Day 31 - I will Fight for You!

Todays Reading: Ex. 13-14 and Matt. 23

The children of Israel face the red sea in front and the army of Egypt behind.... they forget how God has just brought them out of Egypt with a mighty hand and they cry in fear! And yet God says, "Don't be afraid! I will fight for you, and you will hold your peace! Just go forward."

So Moses stretched out his hand and a pathway was made through the sea. The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on dry ground. And the pillar of fire went between them and the Egyptians and while it was light to the children of Israel, it was darkness to the Egyptians. 

So the Lord saved Israel that day! 

This story gives me great courage as I face my own red seas of life right now... knowing that the same God who brought the children of Israel through the waters will bring me through as well. 

Today I take comfort in the promise from Isaiah 43:1-3

"But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.

For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;
I gave Egypt for your ransom,
Ethiopia and Seba in your place."

Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 15-16, and Matthew 23

Day 30 - Where's Your Wedding Garment?

Today's Reading: Exodus 11-12 and Matt. 22

In today's reading the Lord tells Moses, "I'm going to bring ONE MORE plague on Pharaoh, and then HE WILL LET YOU GO."

God had warned Pharaoh of this dreaded curse back in Ex 4 if he would not allow Israel to go. He told Pharaoh: “Thus saith the Lord, Israel is My son, even My first-born: and I say unto thee, Let My son go, that he may serve Me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy first-born.” Exodus 4:22, 23
However, Pharaoh's heart had been hardened again and again. Now his son was to die. The only way the children of Israel could escape this plague was by killing a LAMB, and putting the blood on their doorposts. If there was blood on their doorposts, all in the house would be safe and the angel would pass over.

The blood obviously represents the righteousness of Christ -- it is our covering today just as it was for the children of Israel.

In the second portion of today's reading, in Matthew 22, we see a wedding feast. Many are invited, but few accept the invitation. Finally the chairs are filled and the banquet is ready to be served. But the master of the house comes in and finds someone without the wedding garment on. He's come in presumptuously, refusing to put on the "righteousness of Christ." He's not covered by the blood, and as a result, he has to be taken out. Unfortunately there are many today trying to attend the wedding feast but still seeking to come in their own works and merit rather than accepting the Righteousness of Christ.

This passage from 1st Selected Messages pg. 344 makes things so clear for me! We must have the blood covering! We must have on that wedding garment!

“Christ, our Mediator, and the Holy Spirit are constantly interceding in man’s behalf, but the Spirit pleads not for us as does Christ, who presents His blood, shed from the foundation of the world. The Spirit works upon our hearts, drawing out prayers and penitence, praise and thanksgiving. The gratitude which flows from our lips is the result of the Spirit’s striking the cords of the soul in holy memories, awakening the music of the heart. The religious services, the prayers, the praise, the penitent confession of sin ascend from true believers as incense to the heavenly sanctuary, but [notice the key difference here] passing through the corrupt channels of humanity, they are so defiled that unless purified by blood, they can never be of value with God. They ascend not in spotless purity, and unless the Intercessor, who is at God’s right hand, presents and purifies all by His righteousness, it is not acceptable to God. All incense from earthly tabernacles must be moist with the cleansing drops of the blood of Christ. He holds before the Father the censer of His own merits, in which there is no taint of earthly corruption. He gathers into this censer the prayers, the praise, and the confessions of His people, and with these He puts His own spotless righteousness. Then, perfumed with the merits of Christ’s propitiation, the incense comes up before God wholly and entirely acceptable. Then gracious answers are returned. Oh, that all may see that everything in obedience, in penitence, in praise and thanksgiving, must be placed upon the glowing fire of the righteousness of Christ. The fragrance of this righteousness ascends like a cloud around the mercy seat.”

Let's put on our wedding garment! Let's accept the covering of His blood. Without it we are lost!

*Note: A friend of mine did a beautiful comparison of the different aspects of that first Passover Service based on Patriarchs and Prophets. To read more of the symbolism behind Exodus 11 and 12, click here to download this short document.

Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 13-14 and Matthew 23

Day 29 - Beauty for Ashes

Today's Reading: Exodus 9-10 and Matt. 21

In Exodus chapter 9, we find a unique command. Moses was commanded to take ashes and sprinkle them in the air toward heaven. As a result boils broke out on all the Egyptians. That must have been very unsightly as well as miserably uncomfortable.

This is what Patriarchs and Prophets says about this act:

"Moses was next directed to take ashes of the furnace, and sprinkle it toward heaven in the sight of Pharaoh. This act was deeply significant. Four hundred years before, God had shown to Abraham the future oppression of His people, under the figure of a smoking furnace and a burning lamp. He had declared that He would visit judgments upon their oppressors, and would bring forth the captives with great substance. In Egypt, Israel had long languished in the furnace of affliction. This act of Moses was an assurance to them that God was mindful of His covenant, and that the time for their deliverance had come." – {PP 267}

It's interesting the contrast between the judgements of God on the wicked and unbelieving and the mercy of God promised upon those that humbly seek His face. For the righteous He promises to take their ashes and give them BEAUTY in its place! "To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified." (Isa. 61:3)

You know, seriously, we have nothing to give God. NOTHING! All our good works, our best efforts, our most precious gifts....they are all just ashes. Yet, He takes those ashes gladly and gives BEAUTY in exchange. That experience of trading beauty for ashes however, only occurs for those who have fallen on the Rock and been broken. That point is brought out very beautifully in today's chapter of Matt. 21. Either we will fall on Him and be broken (of all pride, self, vainglory) or the Rock will fall on us and break us.

One more thing that really made me think from today's reading is how the Bible says, "For this cause I have raised thee [Pharaoh] up, for to show in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth." (Ex. 9:16) Again, the words of Inspiration add even deeper significance as we meditate upon this interesting passage:

"Not that God had given him [Pharaoh] an existence for this purpose, but His providence had overruled events to place him upon the throne at the very time appointed for Israel’s deliverance. Though this haughty tyrant had by his crimes forfeited the mercy of God, yet his life had been preserved that through his stubbornness the Lord might manifest His wonders in the land of Egypt. The disposing of events is of God’s providence. He could have placed upon the throne a more merciful king, who would not have dared to withstand the mighty manifestations of divine power. But in that case the Lord’s purposes would not have been accomplished. His people were permitted to experience the grinding cruelty of the Egyptians, that they might not be deceived concerning the debasing influence of idolatry. In His dealing with Pharaoh, the Lord manifested His hatred of idolatry and His determination to punish cruelty and oppression." – {PP 267.4}

God even takes cruel Kings and uses them for His ultimate glory! Could he perhaps do the same thing again today?

Tomorrow's Reading: Exodus 11-12 and Matt. 22

Day 28 - How Long O Lord?

Today's Reading: Ex. 7-8 and Ps. 13-14

Psalms 13:1 starts off with, "How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever?... How long will my enemy be exalted over me?" I can imagine the children of Israel banding together in little prayer groups all over Goshen as they cry out with agony, "O Lord, how long? How long will Pharaoh be exalted over us?"

Psalms 14:1 starts off with, "The fool has said in his heart, There is no God!" In these chapters in Exodus 7-8 we see Pharaoh again and again hardening his heart as he says, "Who is God? There is no God! I don't have to listen to him."

Here's some of the spiritual parallels to the story of Jesus that I see from today's reading:

Pharaoh told Moses and Aaron. Show us a sign! They did... Turning rod into serpent. The magician's copied this sign, but Aaron's rod ate up theirs...  Satan may produce a counterfeit, but ultimately the Word of God (the Rod) will swallow up the counterfeits.

In Jesus day, Pilot, Harod and others also asked Jesus for "a sign." But Jesus was the sign! He needed to show no further sign!

Pharaoh would not accept the sign -- the Word of God displayed by the Rod, so the plagues began... 1,2, 3, 4... ugh! I can't imagine living with any of these plagues.

Finally after the 4th plague of flies, Pharaoh seems to have had enough, "Go sacrifice to your God, but don't go too far!" So he's offering freedom to worship with stipulations. This reminds me of how the world talks to Christians today. "If you must be a Christian, okay...but don't go to extremes! Don't go too far away from us! Stay near!" The world and Satan are always trying to get us to compromise.

This following passage from Patriarchs and Prophets is powerful and shows how Moses prefigures Christ!!

"But the prince of evil had a still deeper object in manifesting his wonders through the magicians. He well knew that Moses, in breaking the yoke of bondage from off the children of Israel, pre-figured Christ, who was to break the reign of sin over the human family. He knew that when Christ should appear, mighty miracles would be wrought as an evidence to the world that God had sent Him. Satan trembled for his power. By counterfeiting the work of God through Moses, he hoped not only to prevent the deliverance of Israel, but to exert an influence through future ages to destroy faith in the miracles of Christ. Satan is constantly seeking to counterfeit the work of Christ and to establish his own power and claims. He leads men to account for the miracles of Christ by making them appear to be the result of human skill and power. In many minds he thus destroys faith in Christ as the Son of God, and leads them to reject the gracious offers of mercy through the plan of redemption." – {PP 264.4}

Are we too crying out today, "Show us a sign Lord?" Are we hardening our hearts against the Word of the Lord? Or are we willing to trust His Word by faith?

Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 9-10 and Matthew 21

Day 27 - No more Stubble - No more Self!

Today's Reading: Ex. 5-6 and Matt. 20

In today's reading it's interesting that when the people (via Moses and Aaron) asked for relief of bondage, the bondage gets harder and more difficult. Isn't that what happens in our own lives as well? When we start to see the light and start desiring to be free from Satan's bondage in certain areas of our life, he tightens the chains and temptations! It makes us think, "Things are only getting more difficult. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea afterall to try to break away from these sinful habits!" Yes, Satan doesn't want to let us go free from Egypt, even today...

The task of "making bricks without straw/stubble" and increased persecution for the Israelites makes me think of the testing we will receive at the end of time. The Bible tells us the works of self "stubble" will be all burned up! Only that which has been accomplished thru the Holy Spirit will last! "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble [In the words, any foundation other than Jesus Christ is a dangerous foundation and will be destroyed]; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is." ( I Cor. 3:11-13) In Luke 3:17 we are told, "... He will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable." Luke 3:17

As the difficulties were increased Moses didn't want to go back and speak to Pharaoh. Do you blame him? His cry to God, "I am a man of uncircumcised lips!" (This is our condition as well! The sooner we recognize this, the better...) 

In Isaiah we see a similar cry: "Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts. Then flew one of the seraphim unto me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar: And he laid it upon my mouth, and said, Lo, this hath touched thy lips; and thine iniquity is taken away, and thy sin purged." (Isa. 6:6-7)

The following passage from Inspiration really speaks to me regarding this experience the Israelites had to walk through before leaving Egypt :

"The Hebrews had expected to obtain their freedom without any special trial of their faith or any real suffering or hardship. But they were not yet prepared for deliverance. They had little faith in God, and were unwilling patiently to endure their afflictions until He should see fit to work for them. Many were content to remain in bondage rather than meet the difficulties attending removal to a strange land; and the habits of some had become so much like those of the Egyptians that they preferred to dwell in Egypt. Therefore the Lord did not deliver them by the first manifestation of His power before Pharaoh. He overruled events more fully to develop the tyrannical spirit of the Egyptian king and also to reveal Himself to His people. Beholding His justice, His power, and His love, they would choose to leave Egypt and give themselves to His service." – {PP 260.2}

The children of Israel had a bitter cup to drink. In today's reading of Matthew 20 Jesus questions his disciples: "Are you able to drink this cup?" The truth is, we are not able, none of us are able, except by the grace of God.

Tomorrow's reading: Ex. 7-8 and Psalms 13-14

Day 26 - What is in Your Hand?

Today's Reading: Ex. 3-4, and Matt. 19

Isn't it interesting that after all the time in the courts of Egypt, Moses thought he was ready to deliver Israel, and he attempted to do just that in his youthful strength. But God had to send him to the wilderness for another 40 years to humble him and show him how UNQUALIFIED he was before he could start leading the children of Israel successfully! And so God has allowed many of His great men over the centuries to have a time in the wilderness before He really began to use them mightily. In fact, if you ask most leaders in ministry or in the church today, you will probably find that they TOO have walked their years in the wilderness...

In Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 255 we are told, "Had Moses relied upon his own strength and wisdom, and eagerly accepted the great charge [when God came to him at the burning bush], he would have evinced his entire unfitness for such a work." Wow! Good lessons for us today!!

I really love Exodus 4:1-2 where Moses starts arguing with God about his LACK of qualifications... And yet God responds, "What's in your hand? Just use what what's in your hand!"

What was in Moses hand? The ROD! Let's think about that a minute... A rod is used for many things, and all men carried rods in Bible times. It was a means of protection, a measuring stick, something that guides, comforts, and chastens! What is the Word of God? It's a Rod...the Rod that measures and divides truth from darkness, that guides us, comforts us, chastens us. 

Imagine if today's Christian men and women carried the ROD (the Word of God) with them everywhere they went like the men of Israel carried their staff/rod!

Who is the real ROD?? Jesus Christ! "And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots." Isa. 11:1

The rod became a serpent! It became the symbol of Satan, and sin. So Jesus, our perfect righteousness cast Himself to the earth and became sin for us. 

God told Moses in Exodus 4:17, "And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs." So today the signs of Divine power can only come thru a Divine source: God! Jesus Christ! 

I''ve been trying to share only a brief nugget in these daily blogs, but everything is significant in these chapters we've been reading... and everything points to Jesus. I admit sometimes I am praying and looking more earnestly in my daily Bible reading, and sometimes I'm more weary and distracted and I'm looking only for something to minister to my urgent need... And that is enough, for God is always ready to supply our need. But as my mom use to always tell me, "You will find what you are looking for!" 

What are you looking for as you read God's Word today? Let's not settle for a superficial reading. Let's dig deeply! There's gold here... Jesus is here!

Tomorrow's Reading: Ex. 5-6, and Matthew 20

Day 25 - Does our Work for God multiple under Affliction?

Today's Reading: Exodus 1-2, and Psalm 11-12

Wow, this reading is bursting with so many unique spiritual lessons and also parallels to the life of Jesus!

It's interesting that the more the Egyptians afflicted the children of Israel, the more they multiplied. Reminds me of the seed of the Martyrs in the dark ages. We are told that their blood was seed and for all those killed, many more sprang up. But what about when we are afflicted today? Do our works for the glory of God also multiply under affliction (they should), or do we cave into a heap of despair when the afflictions increase?

The Egyptians tried to use the stone work to break the Israelites, but the Israelites couldn't be broken by bricks and mortar because they were founded on the True Stone, Jesus Christ. Rather than being broken by the trials of the enemy, let us allow our hearts to be broken on the True Stone, the Rock Jesus Christ, and He will hold us fast.

At last a deliverer was born! Moses was put in an Ark to safety on the water. Jesus is our ark to safety. He is also the living Water.

Pharaoh's daughter rescued the Moses! This is such an interesting twist of providence. The very waters that should have led to his death, led to his deliverance. (Interesting parallel to baptism!) Here the daughter of the very man [the King] who is trying to kill all the Hebrew baby boys rescues the very one who will end up saving God's people from his hand! I just love how God always does the unexpected!

Moses was at home until 12 years old. Then he was sent to his mission field in Pharaoh's palace. Jesus was home until 12 years old, and then He began His father's business in the mission field called earth. WOW!!!!

Moses grew up in the Kings court! What great training by worldly standards, especially if you are going to be a great leader. However, God saw that he needed humble lessons as a shepherd before he could shepherd Gods people.

Psalms 11 and 12 actually makes the lessons of Exodus 3 and 4 sweeter as these passages talk about how God TESTS the righteous...but even in the test, He still sees. His eyes are upon His people in their affliction. And the bitter cup that the children of Israel had to drink for over 400 years, Jesus drank as well at the Cross, in a much greater degree. The children of Israel were at last delivered from their bitter cup, but Jesus was not delivered.

I am amazed, as I've been following the Longing for God reading plan, how I keep finding the reading from the Old Testament are so often complimented or expounded upon in the reading from Psalms or from the New Testament. It's like these chapters have been divinely arranged to work together to tell the story, to make the lessons sink in deeper. God's Word is truly pure Gold and is Divinely Inspired, for no human hand could have arranged this!

Tomorrow's reading: Exodus 3-4 and Matt. 19

Day 24 - God Meant it for Good!

Today's Reading: Gen. 49-50, Matt. 18

Today once again I was encouraged as I read Joseph's response to his brothers in the face of their fear. They were guilty for treating him wrongfully and selling him as a slave. They were guilty of causing a lot of pain and grief in his life. And once their father died, they were expecting him to finally give them their just reward  I love his response in the face of their fears.

"But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Gen. 50:20)

Yes, God meant it for good... and what the enemy means for evil in our lives today, God can still turn for good as well. That gives a new perspective on hardship, trials, persecution or struggles...

Just as Joseph so graciously forgave his brothers and nourished them and took care of them, so God does the same for us today...even though we are guilty of murdering His Son. I love how Matthew 18 brought out that we shouldn't just forgive once... but 70X7... in other words, there is never a time to stop forgiving. We can't forgive this way in our own strength, but with the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, we can do what we could not otherwise do. Praise the Lord!

Tomorrow we begin Exodus 1-2 and continue with Psalm 11-12

Day 23 - More beautiful Glimpses of Jesus

Today's Reading: Gen. 47-48 and Matt. 17

I love seeing the reunion of Joseph with his father... makes me think of how wonderful the reunion will be someday with our heavenly Father.

Joseph brought 5 of his brothers before Pharaoh. Probably the most attractive ones. And he expected special privileges and treatment for them. He told Pharaoh, "my father and my brethren are come."

And yet I think it's interesting that Jesus did the exact opposite. When people interrupted Jesus while He was teaching, they said "Your mother and brethren are here!" They were expecting Jesus to give them special treatment or deference. And yet Jesus responded, "Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother." Matt. 12:48-50

We all become entitled to the bounties of heaven….when we do God's will!! So beautiful and powerful! We are adopted children of the KING!!!

Pharaoh told Joseph that the land of Egypt is before thee. He gave Joseph's family the BEST of the land. Thankfully when we come to Gods throne, He also gives us His best. He gives us a land flowing with milk and honey.... On this earth spiritually. In heaven physically. "Oh taste and see that God is good!" Ps. 34:8

Pharaoh offers to make Joseph brothers ruler over his cattle. Jesus makes us shepherds over His sheep. He could have saved the world and won people to Himself without our help, but He asks us to be co-labors with Him. Even the angels desire to do the work we get to do, but Jesus asked us to do this special work of winning souls to the kingdom. Again goes back to "Taste and see!" When we taste and see that God is good, we will want to share Him with others!

Jacob tells Pharaoh "few and evil have the days of the years of my life been." And yet Jacob went through tremendous trials and pain, with his separation from his father Isaac in earlier years, working for Laban all those years, and then losing his son Joseph. And yet when it's all over, he says few and evil have the days of my life been." In other words, it sounds to me like Jacob is saying they haven't been that bad. God has been good!

When we get to heaven we will say we would not choose to walk any other way! While right now we may experience trials and sufferings in this life, when we get to heaven it won't look that bad as we look back and consider the glories of what has been given us by God.

Reminds me of one of my favorite promises I've claimed during times of intense grief and trial. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Rom. 8:18

One other thing that jumped out at me is that Joseph's sons received Jacob's name... And we are someday to receive Jesus' name. So beautiful! I sure am looking forward to the Promised Land, to Heaven. No more heartache, no more tears... no more separation from family members.

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 49-50

Day 22 - It wasn't You that sent me here, but God!

Today's Reading: Gen. 45-46 and Matt. 16

I love today's reading, how Joseph finally reveals himself to his brothers and their utter shock and amazement, seeing how their lives have fulfilled the very dreams that they scoffed at in their youth. We can also imagine their horror at discovering they are at the mercy of their brother. He could do anything to them now... but Joseph doesn't give them their just reward. He's tested them enough. He sees their repentance, and he gives them mercy and forgiveness. I love how he tells them, "It was NOT you that sent me here, but God, so that I could preserve your lives."

What if we could speak with this faith and assurance, even when we haven't seen the end of the story yet. "It wasn't you that made this happen, it was God that allowed it...and He promises all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purpose." Beautiful illustration of how God also treats us. He doesn't give us our just reward for murdering His Son...instead He takes us in His arms, embraces us, weeps upon us when we repent, gives us grace and mercy, and invites us to come home.

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 47-48 and Matthew 17

Day 21 - From Accuser to Intercessor

Reading Gen. 43-44 and Psalm 10

In Genesis 37:26 it is Judah's suggestion that they sell Joseph as a slave... now it's interesting to see in Genesis 44:22 that it is Judah that is pleading with Joseph (he doesn't yet know it is Joseph) for the life and freedom of his brother Benjamin. He's willing EVEN to take Benjamin's place and be a slave forever, just so that Benjamin can return home to his father. What a contrast and what a change in heart has occurred over the years since he was willing to sell Joseph as a slave.

Ellen White writes: "Joseph was satisfied. He had seen in his brothers the fruits of true repentance." And at this he asked all the Egyptians to leave that he might disclose himself to his brothers.

This begs me to ask the question, "What are the true fruits of repentance? If you are truly sorry you've wronged someone, might you go from being an accuser to an intercessor on their behalf?"

Deep thoughts to ponder!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 45-46 and Matthew 16

Day 20 - Are We Preparing for the Famine?

Today's Reading: Gen. 41-42 and Matt. 15

I was inspired to read again the story of Joseph being taken from prison and promoted to governor of the land. He was called to store up bread to save the people of Egypt. However, he would have never been called to this position if he hadn't already been storing up the Living Bread in his heart daily. It was Joseph's faithfulness and trust in the Living Bread that allowed him to be used to give bread to the people in the time of crisis.

What a lesson this brings for our lives today! Right now, at least for those of us in the Western World, we live in a land of plenty--plenty of spiritual resources, freedom, and abundance. Are we storing up bread for the coming famine? Or are we being wasteful, neglectful, and taking for granted what God is giving us?

Amos 8:11 says, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD."

Will we like Joseph, be prepared for this famine? Will we be prepared to feed the hungry people?

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 43-44 and Psalm 10

Day 19 - Faithful behind Bars!

 Today's Reading: Gen. 39-40 and Matthew 14

Reading today, I was inspired once again by Joseph's faithfulness even as a captive. He could have been difficult, he could have done the least needed to get by.... but it's obvious he was a diligent servant that went above and beyond the call of duty...that's why he got promoted.

In prison, he could have sat down in a heap and grumbled and decided he was going to stop serving. But he remained faithful there, and was promoted again. Wow! And the keeper of the prison didn't even worry about anything that he did... He trusted Joseph!

This challenges me.... am I faithfully doing my best, even willing to go above and beyond the call of duty no matter the circumstance and no matter how I'm treated? Will I continue to do this even if I am behind prison bars? I pray so! Someday, we might just be put to that test!

I also love the parallels we see to Christ. In prison there was a butler and baker who were cast into prison with Joseph. One lived (the butler) and one died (the baker). So Jesus was surrounded by two thieves on the Cross. One chose to believe and will have eternal life, and one died the eternal death due to unbelief.

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 41-42, and Matthew 15

Day 18 - Pictures of Jesus

Today's reading: Gen. 37-38 and Psalm 9

As I begin reading the story of Joseph, in Genesis 37, so many pictures of Jesus jump out at me--maybe because a close friend and I have previously studied this story in more depth.* But anyway, here's just a few examples:

1. Genesis 37:2: "Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers. ... and Joseph brought a bad report of them to his father." In His earthly ministry, Jesus also fed the flock (the people of Israel) with His brothers (the "church leaders"), and unfortunately he had to bring a bad report about them to His Father because they were not doing their work properly. They were hypocrites!

2. Genesis 37:4: "But when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him." I think there was also jealousy from Jesus earthly brothers because of the special care and love his parents gave him. They probably felt he was treated preferentially at times. Of course the church leaders of Jesus' day hated Jesus and could not speak peaceably to Him, even more as they saw God's favor upon Him.

3. Genesis 37:5: "Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more." These dreams pointed to Joseph as their ruler. Also, we see in the Old Testament how the prophecies pointed to Jesus as the coming King and Redeemer. Did the church leaders, in their deepest of hearts, recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of those prophecies and hate Him even more?

4. Genesis 37:11: "And his brothers envied him, but his father kept the matter in mind." Here I am reminded of what happened to Mary when the shepherds came worshiping Jesus. In Luke 2:19 we are told: "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart."

5. Genesis 37:13: "And Israel said to Joseph, "Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, I will send you to them." So he said to him, "Here I am." God sent Jesus on a long journey from His heavenly home to this earth, and Jesus willingly went, saying, "Here am I." What a lesson in total obedience!

6. Genesis 37:18: "Now when they saw him afar off, even before he came near them, they conspired against him to kill him." King Herod conspired to kill Jesus before He was even close to being a potential threat. Jesus was still a baby.

7. Genesis 37:23: "So it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph of his tunic." Before being crucified, Jesus was stripped of His clothes.

8. Genesis 37:24: "Then they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it." Jesus was desperately thirsty on the cross. But there was no water for Him.

9. Genesis 37:28: "Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt." It was Judah's idea to sell Joseph. Likewise, Judah (Judas) sold Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. I also think we shouldn't miss the point here that Joseph was sold to the "Ishmaelites." He's basically a descendant of Isaac sold to the people, born of the flesh, the descendants of Ishmael. And so Jesus was sold to the people of flesh--in fact, He took our place so that we could be born of the Spirit.

10. Genesis 37:31: "So they took Joseph's tunic, killed a kid of the goats, and dipped the tunic in the blood." A slaughtered baby goat reminds us of the temple sacrifices in Old Testament times. This text foreshadows Jesus dying at the hands of His brothers, the church leaders.

As we continue through Joseph's story in Genesis, we will see even more illustrations and pictures of Jesus. Looking for Jesus in the Scriptures is so fascinating, and I hope more are inspired to do this with their Bible study. 

*I am not the originator of all these thoughts. Many of these points are copied from earlier notes that a friend shared from reading Gen. 37. As a result of this study a couple years ago, my eyes really began to open to seeing Jesus in the stories of Scripture.

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 39-40 and Matthew 14

Day 17 - What is unbelief hindering in our life?

Today's Reading: Gen. 34-36 & Matt. 13

I was really struck by the significance of Matthew 13:58. The background is that Jesus is in His home church and home community preaching... and instead of welcoming Him, they were offended. They kept reasoning, "How could he say or do such things...isn't this just that carpenter's son? He's no one special! Why is everyone making such a big deal of this man?"

As a result we are told: "Now He did NOT many mighty works there because of their unbelief." 

So my question is... what mighty works is He not able to do in our lives today because of OUR unbelief? Have we tried in some way to rationalize away the divinity of our Lord and Savior?

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 37-38 and Ps. 9

Day 16 - The Perfect Prayer Model

 Today's Reading: Gen. 32-33, and Matt. 12

Genesis 32 is one of my favorite chapters when it comes to prayer as Jacob wrestles with the angel (the Lord) and holds on saying, "I will not let go except you bless me." And God grants his requests.

But this time as I read through the chapter, I actually saw an earlier prayer that led up to that desperate prayer that I hadn't seen before.

Let's start a few verses earlier (Gen. 32:9-12) where Jacob actually prays, in his desperation, the perfect prayer model.

The Perfect Prayer Model:

• He approaches God in worship and reverence, acknowledging WHO He is: "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac..."
• He claims God's Word, reminding Him what He said: "...Who said to me, 'Return to your country and I will deal well with you...' "
• He pleads his own unworthiness: "I am not worthy of the least of all your mercies which you have shown your servant..." (Inspiration tells us, "From the soul who feels his need nothing is withheld. He has unrestricted access to Him in whom all fulness dwells." (DA 300)
• He gives his earnest desperate plea: "Deliver me Lord!"
• He once again claims God's Word: "For You SAID, 'I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.' "
• Then he did the best in his power to make peace -- by sending Esau presents with a message of humility - "These come from your servant Jacob"
• Then comes the famous prayer where he continued to wrestle until breakthrough: "I will not let you go accept you bless me..."

And God answered his prayer and blessed him! But it's because it came with humility, with need, backed up by His own Word.

What a beautiful model and illustration of what true prayer should look like! I love it!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 34-36 and Matt. 13

Day 15 - A Call to the Weary - That's Me!

Today's Reading Gen. 30-31 and Matt. 11

I love today's reading in Matthew 11, especially because I've just returned from almost a month of being on the road, and I'm quite weary: From Baltimore Maryland to Loma Linda California, to Phoenix Arizona, back to Loma Linda, then on to Spokane WA, and to Trout Creek Montana, then back to Spokane, and a flight to Eugene Oregon, and then down to Roseburg. Then early today from Roseburg, up to Eugene, then a flight to Seattle and finally back to Baltimore Maryland. Yeah! God is good!

Jesus has a special call for the weary. "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matt. 11:28-30)

I'm so thankful to be home and to be resting in the arms of Jesus! When I get caught up on sleep and rest and re-oriented, I might have a few deeper thoughts to share...but right now... my brain is weary, and my body is weary. I'm just thankful for Christ' call to rest.

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 32-33 & Matt. 12

Day 14 - Surely the Lord is in This Place!

Today's Reading: Gen. 28-29, and Ps. 7-8

I love the story of Jacob's dream of the ladder stretching to heaven. Here he was so discouraged and thinking he had forever distanced himself from God by deceiving his father for the birthright, and God gives him this dream.

When Jacob wakes up, he says simply: "Surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it not." (Gen. 28:16.). And the rock that was his pillow (that he was grumbling about the night before), became the symbol of his experience at the "gate of heaven." What had been hard and painful and difficult became his memorial to God's greatness and to God's presence. Yes even in those dark discouraging times when we feel forsaken and all alone, God is there.

I love the song that goes with this verse--one of my favorites:

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel God's mighty power and God's grace.
I can hear the brush of angel's wings,
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

In the midst of His children
The Lord said He would be.
It doesn't take very many
It can be just two or three.
And I feel that same sweet spirit
That I felt oft times before.
Surely I can say
I've been with My Lord

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel God's mighty power and God's grace.
I can hear the brush of angel's wings,
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.

There's a holy hush around us,
As God's glory fills this place.
I've touched the hem of God's garment,
I can almost see God's face.
And my heart is over flowing
With the fullness of God's joy.
And I know, without a doubt,
That I've been with the Lord.

Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.
I can feel God's mighty power and God's grace.
I can hear the brush of angel's wings,
I see glory on each face.
Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 30-31 and Matt. 11

Day 13 - Jesus' Personal Principles for Service!

Today's Reading: Gen. 26-27 and Matt. 10

For today's blog highlight of my Bible reading, I'm going to skip over the story line I've been following in Genesis and go to Matthew 10.

Matthew 10 is packed with so many gold nuggets and practical lessons. In fact, I was thinking to myself a day or so ago, that if Christians really understood and lived by the principles shared in the first few chapters of Matthew, this world would be a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT place. The principles of Christian living that Christ enunciates to His disciples and the multitudes pressing around are so backwards and opposite from what normal living usually is.

In Matthew 10, I see a list of principles for service that Christ gives His disciples. Here they are in a Melody paraphrase and nutshell:

• I've given to you freely, now FREELY give to others!
• Don't stress or worry about provision for the journey -- just Go!
• Be wise, stay humble! You will be mingling with those who want to devour you!
• Expect persecution! It comes to all those that follow Me!
• Don't worry what to say when the pressure comes -- I will give you the words right when you need them!
• The lessons I teach you in the dark discouraging times, share with others in the light!
• If you are not ashamed to speak of Me, I will not be ashamed to speak of you!
• If you love anything or ANYONE more than me, you aren't worthy of Me! (Don't forget, I left all Heaven for YOU!)
• Don't run from the cross! Take it up gladly! But remember, I took up the CROSS first! 

It's interesting how we see Jesus life and yet, when we start to face some of the things He faced, we cry "What is happening Lord, why am I going through this hardship?!"

Yes, these principles for service aren't popular, or aren't what we'd normally like to hear. They are "otherworldly' -- in other worlds, they come from a different world than our own. But wow, how life transforming they will be if we recognize the reality and the eternal glory of the mission to which we are called. We must remember that Jesus will never ask us to do anything that He has not already done. He has led the way... Let's follow His steps! 

Tears come to my eyes as I read and contemplate today's thoughts... 

"Lord, forgive me for the times I've been ashamed to speak, ashamed to stick out, ashamed and reluctant to take up my cross... Forgive me for the times I've held Your blessings to myself and not been willing to share freely as You've shared with me... Change my heart today Lord! Make me more like You..."

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 28-29, Psalms 7-8

Day 12 - The Battle Within

Today's Reading: Gen. 24-25 and Matt. 9

Wow... so many stories and awesome lessons to learn from today's reading: Lessons in finding a good wife (pray hard, and look for someone that is willing to water lots of camels), learning to have quick obedience (like Rebecca had in being willing to leave right away), and not repeating the sins of the fathers (like Isaac did in not going and taking another wife because Rebecca was barren for their first 20 years of marriage!) Of course, Matthew 9 also had an abundance of powerful lessons on what it means to live and pray in faith.

But for today's highlight, I'd like to focus on one simple part -- and that is THE BATTLE WITHIN.

In Gen. 25:22-23 we find Rebecca, Isaac's wife, pregnant with twins, and yet even before they were born, there is a battle taking place in her womb. I believe it's a battle that is still taking place in each one of our hearts today.

You see, the Bible tells us that the battle represents two nations and two manner of people. I believe it can also represent the battle between the flesh and the spirit.

Naturally, the flesh comes out first...all very much focused on himself and getting his needs met. That's how we are born, and that was Esau. He was the firstborn, and he was willing to give up his birthright (representing God's blessing) just because of the lusts of his flesh. He esteemed God's blessing lightly. He was the mighty hunter, and the one that probably had all the women swooning, but he was not controlled by the spirit of God, but by his own temporal desires.

Esau was the firstborn, and naturally, he should have been the leader, but instead, he was to serve the younger. In the same way, our firstborn carnal flesh should not rule. Instead the spirit of God should rule--represented by Jacob (imperfectly) and by Jesus Christ Himself (perfectly), the second Adam. Although Jacob was imperfect, remember, it was through his seed that the promised Son eventually came...while he failed, he also repented and pled for God's mercy--and that's what one who is controlled by the Spirit will do. (But now I'm getting ahead of the story...)

So who will win the battle within, in our lives today, the flesh or the spirit? The lusts of the flesh, or the power of God?

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 26-27, and Matthew 10

Day 11 - Will we Lay our Isaac down?

 Today's Reading: Gen. 22-23 and Psalm 5-6

What is the most valuable gift God has given you? Are you willing to surrender that gift back to God? This is tough! But this is the exact test that Abraham had to walk though. After waiting for years, he finally had his promised son. But the next thing we know, God is asking Abraham to give Isaac up! How could this be? Really it doesn't make sense to the natural human mind. Why would God give a gift just to take it back? Why would God ask Abraham to sacrifice his son....the promised seed that he had waited so many years to have?

I love the following commentary on the story from the book Patriarchs and Prophets:

"God had called Abraham to be the father of the faithful, and his life was to stand as an example of faith to succeeding generations. But his faith had not been perfect. He had shown distrust of God in concealing the fact that Sarah was his wife, and again in his marriage with Hagar. That he might reach the highest standard, God subjected him to another test, the closest which man was ever called to endure. In a vision of the night he was directed to repair to the land of Moriah, and there offer up his son as a burnt offering upon a mountain that should be shown him.

At the time of receiving this command, Abraham had reached the age of a hundred and twenty years. He was regarded as an old man, even in his generation. In his earlier years he had been strong to endure hardship and to brave danger, but now the ardor of his youth had passed away. One in the vigor of manhood may with courage meet difficulties and afflictions that would cause his heart to fail later in life, when his feet are faltering toward the grave. But God had reserved His last, most trying test for Abraham until the burden of years was heavy upon him, and he longed for rest from anxiety and toil. 

The patriarch was dwelling at Beersheba, surrounded by prosperity and honor. He was very rich, and was honored as a mighty prince by the rulers of the land. Thousands of sheep and cattle covered the plains that spread out beyond his encampment. On every side were the tents of his retainers, the home of hundreds of faithful servants. The son of promise had grown up to manhood by his side. Heaven seemed to have crowned with its blessing a life of sacrifice in patient endurance of hope deferred.

In the obedience of faith, Abraham had forsaken his native country—had turned away from the graves of his fathers and the home of his kindred. He had wandered as a stranger in the land of his inheritance. He had waited long for the birth of the promised heir. At the command of God he had sent away his son Ishmael. And now, when the child so long desired was entering upon manhood, and the patriarch seemed able to discern the fruition of his hopes, a trial greater than all others was before him." (pp. 147-148)

Abraham could have easily reasoned himself out of obedience... but he knew the voice of God. He did not doubt that the one who had led him thus far would continue to lead. And if He [God] was asking for Isaac, Abraham trusted that God would work a miracle in raising him from the dead.

As I close today's highlight -- let's ask ourselves, "Will we lay our Isaac down?"

I want to share a closing thought by Chris Holland about this great test of faith for Abraham. His words are are followed by the song: "I lay my Isaac Down." Beautiful!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 24-25 and Matthew 9

Day 10 - God kept His Word!

Today's Reading: Gen. 20-21, and Matt. 8

Today's reading was extra meaningful to me, (for many personal reasons) because Isaac, the promised child, was finally born! Over and over God had promised Abraham and Sara that they would have a son, and yet the years went by one after another and still no son was born. Not only did it seem more and more humanly improbable, but it got downright impossible -- at least as far as Sara was concerned. And yet Gen. 18:14 reminded us, "Is anything too hard for the Lord?" Nope! Nothing is too hard for the Lord!

Although I've read this story time and time again, each time I read it afresh, it gives me new courage and hope and trust in our Amazing God, because... if He kept His Word for Abraham, I know He will keep His Word for me. God always keeps His Word. His Word cannot return to Him void, it cannot fail to come true. It's impossible...in fact just as impossible as it was for Sara NOT to have a son... because God said it was going to happen and nothing could stop that, not even her age or the deadness of her womb.

What are you waiting on God to do in your life? What has He promised that you've not yet seen fulfilled?

If we know we are praying according to the will of God (1 John 5:14), instead of looking at our feelings, our circumstances, or the discouraging situations we often find ourselves in, let's look up in faith knowing that God's promises to us WILL be fulfilled! We don't know how, we don't know when...but since we have the promise, we have the assurance of the gift. And in God's perfect time, the miracle Issac we are waiting for will be born.

As my favorite author writes, "Whatever gift He promises, is in the promise itself. 'The seed is the word of God.' Luke 8:11. As surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely is the gift of God in His promise. If we receive the promise, we have the gift." Education, p. 253

There are so many promises I could share with this story... but let me close with this one, which also gives me such courage.

"And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof." Josh 23:14

Yes, someday when we get to heaven (and many times even in this life too), we will look back and we will see, God truly did keep His Word. Not one thing He said has failed. It ALL came to pass!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 22-23, Psalms 5-6

Day 9 - Go forward and don't look back!

Today's reading: Gen. 18-19, and Matt. 7

As I was reading Genesis 19 today, I was struck again by the final result of Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom. In the beginning he was still in the plains, only looking towards Sodom. Now we find that he's not living on the outskirts anymore. He's IN the city! And his daughters have married the local men. He is well invested in his life there...

And then the angels from heaven (disguised as two travelers) come to his home and tell him it's time to leave, as fire is about to fall on this city of wickedness. But Lot lingers...and his hesitancy actually cost his wife's life. 

Ellen White writes, "If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels’ warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning. While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she perished with it." (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 161).

I'm reminded that there are things God tells us to leave behind as He urges us to let go of the world and take the narrow path toward heaven (Narrow path referred to in today's reading of Matthew 7). Will we obey His command and go forward with full heart, or will we keep looking longingly back at the things He's asked us to leave behind... ??

I say it's time we go forward and STOP looking back! If God is taking something from us or asking us to walk away from dreams, opportunities, treasures, or something else significant, it's probably because it's getting in the way of our receiving eternal life. So don't look back. Go forward! He has your best interest at heart--and mine too!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 20-21 and Matthew 8

Day 8 - What is Your Ishmael?

Today's Reading: Gen. 16-17 and Matt. 6

Again and again, God has reminded Abram that he will have a son...but when the years go by and the promise is not fulfilled, Sarai decides to take things into her own hands -- and Abram's faith falters and he goes along with the plan. This is when Hagar and Ishmael come into the story. This was not God's plan, it was a sad detour...that we are still suffering the results of today!

In Patriarchs and Prophets we read: "Abraham had accepted without question the promise of a son but he did not wait for God to fulfill His word in His own time and way. A delay was permitted to test his faith in the power of God; but he [Abraham] failed to endure the trial." (p. 145)

I hate to admit this, but how many times I've done the same thing... I believe that God has promised something or is working something out in my life (maybe a job, a ministry opportunity, a relationship), and instead of waiting on God, just like Sarai, I have the tendency to try to birth an Ishmael. Thankfully God is gracious and what the enemy means for evil, He can still turn and use for good.

So what is YOUR Ishmael? What are you doing in your own way and strength that you should be surrendering and waiting on God to do? Let's not make the same mistake that Abram and Sarai made. Let's wait on God. Truly He will work all things together (work opportunities, ministry opportunities, relationships, and much more) for good in His time.

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 18-19, and Matthew 7

Day 7 - If God fights for us...

Today's Reading: Gen. 14-15 and Psalms 3-4

As I read the story of Abraham and his household (300 servants born in his own house) going out to battle against the kings that had captured Lot and those of Sodom, I am amazed. Think about this...There was not just 1 king's army that had come against Sodom, but four kings (along with their armies). They had already won numerous victories. And in the final battle the 5 opposing kings had not succeeded in standing against them. Now the victorious kings are marching home with their loot and Abraham comes after them with no trained military army, but only the servants born in his own household. Where 5 kings and their armies could not prevail, God prevailed and gave Abraham the victory! Just think about it! Just WOW!! This victory reminds me of the promise in Rom. 8:31, "If God be for us, who can be against us."

As I read the second part of today's reading (Psalm 3 and 4), God drove the spiritual truths home even deeper. "But thou O Lord are a shield for me; my glory, and the lifter up of mine head...I will not be afraid of ten thousand that have set themselves against me round about." (Psalm 3:3,6)

And the chapters just go on to remind us how the Lord alone makes us dwell in safety!

We may not be fighting physical battles today, but we are fighting spiritual battles. And maybe in the past, we've only seen defeat. But maybe it's because we've been fighting in human wisdom and human strength. Let's remember that we are not alone and God is with us, fighting for us. And with Him, we can and will be victorious. But the battle must be HIS, and He must get all the glory. Like Abraham, we can't take even a shoe-latchet of praise or reward. It is God's battle!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 16-17 and Matthew 6

Day 6 - Called to a Higher Standard of Loving and Giving!

Today's Reading: Gen. 12-13 and Matt. 5

Todays reading really raises the bar on Christian behavior and living in a number of ways. Not only am I challenged afresh as I witness Abraham following God's call to step out by faith, but I am deeply challenged by the unselfish and sacrificial way Abraham treated Lot, by giving him first choice of the land. How often in the church today (in fact this is the biggest issue in the church today), we are consumed with fighting for our "rights," or for what we think we deserve. But Abraham puts all that aside as he says, "Let there be no strife between us...we are brethren. You choose what you want and go your way in peace."

It's interesting to note, however, that after Lot moved on, choosing the best and most fertile land, God told Abraham, "It's actually ALL going to be YOURS anyway. Look East, West, North, South... see all that land (even the land Lot took), I'm going to give it all to YOU!"

Regarding Abraham's unselfish deference to Lot, Ellen White writes:

"Here the noble, unselfish spirit of Abraham was displayed. How many under similar circumstances would, at all hazards, cling to their individual rights and preferences. How many households have thus been rent asunder! How many churches have been divided, making the cause of truth a byword and a reproach among the wicked." Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 132

When I got to the second half of today's reading -- Matthew 5 with the beatitudes, I saw how these thoughts were taken EVEN DEEPER. Matthew 5 deserves to have books written about the principles shared here. If we lived and loved with THIS standard of living... Jesus would return and we'd be in Heaven. Wow!! I need to re-read this chapter over and over and pray these words. This kind of love and living will turn the world upside down. And that's what Christ is waiting for. Again, in Inspiration we find these words:

"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to claim them as His own. Were all who were profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would be ripened, and Christ would come to gather the precious grain." Christ Object Lessons, p. 69

These chapters are hard to digest in a day! What a high standard God is calling us all to!

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 14-15, Psalms 3-4

Day 5 - Temptations in the Wilderness!

Today's Reading: Gen. 9-11 and Matt. 4

This past week, on New Year's Eve in fact, I visited the desert (wilderness) of dry barren Arizona. Not a place I personally wanted to hang out very long. There isn't much life, and there's lots of creepy crawly dangerous insects and reptiles.

In today's reading in Matthew, I was reminded of Jesus wilderness experience and the temptations that Satan (the Serpent) brought against His flesh at His weakest point. After all, who can fight a battle when they haven't eaten for 40 days! Ahh...but Jesus had been eating...just not of the earthly kind of bread.

This story is so powerful though, because it reminds us how Satan works even now... for he knows that when we are hungry (physically, spiritually, and emotionally), we are at our weakest point and most likely to give into temptation. That's why we must keep eating our heavenly bread, or we too will fall when the temptations come.

The first temptation against Jesus is often the one Satan uses to fall us: "God's not taking care of you! He's forgotten you. Why don't you stop waiting on Him and make your own bread--work in your own strength." Thankfully, Jesus didn’t fall for this temptation, or for those that followed. As one author nicely puts it, “Jesus would rather be fed with the smallest crust of His Father’s Word than with an entire landscape of fresh bread from anywhere else.”[i]

Is this our desire as well? Are we so ravished by one look at His face (Song 4:9), that we’d rather starve from man-made bread (lust of the flesh, lust of the world, and pride of life) than be separated from His presence?

After three attempts, Satan leaves. He cannot stand against the Word of God. And just as he could not stand then, against “It is Written,” so he cannot stand today. Thus, our only safety is in feeding on the Word of God and becoming so satisfied in Him that we have no hunger for the temptations of sin.

Inspiration tells us, “Christ resisted the temptations of the enemy with the only weapon that the soldier of the cross of Christ can successfully use – ‘It is written.’ Where? In the Old and New Testaments. With these words we are to defend ourselves and warn others, holding forth to them the Word of life.”[ii]

Oh how I love feeding upon God's Word!

Small extra note: It's interesting that my reading in Genesis 9 kind of paralleled Matthew 4. Because of Noah catering to the "lust of his flesh" a curse came -- and from that curse came some of Israel's greatest enemies. Also came some of the greatest enemies of our spiritual growth today! Thankfully where Adam fell and Noah fell, Christ overcame. 

Tomorrow's Reading: Gen. 12-13, and Matt. 5

---

[i] Ken Gire, Moments with the Savior, p. 65

[i] Review and Herald, July 13, 1897, par. 3

Day 4 - Lessons from Noah's Sacrifice!

Today's Reading: Gen. 7-8 and Psalms 1-2

Wow! Only four days into this Bible reading challenge and already being so blessed!

So many lessons from today. Today the key thought I'd like to share focuses on Noah and his sacrifice of WORSHIP and THANKSGIVING at the end of the flood.

In Genesis 8:20 we find Noah offering 1 of every clean animal and bird that he brought with him in the Ark. (If you think about it, that was a lot of animals to kill!) Of course, keep in mind there are only 7 clean animals total of each species..so the population of said species is practically extinct, and there aren't much options left for repopulating the earth, or for clean meat. And yet by this sacrifice, Noah expressed faith and confidence in God's ability to provide, as he seemed to say, "I'd rather have less animals with YOUR BLESSING, and trust You to provide, then keep what I see for myself without Your blessing!" This was like a tithe he made to God and is a great lesson for us today in tithing--even when we have so little. However, even beyond this lesson, we find a symbol of the Sabbath being shared.

God says, I made six days for you, but the 7th is for me! Here we find Noah and his family get to keep 6 animals (of each clean species), but the 7th animal is for God. Beautiful! And of course, God multiplied what was left. What a great God we serve!

Prayer: Dear Lord, may we truly learn what it means to sacrifice our first fruits, our best, our all, for Your glory! May we never forget that not only is the 7th Yours, but all we have is Yours!

Tomorrow's reading: Gen. 9-11, and Matthew 4