WISE ADVICE

JETHRO AND MOSES

Read Exodus 18:1–27

     "The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you."   Exodus 18:18b–19a NIV

* * *

     When Jethro, the priest of Midian and father-in-law of Moses, heard of everything God had done for Moses and how the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt, he sent word to him: "I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you with your wife and her two sons." (18:6) As Jethro settled in, he quickly noted that Moses was trying to do everything himself.

     If this man was going to keep going, Jethro observed, he would need help. His advice was to seek out capable, godly men to judge the simple matters, who would then bring the difficult cases to Moses. He said, " If you do this and God so commands, you will be able to stand the strain, and all these people will go home satisfied." (18:23)

     Just like Moses, we often think we have to do everything ourselves. It is important, not only for our own benefit, but also our children's, to give them age appropriate responsibilities.

* * *

     Lord, help me to learn to delegate responsibility and to train my "child in the way he should go, so that when he is old he will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6)

* * *

     Moses told his father-in-law about everything the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the LORD had saved them.    Exodus 18:8 NIV

THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH

YOU NEED ONLY TO BE STILL

Read Exodus 13:17–14:31

     The LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left.    Exodus 14:21–22 NIV

* * *

     When Pharaoh finally let the Israelites go, God instructed Moses to take them the long way around so they wouldn’t face war with the Philistines because, "If they face war,” He said, “they might change their minds and return to Egypt." So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea. (13:17–18) When they came to the Red Sea with the Egyptians pursuing them, it was no surprise that they were terrified.

* * *

     Thanks be to God, their salvation was not dependent on their great strength and courage. Moses told the people "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still." (14:13–14)

* * *

     Thank You Lord, that victory does not depend on my own strength. When I am overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, I need only to be still and watch what You are going to do. Like Moses and Miriam I can sing, “The Lord is my strength and my song. He has become my salvation.” (Exodus 15:2a)

* * *

"In your unfailing love you will lead the people you have redeemed. In your strength you will guide them …"   Exodus 15:13a NIV

PASSOVER

THE LAST SUPPER

Read Exodus 11:1–12:42

     "I am the LORD … when I see the blood, I will pass over you.”    Exodus 12:12b–13 NIV

* * *

     After nine plagues and refusals by Pharaoh to let the descendants of Jacob leave Egypt, in the tenth and final judgment, God sent His angel to strike the firstborn male of every family in that country. Only those who put the blood of a lamb on the two doorposts and the lintel of their homes would be spared.

     The Lord promised them, "… when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt." (12:13b) This event came to be known as the Passover. God commanded, "This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it as a festival to the LORD—a lasting ordinance."(12:14) So even today the Jews observe this feast.

     Over fourteen hundred years later, Jesus sat down to the Passover meal with His disciples and said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you." ...That very night in the Garden of Gethsemane, being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.   (Luke 22: 20b,44 NKJV)

* * *

     Thank You Lord, for giving Your Son for us, that we might enjoy eternal life in Your presence. Help us to tell the story of the cross to our children, just as the Israelites taught their children through this annual feast. May our lives radiate the message of Jesus the Passover Lamb.

* * *

     "In days to come, when your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' say to him, 'With a mighty hand the LORD brought us out … out of the land of slavery.' "   Exodus 13:14 NIV

WHO AM I?

I AM WHO I AM

Read Exodus 2:11–3:15

      "One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand."   Exodus 2:11–12 NIV

* * *

      When Moses was young, God had already given him a heart to deliver his people–but his youthful, impulsive actions forced him to flee to the desert, where he lived as a shepherd for forty years. Finally, God's time had come to use the spark ignited in Moses' heart so long ago:

      Out of a burning bush, God said, "I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt." Moses' response was, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (3:10–11)

     When Moses was young, it was all about who he was, the son of a princess, but now God says, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (3:14)

* * *

      How prone we are to act impulsively in our own strength, with disappointing results. But our failures don’t necessarily prove that the desired end was wrong. It may just indicate that we need to wait patiently for the Lord’s perfect timing.

      Lord, when I am impatient to know what is ahead, help me to be willing to wait for your guidance and timing. Renew my strength and confidence as I wait upon you.

* * *

      But 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

JOCOBED AND MIRIAM

Faith Rewarded

Read Exodus 1:1–2:10

     When she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile. His sister stood at a distance to see what would happen to him.  Exodus 2:3–4 NIV

* * *

     The rescue of baby Moses is a remarkable story of faith and deliverance. Many babies lost their lives in this terrible purge by Pharaoh, and yet God had a plan for one little baby boy and his family.   

     Jocobed trusted God as she lowered the basket into the water and prayed for compassion from Pharaoh's daughter. Miriam, in obedience to her mother, stood watch over the baby and spoke wisely to the princess. The result of their faith was that Jocobed was allowed to continue nursing her own baby, and one day Miriam would join her brother Moses as a leader in Israel.  (Exodus 2:7–10; Micah 6:4)

* * *

     Lord, only You know what the future holds for our children. We commit them to Your providential plan, trusting that You will bring about Your will in their lives. Help us to move confidently into the future, believing in Your love and care for our children and grandchildren. And as we do this, please use us to bless the lives of other families along the way.

* * *

     The girl went and got the baby's mother. Pharaoh's daughter said to her, "Take this baby and nurse him for me, and I will pay you." So the woman took the baby and nursed him.   Exodus 2:8–9 NIV

FAITHFULNESS

JOSEPH AND POTIPHAR

Read Genesis 39

     Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh … bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there … And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand.   Genesis 39:1,3 NKJV

* * *

     At first glance, Joseph's story is about slavery, lies and betrayal, even by family members. But the underlying message is that Joseph prospered in spite of it all, whether he was a servant, manager or prisoner. God had plans for Joseph to rescue his whole family, including those who betrayed him.       

     Joseph was a faithful young man. Is it any wonder that God chose him for this important task? His priorities were determined by his faithfulness to God, not the pressures of a wicked culture. When tempted to commit adultery, he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b)

* * *

     Lord, give us the discernment to protect our children from the influences that could destroy their relationship with You. Help them to understand that sexual sin is a grievous offense against God, as well as their own bodies. Help us to teach them Your precepts so that they will know right from wrong and look forward to the future You have planned for them.

* * *

     “God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance … "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Genesis 45:7–8a NIV

FAVORITISM

JOSEPH

Read Genesis 37

     Now Israel loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made a richly ornamented robe for him. When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.   Genesis 37:3–4 NIV

* * *

     Jacob and Rachel waited many years before Rachel conceived. By then, Jacob already had sons by his wife Leah and their two maidservants, Zilpah and Bilhah. Rachael's firstborn, Joseph quickly became his father's favorite. This special treatment of the younger son caused resentment and hatred, particularly by the sons of Jacob's concubines.

    Jacob must have forgotten the pain of his own father's preferential love for Esau, for now he was repeating the pattern. Both Isaac and Jacob suffered the loss of a son because of favoritism. Jacob had to flee to his relatives and Joseph was sold into slavery in Egypt.

* * *

     Lord, help us to avoid comparing our children or grandchildren in an unfavorable way. Give us sensitivity to the feelings of each child and the ability to appreciate his or her unique personality and abilities. I pray like the Psalmist, "Who can discern his errors? Forgive my hidden faults. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:12, 14 NKJV)

* * *

     Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. All his sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted.… Meanwhile, the Midianites sold Joseph in Egypt to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh's officials.Genesis 37:34–36 NIV

WRESTLING WITH GOD

JACOB'S BLESSING

Read Genesis 31–32

     Then Jacob prayed, "O God …“I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant.” Genesis 32:9a, 10a NIV

* * *

     After years of hardship and deception by Laban, God miraculously increased Jacob’s wealth, and caused Laban to allow him to leave. Then, alone at night, after sending his family on ahead, God once again spoke to Jacob…

     A man approached him and they began to fight. Jacob wrestled all night long–evidently realizing this was a heavenly visitor.  Jacob said to him, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." The man asked him, "What is your name?" "Jacob," he answered. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome." … So Jacob called the place Peniel, saying, "It is because I saw God face to face, and yet my life was spared."(Genesis 32:26b–30)

     This strange encounter with the Lord left Jacob with an outward limp that would always remind him and his descendants that his blessings came from God.

* * *

     Lord, I can see in this story of Jacob how much You value humility. If we are to be blessed, that blessing will come from You, not from our own struggles. You are Jehovah Jirah, our provider, and like Jacob I will say God has been gracious to me, and I have all I need. (Genesis 33:11)

* * *

     The sun rose above him as he passed Peniel, and he was limping because of his hip. Therefore to this day the Israelites do not eat the tendon attached to the socket of the hip, because the socket of Jacob's hip was touched near the tendon.   Genesis 32:31–32 NIV

HIS OWN PURPOSE

RACHEL AND LEAH

Read Genesis 29:1–30:24

 

     Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”    Genesis 29:25b NIV

* * *

     No one can read this account of Laban’s blatant deception without feeling sorry for Jacob and Rachel, and especially for Leah. Some would say Jacob deserved to be tricked, since he had done the same to Esau.

     But through it all, in spite of the actions of sinful men, God’s plan moved forward: Jesus came from the tribe of Leah’s son Judah, and God used Rachel’s son Joseph to save his people from extinction.

     Looking at this whole story in hindsight we can say with the apostle Paul, “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose... His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began–" (Romans 8:28;   2 Timothy 1:9)

* * *

     Lord, help me to think in terms of the big picture, even when I can’t understand why things happen the way they do. Grant me the faith to believe that You have a much larger purpose in it all, which will work for our good and Your glory, even for generations to come.

* * *

… and when she (Leah) gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah … Then God remembered Rachel … She gave birth to a son and named him Joseph … Genesis 29:35; 30:22‑24a NIV

JACOB

"I WAS NOT AWARE OF IT"

Read Genesis 28:10–28:22

     Jacob left Beersheba and set out for Haran. When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep.   Genesis 28:10–11 NIV

* * *

     After cheating Esau out of his birthright, Jacob was forced to run for his life. Stopping to rest for the night, Jacob had a dream in which he met God personally…he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. There above the ladder stood the LORD, and he said: "I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you are lying." (28:12–13)

     Up to this time, Jacob had no idea that God had a personal plan for his life, or that he would become the ancestor of the promised Messiah. When he awoke from his sleep, he thought, "Surely the LORD is in this place, and I was not aware of it."( 28:16)

* * *

     Dear Father, I thank You that You have a plan for my life, and even when I am not aware of it –You are with me. I know that You also have plans for our children and grandchildren. Help us to train them in godly principles and lead them to a personal relationship with Your Son, Jesus Christ the Messiah.

* * *

     "All peoples on earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you."   Genesis 28:14–15 NIV

ISAAC AND ESAU

GODLY CHOICES

Read Genesis 25:19–28:9

     Isaac, who had a taste for wild game, loved Esau, but Rebekah loved Jacob.   Genesis 25:28 NIV

* * *

     Isaac, as an old man, was tricked by his son Jacob into giving him the firstborn blessing. His older son, Esau threatened to kill Jacob after Isaac died; so Rebekah told Jacob to flee until Esau's temper cooled. To her husband Isaac she said,

     "I'm disgusted with living because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land, my life will not be worth living." (Genesis 27:46)

     So Isaac called for Jacob and blessed him and commanded him: "Do not marry a Canaanite woman. Go at once to Paddan Aram. Take a wife for yourself there, from among the daughters of Laban, your mother's brother." (28:2)

* * *

     It is interesting to note that Isaac had never indicated his disapproval of his oldest son's marriages, or suggested that God might have a Hebrew bride for Esau. Then Esau, who wanted to please his father, married the daughter of his uncle Ishmael, in addition to the wives he already had.

     How sad that Isaac, whose wife had been chosen by God, did not instruct his son in how to choose a godly wife. Today, this story could read: “Isaac who loved sports, favored his athletic son, but neglected to teach him how to make godly choices.”
     Lord, help us to faithfully teach our children to seek Your will in making important decisions.

* * *

     Esau then realized how displeasing the Canaanite women were to his father Isaac…so he married Mahalath, daughter of Ishmael…In addition to the wives he already had.   Genesis 28:8-9 NIV

ISAAC AND REBEKAH

LIFE DECISIONS

Read Genesis 24

     “… (if) she says, 'Drink, and I'll water your camels too' – let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master." Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. Genesis 24:14-15 NIV

* * *

     Abraham wanted to find just the right wife for his son Isaac – someone from his own people, not from the Canaanites among whom he lived. So he sent his most trusted servant on a journey to his home country. Both Abraham and his chief servant believed that God would lead him to the right young woman. Abraham said,

      "The LORD, the God of heaven…who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land–He will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there." (Genesis 24:7)

* * *

     It is so important to pray for our children’s future spouses. What better time to start than now, while they are young, covering that child and his parents in prayer throughout their lives.

* * *

     Lord, help us to teach our children to seek Your wisdom in every small or large decision. You know the future and You have a plan for each one of them. Help them as they step out into life to make choices according to Your perfect will.

* * *

     Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, saying …“As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey”   Gen 24:26-27 NIV

ABRAHAM AND ISAAC

GOD WILL PROVIDE A LAMB

Read Genesis 22

     And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide Himself a Lamb” (Genesis 22:8 KJV)
"Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" John 1:29 NKJV

* * *

     After waiting for so long for his promised son, Isaac, Abraham was asked to give him back as a sacrifice. This request had no basis in anything God had done with His people. False gods required human sacrifices, not Abraham's God.

* * *

     The author of Hebrews gives us some insight into Abraham’s response: "Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death."  Hebrews 11:19  But still he was required to go through this test to show that God was first in his life–even before his beloved son.

* * *

     Sometimes God brings us to a place in our lives when we must make a choice about something or someone He has blessed us with. Is there anything in my life that has become more important than my relationship with Him?

* * *

     Lord, I pray that I will always put You first in my life. Not first as in being at the top of a priority list, but first in regard to everything on that list. I cannot have a right relationship with anyone else if I am not right with You. Thank You for providing Your Son, the Lamb of God, to make that relationship possible.

* * *

     "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life "   John 3:16 NKJV

LOT

A COMPROMISED TESTIMONY

Read Genesis 18:16–19:38 

     So Lot went out and spoke to his sons‑in‑law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, "Hurry and get out of this place, because the LORD is about to destroy the city!" But his sons‑in‑law thought he was joking.   Genesis 19:14 NIV

* * *

     Lot’s story is a direct contrast to the story of Noah and the flood. Noah’s sons and their wives respected him and followed him in obedience to God. Lot’s sons‑in‑law thought he was joking. Lot’s testimony was so compromised that his daughters tricked him into fathering their children, resulting in two wicked nations called the Moabites and Ammonites. Yet, in spite of this, Peter later tells us that Lot was a believer:

     " a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard.)" (2 Peter 2:7-8)

* * *

     Lord, help us to carefully choose the environment in which we place our families. Help us to see beyond the beauty of the land or the monetary gain to make sure there is not a wicked “Sodom” nearby. Help us to train up our children by our own example and to teach them to pass down their faith to the next generation.

* * *

     "For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just ..." Genesis 18:19a NIV

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

THOMAS BELIEVES

Read: Luke 24:36-43; John 20:24-31

     Thomas said to them, "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."    John 20:25 NIV

     Eight days before this, the disciples, except for Thomas, stood in amazed unbelief.  Jesus suddenly appeared, and they thought they were seeing a ghost. Then He asked for something to eat and said, "Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have." (Luke 24:39)

     Now Thomas is still  unconvinced, since he has not yet seen the Lord. When Jesus appeared again, and showed him his hands and side, Thomas exclaimed, "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28)

* * *

     Jesus had been telling His disciples all along that he would arise from the dead, but this was something they couldn't comprehend. We have the advantage today of the complete Scriptures, explaining how all these things fit together with Old Testament prophesy; yet Lord, there are times I struggle to understand Your plan for us. Perhaps it is just enough to say, "My Lord and my God!"

* * *

     Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."  John 20:29 NKJV

I HAVE SEEN THE LORD

MARY MAGDALENE

Read: John 20:1-18
     They asked her, "Woman, why are you crying?" "They have taken my Lord away," she said, "and I don't know where they have put him." John 20:13

* * *

     Mary Magdalene was one of the devout women who supplied the needs of Jesus and His disciples throughout His ministry. She was a woman whom Jesus had delivered from demon possession, as were many others who followed Him. Mary Magdalene stood at the foot of the cross with Mary, the mother of Jesus.

     Now Mary came to the tomb to grieve, but instead she found that the tomb was empty. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"   

     Later back at the empty tomb, she turned around and saw Jesus, so changed that she did not recognize Him - until He said her name. Jesus said to her, "Mary." She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, "Rabboni!" (John 20:16)

     Mary Magdalene had been forgiven much and she loved her Savior. Her life was dedicated to the ministry and to being a friend to other believers. God chose her to be the first one to see her risen Lord.

* * *

     Thank You, Lord, that You sent your Son to set people like Mary free from their sin, and that You saved me too. I pray that my life will be spent serving you and other believers, in Jesus name, Amen.

* * *

     Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: "I have seen the Lord!"   John 20:18 NIV

A RICH MAN'S TOMB

SECRET DISCIPLES

Read John 19:38-42

     After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus.   John 19:38 NKJV

* * *

     Here are two Jewish men, one of them Nicodemus, a Pharisee and the other Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent wealthy council member - both of them secret disciples of Jesus. On one occasion Nicodemus tried to speak up at a council meeting by saying,

     "Does our law judge a man before it hears him and knows what he is doing?" They ridiculed him by saying, "Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee." (John 7:50-52)

     After the crucifixion, Joseph of Arimathea gathered up his courage and asked Pilot for Jesus' body. He and Nicodemus - no longer secret disciples - prepared the body for burial and laid it in Joseph's new tomb, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy that Messiah would be buried in a rich man's grave.(Isaiah 53:9)

* * *

     Lord, forgive me when I have been reluctant to speak up for You among unbelievers. Give me courage and discernment to know when and where to share my faith.

* * *

     And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.    John 19:39 NKJV

HEARTS REVEALED

BEHOLD YOUR MOTHER

Read John 19:17-37

     Now there stood by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother's sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.    John 19:25-26 NKJV

* * *

     Years before, Mary and Joseph stood before the priest to dedicate her newborn Son. The old man Simeon had prophesied, "This child is destined to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:34-35)  

     Now Mary was experiencing the ultimate piercing of her soul, as Jesus hung from the cross in agonizing pain: 
     When Jesus saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.   John 19:26-27 NKJV

     Jesus knew the emotional pain that this moment brought to His mother. God had chosen her of all women to give birth to His Son, but His plans for her were not over. After the resurrection and ascension, Mary's other sons became devout believers. In Acts we read,

   "These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers."   Acts 1:14 NKJV

* * *

     Lord, so often Mary stood in the background watching God's plan unfold. She is an example I would like to follow when it seems better to be still and wait on You. What honor came to this humble woman as the Son of God saw to her needs in His last hour. I know that You are aware of my needs and the needs of my children. I pray that like Mary's sons they will follow You.

* * *

     One of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water... These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled ..."They will look on the one they have pierced."    John 19:34-37;  Zechariah 12:10

PETER DENIES KNOWING JESUS

Read Mark 14: 66-72

     After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean." He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."   Mark 14:70-71 NIV

* * *

     Just a short time before this incident, Peter had declared to Jesus, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22:33) Peter had stood up valiantly in the garden by starting a sword fight. But then Jesus healed the soldier's ear, and submitted himself to arrest. Jesus said to them,

     "If you are looking for me, then let these men go." This happened so that the words he had spoken would be fulfilled: "I have not lost one of those you gave me."  (John 18:8b-9 quoting John 17:12)

* * *

     Jesus knew all about what Peter would do. He knew that Satan wanted to "sift him like wheat", but Satan could not defeat Peter, because Jesus had said, "I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail." (Luke 22:32)

* * *

     Lord, The moment the rooster crowed had to be the darkest day of Peter's life - but the story told through the years has brought comfort and encouragement to all of us who, like Peter, have experienced failure.

* * *

     Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.   Mark 14:72 NIV

Easter Devotions

TAKE A SWORD

Read: Luke 22: 35-53

 

     He said to them, "But now if you have a purse, take it, and also a bag; and if you don't have a sword, sell your cloak and buy one.    Luke 22:36 NIV 

* * *

     It has been obvious up to this point that everything the Lord did had a purpose and was part of His Father's plan. Just prior to entering the Garden of Gethsemane for prayer, He gave the apostles specific instruction to sell their cloaks and buy a sword. They must have thought they were preparing to fight for the Kingdom. But Jesus had a plan they never could have guessed. They said, "Lord, look, here are two swords." And He said to them, "It is enough." (22:38)

* * *

     After a night of prayer in the garden; a contingency of soldiers and religious leaders came to arrest Jesus. When Jesus' followers saw what was going to happen, they said, "Lord, should we strike with our swords?" And one of them (Peter) struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear. (22:49-50) What happened next would show everyone that Jesus laid down his life for us; it wasn't taken from Him.

* * *

     Lord, I am unable to comprehend the love that motivated You to give Your only begotten Son to make such a sacrifice. Jesus said, "No more of this!" And He touched the man's ear and healed him. (22:51)

* * *

     Jesus said to him ... "Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?"    Matthew 26:53-54 NIV

BEHOLD YOUR KING

THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Read: Luke 19:28-40

     …the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: "'Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the LORD! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"  Luke 19:37-38 NKJV

* * *

     After leaving Zacchaeus' home in Jericho, Jesus went on toward Jerusalem, where a colt was already prepared for Jesus to make His entry. Jesus knew the donkey would be there, because His Father had prophesied "Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, Lowly and riding on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9b NKJV) The praise of the crowd echoed the words of the angels at His birth - all planned since the beginning of time.

* * *

     Lord, I want to praise You for all Your mighty works. You are the King of Kings who will one day return to Jerusalem again. You have ordained that the mouths of babes would praise You. I pray for the "babes" in my family that their lives will be lived in praise of the King and that one day we will all stand together and see You face to face.

* * *

     And some of the Pharisees called to Him from the crowd, "Teacher, rebuke Your disciples." But He answered and said to them, "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."    Luke 19:39-40 NKJV

JESUS PRAYS FOR US

Read: John 17:1-26

     "I have brought you glory on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began." John 17:4-5 NIV

* * *

     Jesus spoke to His Father intentionally in the presence of His disciples. He was going to be entering Heaven very soon - restored to the glory He left behind when He became a man. The disciples must have been encouraged when they heard Him tell His Father,

     "I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me." (17:8) "... My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one." (17:15)

* * *

     Lord, I am so thankful that in this prayer You said, "My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message." (17:20) As I meditate on this chapter and all the words You said for them and for us - I claim these words for my family:

      "I in them and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me." (17:23)

* * *

     "I have declared to them Your name, and will declare it, that the love with which You loved Me may be in them, and I in them."   John 17:26 NKJV

SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE

THE HELPER WILL COME

Read John 16:5–33

 

     "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NKJV

* * *

     The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead when they would be scattered in fear. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (16:22)

     At one point, the men thought they understood; they said, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." (16:29–30)

     Jesus replied, "Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.” (16:31-32)

    The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down.

* * *

     Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.

* * *

     "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."   John 16:33 NKJV

ABIDE IN ME

FRUIT THAT REMAINS

READ:  John 15:1-17

     "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing."   John 15:5 NKJV

* * *

     These final words of Jesus to His beloved apostles are of utmost importance, both to them and to us. He was going away and they would carry on the work of spreading the gospel to the world. They did not yet have the indwelling Holy Spirit – but soon they would.

     Jesus said, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain…"(15:16)  How were they going to be able to accomplish this? Jesus said, "…The branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine…If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you." (15:4b, 7)

* * * 

     Dear Lord, I know that apart from You we will not see lasting fruit in our lives. I come to You this morning as an act of abiding in You. Speak to me from Your Word and plant Your will deep within my heart. I am asking and You have promised that it shall be done. I claim that promise today.

* * *

     "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." John 15:11 NKJV

CHRIST IN YOU

LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED

Read: John 14:1-31

     "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." John 14:1 NKJV

* * *

      The disciples still did not quite understand the clues Jesus had given about His coming death and resurrection: Thomas questioned Him about where He was going, saying, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:5-6 NKJV)

      Then Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us." Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father;" (14:8–9 NKJV)

      Then Jesus promised, "I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever–the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you." (14:16–17 NKJV)

* * *

      God the Father would send His Holy Spirit not only to dwell with them–but in them. The Holy Trinity– Father, Son and Holy Spirit –all working together to abide in us forever! Thank You, Lord for this incomparable truth: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

* * *

      "Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27 NKJV

JESUS' LAST PASSOVER

Read Luke 22:1-23

      Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." Luke 22:7–8 NKJV

* * *

      The feast of the Passover celebrated the day when God delivered the Jews from Egypt. The blood of the lamb was placed on the top and sides of the doorposts in the sign of a cross. The wine of the Passover feast represented the blood of the Passover lamb. On this occasion Jesus said, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."   (Luke 22:20 NKJV)

* * *

      Jesus was the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world and give eternal life to all who believe. The time had finally come when Jesus would fulfill this prophesy: Then He said to them, "With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. . . But behold, the hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goes as it has been determined, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed!" (22:15, 21-22 NKJV) Jesus knew He would suffer, He knew who would betray Him and He knew who would be with Him in His kingdom.

* * *

     Lord, thank you for giving Your life blood so that we could live eternally in Your presence. One day, those of us who have believed will see You face to face and we will bow down in worship and praise for all You accomplished for us as the ultimate Passover Lamb.

* * *

     "I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. " (John 10:17b-18 NKJV)

* * *

      And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me." Luke 22:19 NKJV

ABRAHAM AND SARAH

IS ANYTHING TOO HARD FOR THE LORD?

Read Genesis 17:1–18:15

      Then the LORD said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the LORD?"   Genesis 18:13–14a NIV

* * *

      At the age of ninety nine, God once again appeared to Abraham to confirm His covenant promise. He said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife … I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her." (Genesis 17:15a–16) By this, Abraham knew that the promise was not for Hagar’s son, Ishmael, but for a son that God would give him through Sarah.

* * *

      We are not told the reason why God waited so long to fulfill His promise to Abraham. It may be that He and Sarah had to come to the end of themselves and their own efforts. Unfortunately, their impatience caused great heartache for them and the generations that followed.

* * *

      Lord, help me to be patient when Your answers are long in coming. I know that nothing is too hard for You, but sometimes my thoughts and actions don’t reflect that belief. Give me discernment to know when I should move ahead and act, and when I should just wait on You. Take away the anxiety I experience when things seem out of control and grant me the peace that comes only from You.

* * *

      "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".     Philippians 4:6–7 NIV

IN HONOR OF PURIM - PART 2

MORDECAI - A FOILED CONSPIRACY

Read Esther 5–10

     That night the king could not sleep; so he ordered the book of the chronicles, the record of his reign, to be brought in and read to him…."What honor and recognition has Mordecai received for this?" the king asked. Esther 6:1, 3

* * *

     The book of Esther contains some similarities to the story of Joseph in Egypt. Esther and her guardian, Mordecai, were captives in Persia, and like Joseph, God’s providence brought them into favor with the King. Esther was crowned Queen and Mordecai, in the end, was second only to King Ahasuerus. He …was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen. (10:3b NKJV)

* * *

     Mordecai ‘just happened’ to hear about a conspiracy against King Ahasuerus in time to warn Esther, and the king ‘just happened’ to awaken in the middle of the night–calling for the record that Mordecai had saved his life–just in time to foil the conspiracy by Haman to annihilate the Jews. (Esther 6-7)

* * *

     The truth is that nothing ‘just happens’ to God's people. If we truly believe this, we will live with the confidence that God works out everything according to His good plan. Lord, remind me when I forget, that I will never be sorry for trusting in You.

* * *

     "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, "thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."   Jeremiah 29:11

IN HONOR OF PURIM

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

ESTHER

Read Esther Chapters 1–4

* * *

     Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah… This girl, who was also known as Esther, was lovely in form and features, and Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died. Esther 2:7

* * *

     Esther's story takes place when the Jews were captives in Persia. She was gathered up with many other beautiful young women into the harem of King Ahasuerus, and then chosen to be the queen. Her cousin, Mordecai had instructed her to be silent about her Jewish heritage, but then came her time of decision: Her people were in grave danger, and only she could approach the king to save them. After calling for a fast, she said, "I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish." (4:16b)     Esther could have never imagined, as she was being carried off into captivity that she would become Queen of Persia and the rescuer of her people. She couldn't see into the future, and neither can we. But we can trust Esther's God to use us for His glory.

* * *

     Lord, just as You had a plan for Esther, I know You have a plan for me and for each member of my family. Help us to trust and obey Your leading, knowing that you are in control of the events of our lives.

* * *

     “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 NIV

THE GOD WHO SEES ME

HAGAR

Read Genesis 15:1–16:15; Genesis 21:8–21

      She (Hagar) gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her:" You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the one who sees me." Genesis 16:13 NIV

* * *

      The story of Hagar is bitter-sweet. Hagar was an Egyptian maidservant forced to become a surrogate mother for Abraham and Sarah; she had few choices in life. So after she bore Abraham's son, she became disrespectful to Sarah.
      Hagar's teenage son reflected her attitude by mocking Sarah’s son, Isaac and causing distress in the family. Hagar was told by an angel that her son would become a “wild donkey of a man”– and yet, God cared about her – He never left her alone, even when Abraham and Sarah drove her away.
     God actually spoke to Hagar the Egyptian maidservant and promised her that He had long range plans for her son and his descendants, the Ishmaelites.

* * *

      Lord, when life seems out of control and family conflicts arise, help me to remember that You see it all. Help us to seek your wisdom in raising our children so that they will be followers of Christ, not “wild donkeys.” Give us the wisdom to discipline and teach them Your ways. Bless our family Lord, even to our children’s children.

* * *

      "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."    Psalm 139:13,16b NIV

THE TOWER OF BABEL

Read Genesis 11:1–9

     "Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth." Genesis 9:1 NIV

* * *

      In the very beginning when God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them, and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it." (Genesis 1:28) Then after God judged the earth and wiped out all but Noah's family, He once again told them to be fruitful and fill the earth.
      Many generations later, in rebellion against God, the people of Babel built a massive tower and said, "Let us make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth."

     They failed to take into consideration our sovereign triune God, whose plans will not be thwarted. He said, "Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other." So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth. (Genesis 11:4, 7–8)

* * *

      Lord, it seems apparent that the only way to true success in life is to seek Your will when we make our plans. Give me a willing heart to listen and obey the principles in Your Word. Help us to seek after You as a family, asking You for the gift of wisdom in every decision

* * *

     "That is why it was called Babel–because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world and scattered them over the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:9 NIV

I WILL REMEMBER

THE RAINBOW

Read Genesis 8:1–9:17

      "Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember…" Genesis 9:16 NIV

* * *

      Having never before experienced a rainstorm, much less a worldwide flood; Noah and his family spent more than a year inside the ark with animals of every description. After seven months, the ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat.(Genesis 8:4)

      When the earth was completely dry after another five months, Noah and his family finally stood on solid ground. Before anything else, Noah built an altar of worship to the Lord. God promised Noah and his sons,

     "Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood– This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come…" (9:11–13)

     And then they saw it–a beautiful, indescribable glow of colors stretched from earth to Heaven and back to earth again - the first rainbow!

* * *

      Lord, I am thankful that You see every rainbow in the world, and none of Your promises will ever be forgotten. Today I am claiming Your promises of protection, wisdom, and victory for our family. In the midst of difficult circumstances, help us to trust and obey just like Noah. I am depending on You to bring our family safely through this life into Heaven. May each one come to know You in a personal way, trusting in your promises for all of life’s challenges.

* * *

     “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off–for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39 NIV

NOAH FOUND FAVOR

Read Genesis 6

     The LORD was grieved that he had made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain… but Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. Genesis 6:6, 8 NIV

***

      Noah lived in the most wicked generation this world has ever known, where not a single family followed God. We are told that "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." (Genesis 6:5)

     Yet Noah’s testimony was so strong that his wife, his sons and even his daughters-in-law respected and followed him in obedience to God. This should give us encouragement and hope for raising a godly family in our own ungodly culture.

***

      Sin is not only a travesty to us, Lord, for You said that Your "heart was filled with pain." I know that my impatient, unkind and angry thoughts are all a source of grief to You. I also know that You are my only source of healing, forgiveness and strength. Help me to come to You faithfully every day to find cleansing and forgiveness. Only then can I be the wife, mother and friend who will please you and uplift the ones I love. Help me to live a consistent Christian life so that our children will want to follow You.

***

      The LORD then said to Noah, "Go into the ark, you and your whole family, because I have found you righteous in this generation."   Genesis 7:1 NIV

HE WALKED WITH GOD

ENOCH

Read Genesis 5:1–32 ; Hebrews 11:5

      “Enoch walked with God then he was no more, because God took him away … Enoch was commended as one who pleased God." Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5 NIV

***

      Very little is said in Genesis about Enoch. We read about him again in the New Testament and find that Enoch was a powerful preacher who prophesied, "See, the Lord is coming with thousands upon thousands of his holy ones…” speaking of a yet future day. (Jude 14b)
      He is mentioned again in Hebrews, as one whose faith was counted for righteousness. Then one day, as Enoch walked with God, he was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. (Hebrews 11:5a)

***

      Our lives may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things, but God honors those who place their faith in Him. We, like Enoch, can look forward to eternal life and perhaps even the Lord's return in our lifetime. (1Thessalonians 4:17)
      Lord, give us the faith to trust You in every decision we make, so that we will bring glory to Your name. Help our children to walk as “children of light–finding out what pleases the Lord.”(Ephesians 5:8b,10) Make us all like Enoch who walked with God.

***

      "… before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." Hebrews 11:5b–6 NIV