Israelites

March 1st – Exodus 13:21

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Exodus 13:21

British author Vivian Greene once famously said, “Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.” A beautiful reminder that while uncertainty is a part of life, we can choose to trust, embrace the journey, and find joy even in the unknown. Yet if you’re at all like me, that’s easier said than done. Because although I understand that life is always changing, in all honesty, I don’t handle change or not being in control very well. Uncertainty makes me feel vulnerable, anxious, and uneasy. Feelings I’m sure shared by the Israelites after being led from all they knew to venture to an unknown land. But Exodus 13:21 reminds me that just as God led His people with a cloud by day and fire by night, He is leading me too. Even when I have no idea what’s ahead, God does. He already knows the beginning to the end, including my victory. I may not always see the path, but I can trust the One who does. That’s why during times of uncertainty, I look back when God was guiding me in ways I didn’t even recognize at the moment. And every time, His way was better than mine. Has there been a time when God led you unexpectedly? A moment when you didn’t know what was next, but He made a way? I’d love to hear how He has been faithful in your life!

March 1st – Exodus 13:21 Read More »

January 18th – Numbers 14:1

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Numbers 14:1

There’s no two ways about it. Change is hard, messy, and painful. That’s why so many of us stay stuck where we are. Because often it’s easier to deal with demon you know, than the one you don’t. I think about the Israelites. They take a lot of flack from people who don’t understand why they didn’t enter the promised land running with excitement and yelling for joy. But put yourself in their shoes. The generation to enter Canaan was a protected one. For forty years all they knew was a life of peace and plenty under the care of God. Now they were being called to become mighty warriors in His army. To go from a people with a faith, to a people with a mission. A call given to us as well. God doesn’t want us to be stuck in mediocrity. Or to be content with merely having a lukewarm faith. He wants us to become people with a mission. To allow His loving grace to transform us into battle ready soldiers. Ones working for His kingdom and glory, spreading His message of love and eternal life to a desperate, and often hostile, world.

January 18th – Numbers 14:1 Read More »

January 14th – Exodus 14:31

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Exodus 14:31

One of greatest miracles performed in the Bible, is the parting of the Red Sea. Where God separated the waters, and delivered Israel from the grip of Egypt. From His great love, God parts the seas in our lives as well. In moments of difficulty, His hand clears the way. And lovingly, He transforms obstacles into pathways toward new beginnings and unwavering hope. What a beautiful reminder that just as He led Israel through the challenges of slavery to the freedom of the Promised Land, God is our steadfast deliverer. While we walk this earth we will experience moments of challenges. But as He did with His chosen people, the Lord will go ahead of us, smoothing the way. The promise of Exodus 12:31 echoes in our hearts, assuring us that God’s delivering hand is not limited to the past but extends into our present and future. In times of trial, we can trust that His faithfulness endures. And will steer us towards a place of new beginnings where His grace transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and freedom.

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January 13th – Deuteronomy 1:6

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Deuteronomy 1:6

Sometimes we find ourselves stuck on a mountain top, too comfortable or too afraid to come down. But if we really want to move toward something new, we need courage. Courage to step into the valley of change, where growth and new opportunities await. And although scary, if we descend with faith guiding our steps, we can find excitement knowing every slope leads to a new beginning. The Israelites found themselves stuck at Mt. Horeb, afraid to enter the land God gave them. Yet He called them to put aside their fear. To arise and claim His beautiful promise. And He calls us to do the same. He beckons us to embrace change, and embark on a fresh chapter in life under His loving care. To move forward with bravery and faith. In our own journey of moving from the mountain, Deuteronomy 1:6 serves as a wonderful compass. One that directs us toward uncharted territories. Amazing new places where God’s promises unfold, and the beauty of new beginnings await for those who trust in His leading.

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May 3rd – Jeremiah 29:11

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Jeremiah 29:11

Throughout the Bible God explicitly forbids seeking physics, mediums, astrologists, and fortune tellers of all sorts. (Duet. 18:10-12, Lev. 19:31, 20:6, 2 Kings 23:24) But today the business of witchcraft is a multi billion dollar one. Because everyone has questions needing answers and a future needing to be told. Even Christians fall prey to the sin of trusting others who tell you what you want to hear, instead of trusting God. The Israelites learned the hard way all that glitters isn’t gold. They desperately wanted to believe the false prophets and mediums in Babylon. Those who promised the people would soon be back in their own land. But God was very clear. Only He controls the future. And only He can can guarantee one of hope, goodness, love, and prosperity. How could there be a more wonderful future! And because of God’s unending grace and mercy, to get it all we need do is confess Jesus as Lord and receive His gift of pardon.

May 3rd – Jeremiah 29:11 Read More »

January 17th – Psalm 95:7

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Psalm 95:7

Throughout the the book of Exodus, we learn of the travels of the Israelites as they fled Egypt. Like the Israelites, we too are on an exodus. We are partners with Jesus who leads us on our journey to the Promised Land of Heaven, where we will dwell with Him forever.  And just like the Israelites, our exodus requires trust and faith and obedience.  If we are faithful partners with Christ on “the journey” we can also hope to be partners with Him in eternity and enter into His rest. No matter how great your trial may be, no matter how bad your circumstances are, if you just have faith to trust God to see you through to the other side, your heart will remain soft and eager to obey Him.  You’ll rejoice, thank God even for the trial, because you know, “the Lord is a great God and a great King above all Gods” (v. 3) who is able to save and deliver you.

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October 17th – Exodus 14:14

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Exodus 14:14

God’s Promise – “If you remain still, I will do your fighting for you.”

Like the Israelites, we too are on an exodus. We are partners with Jesus who leads us on our journey to the Promised Land of Heaven. And, just like the Israelites, our exodus requires trust, faith, and obedience. Trust that no matter the challenge, God has already secured the victory. Faith in God ‘s promise, “The Lord is the One who goes ahead of you; He will not fail you or forsake you.” (Deut. v. 31:8) And the obedience to not take matters into our own hands, and risk sinning against God. For He tells us in times of trouble, let Him do the fighting. Because nothing is more powerful than the Lord. And no battle can overcome Him. So even if we find ourselves surrounded by a host of enemies, we can know peace. Because it is God Himself who fights for us. And while, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, we trust in the name of the LORD our God” (Psalm 20:7).

October 17th – Exodus 14:14 Read More »

October 6th – 1 Peter 2:10

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1 Peter 2:10

God’s Promise- “I have chosen you to be a royal priesthood and a holy nation.”

It seems ancestry kits are all the rage. With the availability of DNA  testing, people are eager to trace their roots. As Christians, we don’t need a swab and a test tube to tell us who we are. For we need look no further than the Bible to find our ancestors. Because once we receive Jesus as our Savior, we become grated into God’s chosen race. A race with no color, or ethnicity. An inclusive race of brothers and sisters in Christ called by God as His own possession. Once we wandered through life alone, belonging to no one, and serving our own desires. But now, like the Israelites, we belong to God. We are all one people, one nation, whose citizenship is in heaven. A royal priesthood and holy nation, set apart for God’s glory. Right now Jesus is preparing a permanent home where we will all, as one family, dwell with Him for eternity. We will forever be His people, and He will forever be our God.

October 6th – 1 Peter 2:10 Read More »

August 27th – Deuteronomy 9:7

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Deuteronomy 9:7

I think about the story of the Israelites and find myself shaking my head. I wonder how a people, who had repeatedly seen the mighty hand of God caring for them every step of the way, could so easily turn away from Him and His love. Then I think about my own life. And how many times I too have seen His hand at work and still grumbled against Him. How many blessings have I missed out on? Because instead of walking in trust and obedience, I gave in to fear and rebellion. And how many days, weeks, and months I have wasted wandering in the wilderness? Thankfully, we serve a loving, kind, and forgiving God. Even after the people rejected Him, God cared for them as His precious children, meeting their every need. We too are His precious children, and with each step of our spiritual walk He cares for us. And no matter how far we may wander, He is always there ready to joyfully welcome us back.

 

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Our Faithful God – Deuteronomy 7

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Deuteronomy 7

Recently while driving to an appointment, I took a wrong turn and ended up in an unfamiliar part of the city. Caught in traffic, and headed the wrong way, as soon as I was able I pulled over. There I got my bearings and called my husband to share my predicament. After hearing my plight he asked, “Why didn’t you just follow the route the GPS gave you?” I meekly replied, “Because I thought my way was better.” …

Our Faithful God – Deuteronomy 7Read More »

Our Faithful God – Deuteronomy 7 Read More »