The Lord strongly cautions believers about idols because idols are sneaky. The King James Version often refers to idols as “graven images” and that is pretty fitting because idols can start out as good things. But over time, we allow that thing to engrave itself onto our heart. This is why Proverbs 4:23 tells us, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Exodus 8: Puffed Up
Notice what the Lord tells Pharaoh: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. He didn’t tell Pharaoh to let them go so they’d complain less or so they’d get a few extra days of rest; the purpose was to worship. To worship means to credit worth to something. God doesn’t need us to worship Him, but He does desire it. He desires it because when our eyes are focused on Him, we can’t help but be transformed into His likeness.
Meditations from John 15:5: Only a Branch!
Exodus 7: God's Mighty Hand
Meditations from John 15:4: Sit Down
Exodus 6: I Will
Exodus 5: What's Your Pharaoh?
We all have Pharaohs in our lives—maybe it’s not a person, but a situation or circumstance that we feel is insurmountable. Pharaohs serve a purpose, though, and we will begin to see that over the next several chapters. Though pain and hard times are difficult, they provide strength training for our lives so we can run a better race for Him.
Meditations from John 15:3: The Cleansing Word
Exodus 4: Here I Am
Meditations from John 15:2: One for One
The vine. The husbandman. And now, the branch. The branch doesn’t have to do anything. Simply by connecting to the vine, sap and strength flow into that piece of wood so it may bear fruit. Oh, how we strive, perform, and tirelessly labor to produce fruit at times! Yet, all God bids us to do is be still in Him.
Exodus 3: I Am
Warren Wiersbe’s comments about this verse are perfectly suited for those who are restless in their current position: “The man who was ‘mighty in word and deed’ is now in the lonely pastures taking care of stubborn sheep, but that was just the kind of preparation he needed for leading a nation of stubborn people” (emphasis mine). No matter what we do in life, it always has purpose. How do we know? Because Romans 8:28 reminds us that all things work together for good!
Meditations from John 15: The Vinedresser
Previously, we meditated on how Jesus is the true vine, which means there are vine substitutes in this world. Now He continues on and speaks of how God is the vinedresser. That’s not a word we use much in this area and day, but it refers to Him being the caregiver or caretaker of your life. He farms and tends to the soil of your heart so it offers deep root and abundant fruit.
Exodus 2: No Ordinary Child
In this chapter, we’re going to meet Moses. It’s established, first and foremost, that Moses is of the Levitical line. The Levites were to be set apart for God’s use and Moses’ life was definitely set apart. As we study Moses’ life, remember that Moses is a type of Christ. Meaning, he was an individual whose life pointed to the Messiah or foreshadowed characteristics of the coming Messiah.
Meditations from John 15: I am the true vine
We have the Exodus study going now (along with a hack-free blog!) and I mentioned starting some meditations on John 15. These are meant to be meaningful snippets to bring refreshment throughout the week. There is a short verse, then a bit of application. At the end there is a moment to praise Him, confess to Him, and petition Him. Make this portion your own – and from your own heart. I’ve provided words from my own soul to simply guide you.