For the Next 12 weeks we are going through, The Red Sea Rules-10 God given strategies for difficult time by Robert J. Morgan. It is in a short devotional style book you will enjoy and give depth each day to Sunday’s sermons. Here is how Robert J Morgan describes his book; Just as Moses and the Israelites found themselves caught between “the devil and the deep Red Sea,” so are we sometimes overwhelmed by life’s problems. But God delivered the Israelites, and He will deliver us too. The Red Sea Rules reveals, even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations, God’s promise to make a way for us. His loving guidance will protect us through danger, illness, marital strife, financial problems–whatever challenges Satan places in our path. Using the Israelites’ story as an example, Robert Morgan offers ten sound strategies for moving from fear to faith. Among them: Realize that God means for you to be where you are. Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Pray. Life is hard, especially for Christians. It is certain that we will face difficulties, and that God will allow them, as He allowed the Israelites to become trapped between Pharaoh’s rushing armies and the uncrossable Red Sea. But just as certain is the fact that the same God who led us in will lead us out. As The Red Sea Rules makes comfortingly clear, He is in control.
The book is available at: http://www.robertjmorgan.com/product-category/red-sea-rules-resources/
Devotions
August 23, 2016
WAIT WITH ME FOR A WHILE. I have much to tell you. You are walking along the path I have chosen for you. It is both a privileged and perilous way; experiencing My glorious Presence and heralding that reality to others. Sometimes you feel presumptuous to be carrying out such an assignment. Do not worry about what other people think of you. The work I am
doing in you is hidden at first. But eventually blossoms will burst forth, and abundant fruit will be borne. Stay on the path of LIFE with Me. Trust me wholeheartedly, letting my Spirit fill you with Joy and Peace. Jesus Calling pg 244
August 24, 2016
Red Sea Rule # 1 Realize that God means for you to be where you are.
Read Sea Devotion Wednesday, August 24th, 2016. Red Seas come in all shapes and sizes. What’s the red sea you’re focusing on for this Journey? Asaph meditated on Exodus 14 and wrote Psalm 77. Asaph was a prominent Levite singer and seer in David’s court and was the son of Berachiah of the tribe of Levi.
(1Chr 6:39, 1Chr 15:17, 1Chr 15:19; 1Chr 16:4-7; 2Chr 29:30).
He is the ancestor of the Sons of Asaph, one of the great family guilds of temple musicians. (https://www.bibleodyssey.org/en/tools/ask-a-scholar/asaph-and-the-psalms.aspx)
13 God, your ways are holy.
No god is as great as our God.
14 You are the God who does miracles;
you have shown people your power.
15 By your power you have saved your people,
the descendants of Jacob and Joseph. Selah
16 God, the waters saw you;
they saw you and became afraid;
the deep waters shook with fear.
17 The clouds poured down their rain.
The sky thundered.
Your lightning flashed back and forth like arrows.
18 Your thunder sounded in the whirlwind.
Lightning lit up the world.
The earth trembled and shook.
19 You made a way through the sea
and paths through the deep waters,
but your footprints were not seen.
20 You led your people like a flock
by using Moses and Aaron. Psalms 77:13-20 NCV
The story of the Red Sea Crossing, Asaph found overwhelming strength for his Red Sea. “Just think of it; the winds blew, the sea split, the waters congealed into towering walls, and the Israelites passed through dry shod. This happened not for the entertainment value of the experience, but to prove to us in earthshaking, history-making fashion that, even when we are most anxious and distressed.
God will make a way when there seems to be no way. (The Red Sea Rules 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times by Robert J. Morgan.xii preface)
Talk to God about your dead end in prayer, and watch him open a way!
August 25, 2016
Red Sea Rule 1: Realize That God means for you to be where you are. Red Sea Rules Devotion August 25, 2016. Why is life so hard? Why do problems persist? Why do we encounter these Red Seas?
When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man
To play the noblest part;
When he yearns with all his heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch His methods, watch His ways,
How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!
How he hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him,
Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;
While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!
How He bends but never breaks
Whom his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses,
And with every purpose fuses him;
By every act induces him
to try His splendor out-
God knows what He’s about.
(The Red Sea Rues 10 God -given strategies for difficult times by Robert J. Morgan pg 11,12)
Read Jeremiah 18 and ask yourself; Be honest-how have you been initially reacting to your own Red Sea Experience, whatever it is?
August 26, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion August 26, 2016. This Sunday we will be looking at Red Sea Rule #2-
Be more concerned for God’s glory than your relief. Read Psalms 136
Ask yourself how has God’s love and glory continued in your life
August 27, 2016
Red Sea Rules August 27, 2016. Rule #2 is Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief!
What happens when we are facing hardship, we all become Philosophers and ask deep questions like-Why me? Why is life not fair? Doesn’t God care about me? That is the point-It’s not about me! There is one God of the universe and I am not him! C.S. Lewis writes; “The problem of reconciling human suffering with the existence of a God who loves, is only insoluble so long as we attach a trivial meaning to the word “love”, and look on things as if man were the center of them. Man is not the center. God does not exist for the sake of man. Man does not exist for his own sake. “Thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.” We were made not primarily that we may love God (though we were made for that to) but that God may love us, that we may become objects in which the divine love may rest “well pleased”.” ― C.S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain
August 28, 2016
Red Sea Rules August 28, 2016
Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. Ps 86:11
The greatest way to express affection to God is by giving your life to Him, by yielding yourself to Him. When you go to a wedding and you see two people stand up in front of each other and do these things called vows and say, “I do.” What were they doing? They were saying, I give you my life. I surrender myself to you. I’m committing myself to you. Why? Because that’s the essence of love. Love in a marriage puts your lover above self. And when man commits himself to God, he loves God and he is putting God’s glory over his relief.
My friend Mike Fisher died 2 Years ago, from a disease from birds that infected his lungs. When he told his story, he used to say it was worth it for I was able to share Christ with my brother. What is your Red Sea?
What seems like a defeat becomes your victory when you are more concerned with God’s glory than your relief ?
August 29, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion August 29.
Memorize; The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus14:14.
Know that God doesn’t waste suffering. If He leads us into an impossible situation, He will deliver us in His own time, in His own way, and for His own glory. How then, did God take an impossible situation, flip it around, and use it for His honor? The story of parted waters shows us that God gains glory:
When His enemies are defeated.
When His children are delivered.
When His name is exalted.
When His exploits are remembered.
When His praises are sounded.
Pray Father, Glorify your name!
August 30, 2016
Sometimes we are unable to extricate ourselves from a difficult situation because our natural instinct is to ask 1)How did I get into this mess and how can I get out? 2) How quickly can I solve this problem? 3) Why did this have to happen to me? These are natural responses, but there is a better approach‐‐‐instead, ask “How can God be glorified in this situation?” Look for ways to make God the focus of your efforts.
At the beginning final week of Jesus’ life, He didn’t ask “How can I get out of this? He asked, “How can God be glorified?”Giving God the glory is what our lives are about‐‐‐to glorify His name.
Mathew Henry wrote that “God sometimes raises difficulties in the way of His people, that He may have the glory of subduing them, and helping His people over them”. The Lord devises ways of turning difficulties into deliverances and problems into praise.
Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” Psalms 50:15 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name. Amen
September 1, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 1. Memorize; “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14.
The former New York Yankees catcher, Yogi Berra once said: “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over.” Now Yogi is no theologian, but he unknowingly expressed one of the greatest principles in the Christian life. It matters little to have the lead at the beginning; what matters is how you finish. Victory is won at the finish line, not at the starting blocks. Moreover, the Christian life is not a 100-yard dash; it is a marathon that requires endurance and a lifetime commitment to keep running with the intent of finishing strong. The cliché, “It ain’t over ‘till it’s over” also serves to remind you and me that even if we have fallen far behind in the Christian race there is still time to finish well.
Read I Corinthians 10: 1-13. In this section, God is going to warn us about the terrible fallout of sin. And urge all of God’s children that it’s about finishing well. If you will, ” it ain’t over till it’s over.
The first five verses of Chapter Ten reminds us of the first Red Sea Rule; Realize that God means for you to be where you are. No matter what difficulty you face, all of God’s children have been given great spiritual privileges, if we will on stand still and trust. Like Israel in Exodus 14, we too have received many spiritual blessings. So wherever you are, lift your eyes up and count your blessings.
Then Paul shakes things up In verse 5; Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness. This should take us to Red Sea Rule number 2-Be More concerned for God’s glory that your relief. Over two million people came out of Egypt, yet only two adults (Joshua and Caleb) were allowed to enter the Promised Land. Only two were more concerned for God’s glory than their relief. That is a very sobering warning!
Verses six through ten is listing of Israel’s failures. When they stumbled they stumbled because they did not keep Red Sea Rule #3 Acknowledge your enemy, but keep your eyes on the Lord. Instead, they focused on their problems and not the power of God!
So if you are down, you are not out! Be encouraged read verses 11-12 and see the way to finish well is to cling to Jesus! God always provides a way out even when we are trapped between the devil and the deep Red Sea. In His time, in His way, He will part the waters. Remember it’s not over till it over, keep your eyes on Jesus and finish well.
Pray: Father glorify your name. Amen
September 2, 2016
Abraham also faced a Red Sea “Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” (Rom. 4:20-21).
Notice, in these two verses all three of the Red Sea Rules apply.
Red Sea Rule # 1‐‐‐Realize That God Means for You to Be Where You Are. He was in the place of God’s promises. Red Sea Rule # 2‐‐‐Be More Concerned For God’s Glory Than For Your Own Relief. Abe desire for God’s glory did not waver. Red Sea Rule # 3‐‐‐Acknowledge Your Enemy, But Keep Your Eyes on the Lord.
Red Sea Devotional September 2, 2016. Abraham faces the problem, but he focuses on the promise that God had made to him. Once Abraham has come to grips with the problem, he doesn’t stop and allow himself to sink into depression. Abraham concentrates on the promises of God and views his problems in light of those promises.
When I compare Abraham’s example to the way that I so often live, I see how far short of genuine faith I fall. Abraham “did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God.” He did not waver. That standard of faith seems so far beyond my ability. In fact, Abraham’s example seems impossible to emulate. Does it seem that way to you too? I want to say, “Why even try? This is beyond my ability! I will never be able to trust God the way that Abraham did!”
Think again about what we read in verses 20 and 21. Those verses describe the overall direction of Abraham’s life, not his moment-by-moment existence. If you take the time to go back to Genesis and read about Abraham there, you find that Abraham does waver. He does get distracted. Sometimes he does take his eyes off of the Lord. For example, Abraham has a hard time believing that he and Sarah will ever have a child. He doubts whether God can really pull that one off. So he tries to “help” God. He sleeps with Sarah’s servant, Hagar, and has a baby by her (Gen. 16:1-4a). Then he asks God and even pleads with God to accept Hagar’s son as the fulfillment of the promise that God had made to him (Gen. 17:18). But God says, “Nothing doing. Don’t try to manipulate me and force my hand, Abraham. I will fulfill my promise to you in my own way and in my own time.”
Aren’t we often like Abraham? We have a hard time really trusting God, so we try to “help” him. So often we try to find some shortcut to what God wants for us. “Lord, you know that I’ve got a lot of bills to pay and not a lot of money. So here’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to take all the money I’ve got and go to the casino. Lord, I am going to trust you to lead me to the right slot machine! I’m trusting you, God!” And God says to us exactly what he said to Abraham, “Nothing doing.”
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still Exodus 14:14.
Why not compose a simple prayer right now to reflect a changed perspective on the way you are now viewing your Red Sea problem.
Father, Glorify your name. Amen
September 3, 2016
Red Sea Rules devotion September 3, 2016 At once the Spirit sent him out into the wilderness, 13 and he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted[g] by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. Mark 1:12,13
It is the devil who tries to make us afraid in our situations. It is the devil who tries to make us rebel against our leaders and God. It is the devil whose goal is to have us return to slavery in sin and darkness. It is the devil who wants you to feel trapped. In so many ways, he fights against us. Know your enemy.
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, Jesus was full of the Spirit and led by the Spirit. God’s Spirit had complete control of him, and he obeyed and followed the Spirit of God. Where did God’s Spirit lead him? Into a difficult time in the desert. Realize that God means for you to be where you are. God led him there. There in the desert, he fasted for forty days and by the end he was hungry. Be more concerned for God’s glory than for your relief. It wasn’t the hunger nor was it the desert itself nor its animals that were Jesus’ enemy. There in the desert, he encountered the devil and his temptations. There he was tempted to use his power to please himself – turn the stone into bread and end your hunger, thus rejecting how the Spirit of God had led him. There in the desert the devil tempted him with power to rule over the world, all he needed to do was bow before Satan. There would be no suffering and cross as part of the devil’s plan. Immediate power. There in the desert, the devil tempted Jesus to manipulate Scriptures to please oneself if not to gain glory for himself.
There in the desert, the Spirit of God led Jesus to face a difficult time. And in those difficult situations, the devil encountered him and tempted him. The circumstances were not the difficult time; it was the enemy, the devil, who made the trials arduous.
Join Elbert Christian as we delve more deeply into Red Sea Rule # 3‐‐‐Acknowledge Your Enemy, But Keep Your Eyes on the Lord, this Sunday at ten A.M.
September 4, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotional, September 4
Thank You for the slights of life!
They remind me it is about You-not me!
They drive me to pull for the marginalized.
Thank You for life’s “Bitter Pills”.
They give me compassion for
those who are bitter themselves.
They become future acts of mercy!
Praise, be to God, for betrayals!
Those breaches of trust are holy
communion reminding me of my
disloyalty to the Savior.
For those acts, humble me into
forgiving my debtors! Amen!
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Father, Glorify your name!
September 5, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion Sept 5. So, how do we respond to the enemy the devil? We need to put on spiritual armor, for it is a spiritual fight. The Israelites experienced terror, rebelliousness, and a desire for slavery in their difficult times. These are spiritual warfare issues. They were going against the devil who was unseen to them more than they were going against the physical enemy of the Egyptians. Remember as followers of Jesus we walk by faith, not sight.
We need to put on spiritual armor as described by Paul in Ephesians 6:10-20 We need to wear the belt of truth. We need to be able to discern what is truth in the situation and what is not. Jesus called the devil the father of lies. He tries to throw lies at us all the time. We need to put on the breastplate of righteousness. The more we do the right thing the right way- righteousness- the less the devil can harm us. He can’t use guilt or shame to manipulate us. We need to put on the feet fitted with the readiness for the gospel of peace. It is through our bad relationships that the devil really tries to manipulate us. Lack of forgiveness, anger, and resentment are ways the devil tries to gain a foothold in our lives. We need the shield of faith. The devil tries to throw darts of doubt at us through different means. We need the helmet of salvation; we need to know we are saved. The devil wants to think that we are not. We need the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God. Of course, the Word of God is where we learn the truth and how to live in right relationships and so forth. Jesus responded to the devil with the Word of God not only by quoting it but by living it. Thus, he withstood the attacks of the devil. It is so important for us to know and live by the Word of God. We need each of these spiritual armor warfare to be put on by prayer by us to withstand the attacks of the enemy.
Our secret weapon is actually found in verse 10; Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Satan will never be overcome in our life, unless we first have a strong connection to Jesus!
September 6, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 6. Satan is our only enemy, but he frequently uses other humans to carry out his lies, murder, and destruction. Exodus 14, he makes use of Pharoah’s panic and hate in an attempt to destroy God’s children.
For today’s devotion, read Psalms 56. For this psalm, there is an introductory note or some call it a subscription before you get to verse one. David is writing to the chief musician. And then notice these words, “Upon Jonath-elem-rechokim,”. Most commentators agree that this is the title of this particular Psalm, as it has been translated, “The Silent Dove in Distant Places.” Another part of this note that is fascinating is the fact that we see the words, “A Michtam of David.”
Only five Psalms have that title. And the word Michtam means to cut or to engrave. You see, the thought that David was trying to establish in the mind of the chief musician when he wrote Psalm fifty-six David wanted this to be a permanent song. And of course we know that God must have agreed, because it is in our Bible today. As disciples, we practice Red Sea Rule three, Acknowledge Your Enemy, But Keep Your Eyes on the Lord, by engraving God’s word on our heart. The rest of the note lets us know that David wrote this psalm, when the Philistines took him to Gath. One of David’s “Red Seas” in his life.
You’ll find this story in First Samuel chapter seventeen; that the words of Psalms 56 have reference to David fleeing from King Saul for his life and while in his haste to do so, he ran right into the Philistines at a place called Gath. Remind you the first Red Sea Rule; Realize That God Means for You to Be Where You Are? The king of Gath had put David under arrest and was under pressure from his advisers to put him to death. After all, this was the man that killed Goliath, several years earlier and what an opportunity for the Philistines here to do away with David. When you study and read about this chapter in David’s life you see he was able to; ‐More Concerned For God’s Glory Than For His Own Relief.
Finally, in verse two and three we see, the Red Sea Rule three; Acknowledge Your Enemy, But Keep Your Eyes on the Lord. Verse two and three states; My adversaries pursue me all day long; in their pride many are attacking me. When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
Today, if people are your Red Sea, Remember to Engrave the Bible in your heart, and lastly as verse two states, when your enemy makes you afraid, take your eye off the enemy and trust God!
Memorize; The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Pray; Father, glorify your name.
September 7, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 7. David had many “Red Sea” times in his life. Psalms 56 is one of them, I can see David under lock and key in Gath, a prisoner in a foreign land, the home of the nemesis of Israel. His life at this point hangs in the balance. No doubt outside of his cell, the troops of the Philistines march up and down, gloating over their capture of the slayer of Goliath. It is likely some of the Philistine soldiers had lost brothers, sons, or friends in the battle that shortly followed at Elah after David had killed Goliath. And now they have David in their hands. So what is David to do? At this point he had nowhere to go but to the Lord. He had nowhere else to turn but to the Lord.
Israel, caught between the Egyptians and the Red Sea and David in Gath teach us that when the Lord was all that David had. The Lord was all that David needed! Take time to read and visualize this psalm and how David acknowledged his enemy but kept his eye on the Lord. Consider verses ten and eleven; In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid. What can man do to me?
Hey, my friend, you want to know what kept David smiling in the midst of that Philistine dungeon. When it seemed like everything was going wrong? It was the fact that David, knew that GOD WAS FOR HIM! GOD WAS ON HIS SIDE! I do not know what Red Sea you are facing, but God is for you!
Memorize; The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Pray; Father, glorify your name.
September 8, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 8. Psalms Fifty Six verses Five through seven. David in a Gath prison tells it was not enough for violence, but their verbal cruelty was part of that Red Sea. “All day long they twist my words; all their schemes are for my ruin. They conspire, they lurk, they watch my steps, hoping to take my life. Because of their wickedness do not[c] let them escape; in your anger, God, bring the nations down.” Psalms 56:5-7 NIV. We have all believed the old saying; ” Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That simply is not true; it is why you can sue for defamation and libel.
Some Red Sea’s are “Gath” like people who surround us and verbally assault us. It may be gossip, lies or undue criticism; those words may not break bones, but they do bruise the spirit. They enforce our enemies, accusations. Remember verbal cruelty damages just physical violence, you just can not see the mark Satan leaves.
Red Sea Rule Three; Acknowledge Your Enemy, But Keep Your Eyes on the Lord. Like David in Gath, we acknowledge the enemy but do not let the words fester in your spirit.. Pray! Which is the next Red Sea Rule. Pray, like David, keeping your eyes on the Lord. Let God defend your reputation. Use God’s promises to soothe your spirit.
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 9, 2016
Red Sea Devotion September 9th. Today we are transitioning from Red Sea Rule # 3‐‐‐Acknowledge Your Enemy, But Keep Your Eyes on the Lord, to Red Sea Rule # 4‐‐‐PRAY! The key in hardship in keeping both rules is to know that God is for me, not against me. Our great enemy from Eve to this very moment, number one deception is that God is against me!
Psalms 56:8,9; “Record my misery;
list my tears on your scroll[d]—
are they not in your record?
Then my enemies will turn back
when I call for help.
By this I will know that God is for me.
We must affirm and confess often, no matter the cause of our misery, God cares! Jesus reminded us, our Heavenly Father even knows the number of hairs on our head. For some, that is not a great feat, but the message is clear, God knows and cares for His Children. Israel wavered between faith and fear. Verse ten in Exodus fourteen crying out to God in pray. And verse eleven murmuring to Moses, it would have been better to die in Egypt.
It is true of you and I as well. Do we not waver between faith and fear?
Anytime you feel discouraged, that no one understands, take this defeatist lie to the God who cares in prayer, keep your eyes on the Lord! Remember God has collected every tear you have ever shed; He has even counted every hair on your head! Determine to believe and act on the truth; God is for you!
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 10, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 10. This week we are looking Red Sea Rule # 4‐‐‐PRAY! It just so happens it coincides with the fifteenth anniversary of 9/11. Wednesday night at 6:30 we had our first Bible Study. We studied Genesis Twenty-Two- Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Issac.
The attacks on the eleventh of September, were carried out by radical Islamic terrorists. This Sunday Islam celebrates Eid al-Adha, or it is often called; Festival of Sacrifice. It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son, as an act of submission to God’s command, before God then intervened, through his angel Jibra’il (Gabriel) and informs him that his sacrifice has already been accepted. The meat from the sacrificed animal is preferred to be divided into three parts. The family retains one-third of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors; and the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.
In this story, there are big differences between the three Monotheistic faiths. Judaism and Christianity hold no sacrifice of any man is acceptable because of sin. And it is God who must provide for man’s atonement. Our story of Abraham’s sacrifices includes Genesis 22:13,14 “Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Christian hold the mountain of the Lord is Golgatha, and the Lord has provided, in Jesus an acceptable sacrifice.
Jesus, our Savior, has commanded us in our Red Sea trials to; But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44 Pray during Eid al-Adha, for our enemies, that they may find what God has provided in Jesus! Prayer is formed on the idea of Jehovah-jireh. This name means “the God who provides.” Remember, our enemy is not flesh and blood, but spiritual forces of the dark.
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 11, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 11. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:5 At this time in the book of Acts, the disciples were being persecuted for their bold proclamation Jesus is the Messiah. Stephen and James died, but here we read that Peter was set free, by the earnest prayer of others. Read Acts 12:1-19l
Robert J. Morgan writes; “But there’s something about praying with another person that intensifies prayer and sends it to heaven with greater velocity. Fifteen Septembers ago, God’s children learned to pray urgently, united, and unvarnished pray for America. Too, quickly we lapsed into our prideful, I can do myself, thank you very much attitude. On the fifteenth anniversary, Disciples of Christ isn’t it time we turn once again to God in earnest prayer?
Earnest prayer for those who worship Allah. Earnest prayer for those far from God? Earnest prayer for those imprisoned in sin? Earnest prayer for a broken and divided country? Earnest prayer for the Church to awaken from apathy and complacency? Earnest prayer for our brothers and sisters, who are being persecuted? Earnest prayer for our first responders who are now endangered from their own citizens? It is time for Earnest prayer!
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 12, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 12. The fourth Red Sea Rule is to pray! The Bible is full of differing ways man can pray to God. Acts 12 gives and example of Earnest prayer. Exodus 14 tells the story of panic driven prayer of crying out to God!
From just those two examples we can get the idea that prayer is long wish list we present to God. As one kid said; “I am heading off to prayer, anyone need anything?”
But prayer must be more than our talking; if it is truly a conversation with God, we must listen! Listening prayer is hanging out with God. Abide in God is common in the Bible. Paul uses the phrase “In Christ” over fifty times. In Christ is to rest and enjoy the presence of God.
Prayer whether you are talking or listing to God, about becoming like Christ. Prayer is not about me getting God to do what I want; prayer is about me surrendering and doing what God has asked. Prayer is not about making God into who I want, but surrendering till I become what God wants!
Psalms 131 NKJV
Lord, my heart is not haughty,
Nor my eyes lofty.
Neither do I concern myself with great matters,
Nor with things too profound for me.
Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul,
Like a weaned child with his mother;
Like a weaned child is my soul within me.
O Israel, hope in the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 13, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 13.
There Comes a time, in spite of our soft, modern ways, when we must be desperate in prayer, when we must wrestle, when we must be outspoken, shameless and importunate. Many of the prayers recorded in Scripture are “cries”, and the Hebrew and Greek words are very strong. Despite opinions to the contrary, the Bible recognizes such a thing as storming heaven-“praying through”. The fervent prayer of a righteous man is mighty in it’s working. Cameron Thompson Morgan, R. J. (2001). The Red Sea rules: 10 God-given strategies for difficult times. Nashville: T. Nelson. PG 46
Anyone who is having troubles should pray. Anyone who is happy should sing praises. 14 Anyone who is sick should call the church’s elders. They should pray for and pour oil on the person[a] in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer that is said with faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will heal that person. And if the person has sinned, the sins will be forgiven. 16 Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so God can heal you. When a believing person prays, great things happen. 17 Elijah was a human being just like us. He prayed that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years! 18 Then Elijah prayed again, and the rain came down from the sky, and the land produced crops again. James 5:13-18 NCV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 14, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion September 14th. Rule # 4 pray. Jesus prayer life was filled with certainty. Jesus established a certain time to pray. Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Mark 1:35 NIV. Notice in the second half of the verse; Jesus also made certain the place he prayed was an environment that had no interruptions and was quiet. The Gospel of Luke emphasizes Jesus favorite place to pray when he was in Jerusalem was the Mount of Olives.
Jesus was fully man and fully God, he is the perfect model of holiness we are to follow! A disciple of Jesus needs two other certainties in prayer. First, a certain amount of prayer. If you are not praying at all consistently now-stretch yourself to pray for ten minutes daily. Second, in the Lord’s prayer Jesus offers us a certain pattern on what the pray for; God’s holiness, God’s will, My physical needs, My spiritual needs (forgiveness and protection).
Disciple, is your prayer life filled with certainty or uncertainty?
After this manner therefore pray ye:
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:9-15 KJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 15, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 15. Let’s journey back in time, and observe how God’s Children prayed in the Bible. Ask yourself how it compares to your prayers?
But if you will look to God,
and make your supplication to the Almighty,
if you become pure and upright,
even now he will rouse himself for you,
and will restore your righteous abode. Job 8:5,6 NET
Then one of the synagogue rulers, named Jairus, came up, and when he saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. He asked him urgently, “My little daughter is near death. Come and lay your hands on her so that she may be healed and live.” Mark 5:22,23 NET
When they came to Jesus, they urged him earnestly, “He is worthy to have you do this for him Luke 7:4 NET
And in his anguish he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.] Luke 22:44 NET
Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months! James 5:17 NET
Be devoted to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving. Col 4:2 NET
Prayerfully think of two working habits, you can begin to empower your prayer time. Now!
September 16, 2016
Red Sea Rules devotion, September 16. I have been seeing a Meme making the rounds on the internet; with a skull on it that states; The Devil whispered in my ear, “your not strong enough to withstand the storm.” Today I whispered in the Devil’s ear, “I am the Storm.”
That is a lie from the pit of hell! Pride is the thinking I am strong enough, good enough, and tough enough! Prayer is admitting, I am powerless, sinful and weak and that God is my strength! Notice, Exodus 14:14 this memory verse; The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”
The secret to spiritual warfare; is the strength of God, not man! Listen to these verses: Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. Ephesian 6:10,11
The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid? Psalms 27:1
The key to overcoming darkness is to walk in the light! The next two Red Sea Rules are about letting God fight for you. Red Sea Rule # 4‐‐‐PRAY! Red Sea Rule # 5 – Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work.
September 17, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 17. This Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a teacher well versed in the Law of Moses, which the Lord, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted him everything he asked, for the hand of the Lord his God was on him. Ezra 7:6. This one verse describes Ezra, who gave God the glory for the duty to return to Jerusalem. Ezra had spoken so highly of his God to Darius, the king that asking for protection for the journey might have caused the king to think less of his God. So Ezra and his group fasted and prayed, and God gave them safety. Their prayers made all the difference. His Red Sea was a dangerous journey through a desert filled with bandits, Like Israel, he chose the Red Sea Rule # 4‐‐‐PRAY!
I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him.” 23 So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer. Ezra 8:22,23 Fasting is a way to take the next Red Sea Rule # 5: Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work!
Commentator Matthew Henry says, “When we are in any peril, let us be at peace with God, and then nothing can do us any real hurt. All our concerns about ourselves, our families, and our estates, it is our wisdom and duty by prayer to commit to God, and to leave the care of them with him.” Do nothing to cause others to stumble and so dishonor the Lord. Instead, in prayer, bring all before the One who knows the way.
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 18, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 19. Yesterday, we began studying Red Sea Rule # 5 – Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work.
The Bible tells stories about Godly men and women who faced difficulties in their lives. They faced trials and hardships even death. The story of Israel at the Red Sea is but one story, of God’s rescue of His children. But the repeated message in Scripture was that God would deliver them, man needs to stay calm and confident, trusting him for deliverance. Examples of this are Daniel, David, Shadrach/ Meshach and Abednego, Moses, Joshua, Esther.
Genesis 8:6-12 is a famous Bible story with the same truth. 6 After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark 7 and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. 9 But the dove could find nowhere to perch because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. 10 He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.
In this story, there are two birds, although the dove gets all the press. The Raven looked for death. But the Dove looked for life. Do you remember what the Dove brought back to the Ark? (olive branch)
The olive tree is one of the hardiest of plants. A cutting from such a tree can take root in good ground and grow quickly. It became a symbol of life for Israel… and it was a symbol of hope for those in the Ark. Things were growing now from the ground!
For almost an entire year, Noah and his family had been confined to their boat. For almost an entire year, the world around them has been covered with water. For almost an entire year… they’ve been the only living things on earth. But with that olive branch – God gave them a sign that said; “Stay calm and confident and give God time to work. Things are going to get better now. (Excerpt from Jeff Strite’s Sermon a message for the birds.)
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 19, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 19. Yesterday, we began studying Red Sea Rule # 5 – Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work.
The Bible tells stories about Godly men and women who faced difficulties in their lives. They faced trials and hardships even death. The story of Israel at the Red Sea is but one story, of God’s rescue of His children. But the repeated message in Scripture was that God would deliver them, man needs to stay calm and confident, trusting him for deliverance. Examples of this are Daniel, David, Shadrach/ Meshach and Abednego, Moses, Joshua, Esther.
Genesis 8:6-12 is a famous Bible story with the same truth. 6 After forty days Noah opened a window he had made in the ark 7 and sent out a raven, and it kept flying back and forth until the water had dried up from the earth. 8 Then he sent out a dove to see if the water had receded from the surface of the ground. 9 But the dove could find nowhere to perch because there was water over all the surface of the earth; so it returned to Noah in the ark. He reached out his hand and took the dove and brought it back to himself in the ark. 10 He waited seven more days and again sent out the dove from the ark. 11 When the dove returned to him in the evening, there in its beak was a freshly plucked olive leaf! Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. 12 He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but this time it did not return to him.
In this story, there are two birds, although the dove gets all the press. The Raven looked for death. But the Dove looked for life.Do you remember what the Dove brought back to the Ark? (olive branch) The olive tree is one of the hardiest of plants. A cutting from such a tree can take root in good ground and grow quickly. It became a symbol of life for Israel… and it was a symbol of hope for those in the Ark. Things were growing now from the ground!
For almost an entire year, Noah and his family had been confined to their boat. For almost an entire year, the world around them has been covered with water. For almost an entire year… they’ve been the only living things on earth. But with that olive branch – God gave them a sign that said;”Stay calm and confident and give God time to work. Things are going to get better now. (Excerpt from Jeff Strite’s Sermon a message for the birds.)
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 20, 2016
Red Sea Rules devotion September 20. ”Be careful what you pray for you just might get!” This statement is very true, for a young man, named Joseph. Then he had another dream, and he told it to his brothers. “Listen,” he said, “I had another dream, and this time the sun and moon and eleven stars were bowing down to me.” Genesis 37:9 This was the dream of a young seventeen-year-old, who longed to rule over his older brothers.
I am sure Joseph, dreamed of an easy transition into power. What happened was, his brothers were so jealous of him, they threw him in the well and sold him to slave, traders. Sold to Potiphar a high ranking official in Egypt. Potiphar’s wife unjustly accused Joseph, of sexual harassment. For this, he is imprisoned. In prison, he meets the cupbearer and baker and through God predicts their fates. The cupbearer remembers Joseph when the Pharaoh has a dream that needs interpretation. Because of the understanding of Egypt’s future, he becomes second in command. A worldwide famine happens, and eventually, his brothers come to Egypt looking for food and bow before him just like the original dream. This ending was not the easy transition into power he envisioned!
Now the above paragraph takes decades and lots of suffering! What was unique about Joseph, was how he handled these “Red Sea Trials”. He is a good example of how to live Red Sea Rule # 5- Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work. If you need to discover, how to stay calm, confident and give God time to work, read the life of Joseph.
The life of Joseph is the perfect example of; God has his own sense of timing: ‘With the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years as one day’ (2 Peter 3:8, AMP). He has perfect timing: never early, never late. God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time. Genesis 50:19-21 is the result of a lifetime learning to be calm, confident and giving God time to work. But Joseph replied, 19 “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. 21 No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them. Genesis 50:19-21 NLT.
Know and exercise the faith fact, in God, you will not fail!
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 21, 2016
Red Sea Rules devotion September 21. I once heard someone describe sin as trying to find a shortcut to something that is good. I think that’s a pretty good description. Sin doesn’t necessarily mean that you are actively pursuing something that is bad. You may very well be seeking after something that’s good in and of itself.
The sin enters in when you try to take hold of that good thing in the wrong way. When God is taking too long, and you just try to speed up the process. In the Bible, the best example of this is Rebekah and her twin boys, Jacob and Esau. While still in the womb, God prophesied to Rebekah; “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 25:23
Growing up Esau was a “man’s man and daddy’s boy. Esau, masculine, hunter and hairy. Jacob was a “momma’s boy. He was not a hunter, he stayed at home and loved to make lentil stew. So the first instance where Rebekah and Jacob’s impatience tried to speed up the process, Verse 31 Jacob scammed Esau into selling His birthright for a bowl of stew.
Genesis 27:5-10 tells us the story, of Rebekah’s good plan, but not God’s plan to make God’s prophecy true and her favorite son, in charge. Now Rebekah was listening as Isaac spoke to his son Esau. When Esau left for the open country to hunt game and bring it back, 6 Rebekah said to her son Jacob, “Look, I overheard your father say to your brother Esau, 7 ‘Bring me some game and prepare me some tasty food to eat, so that I may give you my blessing in the presence of the Lord before I die.’ 8 Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: 9 Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. 10 Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.” Genesis 27:5-10
Rebekah’s scheming got her what she wanted when she wanted, but it came with death. Because of this deception and favoritism Esau, vowed to kill Jacob and had to flee for his life, Rebekah never saw her favorite again. Esau, out of spite took pagan wives and adopted their lifestyle. So, in reality, Rebekah lost both sons. Most of the deadly consequences could have been avoided had Rebekah waited on God and His timing. For God had already promised that Jacob would be the family leader. But Rebekah and Jacob became trapped in sin by resorting to lies and manipulation to achieve their goal.
Let the story of Rebekah, Jacob, and Esau remind us what happens when we chose not to; Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work.
September 22, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 22. Can you believe it? Even after our death, we will be waiting on the Lord! The story of the Exodus begins in Genesis 50. Then Joseph said to his brothers, “I am about to die. But God will surely come to your aid and take you up out of this land to the land he promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.” 25 And Joseph made the Israelites swear an oath and said, “God will surely come to your aid, and then you must carry my bones up from this place.” Genesis 50:24,25.
Joseph was ready to die, but he knew, there was one profound promises that God had yet to fulfill, bondage to Egypt, deliverance to promised land and Joseph’s bones to rest with his ancestors. Joseph, a mere man of faith, who has lived a life of faith, knew a key ingredient was; Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work!
Joseph in his death, gave life to his future family, by demanding an oath to bury his bones in the promise land, he was making the confession to family of faith to come, that God always keeps His word! So stay calm and confident and give God time to work.
What bones of faith are you leaving? I still carry bones of my grandma’s unconditional forgiveness. Will your bones, cry out to those left behind; God keeps His word! Stay calm and confident! When you give God time to work; mountains will move!
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 23, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, September 23. Moses received his calling, from a burning bush. “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up. 3 So Moses thought, “I will go over and see this strange sight—why the bush does not burn up.”
4 When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”
5 “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” 6 Then he said, “I am the God of your father,[a] the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.” Exodus 3:1-6
Yahweh, which is often translated God, comes from the Hebrew word for I AM. In this brief passage God reminds Moses who he is dealing with. The God of his ancestors, who in the past has always kept his covenant promises. So Moses you have every reason to be calm and confident due to my track record. He also teaches God is holy or sinless! Taking off one’s shoes was a sign of respect. When someone keeps a clean house, what is expected of your? Take off your shoes!
God saves the best for last and verse 14 states; God said to Moses, “I am who I am.[c] This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’” A commentator Dennis Olsen has said the best translation in the English is: To Be! Reminding all: man’s beginning and end is God! The Red Sea will not part unless the great “to be” acts!
We also could paraphrase verse 14 to say; I am who I will be. Meaning He is our creator and we are the creatures! If children should learn life skills from their parents and not the parents from the children; players should learn the game from the coach and not the coach from the players; soldiers learn their strategy from the general and not the general from the soldiers; then surely it is plain that creatures should conform all their lives to the will of their Creator! So we wait for God to work not because the great I am needs to speed up, but we need to wait on the Lord!
Lastly, my Grandmother used to say, “Haste makes Waste!” I Am, signifies God is never in a haste and no moment is wasted! Go to Genesis fifteen and you will see that God endures four years till the sin of the Amorites is full, and the last chance of repentance is given! In the New Testament, the Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” Now for Moses, God has not wasted one moment of his life, Moses growing up in Pharaoh’s palace, education in Egypt, His moral falling in the killing of an Egyptian guard, and his exile in the desert as a shepherd, God has used each second in his eighty years, to prepare for the Red Sea Challenge. God will never waste one of your tears or smile-all will be used in the beautiful tapestry of life.
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work
September 24, 2016
Red Sea Devotions, September 24. Scott Barbee is preaching this Sunday. His test is Hebrews twelve. Hebrews twelve is all about Jesus being the perfect model for God’s plan. The thought may surprise you, but as a man, Jesus also had to live by, Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work. It was thirty years before he began his ministry and three hours on the cross before redemption was finished!
Hebrews twelve to be fully appreciated must be read with Chapter eleven. Before Sunday’s sermon read chapter eleven. Hebrews Eleven is the Cooperstown of the Bible. This periscope fleshes out the story of Moses, Isaiah, Rahab, and Abraham. What every man and woman of faith had in common was a life full of Red Seas’ and waiting for God to work. What is most surprising is verse thirty-nine; These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.” Hebrews 10:39 These men and women of faith, in heaven, continue to be calm and confident, waiting for God’s final act! Old Testament saints, were waiting for Christ’s first arrival. Jesus, birth, death, resurrection, and ascension was not enough. Moses is still waiting for God’s last promise to be fulfilled. All Saints for all eternity are waiting for the return of Jesus as King of Kings! At the Second Coming of Jesus Christ the final amen, I and Moses will receive our rewards in Christ! It takes every God seeker together to be perfect in Christ! So continue to practice; Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work.
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 25, 2016
The Red Sea Rule Devotion, September 25. My favorite verse in Hebrews eleven is; “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11:13
Every, hero of faith dies without receiving all that God promises them. Jacob dies in Egypt but longing for the Promised Land. Moses dies on Mount Nebo, eyes forward to the Promised Land. This verse tells us there was more than the land they longed for, what they were looking for was heaven.
Too many followers of Jesus, grow frustrated and defeated because our needs, wants, expectations and demands are not immediately met when they accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Have you become impatient and want to quit? Are you discouraged because crossing your Red Sea is not happening they way you planned? Take courage from these heroes of faith, who lived and died without seeing the fruit of their faith on earth and yet finished the race. Hebrews Eleven is the story of men and women who, stayed calm and confident, giving God time to work. Brother or Sister don’t quit! Wait for God’s miracle in your life!
The promise for those who stay calm, confident and give God time to work is; “… those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isiah 40:31 NKJV
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work
September 26, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion September 26. Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident and Give God Time to Work. I pray my church family spent time in the presence of God, yesterday! This morning I am excited, to share; for once in my life, I have remained calm and confident, and God has answered a five-year heart cry of mine.
Ephesians 6:18 “And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” Praying is the primary method, disciples wait for the Lord!
This issue in my life is I have been guilty of trying to make it happen through anger, manipulation, and judgment. Why is it, when we put our grubby little fingers on a God problem, we make things worse? When will we learn patience?
“The Red Sea” is not totally resolved, because the issue is so big, it will take multiple God interventions to bring it to full redemption. For five years I falsely assumed God was in neutral. Actually, He was in four low, working furiously. Funny, it has not resolved the way I would have drawn it up or the fairy tale I wanted.
I falsely assumed the problem was one hundred percent with the other party. The answer was largely that God opened my eyes, to the other persons story. He gave me empathy! Empathy that sees with the eyes of another. Empathy that listens with the ears of another. Empathy that feels with the heart of another. God is on the move, if I will just stay, calm and confident giving Him time to work!
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 27, 2016
The Red Sea Rule Devotion September 27. Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident and Give God time to work. This rule makes me think on Isaiah 40:25-31.
“To whom will you compare me?
Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.
Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:25-31 NLT
There is a legend that grew up around this portion of Scripture. This legend is a great teaching parable, that may or may not be true. An Eagle at the age of 30-50, flies to a high place and there it endures a harsh trial of endurance and change. It can’t fly because its feathers are overgrown. Therefore it plucks all the feathers from its body. It plucks its talons from its feet because the claws have grown curled and useless. Its beak has grown too long and curled. It breaks its beak against a rock. Defenseless, it cries out and waits for the time of renewal.
Other Eagles hear its cry, and come to aid. They fly overhead, scaring off predators, and they bring food to their incapacitated friend. How does this parable explain the value on waiting for the Lord? What can we do for fellow eagles waiting on the Lord.
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work
September 28, 2016
The Red Sea Rule Devotion September 28 Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident and Give God time to work. This rule makes me think on Isaiah 40:25-31.
“To whom will you compare me?
Who is my equal?” asks the Holy One.
Look up into the heavens.
Who created all the stars?
He brings them out like an army, one after another,
calling each by its name.
Because of his great power and incomparable strength,
not a single one is missing.
27 O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
28 Have you never heard?
Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:25-31 NLT
There is hundred years of difference between Chapter 39 and 40. In chapters 1-39 Isaiah spoke to his own generation regarding the ability of God to defend them against the Assyrians.
In chapters 40-66 Isaiah envisioned the day when the Babylonians would destroy Jerusalem and take the Jews into Captivity. He also envisioned the events that would result in the Jews returning to Jerusalem to rebuild and restore their nation. The thread running through every chapter of Isaiah was the bigness of God!
Isaiah preached a powerful message regarding the bigness of God. This was a message of encouragement and comfort to a people whose problems seemed bigger than God. This was a message of hope to a people who felt forgotten by God. This was a convicting message to those who were tempted to adopt the gods of their conquerors. Our problems seem big only when our God is small. Our circumstances seem overwhelming when we lose sight of our God.
May we always be aware of the fact that our God is bigger than any problem, perplexity, or threatening circumstance that we encounter in life.
That is the heart of Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident, and Give God Time to Work.
Whether you are stuck between the Babylonians and Assyrians or the Egyptians and the Red Sea we must in faith trust that our God is bigger than the problem we are facing!
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 29, 2016
The Red Sea Rule Devotion September 29 Red Sea Rule # 5 Stay Calm & Confident and Give God time to work.
But those who wait for the Lord’s help find renewed strength; they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, they run without growing weary, they walk without getting tired. Isaiah 40:31 NET
The word wait in verse thirty-one is a multi-layered word. The New Living Translation uses the word trust instead of wait, but most English translations use the word wait. In Hebrew the word is “(qavah – kav-waw’)” the figurative meaning of the word is “to bind together like a cord.” It doesn’t mean to tie a cord around a bundle of sticks to keep them together. Instead, it’s the process of making a rope by twisting or weaving small strings together to form the rope. The more strands that are twisted or woven together in a rope, the greater is its strength.
Every Red Sea Trial can be if we allow it to be one more strand of hope that makes our trust in God stronger! For the Red Sea Israelites, they experienced God’s deliverance in the plagues of Egypt and their release from bondage. One reason God commands Israel to be still is to remember how He just delivered them from Egypt, so they could trust that he would do it again!
What are you facing? First, step be still! Second, step remember how God has been faithful in the past! Third allow those memories to strengthen your rope of hope in the Lord.
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
September 30, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, September 30. But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
When you go from one language Hebrew to another English, there are challenges. English translations imply that our strength will be renewed. That’s a problem even if my strength is renewed it is wholly inadequate.
Many writers of commentaries state that a better way of understanding these verse is the word exchange. Swapping rags for Chanel’s latest fashion. Or molting old feather for new.
The question remains who’s clothes? Whose feathers? Isaiah is saying, waiting on the Lord is exchanging my strength for God’s strength. When we can practice Red Sea rule #5: Stay calm and confident, and give God time to work. There is a swap of my strength for Almighty God’s strength! Which means, when I take Red Sea Rule # 6‐‐‐When Unsure, Just Take the Next Logical Step by Faith. That step of faith will not be in my strength, but in His mighty power!
Whatever you are facing, face it with God’s power-not man’s strength!
Pray: Father, glorify your name.
Memorize: The Lord will fight for you; you only need to stand still. Exodus 14:14
October 1, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion October 1. October’s memory verse is; “And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant” Exodus 14:31
The point of October’s memory verse is that, God’s demonstration of power is not for you to gloat, but for you to give glory to Him. Fear gets man to his proper place, a healthy respect for God. God will make a way where there seems to be no way. He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me. He will be my guide, hold me closely to his side. In love and strength for each new day, He will make a way. He will make a way.
If you’re hemmed in on every side and don’t have a way out. It’s time to watch the Lord go to work on your behalf. If you belong to Him in Christ Jesus, trust Him. Your dilemma may be financial. It may be in your business or with your co-worker. It might be with your health. It might be with your marriage or your children. Tomorrow we explore Red Sea Rule # 6‐‐‐When Unsure, Just Take the Next Logical Step by Faith. From this passage here are five next steps everyone can take.
- Don’t submit to fear. Fear will immobilize you, skew your thinking. Panic will cause you to do crazy things.
- Trust the Lord. Trust His heart. Trust His character. Trust your obstacle to Him. He can handle it a whole lot better than you can anyway. Admit it.
- Quit whining about yourself and listen to Him. The Lord has instructions for you in order for Him to make a way.
- Obey without reservation. Don’t question it. Don’t wait on four hundred confirmations. Obey with abandonment. Your obedience opens channels of blessing from the Throne.
- Thank Him for His faithfulness. Reflect on His work in your life. Tell your children about how God worked in your life. Tell your church. Tell your co-workers. Give Him the glory for the great things He has done in your life.
October 2, 2016
RED SEA DEVOTIONS OCTOBER 2 MOVE
“Our job is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.” Sir William Osler
SCRIPTURE
And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Tell the children of Israel to go forward. Exodus 14:15 NKJV
SONG
“Move (Keep Walkin’)” BY TOBY MAC
Another heartbreak day
Feels like you’re miles away
Don’t even need no shade
When your sun don’t shine, shine
Too many passin’ dreams
Roll by like limousines
It’s hard to keep believin’
When they pass you by and by
I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet
I know you’re feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet
Echoin’ inside your head
Are the words that your sweet momma said,
“shoot for the moon, my dear”
So you took aim out of this atmosphere
Between high stakes and pump fakes
You’re feelin’ like you can’t buy a break
I can hold your hand,
but I can’t turn your eyes to freedom
I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain’t been answered yet
I know you’re feeling like you got nothing left
Well, lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet
Hold on, hold on
Lord ain’t finished yet
Hold on, hold on
He’ll get you through this
Hold on, hold on
These are the promises
I never will forget
I never will forget [x2]
I know your heart been broke again
I know your prayers ain’t been answered yetz
it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet so
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
Move, keep walkin’ until the mornin’ comes
Move, keep walkin’ soldier keep movin’ on
And lift your head, it ain’t over yet, ain’t over yet..
SENTENCE PRAYER
Almighty God: I am begging you to part my Red Sea; In the power of your holy spirit may my feet always move forward. So my enemies may litter the shore and to you be the honor, glory and fear. And as I walk in faith through the red sea you have placed before me and the Egyptians behind me, may Your power cause others to bend their knee to Jesus. Amen Roger Miller
October 3, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, October 3. Sermon Rule # 6 – When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. 51 As the time approached for him to be taken up to hea…ven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; 53 but the people there did not welcome him because hewas heading for Jerusalem. Luke 9:51-53
As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Jesus could feel the oppressing shadow of the cross; he was determined to go there! The next step of faith is not always easy, pleasant or popular. Being adisciple means I like Jesus, resolutely take the next step of faith God asks.
I love the word resolutely in verse 51. Some other translations use the word steadfast, courageously, and determined. I think of the term doggedly. Is it not true that Jesus step by step doggedly went to Golgotha to pay for our sins?
Are we doggedly taking the next step of faith, for Jesus? Whether that is sticking to our diet, having an unpleasant conversation, or sharing Jesus?
October 4, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 4. Rule # 6 -When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. Memory Verse: And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31
Does God have a plan B? Since the beginning of time man has debated if God rules absolutely or if mankind has free will. The Bible I believe answers, yes. With Moses, he was asked to take a step of faith; he said “No!” God said, “Fine I will send your brother Aaron.”
Moses said to the Lord, “Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”
11 The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”
14 Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you. Exodus 4:10-14
There are times in the life of Moses he exercised his free will, to his own harm. Every time God went to plan B and yet God’s will and promises were done! Moses’ free will in this instance were seeds that led to Aaron’s jealousy and rebellion. When we forcefully refuse to take the next logical step of faith, we sow seeds of destruction. So today in faith doggedly follow God’s will.
Pray; God, make clear this day your next step of faith. Help me to obey this day my Lord and Savior Jesus. Holy Spirit give me the joyous courage to take the next step.
October 5, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion October 5. Rule # 6 When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. Memory Verse: And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31
Thank you, for all the positive feedback for the Red Sea Rules series. Robert Morgan’s assertion that faith is logical is not always true, and the assumption if we take a step of faith we will be rewarded, is also false. Monday we looked at Jesus, steps of the faith which led to the cross, that was not an immediate reward. Moses telling God no, yesterday led to some bumps in the road, but God used the detour to bless His children. Faith is clinging to Jesus no matter how things turn out.
17 Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength!
He makes me as surefooted as a deer,[f]
able to tread upon the heights. Habakkuk 3:17-19 NLT
Habakkuk was drawing a word picture of devastation after a step of faith. But Habakkuk affirmed that even in the times of starvation and loss, he would still rejoice in the Lord. Habakkuk’s feelings were not controlled by the events around him but by faith in God’s ability to give him strength. When nothing makes sense, and when troubles seem more than you can bear, remember that God gives strength. Take your eyes off your difficulties and look to God, taking the next step.
Verse nineteen affirms it is only God’s strength, that enables us to navigate through impossible faith trails! It is only God’s strength that allows us to continue, when our tank is empty! Have the faith to cling to Jesus today, as you take the next logical step of faith.
Tyndale (2012-02-17). Life Application Study Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 183743-183746). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
October 6, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion October 5. Rule # 6 -When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. Memory Verse: And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31
When I think of Red Sea Rule #6 I think of the song One Day at a Time,” written by Marijohn Wilkin.
The first verse;
One day at a time, sweet Jesus
I’m only human; I’m just a woman
Help me believe in what I could be and all that I am
Show me the stairway I have to climb
Lord, for my sake teach me to take one day at a time
One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That’s all I’m asking from You
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What I have to do
Amid the acclaim, money, and success she enjoyed as a country music songwriter, Marijohn stopped attending church and eventually became addicted to alcohol. On more than one occasion, she attempted suicide. But God, in His merciful grace, spared her life.
“I stopped by a small church and asked a young minister if I could talk with him. I found out later that I was the first person he had counseled. I drove up in my new, midnight blue Cadillac, dressed in a full-length mink coat with sparkling jewelry and my cowboy boots. I said, ‘I have all kinds of problems.’ He looked at me and said, ‘You look like you don’t have any financial problems.’ I answered, ‘No, I don’t.’ He said, ‘You look pretty healthy.’ I said, ‘Well, I guess I am.’ He then asked, ‘What is your main problem?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.’ He didn’t seem to know what more to say to me.
“At that point in our conversation, he said a funny thing, but it was okay, because it worked. He asked, ‘Did you ever think about thanking God for your problems?’ (Ephesians 5:20). I left his office and drove back home and the song was written (http://www1.cbn.com/devotions/end-my-rope-one-day-time)
Her next step of faith was not logical, talking to a rookie minister; but it led her back to sobriety and Jesus! And of course, it was also a hit song. Today, take a step of faith!
October 7, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 7. Rule # 6 -When unsure, just take the next logical step by faith. Memory Verse: And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31
What does a step of faith look like? Is faith, “if it’s going to happen it’s all up to me?” Is faith, irresponsible passivity waiting for God to do what we can easily do for ourselves?
Notice, Exodus 14:16 – Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground.
Moses was to raise his staff, but God will do the heavy lifting by parting the Red Sea. Could God do it without Moses? Absolutely! But God will not act without the faith participation of his children!
Why? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:25 True faith always results in steps of trust! Today, take a step of faith and let God do the heavy lifting. God accepts the paltry sum of our strength, and unlocks the Red Sea! It is your move; what are you going to do?
Pray; Father; Thou art with me, I will fear no evil. Amen
October 8, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 8.
The Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them.” Who is this angel of God accompanying the Israelites in Exodus 14? The previous chapter told us. “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud…and by night in a pillar of fire.” (Ex. 13:21). The prophet Isaiah later explained the “Angel of His presence.” Saved the Israelites (Isa. 63:9)
The pillar of fire and cloud, in theological language, was a theophany or a Christophany, a singular Old Testament appearance of God himself, specifically of God the Son, the second person of the Trinity, who manifests the Father’s presence (John 1:18). (The Red Sea Rules 10 God-given strategies for Difficult times. pg. 80)
It was God Himself that led Israel into the Red Sea and God who would lead them out. The [c]angel of God, who had been going in front of the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them. The pillar of the cloud moved from in front and stood behind them. 20 So it came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel. It was a cloud along with darkness [even by day to the Egyptians], but it gave light by night [to the Israelites]; so one [army] did not come near the other all night. Exodus 14:19,20 AMP
Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence
Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
October 9, 2016
The Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 9.
On page 80 of the Red Sea Rules, Robert Morgan begins by citing Isaiah 52:12 of the Rotherham Bible. I was not aware of the Rotherham Bible, and this is what I found out; “Rotherham’s Emphasized Bible” is a translation of the Bible that uses multiple tools like emphasized idiom, so today’s reader has a clue about the figurative language used.
For your Van-guard is the Lord, and your Rear-gaurd is the God of Israel. Isaiah 52:12 EBR. Isaiah 52’s context is an exodus from Babylon to return to Israel. The idioms are stating just like at the Red Sea God would Go before them, but he would also be behind them.
This translation uses a term “Vanguard.” We seldom use today; a Vanguard went before an army securing the high ground, making sure there were food and water, and places to camp. Do you see God’s promise to us? Whatever enemy is before us He will go before us, making sure we have the tactical advantage!
Once again we are told that the God of Israel would our rearguard. The rearguard of an army protected lines of communication, so the army had clear communication from their commander. The Rearguard also ensured the army would not be outflanked and attacked from behind.
God is behind us as well to make sure we never lose sight of Him or outflanked by Satan. Almighty God is our guide and guard. He is our provider and protector! He is in the front opening the way. He is also going behind, cleaning up our messes! Claim the promise that God is your Vanguard and Rearguard! Picture God presence in front and behind, ensuring you reach the destination safely!
Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence.
Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
October 10, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 10.
The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them.” Who is this angel of God accompanying the Israelites in Exodus14? The previous chapter told us. “The [presence of the] Lord was going before them by day in a pillar (column) of cloud to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they could travel by day and by night. “ Exodus 13:21. The prophet Isaiah later explained; “In all their distress He was distressed, And the [a]angel of His presence saved them, In His love and in His compassion He redeemed them; And He lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:9 AMP
The pillar of fire and cloud, in theological language, was a theophany or a Christophany, a singular Old Testament appearance of God Himself, specifically of Go the Son, second person or the trinity, who manifests the Fathers presence John 1:18.
In other words, the Lord Himself ushered the Israelites through the Red Sea: The angel of God, who was going before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them, and the pillar of cloud moved from before them and stood behind them. 20 It came between the Egyptian camp and the Israelite camp; it was a dark cloud and it lit up the night so that one camp did not come near the other the whole night. Exodus 14:19,20 NET.
What a perfect description of our Lord Jesus who gives light to those who trust Him; but to those who reject Him, utter darkness. He comforts the one and confounds the others. He is a Savior to the one, and a Judge to the other. (The Red Sea Rules 10 God-Given Strategies For Difficult Times. Robert J. Morgan).
Today, may you walk in the Light of His powerful presence, and may your enemies be lost in the confusion of darkness. Amen
Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence
Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
October 11, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 11. Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence. Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
During Sunday’s sermon: I discussed Five Steps in envisioning God’s enveloping Presence:
- Affirm His nearness
- Visualize God’s presence in your mind
- Reflect God’s presence in your actions
- Place yourself in God through prayer in nature.
- Claim God’s promises for your Self.
The everlasting God is a refuge, and underneath you are his eternal arms; he has driven out enemies before you, Deuteronomy 33:27 NIV.
Much later in the Exodus Moses blesses the 12 tribes of Israel. The words above are for all the followers of God. God himself, once again is the great blessing! The everlasting God is a refuge, and underneath you are his eternal arms, to catch you when you fall; he has driven out enemies before you, He has blazed a path for you! Affirm that God is our only security!
Too often; followers of God, trust our lives to other refuges. Right now in America, we are fretting because our political refuge is collapsing. Any stronghold beside God is temporary, shaky and flimsy! Do you find security in things— money, career, a noble cause, or a lifelong dream?
Going all in, for God may appear to be risky business. History and scripture are testimony that it is godless that are on a weak foundation. Today affirm His nearness. Today, make the great I am your refuge! When you affirm His nearness, you have a sure foundation to overcome any obstacle. When God is our refuge, we have every reason to be bold, daring and courageous! Affirm His nearness, today!
October 12, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 12. Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence. Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
During Sunday’s sermon: I discussed Five Steps in envisioning God’s enveloping Presence:
1. Affirm His nearness
2. Visualize God’s presence in your mind
3. Reflect God’s presence in your actions
4. Place yourself in God through prayer in nature.
5. Claim God’s promises for your Self.
In the book of Exodus God’s presence has shown up as a burning bush, and a pillar of fire. Today, visualize God presence in your mind. The difficulty in making a mental image of God is the age old sin of idolatry. 1 John 4:12 states; No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. False Worship happens because Colossians’ chapter one; verse fifteen states God is invisible. So in mans’ infinite wisdom, we tend to make God like us. Blond, blue-eyed and knocking on our door
Revelation is God’s disclosure to man, what he can not know, by himself, usually in the form of Scripture! First John chapter four instructs us that any image of God, must be loving! Octobers memory verse states; And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31 Any visualizing of God, must include both love and hate, redemption and condemnation, tenderness and fear. He is Almighty! When we visualize God, this should not only comfort us but fill us with fear! We visualize God so we can trust in faith to take the first step of faith into the Red Sea! If we do not obey God in fear, we have an idol and not a God! Notice picturing God should cause us to obey servants like Moses as well.
Psalms 139:7,8 NLT states; Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.
God is omnipresent—he is present everywhere. This is good for those seeking to obey God, they have his power, presence and promises to overcome. For those like the Egyptians it is bad news, it meant death and judgment. God is the fact of this universe; our calling is to allow this fearful Fact to produce trusting obedience in our life.
October 13, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 13. Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence. Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
Five Steps in envisioning God’s enveloping Presence:
- Affirm His nearness
- Visualize God’s presence in your mind
- Reflect God’s presence in your actions
- Place yourself in God through prayer in nature.
- Claim God’s promises for yourself.
God rewards righteousness and punishes sin; therefore we must put a priority in how we daily live by visualizing his presence. I find it funny when I am not in church, and someone apologizes for a potty mouth. I get a twinkle in my eye and say it’s not me you need to be worried about, but God’s final say. We may not see God, with our fleshly eye, but he is there.
Then the angel of God, who had been traveling in front of Israel’s army, withdrew and went behind them. The pillar of cloud also moved from in front and stood behind them, 20 coming between the armies of Egypt and Israel. Throughout the night the cloud brought darkness to the one side and light to the other side; so neither went near the other all night long. Exodus 14:19,20
Envisioning God’s enveloping presence, was easy on the day after the Red Sea parted and closed. Because according to verse thirty the whole next day all their Egyptian enemies washed ashore. Can you imagine the ghastly sight? Can you smell the stench? A regular walking dead episode!
The Israelites can trust God. And His enemies better fear Him. Because the same incident that delivered the people God, destroyed the enemies of God. Our Lord Jesus gives light to those who trust Him and utter darkness to those who reject Him. That is going to be true at the Second Coming of Christ. In that singular event, Christ will deliver the Church, and He will destroy His enemies. So you better be sure you’re on the right side.
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Galatians 6:7
October 14, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 13. Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence. Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
Five Steps in envisioning God’s enveloping Presence:
Affirm His nearness
- Visualize God’s presence in your mind
- Reflect God’s presence in your actions
- Place yourself in God through prayer in nature.
- Claim God’s promises for your Self.
In the book of Exodus God’s presence manifests itself time and time again in nature. Exodus three God appears as a Burning bush that does not consume. Exodus four Moses’ Staff becomes a snake and his hand is leprous and then whole. And in the same chapter the Nile water becomes blood.
All of these manifestations are cause for the fear of God. When we see the awesomeness of nature … the fury … the beauty … the complexity … and we realize that God created it and controls it … that should cause us to fear God. Creation is God’s power on display. This is what happened to the Israelites, maybe they forgot the desert the lack of water and food was also part of God’s Design. As a child of God let’s take natures curses like hurricanes and blessings like a Colorado sunrises both, to fear and trust God!
This is the lesson God, was trying to teach Moses who did not yet, quite get it. The Lord said to him, “Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say.”
13 But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.” Exodus 4:11-13
When we place ourselves in God, through prayer, in nature the point is that us human’s now have the power greater than nature to assist us. Visualizing God in nature is a lesson that our God is bigger than any Red Sea we face.
October 15, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 15. Red Sea Rule #7 Envision God’s enveloping presence. Pray: I will fear no evil for Thou art with me. Amen
Five Steps in envisioning God’s enveloping Presence:
- Affirm His nearness
- Visualize God’s presence in your mind
- Reflect God’s presence in your actions
- Place yourself in God through prayer in nature.
- Claim God’s promises for your Self.
The human mind works in all sorts of strange ways. Our earthly mind is easily influenced by doubt. The Accusers chief is to plant seeds of doubt in our mind. I have found facing a Red Sea, memorizing a Bible verse and claiming it is helpful in overcoming fear and doubt. Some trials are bothersome enough I take the next step and remove the personal pronouns of a verse and insert my name within them.
The Lord will fight for (name) ; (Name) need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for (Name) , who can be against (Name)? Romans 8:31
Do whatever it takes to make God’s promises personal for you!
October 16, 2016
Red Sea Devotion, October 16. Red Sea Rule # 8 Trust God to Deliver in His Own Unique Way.
Almighty God, delivers. He delivers Noah in an Ark. He delivers Israel from Egypt. He delivers through the blood sacrifice. He delivers through the Bronze snake. He delivers from death to life. These are five simple means. God delivers his people in the first five books of the Bible. The God who brings you to it will bring you through it!
You are not the one exception to the universal rule of; God delivers in HIs own unique way. Each day as a child of the father we should be excited, to see the unique way He will deliver! What new act of deliverance is the Father doing today?
I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?” (Jer. 32:27) Is your sin too dirty, that the blood of Jesus can not wash it away? Is your Red Sea, too big for God? No! Stand still, and wait for God’s deliverance!
October 17, 2016
Red Sea Devotion October 17. A statement of providence comes from Esther “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 God’s design for Esther’s life providentially to use her influence for Israel’s influence.
Several years ago some Communist officials in Vietnam learned that there had been an outbreak of religion up in the highlands. So they sent some “teachers” up there to conduct a six-hour “re-education campaign” for the villagers. At the end of the session, one of the officials walked up to a blackboard and wrote two headings: “Against Christ” and “For Christ.” Then he told the villagers to come up and sign their names in the appropriate column. Everybody just sat there not daring to move.
Finally, an elderly woman stood up and walked to the blackboard. She turned around and faced the villagers. She said, “For the last twenty years I have followed Marxism. I have followed the party line and served as your leader. But a few months ago I came to realize that Jesus Christ offers a better way.” Then she turned around and signed her name as one who was “For Christ.” The whole village followed one-by-one and signed their names under hers.
Think about all the little things that God weaved together to have that happen. A woman comes to Christ in the highlands of Vietnam. She happens to be the Communist party leader there. It just happens that after her conversion the officials learn about this flare-up of religion in the area. They come to her village. The challenge is issued. Like Esther she takes her stand. She declares her faith, and that leads to the whole village to take a stand for Jesus too. A whole series of events flow together to accomplish God’s purpose.
That’s providence. It’s the way that God usually seems to work.
Memory Verse: And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant. Exodus 14:31
October 18, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 18. God delivers through process, providence, miracles, and mystery. Vance Havner has rightly said; God marks some of our days, will explain later. There are peals of laughter and wails of sorrow, which have no rhyme or reason to us. But one of the joys of heaven is one day; before Him, all will be clear!
Hebrews 11:35-40 But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. 36 Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. 37 Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half,[d] and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated. 38 They were too good for this world, wandering over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground.
39 All these people earned a good reputation because of their faith, yet none of them received all that God had promised. 40 For God had something better in mind for us, so that they would not reach perfection without us.
Having a steadfast faith in God does not guarantee a happy, carefree life. On the contrary, often, our faith is a sentence of some form of abuse from the world. While we are on earth, we may never see the purpose of our suffering. It is a mystery for a reason. But we know that God will keep his promises to us. Do you believe that?
Tyndale (2012-02-17). Life Application Study Bible NIV (Kindle Locations 202657-202659). Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
Have you known anyone according to verse thirty-eight that was too good for this world? Last night, I watched the movie; “The Letters.” It is about Mother Theresa and her service to the untouchables of Calcutta. There is still untouchables in Calcutta, but God mysteriously used the hardships of one woman of faith, to relieve the suffering of some.
God will part the Red Sea, for some mysteriously, that parting will not happen until we are before our Lord and Savior Jesus. Hearing the words; “Well done, good and faithful servant. Today, do not give up! Keep on, keeping on!
October 19, 2016
Red Sea Rule Devotion, October 19. God sometimes delivers his people miraculously. Think about the experience of the Israelites when they cross the Red Sea. The wind blows. The waves increase. The waters begin to part. They slowly build into two walls of water with a dry pathway running between them. Moses tells the Israelites to move. So they do. And they escape from Egypt once and for all! It was a miracle!
Does God still do remarkable things for people today? Former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow now in baseball. Tebow was signing autographs after his first baseball game as a Scottsdale Scorpion when a fan suddenly hit the ground and started convulsing uncontrollably.
Tebow sprang into action and laid hands on the man, praying for his healing and comforting him until paramedics arrived. The violent seizure reportedly stopped moments after Tebow prayed for him. The miraculous healing had many people taking to social media expressing their amazement at the power of prayer. ( http://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2016/october/fans-seizure-stops-moments-after-tebow-prays-for-him )
I often think Jesus would say to -what he often, said to his disciples: “O you of little faith!” God sometimes does provide miraculously. When I hear a story like that, I usually respond in the same way that many of you are responding right now. “Oh, God, please do that for me!
If you and I would experience a miracle, would we really never doubt again? Think about the Israelites and the Red Sea. God performed the miracle, but the Old Testament book of Exodus tells us that it wasn’t long before the Israelites turned away from the living God and worshiped a lifeless idol that they had created with their own hands. Maybe that’s why God doesn’t perform as many miracles as often as we would like.
And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NLT. The object of our faith is not process, providence or even miracles. The point of faith is God! Not how He chooses to work. Do not get stuck at the parting of the Red Sea, instead lift your eyes to the One who parted the sea.
October 20, 2016
Red Sea Devotion, October 20. Red Sea Rule #8 Trust God to deliver you in his own unique way! God, throughout scripture, redeems his children through a process, Providence, Miraculously, and Mysteriously.
Read Exodus fifteen, verses twenty through twenty-seven. In this periscope of scripture, the first act after their dramatic deliverance from the Red Sea and the Egyptian army is to grumble and doubt God’s provision at the Waters of Marah. The Waters of Marah contrast to man’s best and God’s best. The Waters teach us that an encounter with God does not mean we have faith. Lastly, The Waters, illustrate the method God chooses to heal his people.
The Waters of Marah and the Oasis of Elim is a stark contrast. Marah is symbolic of human effort very best which was bitter. And Elim God’s best twelve bright clear springs surrounded by palm trees. Marah stood for the unbelieving, grumbling attitude of the people who would not trust God. And Elim is the reward of those who display obedient faith.
Israel has just experienced God’s presence, in a cloud by day and fire at night. Israel witnessed the greatest miracle of the Old Testament in the parting of the Red Sea. And what? Verse, twenty – four their response was not faith, but distrust and grumbling. An encounter with God does not guarantee faith will grow automatically. We as children of God must daily choose between faith or unbelief? It is a clue that a grumbling mindset than a grateful heart. Each, day we must choose our attitude!
Lastly, look at verse twenty-six; He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.” How does God heal his people? Jehovah instructs His children. They are to underline, listen and do. God’s healing happens when we listen and practice obedience to His words! God never snaps His fingers to instantly make us into Paul. He uses the method of daily obedience to make us into His image.
October 21, 2016
Red Sea Rules Devotion, October 21. Red Sea Rule #8 Trust God to deliver you in his own unique way! Memory verse; And when the Israelites saw the mighty hand of the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in Moses his servant.
When God does not overtly (through a miracle) or Covertly (by providence), He will deliver mysteriously, with a deeper level of intervention than we can discern; in the end it will be better for us, though for a time we may be perplexed.
In his last letter, the Apostle Paul boasted, ‘The Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom.” (2 Timothy 4:18) Yet he was beheaded days later, his body cast aside, and his head tossed into the grave after him. Was he, after all, delivered?
Yes. He was snatched away from evil that surrounded him, removed from tears, pain, stress, and sickness, taken where Satan could no longer harass and be present with the Lord, “which is far better”. Morgan, Robert J. The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-given Strategies for Difficult times. Nashville: T. Nelson, 2001. Print. Pg. 102,103