Monthly Archives: July 2020

God controls leaders

Ex. 13,14

God said he hardened Pharaoh’s heart to show his power in the Earth. We often get frustrated with the actions of leaders. We must consider however that God can you use even reprobate leaders to accomplish his purposes and show his power in the Earth.

Soon we will see a great demonstration of God’s power.

“When I see the blood”

Ex. 10-12

In preparation for the exodus from Egypt, God instituted the Passover feast, a sacrificial lamb. They were instructed to take the blood of the spotless, perfect lamb that was slaughtered and put it upon the doorpost and lintel. God said when I see the blood, I will pass over that house and spare the firstborn son from death.

Christ’s blood was prefigured in that exercise. The blood is CRITICAL. God must see it to prevent death. It’s the same today. God MUST see the blood of Christ applied to a soul for it to live eternally. We must bring the blood of Christ into our witnessing. It may seem gory, but without it there is no remission and removal of sin.

God must see the blood.

“So that you might know”

Ex. 8, 9

God clearly said He put plagues on Egypt so that Pharaoh might KNOW that He was God. He showed His mighty power in a way that even the magicians couldn’t reproduce. God will always win a showdown with the devil.

God wants our enemies to know and experience His power. He uses timing to make the most of the opportunities. He let’s us stew awhile and then comes in with relief. Then we all, saints and enemies alike, know that HE IS GOD.

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [1 Peter 5:10]

God’s Mighty Hand

Ex. 5-7

God did for His people what Moses and Aaron couldn’t. He provided the convincing factor in Moses’ presentation. A rod that became a snake, plagues, miraculous signs … all were miracles God had in His arsenal.

We are desperate for God’s mighty hand. We need what ONLY HE can do.

Prayer is a critical component in the life of a true Christian. That is why Paul said, “In EVERYTHING BY PRAYER and petition, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.”

(Our nation could really use a demonstration of God’s mighty hand right about now)

“I have seen … I have heard”

Exodus 3, 4

While the Hebrews were suffering in Egypt under the hand of Pharaoh, God was watching the ordeal. Nothing gets by Him. He remembers every cry of His people. In His own time, He raised His Mighty Hand against Egypt to redeem and deliver His people.

As we encounter hardship today, we are wise to cry out to God about our concerns. It’s as if our prayers and sufferings are accumulated and build up a case against our adversaries. If we take matters into our own hands, we run the risk of preempting what God, in His wisdom, wants to do.

“Do not fret because of evil doers!”

God’s concern

Gen. 49,50; Exodus 1,2

As God watched the persecution of the Israelites living in Egypt, His concern led Him to raise up a deliverer, Moses. Because God knows the beginning from the end, it was no doubt in His mind and plan to arrange the circumstances of Moses’ life to equip him to be fit for the task. Born a Hebrew and raised as an Egyptian, Moses was the perfect blend of both worlds. Every life issue he experienced further equipped him to become the Hebrew leader that would usher God’s people into their new existence.

Surely God sees the condition of our land, has concern, and has already prepared lives to lead us in the next steps of our earthly journey. He’ll do it again.

Famine

Gen. 46-48

Although there was a severe famine in Canaan and Egypt, God graced Joseph and all who put their trust in him were sustained. His plan for preserving life was a result of the interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams. God was at work throughout the trial Joseph endured to bless and prosper His people. The Israelites increased greatly during the famine.

The pandemic we are experiencing is yet another opportunity for God to show His blessing despite the doom and gloom all around us. His Word gives a different message than our nightly news. Which will we believe?

Revealed

Gen. 43-45

It must have been a moving scene when Joseph revealed his true identity to his brothers. Their response was probably mixed … fear and relief. However, God had processed him to the extent that he was ready to love and not seek revenge.

When Christ’s true identity will be revealed to the world, there will be a mixed response. Those of us who are Christians will be joyous and relieved … our Deliverer has come. Those who have rejected Him and mocked Him and reviled Him will fear for their lives.

For us to live with this day of reconciliation in our minds will help us endure the trials and resistance we now experience. We have read the last chapter. We win.

Suffering pays off

Gen. 39-41

Joseph was unjustly dealt harsh life circumstances by both his brothers and his boss. Cast into prison to suffer unjustly, he maintained an excellent attitude and saw God bless and protect him. At some point, he had to realize that the suffering taught life lessons that God ultimately used for the salvation of many.

Christ suffered greatly. He was despised and rejected of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. God exalted Him ABOVE ALL OTHERS. His suffering brought healing and life to those who believed in Him.

Character flaws

Gen. 36-38

Sadly, Jacob’s sons had many flaws. They consorted to do away with Joseph by selling him off to a Midianite caravan bound for Egypt. Judah, and ancestor of David and Joseph, stepfather of Jesus, committed an unspeakable moral sin with his own daughter-in-law.

God uses flawed vessels to accomplish His purposes in the earth. Look, he has even used me.