Brutality of Slavery

Read the first few chapters of Exodus and you will recognize the enslavement and oppression that the people of God had to endure in Egypt. You will see the unfolding of God’s providential plan to rescue and redeem His people as He leads them to freedom. And you will read the words of encouragement and promise that God speaks to His chosen people as He reveals His plan.

“Therefore, say to the people of Israel: ‘I am the Lord. I will free you from your oppression and will rescue you from your slavery in Egypt. I will redeem you with a powerful arm and great acts of judgment. I will claim you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God who has freed you from your oppression in Egypt. I will bring you into the land I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I will give it to you as your very own possession. I am the Lord!’” (Exodus‬ ‭6:6-8)

These are words of encouragement, words of hope, words of promise, and words of redemption. How will the people of God respond? 

So Moses told the people of Israel what the Lord had said, but they refused to listen anymore. They had become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery. (‭‭Exodus‬ ‭6:9‬)

I sometimes wonder if the people of God - today - often “refuse to listen anymore” and then God reveals His message and sends someone to proclaim it among us. 

I sometimes wonder if the people of God “refuse to listen anymore” because they have “become too discouraged by the brutality of their slavery”. 

We must...

...recognize the enslavement and oppression that exists in our world today and acknowledge the areas that we are personally enslaved.

...admit before The Lord the areas of discouragement that we deal with in life and confess to The Lord the brutality of the slavery that we are enduring.

...listen closely to the voice of The Lord and for the message from The Lord, ensuring that it lines up with Scriptural truth and the known character of God.

...walk in obedience with The Lord, faithfulness to The Lord, and confidence of The Lord every day; being encouraged by His Word and His Church around us.

Calling

My daughter went out to ride her bike in the parking lot. I watched her through the window for a few minutes and then turned my attention away. Looking back two minutes later I saw her bike parked in the driveway but she was not with it. 

.

Minutes later I still did not see her so I opened the front door and called for her. 

No answer. 

I walked to the back door, opened it and called for her. 

No answer. 

Walking through the house, back toward the front door, I called for her. 

No answer.  

Stepping out the front door, into the driveway, I called for her. 

No answer. 

Scanning the parking lot, the front yard, and the side yards, I called for her.

No answer.

Running to the back yard, looking in the pool and into the woods, I called for her.

No answer.

Back inside, frantically running from room to room, I called for her.

No answer.

Through the front door again, panicked in the front yard, I called for her.

No answer. 

.

Turning toward the swing set there she now stood - smiling and waving - without a word.

.

So I asked;

Did you hear me call for you?

Why didn’t you answer me?

.

And I wondered;

How often does God call for me?

How often do I hear Him call?

How often do I answer Him?

#preparetheway

Focus

This morning I sat down to enjoy the National Prayer Summit leading into #GC19 and I had difficulty concentrating. Three things are keeping me from giving my full attention; I am tired, I am cold, I am hungry. 

.

. 

Yet, as I strive to focus, to listen, and to pray this morning, it occurs to me that these are not simply physical struggles for me right now. 

.

.

I am spiritually tired. O God wake me up to Your desire for my life and You desire for Your Church. 

.

I am spiritually cold. O God light the “fire” of Your Holy Spirit within me, my prayers, and Your ministry through me.

.

I am spiritually hungry. O God feed me through Your Word, Your Spirit, and Your Church.

.

.

What might be keeping you from focusing, hearing, and responding to God today?

I Need Help

I went to lunch today. At the moment I walked in the individual working was already complaining to a customer.

.

She was hurried and rude as she took my order. She told the woman in front of me; “We just opened so you’ll have to wait for ice”. A gentleman came in after me and she yelled; “I’m all alone back here, it’s going to be a while”. Several minutes later a young man walked in and she yelled; “Oh no, we’ve had too many customers. Either you’ll have to wait or the food is going to suffer”.

.

It wasn’t until later, when a co-worker came in that I came to understand that she was upset because she was there all alone. 

.

I don’t share this to complain but, instead, to share a thought.

.

Do we sometimes complain those we are called to serve because we are feeling overwhelmed? Do we sometimes hurry and rush those that we are called to share with because we feel overburdened? Do we sometimes yell at those that we are called to help rather than taking our needs to the one that can come along side us and give us peace and lift our burdens? 

.

If you are feeling overwhelmed or overburdened today, God cares and can help. Perhaps He is simply waiting for you to call out to Him for assistance.

Farmers Need The Rain

Record rainfall has flooded many roads and fields. And, inevitably, someone calls out in ignorance “but the farmers need the rain”. 

.

.

It is true, the farmers need the rain. The farmers need the rain to prepare the ground for the planting of the seed. The farmers need the rain to nurture the plants and help them grow throughout the season. The farmers need the rain to prepare for the planting and for the harvest. But, there comes a time when the farmers do not need more rain. 

.

.

It occurs to me that - just as rain is God’s preparation for the ground and nutrients for the plants preparing them for harvest - Bible studies within The Church prepare The Church for the planting of seeds - evangelism - and for nurture Christians as we grow and mature in our faith. 

.

.

But, just as there comes a time when the farmers do not need more rain, there comes a time when The Church does not need more Bible study. There comes a time when believers must open the doors, walk out into the world and begin to sow the seed of God. There comes as time when The Church must plant the truth of Jesus into the lives of those that are lost, hurt, and in need. There comes a time when Christians must help make the fields ready for harvest. 

.

.

This is the call on The Church today.

The Wait

People are waiting 8, 9, 10, 11 hours - in the rain - for the newest roller coaster at Universal Studios in Orlando. And most of these people are saying that the ride is  “totally worth the wait”.

.

.

What are you willing to wait for? 

.

.

So often we talk about the things that we want - that we need - that we are desperate for. But are we willing to wait? Are we willing to ask - to seek - to labor - - and to wait? 

.

.

What are you desperate for right now?

.

.

What are you waiting for right now?

.

.

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord. (Psalm 27:14)

Leadership Confidence

I was preparing to preach from Exodus 13 and 14 this morning - a well known passage detailing the Israelites crossing the Red Sea - when God grabbed my heart. .

.

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptian you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (14:13-14) THEN THE LORD REVEALED HIS PLAN OF DELIVERANCE TO MOSES.

.

.

Could it be that God’s deliverance through the Red Sea, utilizing Moses, hinged on Moses’ faith and declaration of victory in God?

.

.

We need to be people faith and conviction. We need to be leaders that proclaim victory and deliverance through the Lord’s power even when we do not have all - or any - of the details of God’s plan.

.

.

Will we step forward in faith and proclaim victory in God and through God? 

#preparetheway

Temptation

This guy often has trouble going to sleep. When he has trouble going to sleep, he gets bored. When he gets bored, he peels the paint off of his wall. When he peels the paint off of his wall, he gets in trouble.

.

.

This evening he was having trouble going to sleep again. I sat with him as he stared at the wall and he told me how much he wanted to peel at the paint but he knew that he would get in trouble if he did. At first I told him to stop focusing on the wall, to roll over and look away from the temptation. Then I asked him if he wanted me to lay down with him - to lay between him and the wall. He said “yes”.

.

.

As I laid there, watching him go to sleep and keeping him away from temptation, it occurred to me how necessary it is for each of us to have that person in our lives that we can share our biggest temptations with. We all need someone that is willing to lay everything else down to keep us away from giving in to the thing that will lead us to trouble.

.

.

Tonight consider; “Who is “that person” for you?” And, give thought; “Who are you that “someone to?”

You Are Powerful

God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. (2 Timothy 1:7)

.

.

Many people are going through life fearing what lies ahead - afraid to speak and act - operating in a mode of timidity, uncertainty, and apprehension.

.

.

Yet God, through His Spirit, offers a better way; power, love, and self-discipline.

.

.

This means that we can - you can - be boldly confident - courageously assured in all things. We are given a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline. And we are called and commissioned to use this power to affect others for Jesus - in love - and to live a life of obedience to Jesus - through self-discipline.

.

.

Today, own this. Be filled with God’s Spirit. Be powerful. Be loving. Be obedient. Be self-disciplined.  

Could it be

Could it be that God is sitting on His throne prepared to pour down blessings upon His Church...prepared to break down barriers and tear down walls...prepared to bring healing and hope to lives and to families...prepared to bring His Church together in unity and revival... 

.

.

Could it be that God is waiting for the commitment - the faith and faithfulness of a few - to come before Him in prayer? 

.

.

Could it be that God is waiting for His Church to call out in agreement?

.

.

Could it be that God is waiting for His Church to cry out in desperation?

.

.

Could it be that God is waiting for His Church to be ready?

.

.

Could it be that we need to pray?

Pain

I started my day praying with a woman who has dealt with severe pain these past few months. I prayed with her as she told me of the pain that she will be facing in the days to come.

.

.

Midway through the day I found myself in a dentist chair receiving treatment for pain that I was personally dealing with - a shooting pain that would not subside.

.

.

Late this evening I received a call from a man who shared of the ongoing pain of grief that he faces with each evening as he lays down and tries to get some sleep.

.

.

Pain. It’s not enjoyable but it is inevitable.

.

.

Pain is the alarm that screams “something is not right”. Pain is the red flag that signals “I have had enough”.

.

.

We each deal with pain in life because we live in a world flooded with sin - a world of selfish desires - a world that is not our home. 

.

.

Pain is the continual reminder that we are hurting. Pain is the continual reminder that treatment is needed. Pain is the continual reminder that we incomplete. 

.

.

Let us be reminded - by our pain - that eternal hope, healing, and wholeness is ours in The Lord. Let us celebrate our pain - as we are reminded of eternal glory.

Court-side

The kids and I went to the Indiana vs. Arkansas basketball game this afternoon. We were given tickets to sit court-side. I’ve been to several IU games but - by far - this is the closest I’ve been to “the action”. 

.

.

This experience left me with few observations;

(1) I could hear what the players, coaches, and officials were saying and they could hear what I was saying. (I will admit that I yelled several encouraging words at the Hoosiers and some not-so encouraging words to the opposing team and the officials.)

(2) You must be aware that more people will see you - in the arena and on television. (We showed up in the “big screen” twice and two people sent me “screen shots” of our family on ESPN.)

(3) Fans are much more passionate and engaged court-side than they are “in the rafters”. (Every play was an occasion to jump up and cheer or stand up and yell.)

.

.

Then I think about The Church; Could it be that many people are not close enough to “the action”? Could it be that many people are satisfied watching from a distance in the rafters (or even watching on tv or Facebook)?

.

.

Perhaps this is why some Christians cannot hear the voice of God, why they struggle to understand His Word, or feel as though God cannot hear them. Perhaps this is why some believers fail to live a life of love, joy, and peace before others, as Jesus has called His followers to. Perhaps this is why so many followers of Jesus lack a passion and excitement to worship and serve The Lord.

.

.

Could it be that you are not sitting “court-side” with Jesus right now? Could it be that you are missing out on “the action”? Could it be that you have never experienced His presence in this way?

Respond

We are in an all out war. We are facing an enemy that has spent centuries on this earth deceiving and distorting. This enemy wants to steal, kill, and destroy our lives, families, and children. How will we respond?

Parents, we have been entrusted with one of the greatest gifts from God - the ability to influence and nurture a life. We have the responsibility of affecting the generation to come - in small and large ways. How will we answer?

Your child's...

...friends cannot save them

...technology cannot save them

...sports cannot save them

...politics cannot save them

Jesus is the only hope for our future.

Jesus is the only hope for you and me.

Jesus is the only hope for victory.

Jesus is the only hope for your child.

Read and discuss Scripture with your child - daily.

Sit down and pray for and with your child - daily.

Get engaged in a Bible-honoring faith community - weekly.

We are in an all out war. How will you respond?

Family Devotions

Family devotions are often an emotional time (especially for Bennett). Here are the highlights from tonight...

The verse; “Do not love the world or anything in it. If you love the world, love for the Father is not in you.”

‭‭(1 John‬ ‭2:15‬ ‭NIRV‬‬)

Benn: I’m not really getting this? Does that mean I have to get rid of everything?

Me: Not necessarily, just the things that go against God or keep you away from God.

Benn: *starting to cry* But you (mom and dad) are things in the world. 

Me: Well, for you it might be tv or technology. But for some it is moving away from their family because their family keeps them away from God.

Benn: *full blown snot cry*

Me: We have got to come to a point where we live God more than anything else. That includes our money, our technology, and even our families. And, as you fall more in love with God that’s going to get easier. Because, someday, everything else will pass away, but God remains forever. 

Benn: *sobbing uncontrollably* Someday I’m going to have to live in a world without you? I already have to live in a world without Great Grandpa Poppy! 

Before I was, You were

God, my Father, before I was, You were.

Before I was formed, You knew me.

You spoke my life into existence. 

You knit me together in the womb.

You spoke my life into existence. 

You speak all things into creation.

You have wonderfully made me.

You created me in Your very image.

Before I was born, You consecrated me.

You know the plans you have for me.

You protect me with Your right hand.

You comfort me with Your rod and staff. 

You prepare a table of blessing for me. 

You are my help, You sustain me always.

You have given me all that I ever need.

Before I knew right, You died for me. 

You laid down Your glory and put on flesh.

You served in humility and lived in poverty. 

You showed grace by loving your murderers.

You came for the powerless and sinful.

You freely gave Your life to pay my debt.

You are the perfect eternal sacrificial lamb. 

Before I speak, You know my every word.

You have searched my heart and mind.

You know me fully and completely.

You known when I sit and when I go.

You know when I sleep and when I rise.

You know my thoughts from afar. 

You know my needs when I am unsure.

Before I knew You, You chose me.

You have made Yourself known to me. 

You surround me with Your presence.

You go before me preparing my path.

You fill me with Your love, joy, and peace.

You empower me through Your Spirit. 

Your Word is a lamp to my footsteps.

Before I chose You, You chose me.

You accept me just as I come to You.

You called me Your friend and Your son.

You trust me to bear Your great name.

You call me to partner with You in ministry.

You gave me the ministry of reconciliation. 

You give me an eternal inheritance.

Before the world was formed, You were.

You are good.

You are perfect.

You are love.

You are eternal.

You are righteous.

You are all I need. 

The Nets

Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Luke‬ ‭5:5‬ ‭

-

-

Jesus often calls us to take action when we are tired and worn out, when we have tried everything else, when all other measures have failed.

-

-

He does this develop faith and perseverance within us. He does this to illustrate His power that is made perfect in our weakness.He dies this to show us Himself.

-

-

Could it be that the reason you “have worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything” is because God is withholding His greatest blessing until you trust only in Him

-

-

Could it be that God is waiting for you to exhaust all your human effort - and even come to the point of exhaustion yourself - until He opens His floodgates of blessing to you?

-

- 

Jesus is calling out to us today. Let us listen to His voice. Let us wait for His instruction. Let us take action when He tells us to. Let us give Him the praise as He blesses us. 

-

-

“Because you say so, I will let down the nets.”