Exodus 12-14.
If I was an Egyptian in this story, I would have jumped ship a few chapters ago...
So Pharaoh chose the hard way. He continued his pursuit of his own authority and power and his denial of God's authority and power. So God had to go big. As if the plagues weren't (big). So the Passover happens. Death. What is more tragic than losing a loved one? Every Egyptian family lost one. So Pharaoh, finally, let God's people leave with whatever and whomever they wished.
Apparently... Pharaoh's wisdom was only temporary. He and some others slept on it, and decided they needed to go get the Israelites. REALLY?! Can you be that oblivious to the fact that these people are obviously being protected and fought for by someone who can KILL YOU? Someone who has killed your family? So they chase them. And the Israelites actually freak out. Also oblivious to the power of God. They start crying about how they'd rather be slaves than be dead and bla bla bla. Moses intervenes and tells them to just chill out and trust God. Either they actually do, or they don't and just shut up about it because that's the end of that.
God has a plan. He parts the sea, his people go through, the Egyptians follow, God puts the sea back, the Egyptians are dunzo. Can you imagine what it would be like to walk through the middle of a sea?? I am so psyched for heaven. I can't wait to hear about the experience from everyone who was there. Had to be so awesome. I wonder if a few children grabbed things from the sea floor as they ran through or if they were just terrified.
Things I learned:
- Pharaoh is a bad influence
- Don't mess with God
- God will protect his people
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Hit me with your best shot
So now that it has been almost forever since I blogged on here...I am picking up where I left off in reading through the Bible....
Exodus 9-11
So now we read about the next 6 plagues.
Pharoah, Pharoah, Pharoah. The story of the plagues is like one of those movies. You know the one, where you know the characters aren't going to make the right choice, but you are on the edge of your seat telling them out loud what they should do. Ha ha ha. Part of me is telling Pharoah "Come on, man. Really?! Like give it up!" and part of me is so psyched that God has created this opportunity to really show us who He is and what He's got. I so wish I could interview Pharoah. "So, Pharoah, your readers are dying to know-what were you thinking?!". Was he putting up a front and going to bed terrified of what God would do next? Was he just wanting to see what God could do? Was he just convinced that God wouldn't go as far as He ended up going? Man. I have a killer curiosity, I want the details, details, details! Dead livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and a preview of death. I want to know what the Egyptians are eating at this point. The locusts took everything and they have no meat. Mud Pies? Rock-sickle? Locust poo? (hahaha). And I wonder what excuse the sorcerers had for not being able to get rid of their boils? Did they call in sick? "Yes Pharoah we heard everyone has boils...no sir we won't be able to get rid of yours....well we're actually coughcough sick coughcough".
Proverbs 1:20-33
What a perfect section of verses to accompany Exodus right now.
This is wisdom speaking...
"What if catastrophe strikes and there's nothing to show for your life but rubble and ashes? You'll need me then. You'll call for me, but don't expect an asnwer....Because you hated knowledge and had nothing to do with the Fear-of-God"
So we have it. Pharoahs (obvious) problem, he wasn't scared of God. I'd say that about sums up what's wrong with our world today. We want love but we don't want it to be powerful. We want change but we don't want to give up our addictions. We want help but we don't want commitment. We like the idea of something bigger than us, holding everything together...you know something... "spiritual". But we don't think we should have to be scared of it. It should just be there to make the stars and mountains beautiful and keep karma going. God is so much more.
Exodus 9-11
So now we read about the next 6 plagues.
Pharoah, Pharoah, Pharoah. The story of the plagues is like one of those movies. You know the one, where you know the characters aren't going to make the right choice, but you are on the edge of your seat telling them out loud what they should do. Ha ha ha. Part of me is telling Pharoah "Come on, man. Really?! Like give it up!" and part of me is so psyched that God has created this opportunity to really show us who He is and what He's got. I so wish I could interview Pharoah. "So, Pharoah, your readers are dying to know-what were you thinking?!". Was he putting up a front and going to bed terrified of what God would do next? Was he just wanting to see what God could do? Was he just convinced that God wouldn't go as far as He ended up going? Man. I have a killer curiosity, I want the details, details, details! Dead livestock, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and a preview of death. I want to know what the Egyptians are eating at this point. The locusts took everything and they have no meat. Mud Pies? Rock-sickle? Locust poo? (hahaha). And I wonder what excuse the sorcerers had for not being able to get rid of their boils? Did they call in sick? "Yes Pharoah we heard everyone has boils...no sir we won't be able to get rid of yours....well we're actually coughcough sick coughcough".
Proverbs 1:20-33
What a perfect section of verses to accompany Exodus right now.
This is wisdom speaking...
"What if catastrophe strikes and there's nothing to show for your life but rubble and ashes? You'll need me then. You'll call for me, but don't expect an asnwer....Because you hated knowledge and had nothing to do with the Fear-of-God"
So we have it. Pharoahs (obvious) problem, he wasn't scared of God. I'd say that about sums up what's wrong with our world today. We want love but we don't want it to be powerful. We want change but we don't want to give up our addictions. We want help but we don't want commitment. We like the idea of something bigger than us, holding everything together...you know something... "spiritual". But we don't think we should have to be scared of it. It should just be there to make the stars and mountains beautiful and keep karma going. God is so much more.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Treasure...arrgh! (pirate noise)
Watch this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBJzUnxiKwA&feature=player_embedded#!
How can I show the world what my treasure is?
That's why I'm here, in England, as a missionary. Because I want to do something for God, because he gave me this life, and I should be using it for Him. But what about the rest of my life? The food I eat, the clothes I wear, the music I listen to, the websites I visit, the words that come out of my mouth - even when I am alone?
My prayer is that God will help show the world where my treasure is.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBJzUnxiKwA&feature=player_embedded#!
How can I show the world what my treasure is?
That's why I'm here, in England, as a missionary. Because I want to do something for God, because he gave me this life, and I should be using it for Him. But what about the rest of my life? The food I eat, the clothes I wear, the music I listen to, the websites I visit, the words that come out of my mouth - even when I am alone?
My prayer is that God will help show the world where my treasure is.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Tats Baby
I got bored of reading through the Bible. And I stopped.
I just had a good discussion with my dad, about tattoos. And whether or not they are ok, what about ones that are Bible Verses or say 'I love Jesus' ?
And I found this verse:
Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD. (NKJV)
Basically, God says not to do it. So is it a salvation issue, or an obediencce issue, or both, or what. And the conclusion we came to, is we don't know. I mean we know it's not something God wants us to do, but would we really go to hell for it? Well the Bible doesn't say. I know that if someone had never read that verse, God would not hold them accountable for something they didn't know. But if I know God created us the most perfect way he could think of, and that was with out tattoos, wouldn't that suggest that I am messing with the perfection of the creator of the universe? Or maybe it is as simple as tattoos can lead to a different life style, you get one done, you want another one, you meet a guy who likes that you have a tattoo, you go out, he likes to drink, you have one drink, all of a sudden you party and stop going to church, far fetched? Maybe. Could it happen? Definitely. Say yes to one thing and you are one step closer to saying yes to everything else. Plus tattoos can give you skin issues, infections, rashes, they can look really gross when you are old, you can change your mind about liking it, it's simply not meant to be there, it is kind of not healthy. You put it on your skin, it gets into your skin, into your blood, into your body. I am not saying I am going to judge people who have them, I won't preach to you, I won't say it's wrong, cause who am I to decide that?
My Conclusion? Why risk it. Why go there. Be happy with how God made you. It's not just tattoos...what else counts? Piercings? Nail Polish? Make up? Fashion?
Who gets the glory, the attention, God? You?
Analyze.
I just had a good discussion with my dad, about tattoos. And whether or not they are ok, what about ones that are Bible Verses or say 'I love Jesus' ?
And I found this verse:
Leviticus 19:28
You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you: I am the LORD. (NKJV)
Basically, God says not to do it. So is it a salvation issue, or an obediencce issue, or both, or what. And the conclusion we came to, is we don't know. I mean we know it's not something God wants us to do, but would we really go to hell for it? Well the Bible doesn't say. I know that if someone had never read that verse, God would not hold them accountable for something they didn't know. But if I know God created us the most perfect way he could think of, and that was with out tattoos, wouldn't that suggest that I am messing with the perfection of the creator of the universe? Or maybe it is as simple as tattoos can lead to a different life style, you get one done, you want another one, you meet a guy who likes that you have a tattoo, you go out, he likes to drink, you have one drink, all of a sudden you party and stop going to church, far fetched? Maybe. Could it happen? Definitely. Say yes to one thing and you are one step closer to saying yes to everything else. Plus tattoos can give you skin issues, infections, rashes, they can look really gross when you are old, you can change your mind about liking it, it's simply not meant to be there, it is kind of not healthy. You put it on your skin, it gets into your skin, into your blood, into your body. I am not saying I am going to judge people who have them, I won't preach to you, I won't say it's wrong, cause who am I to decide that?
My Conclusion? Why risk it. Why go there. Be happy with how God made you. It's not just tattoos...what else counts? Piercings? Nail Polish? Make up? Fashion?
Who gets the glory, the attention, God? You?
Analyze.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Mess with fire...
Exodus 5-8
So in these few verses, basically no one is taking God seriously. He is like I am the Lord, hello, just do it! And Pharoah is like hmm, no. And God's people are like well, um, yeah, we're not in the mood to listen to you, and Moses is still like, dude, I can't do this, no one will listen to me, why do I have to do this! And also an interesting point, Moses and Aaron were in their eighties when they spoke to Pharoah! I never realized they were oldish! This would be inspiring as a grandma or grandpa.
Magic? In the Bible? Oh yes. When God had Moses' staff turn into a snake, Pharoah turned around and had his magic people turn their staffs into snakes too! These days, we would call people who could do that magicians, back then they were called wise sorcerers. And since Pharoah "wise men" could repeat what God was doing, he wouldn't listen to Moses and Aaron.
So God gave him chance after chance, and each time Pharoah choice to keep being stubborn, God would show him his power. Pharoah was messing with fire, and kept getting burned... Water into blood, frogs, gnats, flies...and more to come next time...
Proverbs 1:1-19
"Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother's knee"
Question: What are some things your father told you and you learned at your mother's knee? Answer: My father has taught me about real men. My father is the epitome of a man to me. He is strong, he is loving, he works hard, he loves God, and he has never left his family. He is there to hug me when I need it, he is there to answer my questions - or tell me to find the answer for myself. He has taught me about nature, about the importance of going outside. He has taught me how to have fun as a family. My mother has taught me about real women. My mother is the epitome of a woman to me. She he Strong, she is loving, she works hard, she loves God, and she has never left her family. She knows how be my friend and be my mother at the same time, she has taught me patience (or at least tried), she has taught me that a family is always there for one another, she has taught me to continually look on the bright side and trust God in all things. I have great parents, thanks God :).
So in these few verses, basically no one is taking God seriously. He is like I am the Lord, hello, just do it! And Pharoah is like hmm, no. And God's people are like well, um, yeah, we're not in the mood to listen to you, and Moses is still like, dude, I can't do this, no one will listen to me, why do I have to do this! And also an interesting point, Moses and Aaron were in their eighties when they spoke to Pharoah! I never realized they were oldish! This would be inspiring as a grandma or grandpa.
Magic? In the Bible? Oh yes. When God had Moses' staff turn into a snake, Pharoah turned around and had his magic people turn their staffs into snakes too! These days, we would call people who could do that magicians, back then they were called wise sorcerers. And since Pharoah "wise men" could repeat what God was doing, he wouldn't listen to Moses and Aaron.
So God gave him chance after chance, and each time Pharoah choice to keep being stubborn, God would show him his power. Pharoah was messing with fire, and kept getting burned... Water into blood, frogs, gnats, flies...and more to come next time...
Proverbs 1:1-19
"Pay close attention, friend, to what your father tells you; never forget what you learned at your mother's knee"
Question: What are some things your father told you and you learned at your mother's knee? Answer: My father has taught me about real men. My father is the epitome of a man to me. He is strong, he is loving, he works hard, he loves God, and he has never left his family. He is there to hug me when I need it, he is there to answer my questions - or tell me to find the answer for myself. He has taught me about nature, about the importance of going outside. He has taught me how to have fun as a family. My mother has taught me about real women. My mother is the epitome of a woman to me. She he Strong, she is loving, she works hard, she loves God, and she has never left her family. She knows how be my friend and be my mother at the same time, she has taught me patience (or at least tried), she has taught me that a family is always there for one another, she has taught me to continually look on the bright side and trust God in all things. I have great parents, thanks God :).
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Day 30... Or not.
So today is day 30. And I am supposed to be reading Exodus 5-8 and Psalms 1:1-19. But I am going to be honest, I don't really want to. I keep looking at the clock, I keep wanting to be done, I keep...not focusing. And I don't feel like I am in the right ... mindset? Maybe that is just an excuse. But I can't concentrate on what I am supposed to be reading, and I want to go to sleep.
But there is something on my heart.
Tonight at prayer meeting, the topic was forgiveness. And we sang a song called "You are My Peace". It was a beautiful song, that is lulling me to sleep. Reminding me that God is my peace. And maybe he would be frustrated that I can't give him 30 minutes to focus on my Bible reading, or maybe he would understand. God has so many different characteristics, so many different ways of responding. But this is what I do know, he loves me, and he "gets" me.
So I am going to go to sleep. And I am going to come back to day 30 tomorrow.
But then I think, what if God came tonight? Would I regret not taking the time to know him better?
Why is life so complicated! Why don't we have all the answers!
I am going to sleep.
But there is something on my heart.
Tonight at prayer meeting, the topic was forgiveness. And we sang a song called "You are My Peace". It was a beautiful song, that is lulling me to sleep. Reminding me that God is my peace. And maybe he would be frustrated that I can't give him 30 minutes to focus on my Bible reading, or maybe he would understand. God has so many different characteristics, so many different ways of responding. But this is what I do know, he loves me, and he "gets" me.
So I am going to go to sleep. And I am going to come back to day 30 tomorrow.
But then I think, what if God came tonight? Would I regret not taking the time to know him better?
Why is life so complicated! Why don't we have all the answers!
I am going to sleep.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
God, be with me.
Day 28 was the Day of Sabbath Rest Reflection again so on to Day 29...
Exodus 1-4
Exodus 2:25 (NIV) "So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them"
When you read that sentence it you really see God being a father, rather than some man with a crown sitting on a throne in the sky. You can feel his love, his worry, you can tell he is realizing that he must do something.
Exodus 4 (back to the message version)
So God tells Moses to go and tell his people that God is going to get them out of this right, and Moses his like, yeah sure, but um, one problem, I suck at public speaking. And at first God just reminds him "Hey I gave you that mouth and I will hook you up with the words when you need em". But Moses is peeing his pants thinking about it and he gets all hyphee and actually kinda begs God to pick someone else! So God is a little...annoyed...and it actually says in the NIV that "The Lords anger burned against Moses". Now, if there is one thing I know, it's that I don't want the God who turned someone into salt, to be burning with anger against me. And better yet, it says God burned with anger, but the words he spoke next were still of love, he still offered his help to Moses and Aaron, and he did not make Moses do what he did not want to do, although I am sure he would have been happier of Moses would have manned up.
Question: Allow God to say to you, "I'll be with you". What difference does this make in your life? It makes all the difference. God being with me means that I don't have to worry. Ever. Even though I do sometimes anyways, but with God it's like I don't have to be scared, I don't have to be anxious. I am human, and I have to fight to let God have control, but I want Him with me, and I am glad he is, 24/7.
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
I pasted the whole Psalm here because it is so epic.
Exodus 1-4
Exodus 2:25 (NIV) "So God looked on the Israelites and was concerned about them"
When you read that sentence it you really see God being a father, rather than some man with a crown sitting on a throne in the sky. You can feel his love, his worry, you can tell he is realizing that he must do something.
Exodus 4 (back to the message version)
So God tells Moses to go and tell his people that God is going to get them out of this right, and Moses his like, yeah sure, but um, one problem, I suck at public speaking. And at first God just reminds him "Hey I gave you that mouth and I will hook you up with the words when you need em". But Moses is peeing his pants thinking about it and he gets all hyphee and actually kinda begs God to pick someone else! So God is a little...annoyed...and it actually says in the NIV that "The Lords anger burned against Moses". Now, if there is one thing I know, it's that I don't want the God who turned someone into salt, to be burning with anger against me. And better yet, it says God burned with anger, but the words he spoke next were still of love, he still offered his help to Moses and Aaron, and he did not make Moses do what he did not want to do, although I am sure he would have been happier of Moses would have manned up.
Question: Allow God to say to you, "I'll be with you". What difference does this make in your life? It makes all the difference. God being with me means that I don't have to worry. Ever. Even though I do sometimes anyways, but with God it's like I don't have to be scared, I don't have to be anxious. I am human, and I have to fight to let God have control, but I want Him with me, and I am glad he is, 24/7.
Psalm 23
1 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.
I pasted the whole Psalm here because it is so epic.
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