from God to deliver them.  Instead, they see a man responsible for their pain.  People do not like conflict.  People do not like change.  Pharaoh’s reaction and the reaction of the Israelite people are understandable.  We do the same thing.  Yet in all the blame throwing, punishment, and pain the only one who turns to God is Moses.  When we face conflict…what is our reaction?

A Hard Heart (Exodus 8:19)

Moses does not give up on God’s call.  He continues to appear before Pharaoh.  The plagues begin to happen.  The reality of God’s power and authority is made evident.  Yet Pharaoh refuses to change.  He refuses to see.  He has a hard heart.  There is not much you can do with a hard heart.  Pharaoh will continue to try and fight against God at an extreme cost to his land and his people.  It is a losing fight.  What is the condition of your heart today?  Are you willing to bend in conflict?  How has God changed your heart recently? 

God’s Deliverance (Exodus 14:5-31)

The Pharaoh will make one last attempt to overcome God.  He sends an army after the Israelites.  The Israelites appear to be trapped.  They come to Moses with blame and complaint.  Moses tells them to not be afraid and to stand firm.  It is God who will fight for them.  It is God who does fight for them.  The Red Sea is parted and the Israelites are safely led to the other side.  Pharaoh’s army is crushed under the waves.  God wins.  God delivered His people just as He said He would.  How hopeless does your conflict appear?  Can God deliver you?  The answer is yes.  We just need to be still and be faithful.  What would that look like for you today?

Discovering God: Week 3

October 9, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 3:4; 10
• Read Jeremiah 1:4-10
• Read Isaiah: 42:5-7

Devotional Thoughts

Moses and the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:4; 10)

God said "Moses, Moses" and Moses said "Here I am".  When Moses saw the burning bush he turned aside.  He stepped away from his other duties and tasks to investigate.  When he discovered God in the bush he did not run.  When he heard God speak his name he did not shy away.  Those who God calls and works through all begin here...with the words "Here I am".  From that simple acknowledgement of the call a relationship is formed.  In verse 10 God says "So come, I will send you".  From the open door of “Here I am” comes "I will send you".  When God calls he calls us specifically.  There is a special ministry for all God’s people.  Finding the ministry He has called you too gives purpose, joy, and meaning to life.  Can you say "Here I am" to God?  What is the ministry God is calling you to do?

God Knows Me (Jeremiah 1:4-10)

Moses was the first prophet to God's people.  After Moses, God continued to call people into His service.  Jeremiah is such a prophet.  Jeremiah's call and sending begins with recognition of how intimately God knows us.  God had a good plan for Jeremiah long before Jeremiah was even born.  Jeremiah arrived and accepted his call at the exact right time and at the exact right place.  God gave Jeremiah all he needed to do what God called him to do.  God still does this.  Each of us has a call to minister.  God has put us in the place we need to be for that ministry.  God will give us what we need to do the ministry He has called us to.  Do you believe this?  What is your ministry?  What might happen if you said yes to God’s call today?

Called to be Light (Isaiah 42:5-7)

The Lord who created everything has come to His people.  They are to be a light to the nations (all people).  They are to show the entire world who God is.  They are to live in righteousness.  God has protected them, guided them, and will not abandon them.  We are God's people.  Together we have a calling.  We are the living example of God's love.  We are walking, talking testimonies of God's faithfulness.  We are His people...called by His name.  It is an honor.  How are we living out this call?  Are we making disciples?  Are we public with our faith?  Let us accept the call and be God’s people.

Discovering God: Week 2

October 2, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

• Read Exodus 2:1-10
• Read Exodus 2:11-15
• Read Exodus 3:13 - 4:17

Devotional Thoughts

Overcoming Imposed Faults (Exodus 2:1-10)

Moses was born into a Hebrew family.  His family worked to save him and succeeded by God’s grace.  When Pharaoh's wife saw Moses she didn’t just see a Hebrew baby...she saw a child worthy of life and love.  Moses was born with a death sentence over his head, but he grows up as a child of Pharaoh and knowing his true family.  Have you ever been judged based on something beyond your control?  Sometimes we impose faults on ourselves that have nothing to do with reality.  Moses's family did not let the Egyptian oppression stop them.  They acted in faith.  They were true to God and to themselves.  It is important that we work to keep the judgment of others from limiting our ability to live in faith.

Overcoming Actual Faults (Exodus 2:11-15)

Moses had a desire to deliver his people long before God formally called him to do it.  He killed an Egyptian because that Egyptian was hurting a Hebrew man.  He used violence to make a wrong right and acted outside the will of God.  When he finds two Hebrew men fighting the next day and confronts them, they call his actions out.  They were simply doing as Moses did...how could they be in the wrong?  Moses modeled an action he believed wrong.  Moses acted against his own morality and against God.  Moses comes face to face with his fault in the form of sin.  This time he has earned the death sentence the Pharaoh puts on his head.  So he runs away.  Failing to face our faults allows them to control us.  Do we know what running feels like?  Do you have something in your past you are ashamed of?  Is that keeping you from doing what you know God wants you to do?  Face it in faith.  Moses becomes the deliverer.  God still calls him.  God is still calling you.

Overcoming Internalized Faults (Exodus 3:13 – 4:17)

God calls Moses to be His deliverer.  Moses balks.  Time after time Moses responds to God's call with the word "but".  He begins making excuses.  He begins trying to find a way out of God's call.  The Lord responds to each "but" and empowers Moses to overcome each imagined obstacle.  Finally, Moses simply asks the Lord to find someone else.  Moses can’t see himself as God's chosen one.  He has too many faults, too many troubles, too many reasons why he cannot do what God desires.  God sees Moses as a deliverer, but Moses can’t see himself the same way.  When we internalize our faults they keep us from seeing ourselves as God sees us.  Are we like Moses?  When God calls do we make excuses?  Are we letting a false view of ourselves outweigh God's view?  Perhaps taking a risk and choosing to act despite our faults will lead us to a greater relationship and understanding of God.  Perhaps God will do things in our lives we cannot even imagine right now.

Discovering God: Week 1

September 25, 2011

Helpful Readings for the Week

Read Exodus 1: 8-14

Read Exodus 2: 23-25

Read Exodus 3: 7-10

Devotional Thoughts

The Beginning (Exodus 1:8-14)

400 years pass between Joseph taking God's people to Egypt and the beginning of the Exodus.  In 400 years God's people went from welcomed guests to oppressed slaves.  Exodus is the story of God's deliverance, God's power, and the people's discovery of the LORD.  This story begins with great oppression.  This is often true of us.  When we feel held back, pressed down, hurt, or afraid we are often more willing and able to seek God.  From oppression, pain, and slavery God will bring freedom, identity, and purpose.  This is how God revealed Himself.  Could He do this for you?

A Cry For Help (Exodus 2:23-25)

God's people groaned and cried out under the oppression of the Egyptians.  They expressed their struggle and pain.  They cried out.  They did not bury their trouble.  They did not hide from the reality of their pain.  They cried out.  Their cries rose to God.  The people chose to cry out to God.  This is not a complaint.  It is a searching for and seeking after one who can help.  It is not done for human ears...it is a cry for the ears of God.  It is a cry that God heard from a people God cares about.  He "took notice" of them.  He "looked favorably" on them.  God welcomes the honest cries of His people.  He responds with care.  Do you need to cry out to God?  What would that look like?  How does knowing that God hears you cry change things?

The Lord's Response (Exodus 3:7-10)

God hears.  God knows.  God responds.  God has come down to snatch His people from the hands of their oppressors.  The time has come for God to take action.  He has seen what the people are going through.  He has waited for the right time to act in their best interest.  He has come to the right person (Moses).  God will lead the people to a place of freedom and plenty.  To those who have nothing, God brings a great gift.  To those who have suffered greatly, God brings the opportunity for great success.  Where the people see only pain and suffering, God sees a path to greatness.  What does God see when He observes you?  Are you willing to wait on the Lord's response?  How might the God of love and care respond to your cry today?