When Moses read the law to the children of Israel, they responded with obedience.  As we read God’s Word everyday, His Spirit shapes our heart to give Him the obedience He desires.

Make it the most important thing you do everyday … reading God’s Word. Do it the first thing.

“I love them that love Me, and those that seek Me early will find Me.” Prov. 8:17

DAILY PRAYER: Lord, Your Word I will hide in my heart so I don’t sin against You.

DAILY READING: Ex. 24-26

God’s law forbade gossip or bearing false witness against your neighbor.  How often do we say things that damage the reputation of others?  God wants our tongues to bless and not curse.  How can sweet snd bitter water come from the same stream?

DAILY PRAYER:  Forgive us, Father, for evil speaking.

DAILY READING:  Ex. 20-23

God’s intention for rest on the Sabbath was clear when He gave the Israelites instructions on using manna for the seventh day.  Every other day it would become filled with maggots if they kept it overnight … except for the seventh day.  It was miraculously preserved only on that day.    They were to keep the Sabbath holy … separated unto the Lord.  It was a day for them to do His pleasure rather than their own.

We need a fresh appreciation and approach to the seventh day, a day of rest.  It’s another way of giving back to God.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, forgive us for thinking only of ourselves on Your day.  We want to honor You with our obedience by observing Your principle of rest on the seventh day.

DAILY READING:  Ex. 16-19

Upon their deliverance from Pharaoh and the Egyptian army, Moses and Miriam led the Israelites in a song of praise to the Lord for what He had just done before their eyes.  Singing to the Lord for the miraculous ways He cares for His people is what He loves and deserves.

Although the current church trend is for worship teams to semi-entertain the attenders in a concert style format, God really wants and deserves to hear His people pour out their hearts to Him in songs of praise.  In the car, in the shower, in every circumstance, use your voice and let your song of praise ascend.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, You are my Song and my Deliverer.  I thank and praise You today for Your mighty miracles.

DAILY READING:  Ex. 13-15

The Israelites had suffered greatly at the hands of the Egyptians, virtually becoming slave labor for Pharaoh’s self-serving projects. God heard their cry for help, and hence, the plagues that brought Egypt to her knees.

The Death Angel which took the lives of all the firstborn of Egypt was the final installment in God’s plan of retribution.

Just before they were released, the Lord had instructed the Israelites to “borrow” their Egyptian neighbors’ gold and jewels.  God made their neighbors “favorably disposed” to give it up.  It was their “going away gift.”  God always laughs last.

DAILY PRAYER;  Lord, Your ways are higher than ours.  We simply trust You and Your instructions for life.  You do miracles SO GREATLY!

DAILY READING:  Ex. 10-12

P.S.  Happy birthday to me today.  67.  My wonderful wife made me a red velvet chocolate cake.  Yum.

It appears that God had a deliberate process of steps (plagues) in mind when He sent Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to request release.  God even hardened Pharaoh’s heart until the process had been completed.  It seems that with each plague visitation, a further dimension of God’s ultimate plan was realized.

So often, we want the quickest fix possible, but God has a bigger picture in mind.  He knows what we need better than we do.

Hold on and wait upon the Lord.  He will bring you out.

DAILY PRAYER:  Father in Heaven, You know best.  I trust Your timing and will patiently wait for the completion of Your process.  In Jesus’ name.

DAILY READING:  Ex. 5-9

God wanted Moses to go to Pharaoh and be a spokesperson for God.  Moses replied with the excuse that he talked slowly.  It did not please God.

When God asks us to do something, we usually come up with reasons why we can’t or shouldn’t do it.  God is not looking for excuses.  He’s looking for obedience.  When He asks us to do something, He knows our shortcomings, but will provide the miraculous grace to do it.

He has the power!

DAILY PRAYER:  Forgive us, Lord, for our excuses and rationalizing when you ask for simple obedience.  Give us grace.  Give us another chance.

DAILY READING:  Ex. 1-4

In Gen. 49, Jacob brings his sons around him to speak into their lives for the last time.  When he gets to Judah, one of the clearest O.T. prophesies of Jesus is given.  “The scepter or leadership shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh [the Messiah, the Peaceful One] comes to Whom it belongs, and to Him shall be the obedience of the people.”  [Amplified]

The position assumed by a leader is that of a man standing with his feet spread apart while holding the rod of leadership planted firmly on the ground between his feet.  It’s Jesus, the Captain of the Lord’s Hosts.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord Jesus, You are our great leader and protector.  We trust in Your care today for every student at TCS.  We bless You.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 49-50

The lesser is usually blessed by the greater.  Jacob carried within his spiritual power the ability to bring the blessing of God.  His presence in Egypt incurred God’s favor upon the land.  His gifted son, Joseph, supernaturally interpreted Pharaoh’s dream which saved many from starvation during the famine.

You are a seasoning and illuminating factor wherever you go.  Bring God’s blessing and peace to your circumstances today.

DAILY PRAYER;  Father, You are the giver of life and all blessing.  Let Your love be seen in me today.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 45-48

Joseph could only maintain his disguise to his brothers so long until he could no longer contain himself.  God’s forgiveness welled up within him toward his brothers.

Allow God’s forgiveness to overpower your selfish desire for retribution.  Let it flow as the tears of Joseph did.  Be restored.  Be healed.

DAILY PRAYER:  Lord, You have forgiven us so much.  Freely we have been forgiven.  Freely we forgive.

DAILY READING:  Gen. 42-44