The purpose of Exodus is to record the events of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt and development as a nation. Exodus is thus the book of redemption from bondage to Pharaoh into a covenant relationship with God. From Egypt to Sinai, Israel learns of the might and power of God and the importance of national worship.
On Monday, we learn from Ex 3 that All Sufficient God Meets Needs. On Tuesday, we learn from Ex 9 that God Gives Purpose In Life. On Wed, we learn from Ex 13 to Move With God’s Guidance. On Thursday, we learn from Ex 20 to Listen Carefully to What God Say. On Friday, we learn from Ex 20 to Listen & Obey the Holy God. On Saturday, we learn from Ex 40 to Follow God’s Way Patiently.
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who adore You: For the All Sufficient God Meets Needs and He Gives Purpose In Life. For we should Listen Carefully What God Say & Move With His Guidance. For we should Listen & Obey Holy God and Follow His Way Patiently.
The Welsh hymnwriter William Williams (1717-1791) compared the Christian life to the Israelites’ trek through the wilderness. We may not know the route by which God is leading us, but we humbly count on His guidance. For 43 years William preached and sang throughout Wales. And according to one writer, William sang Wales into piety.
Lord, we purpose to Follow You: Then the Lord spoke to Moses… On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of the meeting (Ex 40:1-2) Then you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle and wash them with water… Moses proceeded to do everything as the Lord had commanded(12-16). Then the cloud covered Tabernacle and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle… Whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were Until it lifted (Exodus 40:34-37).
Lord, we note when the Israelites were following God in wilderness, they waited until the cloud rose and led them; sometimes long beyond their own comfort level. That isn’t easy to do, but it’s an exercise of faith and listening. God want us to ask and wait; and wait some more until we’ve heard. Grant us Lord the grace of faith to wait upon You so that You will renew our strength. In Jesus’ name.
Lord, tell me everything that I need to know so that I can get to Your work & eternal perspective. Reveal destructive tendencies to enable informed decision making. Reveal the assignments so that I can plan engagement strategy. I am eager to understand the facts and ensuing wisdom that will enable me honour You with my life. Amen.
Lord, I submit my every step to You; the one who is in controI. I invite You to direct my path preferably with my awareness. Give me Lord understanding when I need it; and give me trust when I don’t understand. Lead me into the land of promise which You have designed for me. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
For the first time in four centuries, the Israelites are free to worship and walk with their holy God. But how do they approach God? At Mount Sinai Moses prepares the pple to receive the law which they promise to obey. After two days of purification,the nation witnesses an awesome display of God’s majesty as He descends in a thick cloud to deliver the Ten Commandments, the broad moral principles which guide the new nation and set it apart from its pagan neighbours. They also receive civil & ceremonial laws to regulate the life of Israel.
Lord, help us love u by obeying u: I am the Lord your God, who Rescued you from the land of Egypt, the place of your slavery. You must not have any other God but me. You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind…(Ex 20:2-17) When the people heard the thunder and saw the flashes of lightning… they stood at a distance, trembling with fear… Don’t be afraid, Moses answered them: for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning (Exo 20:18-20). You shall not make anything to be with Me; gods of silver or… gold you shall not make for yourselves. An altar of earth you shall make for me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings… (And) I will come to you, and I will bless you (v23-24).
Father God, You revealed Your Law to the Israelites at Sinai. Through the law, they learned more about what You are like and how You expect Your people to live. Grant us hunger to feed on Your Word each day and want to be holy. Help us love You more and empower our good intentions, for apart from You we can really do nothing. Amen.
Father God, You are pure & holy; and You are a consuming fire. Thanks You Jesus for rescuing us from slavery to sin and death. In gratitude we purpose to follow Your ways and what You want. Help us show our love to Him by responding obediently to what God wants. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Lord, we acknowledge that You are holy and jealous God; and don’t want us to have idols in our lives. But instead You desire from us burnt offerings and peace offerings so that we have clear conscience. Teach us ways to honour You in our lives; in our thots, words & deeds. Let our desires reflect Yr yearnings and let our lips bring You delight. Enable us to lead a life that truly respects You & bless others. Amen
Delivering the people from Egyptian bondage is only the first step in God’s plan to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land of Canaan. Many obstacles lie ahead. Pharaoh, whose heart is again hardened, sends his armies in pursuit of Moses and the people. Trapped bet the Red Sea & rapidly approaching chariots of Egypt, the people Cry Out in desperation and God answers miraculously.
Lord, we’ll Pray, Listen and Act: Order the Israelites to… camp… along the shore… I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh & his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD! (Exo 14:1-4). So the Egyptians pursued them, all the horses and chariots… And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted their eyes, and behold the Egyptians marched after them. So they were very afraid and the children of Israel Cried Out to the Lord (Exodus 14:9-10). Moses said to the people: Do not be afraid. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord…(He) will fight for u…And the Lord said to Moses: Why do you Cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to Go Forward. Lift up your rod & stretch out over the sea & divide it. And the children of Israel shall go on dry ground thru the midst of the sea (v13-16).
Lord, I am listening for Your voice, and I am not ruling out anything unless it really contradicts Your infallible word or holy character. For there is no twist in this life journey that is beyond Your nature. So, Lead me Lord into and out of any predicament You may choose that may not make sense in near term but will be eventually. Amen.
Lord, just like the Israelites we may find ourselves with dashed hope. But trust that every unexpected twist of events was part of Your sovereign and deliberate plan. Everything was perfectly positioned so that the only explanation for what will take place is Your mighty hand. So sovereign God, Show me Your great power even as I stand still and wait for Your salvation. Amen.
Lord, help me understand while waiting for a leading from You, when it is time to take action. Help me to be wise enough so that I can recognise the answers to my prayers when they come in unique ways I was not expecting. Give me the knowledge of Your will that let me know when it’s time to stand up & take steps of faith. Amen
Delivering the people from Egyptian bondage is only the first step in God’s plan to bring the Israelites to the Promised Land of Canaan. Many obstacles lie ahead. Pharaoh, whose heart is again hardened, sends his armies in pursuit of Moses and the people. Trapped between the Red Sea & the rapidly approaching chariots of Egypt, the people cry out in desperation and God answers miraculously.
Lord, we yearn for Your Guidance: Then it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said: Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt. So God led the people around by way of the wilderness of the Red Sea (Ex 13:17-18). The Lord went ahead of them. He guided them during the day with a pillar of cloud, and he provided light at night with a pillar of fire. This allowed them to travel by day or by night. The Lord did not remove the pillar of cloud or pillar of fire from its place in front of the people (Exodus 13:21-22).
Lord, You have led me on such a winding path that sometimes I am not sure whether I’m headed in the right direction. I really long for Your cloud and Your fire; but I will cling to whatever guidance that You will give me. Please get me through the wilderness safely to Yr Promised land of blessedness. Amen.
Lord, even when I don’t see a cloud by day and fire by night, or arrow signs or visible gestures, You will still show me enough to keep me moving forward. I know You may patiently lead us in a circuitous path at times. But as I come close to You Lord, You will get me through whatever wilderness that I will face. Amen.
Lord, I submit my every step to You; the one who is in controI. I invite You to direct my path with or without my awareness of it. Give me understanding when I need it; and trust when I don’t understand. Lead me into the land of promise which You have designed for me. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
When a person will not obey God willingly, God will often bring to bear circumstances that force him to obey God unwillingly. Such is the case with reluctant Pharaoh of Egypt. God sends a series of national calamities to impress upon Pharaoh the importance of obedience.
Lord, thanks for Purpose in Life: Then the Lord said to Moses: Stand before Pharaoh and say to him: Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: Let My people go that they may (worship) Me… For at this time I will send… plagues to your very heart, and on our servants and on your people, that you may know that there is none like Me in all the earth… Indeed for this Purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth (Ex 9:13-16) Amen.
Lord, You give everyone Purpose for their life, incl Moses & Pharaoh in the deliverance of Your people. Grateful Lord that You not only gives us life but also A Purpose so that there’s full meaning in life. Apostle Paul says in Eph 2 we are created in Christ for Good Works which God prepared beforehand (so) that we should walk in them. Grant us Lord good clarity in Your assignment and tender obedience to do Your Will for your glory. Amen
Lord, guide us to Be Sensitive to Your voice and direction; and may You use us to do Your Will. Remind me Holy Spirit to fear the LORD and to serve Him faithfully; for He’s done great things for me. Help me to focus attention not on myself but on others & what I can do to make a difference in them. And help me to act and talk with grace, gratitude and goodness for the glory of Your name, Amen.
Lord, I purpose to use whatever talents & gifts that I have received as well as passion to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace. And it is also my desire that I will be more caring, that my light will shine before others, so that they may see my good works and give glory to my Father who is in heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
“All Sufficient God” was written by Nathaniel Bassey, a Nigerian gospel artist & worship leader; and it was first released in 2018. The title & lyrics of “All-Sufficient God” drew inspiration from Moses’ Burning Bush encounter in Exodus 3. The song reminds believers that God is always present to guide and protect them. And it emphasizes that God is able to meet our needs, provide comfort in times of trouble and bring hope in midst of despair.
Lord, You’re the All Sufficient One: Moses was amazed because the bush was engulfed in flames but it didn’t burn up… When the Lord saw.. He had caught Moses’ attention, God called to him from the bush… I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard their cries for deliverance…Now go for I’m Sending you to Pharaoh. You Will Lead My people… out of Egypt (Exo 3:2-10). Then Moses said: when I come to the children of Israel & say to them: The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they say to me: What is His name? what shall I say to them? And God said to Moses: I AM WHO I AM (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh Eternal All-Sufficient God). Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: I AM has sent me to you (v13-14).
All Sufficient Lord, You are beyond our capacity of full understanding. But we trust Yr Spirit will grant the things You want us to experience. Empower us to cooperate with You even as You manifest Your kingdom. Grateful for Your lovingkindness & praise You for being our All in All and for supplying all that we need. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Lord, You’re the all-sufficient one, holding the world in Your hands. Your sufficiency is comforting for I am after all one of Your children. Lord, I can see my insufficiency in the light of Your all-sufficiency. Pardon me the impatience I feel when something goes wrong. Forgive any doubts that You are mighty and good; for You can and ready to meet my needs. Amen.
Lord, we long to hear more clearly; but then the clearer the revelation, the greater will be the expectation. And the more clearly You speak, the greater the demand for obedience. The costs of hearing You can be high but we still want to encounter You for You are a good good God. Grant us Lord willingness to face the responsibility of knowing Your will. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Backgrounder on Genesis 15-18: God’s promises to Abraham are given in great detail, confirmed with a unilateral treaty, repeated and established by the sign of circumcision. But as the years pass with no evidence of fulfilment, Abraham acts in foolish impatience. The result is a son Ishmael, who will forever cause the heartbreak of his father, constantly reminding Abraham of the price of unbelief. And we have the visit of the three men of God (enroute Sodom) with a message for Abraham and Sarah.
Lord, we will Trust Your Promises: When Abram was 99 years old, the LORD appeared to him & said I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will… greatly increase your numbers… This is my covenant with you. You will be the father of many nations (Gen 17:1-4). Then one of the three men said: About this time next year I will return and your wife Sarah will have a son… And since Abraham and Sarah were both very old, and Sarah was long past the age of having children, she laughed silently to herself… Then the Lord said: Why did Sarah laugh? Why did she say: Can an old woman like me have a baby? Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord? About a year from now, just as I told you, I will return and Sarah will have a son (Genesis 18:10-14). The Lord kept His Word and did for Sarah exactly what He had promised She became pregnant and she gave birth to a son… This happened at just The Time God said (Gen 21:1-2)
Lord El Shaddai, You are great and You are mighty in power. Your wisdom knows no limits; and Your might knows no bounds. As the heavens are higher than the earth,so Yr ways higher than ours. Help us to not cause delays in our destiny but rather to walk upright in faith. Help us to stay committed to You, and we look forward to Your blessing. Amen.
Lord, Thanks for the promise that there’s nothing too difficult for You. We praise You that You are the God of miracles and all Powerful. And we call upon Your awesome might when we are in trouble; for it honours Your name when we ask for God-sized things. We submit to Your sovereignty; grant us Your sustaining strength to endure the challenge and bless us with Your miracle. Amen.
Lord, sometimes the change we want to see seem impossible, even laughable. Grant us the faith to keep believing that what is impossible in human terms is not too hard for You. For our hopes are grounded in the reality that U still do the impossible. You create life out of death, which is not dependent upon human effort. For Nothing is too hard for You; & You do things in Your Time. Amen.
The purpose of Genesis is to record God’s creation and His desire to have a people set apart to worship Him. The first portion (chapter 1-11) presents a wide-angle view of God’s dealings from Creation to Babel, a period characterized by human faithlessness. But chapter 12-50 focus on God’s relationship with one man (Abraham) and his descendants over the next four centuries, during which a nation is founded and salvation is promised for the fallen race of mankind.
On Monday, we learn from Gen 12 to Follow God’s Calling & Trust Him. On Tuesday, we learn fr Gen 17/18 that Almighty God Can Do Anything On Wed, we learn from Gen 22 that Jehovah Jireh Is My Provider. On Thu, we learn from Gen 25-32 to Keep Faith and Don’t Give Up. On Friday, we learn from Gen 37 to Focus on the Promised Vision. On Saturday, we learn from Gen 41 that God Reveals the Solution.
Let us humble ourselves and pray and seek His face. Help us O God be Christ’s disciples who Hear You:
For You want us to simply Trust You as Almighty God Can Do Anything and Jehovah Jireh Is Our Provider. For You are a Faithful God and want us to Keep Faith and Don’t Give Up. For God wants us to Focus on the Promise & that You Reveal Solution. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
A difficult dream of Pharaoh refreshes the memory of the chief butler; and Joseph is promoted from prisoner to prime minister. The dream forecasts prosperity and famine in the years ahead. The widespread famine prompts Jacob to send 10 sons to Egypt for grain, where Joseph recognises them immediately and the brothers unknowingly fulfill the boyhood dream of Joseph. And Jacob was assured going to Egypt is divinely approved. So the entire Jewish clan of 70 moves to Goshen which will become home for the fledging nation for next 400 years.
Lord, we trust U for the Impossible: Pharaoh said to Joseph: “I had a dream last night and no one here can tell me what it means. But I’ve heard that when you hear about a dream you can interpret it.” It is beyond my power to do this, Joseph replied. But God can tell you what it means and set you at ease (Gen 41:15-16). Then Joseph said to Pharaoh: The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do… And the seven thin cows… & seven empty heads… are seven years of famine (v25-27). Then Pharaoh said: God has shown you all this… I have set you over all the land of Egypt (v39-41).
Lord, You have a solution for every problem in the world and every problem that we may face. And if U share Your ideas with me, I will avail myself to act on them so that I can be a blessing to others and further Your kingdom. And Lord help us to see life thru Your eyes & for Your glory. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your good plan for mankind. Help us Persevere by Waiting for fulfilment of promise like Joseph. Help us Trust You for challenges even as we Give Our Scars to You; for You Intended For Good. And Thanks be to You God who is able to keep us from stumbling. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen!
