Falling Down at the First Sign of Trial.

Falling Down at the First Sign of Trial. Exodus 15:20-27.

The Children of Israel were so elated to have the Egyptian army defeated it provoked a joyous celebration. Instruments sounded and song broke out as merriment was in the hearts of the people.

There is no better time to celebrate than when a person has overcome a great trial in their life; the only problem is life is filled with trials.

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. And Miriam answered them: “Sing to the LORD, For He has triumphed gloriously! The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea!” Exodus 15:20-21(NKJV)

Miriam is the sister of Moses. Miriam watched over Moses as he floated down river in the ark made for him as a baby. Miriam approached the Pharaoh’s daughter and talked her into hiring her mother to care for the baby.

Being of the family of Moses held great responsibility, for if Moses were to be wrong about God and God’s will for the children of Israel, the immediate family would too be shunned.

As Moses and Aaron were leaders among the elders, Miriam was also stepping up to take her role leading the women in celebration of their delivery from the enemy. Is it not interesting to see that women’s ministry is mentioned so early in our scriptures?

Miriam was more than a leader; she was gifted with ability to prophesy and though her prophesies are not recorded, their fulfillment coincided with the delivery from the enemy by God. With joy Miriam celebrated and led others to celebrate the same.

Celebration is not to be confused with worship. Celebration comes from great emotion following a victory, an achievement, or a completed task; worship is to be a continual action through good times and bad. God’s people must learn they worship God regardless of the situation faced.

Celebration takes a person to a mountain top of adulation and goes as quickly as it comes; for we must walk through valleys so low.

In those valleys we face trial, difficulty, and fear; however, the worship of God should not stop.

Through worship, God’s people become strong; as God helps them to make it through their situation. Through worship, fears are silenced and darkness is turned to light.

The Children of Israel were going to face many low times and even in the lowest of time God expects faith from His people. This is what a leader must remember; victories are great, but too much celebration is not good for people.

So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea; then they went out into the Wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Exodus 15:22(NKJV)

These people had been on the move and their water supply was dwindling, if not completely gone. Running out of water became a great fear and the dessert ahead was a barren waste land. This is only the first obstacle the children of Israel would face.

Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” Exodus 15:23-24(NKJV)

The same people who danced at the victory, given to them at the hand of God, now complained to Moses. They had never been out of Egypt and they had no idea of what to expect.

They saw water in the distance and the two to three million people caravanned over to a great water source. It was a great find; however, they also found the place was called Mara or bitter. This water could not be drunk.

At this point to be a leader of the people was not a joyous position. The leaders Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, were approached by all side with people wanting to know, “What are we going to drink?”

Many of the questions came as accusations and sounded like the accusations expressed when cornered by the Egyptian army at the Red Sea. There they asked, “Did you bring us out here to die?”

We can plainly see it is hard to face trials after experiencing such great joy. It can be measured by the fall for the higher the mountain top, the greater the fall.

To the leadership this must have seemed a terrible contrast of attitudes and loyalty. What about God’s ability to deliver? Where is faith and when will these people trust in God? Being new to leadership, Moses became upset at his people’s response.

So he cried out to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them, and said, “If you diligently heed the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the LORD who heals you.” Exodus 15:25-26(NKJV)

Through this trial, it became clear it would take time for these people to spiritually mature. They went from great faith to no faith; from joy to miserable and for a leader this becomes a measure of his or her effectiveness in their congregations.

Moses too cried out in distress to the Lord. The people did not trust him as a leader. He too went from victory to defeat with a problem that seemed impossible.

Though he had faith in God, the situation caught Moses off guard and he grieved. Yet Moses received a quick word of wisdom from the Lord and in obedience they cast the tree into the water and it not only became drinkable, it became tasty and sweet.

It did not take Moses long to reflect on the power of God over circumstances and Moses knew that God would tolerate no compromise in faith; for without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore, Moses gave the people a sermon, a warning to trust in God.

You must be diligent to heed the voice of the Lord and do what is right in His sight. You must keep God’s rules intact, for your life to continue to be healed. This means following where He leads, trusting in Him to provide, and allowing Him to heal our broken lives.

There is something broken in our lives if we fear. To complain and murmur is the sign of a greater problem, a spiritual problem and our distance from God. Therefore, let us praise and worship God without peaking so that we will have faith in the valleys.

Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees; so they camped there by the waters. Exodus 15:27(NKJV)

God leads us to rest in Him. He is an abundance supplier and when we trust in Him we find our way.

These people following Moses into the dessert had great trust issues with God and their leadership. If they did not receive the healing their trials would bring, they would not enter into their rest.

The Power of God to Save

The Power of God to Save. Exodus 14:19- 23.

Fear had gripped the Israelite camp for the Egyptians were perusing the Children of Israel with over six hundred Chariots. Thoughts of dying in the dessert and the extinction of their race were spilling out of every mouth and accusations were hurled towards Moses.

The elders came to Moses demanding to know if he had set them up; took them out into the dessert so the Egyptians could kill and leave their bodies to rot in the distant sand.

Moses stared into their unbelieving eyes and announced with a loud voice, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Their fear had become a terrible display of their unbelief in God. Where God is love and wants people to come to Him, God wants a person’s complete devotion and trust. He does not want to see His people faint, complain, or murmur, at the sign of trouble.

God wants all people to believe in His saving power and with a dynamic courage stand still and watch God deliver them.

And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel. Thus it was a cloud and darkness to the one, and it gave light by night to the other, so that the one did not come near the other all that night. Exodus 14:19-20 (NKJV)

When trials come your way, how do you react? Many say they are trusting God, but the words coming out of their lips are more of an incantation in hopes God will hear them and act. Inside they are fearful, complaining, and murmuring as they doubt their delivery. This is not faith.

In our passage, God does not rebuke their unbelief. As a caring parent, God is dismissing their child like fear and delivering them to strengthen their faith. They were in the early stages of a relationship with Him; however, as time goes on, God would grow tired of the way they grasp and hold on to unbelief.

When a Christian has seen the delivering hand of God and seen His goodness; to fear a circumstance becomes a way of disrespecting God.

Would Moses have coward at the accusations of the people, God would have had stern words with Moses. Yet Moses stood strong in faith that God was able to deliver.

God is able to protect His people in every situation they face. What is hard to understand is when God allows a trial to come into our life and become so dominating.

People lose their homes, suffer financial collapse, face physical problems that get the best of them and they often lose loved ones to death.

These problems tear at their very fabric of our beings; yet, God knows what we need in our lives to ready us to enter into His kingdom.

God could have stopped the Pharaoh at the gates of the treasure city. He could have taken their lives with a single word from His lips. However, God allowed Israel to see their pursuers and witness His love for them by His saving hand.

The trials were not over; the Israelites were expected to take great steps in faith. Their lessons were mounting before them; for God was building the character of His people trough trials.

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea into dry land, and the waters were divided. So the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. And the Egyptians pursued and went after them into the midst of the sea, all Pharaoh’s horses, his chariots, and his horsemen. Exodus 14:21-23 (NKJV)

The cloud behind them glowed with great light; they could see the salvation of the Lord. Word spread through the camp that the cloud was protection and then it began to get windy.

Moses had lifted his arms to part the sea and though none understood the effect it would have, the tremendous wind began to blow over their camp and towards the sea.

It would make sense that many took cover and the sands carried in the wind may have blocked their view of the waters parting. It would not be until morning that they would see two great walls of water held back by the power of God.

Then the word came through the camp that they were again moving forward into the sea. God expected each to muster the faith to walk into the paths of danger. Yet, as they entered it became clear that God salvation had come.

Millions of Israelites had entered and were walking across the sea and once they had all entered and developed some distance, God allowed the Egyptians to see them and in arrogance the Egyptians pursued them.

In this we see that trials are often allowed to be very dramatic events. Building the faith in sinful people must be like trying to get the attention of a donkey.

It often takes a great trial to cause people to cry out for God and we have to ask, “What does it take for a person to daily speak to God?”

It is amazing that people can go to church on Sunday and not take their Bible. Some who do, will take it home and set it down, not to open it till the following Sunday.

People pray over their food, thanking God for providing for them; however, they do not pray for their neighbor.

Some see the need of others and walk away. Others are in need and then do nothing about it. Where is faith in God? Where is the need for God? What is God worth?

Trials happen to get our attention and dramatic trials are allowed to get our attention so that God is not forgotten in our lives. Trials remind us that we need God and that is why trials are to be welcomed for they are times God wants us to watch Him at work.

What if a trial takes a close loved one and we are left alone? Could it not be that God wants to fill the void in your life by His own self? He wants us to draw to Him for comfort, love, and protection. God loves us and all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to His purpose.

Israel was walking on dry ground and would soon be on the other side. Any fear had been unwarranted and rethinking how they approach trials was in order.

How to Teach People about God.

How to Teach People about God. Exodus 13:1-16.

The Lord was very gracious in passing over the homes of the Children of Israel. Not so fortunate were those of the Egyptians; they had lost all of their first born children and their flocks experience death too. However, God delivered His people.

The people knew of God, but how to relate to God was beyond them. They all were like the new family that comes into church for the first time. They know there is a God, but what do you do now?

In a church, the most important responsibility is to teach people how to relate to God. I have been to churches that teach their people only to attend all the functions, pot lucks, outings, and other social events. Therefore, their people, when asked about the scriptures, are lost.

People need to not only learn about God, but learn how to teach others about God. This is the first thing on God’s mind when tending to all these people who had just escaped the bondage of Egypt.

Then the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.” Exodus 13:1-2(NKJV)

The work consecrate means to sanctify, honor, and dedicate. God wanted the Israelites to know how fortunate they were to have escaped the angel of death and teach them that their obedience made the difference.

Sanctification is what we teach to those who come to church. We teach them that Christ died for our sins and in reverence, we sanctify or dedicate our lives to Him. This is the first lesson taught to a person coming to know about God.

And Moses said to the people: “Remember this day in which you went out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand the LORD brought you out of this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. Exodus 13:3(NKJV)

For Israel, God saved them all from slavery in Egypt. Yet in our day, the New Testament writers teach that Egypt is a type of the world and the bondage we faced, in this world, is the bondage to sin. Therefore, we also teach people to reflect back to what Christ saved them from; for the life’s we use to lead would have led to spiritual death.

On this subject I must make one interjection. Each of us had been saved from various sins and where it is wonderful to speak about our salvation, the details of our sin should be spared from the ears of your children. We are training them never to sink to that level and live consecrated to the Lord; therefore, our delight for sin should not be a focus.

On this day you are going out, in the month Abib. And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month. Exodus 13:4-5(NKJV)

Repetition and holding an annual observance was top on God’s agenda for His people. This is why Roman Catholic Priests instituted the Christmas and Easter Observances; for creating traditions surrounding the goodness of God is a top priority to God.

Family traditions fit into this same thinking also. Families that have a stable event roster grow together and be it Easter, Christmas, or one a person made special, as long as the family reverences it, it will stand as a lesson for all generations that God is good to us.

In America our founding father instituted a day we call Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a day to celebrate our thankfulness, to God, for leading people to America and providing for our families. This is a most wonderful holiday.

Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day there shall be a feast to the LORD. Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen among you, nor shall leaven be seen among you in all your quarters. And you shall tell your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the LORD did for me when I came up from Egypt.’ It shall be as a sign to you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the LORD’s law may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand the LORD has brought you out of Egypt. You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year. Exodus 13:6-10(NKJV)

Teaching your children how terrible sin can be, is as simple as teaching them about leaven. Leaven or yeast causes a whole lump of dough to rise. It can never go back to its original state again.

If the dough is to come into contact with other dough, that dough will rise also. Therefore, they had to sweep the house clean and get rid of all the leaven. They ate unleavened bread for seven days which is the number of perfection.

In this they can teach their children the principle of what it is to live a consecrated life. God wants his people to live without sinning. Though it is impossible to not sin, we can continue to sweep our lives clean of sin and that is essential to consecrating your life or dedicating one’s self to God.

“And it shall be, when the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and your fathers, and gives it to you, that you shall set apart to the LORD all that open the womb, that is, every firstborn that comes from an animal which you have; the males shall be the LORD’s. But every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And all the firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. So it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. And it came to pass, when Pharaoh was stubborn about letting us go, that the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all males that open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem.’ It shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt.” Exodus 13:11-16(NKJV)

The allegories in the scriptures are vast and if we understand this, as we read Exodus a person can learn much about our own life with God. Through allegories, each of us can apply scriptures directly to our lives.

Do you fit the allegory of being a stubborn donkey? Pharaoh did; and so have many who resist God when God was speaking to their hearts. Many people refuse to listen and God will not pull a donkey to Him.

The blood of the lamb could sanctify even a dumb donkey, but if that lamb sacrifice does not cover the dumb donkey, its neck will be broken and it will die.

Three things we learn from this passage; first, consecrate your children to the Lord for the salvation of the Lord is precious.

Second, teach others to sweep the sin from their lives by having traditional remembrances of what salvation means.

Third, even a donkey can be spared and many of us were donkeys.

The Bible is a book for our learning and if we simply follow God’s direction for His people we can survive this earth with its dangers. Let us consecrate our lives daily to our God who loves us.

Zits? No, Boils!

Zits? No, Boils! Exodus 9:8-12.

God was serious with the Pharaoh of Egypt and the plagues that came upon all Egyptians were horrendous; however, God was still not reaching Pharaoh and God knew that Pharaoh was going to harden his heart each plague. Dose it strike a nerve in you that God knows not only our thoughts and intentions, but He knows what it will take to make us repent?

People who avoid the subject of God act as if they are shelter from God. They feel that if they close themselves off from God, the reality of God goes away; this could not be further from the truth.

God is continuously posting signs in a person’s life to call them to a relationship with Him. God calls all people to a relationship and for some of them it becomes a bad relationship.

So the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, “Take for yourselves handfuls of ashes from a furnace, and let Moses scatter it toward the heavens in the sight of Pharaoh. And it will become fine dust in all the land of Egypt, and it will cause boils that break out in sores on man and beast throughout all the land of Egypt.” Exodus:8-9(NKJV)

Though God will do whatever it takes to reach a person, not all bad things that happen in our lives are from God.

Because sin is in this world there is now crime, untruthfulness, and disease. The actions of others impact us regardless of the will of God; therefore, let not a person think God created the all bad things that happen.

Yet God is trying to reach out to people and does so in many different ways. For some knowing that they will meet their maker soon, gives them an opportunity they might not experience if life’s events were all good.

God has infinite wisdom and He knows each person internally. He knew that Pharaoh would need these tragedies in his life to make him let God’s people go and not just one, but a series of plagues. Here the Pharaoh is coming to his end, but still reluctant to let God’s people go.

Then they took ashes from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses scattered them toward heaven. And they caused boils that break out in sores on man and beast. And the magicians could not stand before Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians. But the LORD hardened the heart of Pharaoh; and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had spoken to Moses. Exodus 9:10-12 (NKJV)

I have always been curious of how quick it took for the sores to appear. I have had skin irritations that pop up over night; yet, I’m certain the text is telling us while Moses and Aaron stood there, the magicians had to leave because their sores came upon them immediately.

Soon the Pharaoh’s palace was filled with people coming to report the results of the plague. Yet this only made Pharaoh madder.

Have you ever been mad at God? The natural reaction is to say no; however, one day the Lord approached me in a prayer time and revel to my heart, I was mad at Him. Things in my life were not adding up the way I wanted it and I was blaming everyone else.

I was upset with a company I worked for; I was equally upset with my friends, my wife, and at situations that just kept popping up. When the Lord approached me on the subject, He spoke to my heart and said, “You are mad at me.”

It was then that I remembered a lesson I was taught. When you are pointing the finger at someone else, you have three fingers pointing back at yourself. We should consider ourselves as wrong when we blame others.

A pastor once told me that when I find myself upset with my wife, to pray to God and ask Him to change her or change me. Then if I do not like the way she acts, then I have only God to blame. He told me to stick my finger up at the Lord and blame Him.

In reverence to God, I could never do that and this is what my pastor was getting at. When we pray for relief, for others, and for situations to get better, we are committing them to God. If we get mad, in attitude, we are fingers pointing up God; blaming God for what upsets us.

God was right, I did not realize it at first, but by getting upset with the situations, I was getting upset with God; I was mad at God.

In our passage, Pharaoh was mad at God too and yet, before him stood Moses and Aaron. Moses and Aaron were the ones he could readily blame; they were the ones that he sneered at. Moses and Aaron could have taken this personal; but they had their eyes on God.

Because sin clouds issues in our life, it is very easy to walk around mad; however, we have to realize that God always has our best intentions in mind and no matter what is happening to us; He is allowing it for a reason.

These are words from a now, soft hearted person. I still get upset; however, God corrects me often. Yet a hard hearted person will close themselves off to such an idea and they choose to join the crowd and there they can find the Pharaoh.

Real versus False gods.

Real versus False gods. Exodus 8:16-23.

The stench of frogs filled the air as the Egyptians spent many days clearing them from their land. The dead frogs destroyed their faith and worship of deities who were believed to come from frogs. As they disposed and burned the frogs, they were defiling their own god’s. Now the faith in frogs was gone.

However, the Egyptians had many superstitions and beliefs. The only way to destroy their faith in other god’s was to defame the people who presented the worship ceremonies. This would be the next action of God because Pharaoh continued to harden his heart.

Pharaoh’s attitude was developing a maniac’s vendetta against Moses and the belief that Moses had a God who worked behind the scene.

The world sees much the same in Christians. Christians claim to have a God that works in their behalf; but He cannot be seen. Many close off themselves to the concept of God because they cannot see Him and they themselves do not want to be deceived.

Deception is the work of the devil. Inspiring false religions, people are lured in and then their faith destroyed leaving them hard hearted towards any concept of God. Even in the world’s largest religions, most who have joined themselves to them, do so for social identity purposes.

Most Buddhists don’t necessarily believe that Buddha can influence their life; people go through Buddhists rituals so that they will fit in and have an identity with in a society of people. When they needed answers to their prayers, it did not come; but they continue to live as a Buddhists.

This is common in all false religions. People are born into them or find acceptance by them and therefore, they take on the affiliation to the religion to have identity within the society.

The gods of Egypt had no significant power and though the hopes of the Egyptians were in the gods; they only had the priests who put on a good show and social peer pressure made everyone conform to their rituals.

In their beliefs they labeled abominations and reverenced those who put on the ceremonies. The Social peer pressure caused them to conform to the priest’s demands and the priests were making them up as they went about their days.

The Egyptian magicians were employed to augment the worship so that it had a mystical type connection to the spiritual world. It dazzled people and the legends born caused people to fear.

Pharaoh was having a tough time believing that Moses’ God was creating the phenomenon they were seeing. In his mind he searched for a tear in the cloak of magic trying to find medaling hands. Pharaoh did not believe in his own god’s so why should he believe in Moses’ God.

So the LORD said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the land, so that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’” And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. Exodus 8:16-17(NKJV)

This plague had a focus on the priests who were to keep the people free from vermin and lice were an abomination to the Egyptians.

Now the very people who they followed were under attack. How could they let this happen? Why can’t they control it by communicating to the gods? This plague broke the Egyptians faith in their religious leaders.

Now the magicians so worked with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and beast. Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, “This is the finger of God.” But Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, just as the LORD had said.Exodus 8:18-19(NKJV)

The first ones to accept a supernatural production of the lice was the magicians. They were the ones who caused others to fear and now the same was happening to them.

Doing magic in the name of the gods was imbedded in their brains. Though they tricked people into believing in other gods; now they themselves were accepting the claims of Moses.

And the LORD said to Moses, “Rise early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh as he comes out to the water. Then say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. Or else, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants, on your people and into your houses. The houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, in order that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the land. I will make a difference between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.”‘” Exodus 8:20-23 (NKJV)

Moses was now becoming very brave. He had the backing of God and was not fearful any more of the Pharaoh who had the power of the army. Moses knew that God would supply all his needs. Therefore, Moses could stand bravely in the face of danger.

In our Christian communities, many Christians cannot stand bravely in the face of trials. When trials come they worry, are troubled, and complain. Their faith in the Lord is shallow and in a way, they are making the Christian community a way of life without knowing God themselves.

When a person is reading their Bible, worshiping, and committing their life to the Lord, true answers to life’s difficulties happen and strength wells up inside of them.

So let it be noted that a person going to church is not enough. A Christian must submit themselves to the Lord and the Lord will strengthen them. It is a growing process that takes time; however idleness in a person’s faithfulness to know the Lord will invite trouble and fear into their life.

Moses stood on the banks of the river once before and then his confidence was low. Moses worried that Pharaoh was not going to listen to him. He was nervous as he saw the Pharaoh coming to the river; however, this time, Moses stood tall and the Pharaoh now was the nervous one.

Confidence in the Lord is what we all should be striving for. In order to carry out the great commission, Christians are needed to face unbelievers and tell them about a real God who answer our prayers.

Christians need to boast of the intervention of God in their life and God will be faithful to tear down the false gods others worship.

God loves all people of all religions and wants to invite them to the light, the truth, and the way. A Christian must remember the person they face only has rituals and have not a god who will intervene for them. As Christians we are special.

Developing Ones Faith.

Developing Ones Faith. Exodus 4:18-23.

We do not know if the bush flamed out or if Moses walked away. However, it does not make sense that a person who knows God as Moses did, would walk away from Him. However, we will find that miracles and displays of power from God, does not change every person’s heart; many people acknowledge the existence and power of God and choose to walk away.

So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” Exodus 4:18(NKJV)

Moses believed God; and the evidence is, he acted on his faith. Yet, the faith of Moses was weak. Though He would not attribute any wrong to God, His little faith caused Him to worry about things.

He worried that his relatives and those he knew were not alive. In reality, yet indirectly, Moses’ faith was not strong enough to believe God acted in time.

We were told to cast all of our cares on the Lord; to lay all of our burdens down at His feet. However, those who wrote this in the scriptures did so because they learned it through the encounters as this one of Moses.

This story is in our scriptures for our learning. Let it sink deep into your heart so that you may also say to others, “Cast all your cares on the Lord.”

Now the LORD said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return to Egypt; for all the men who sought your life are dead.” Then Moses took his wife and his sons and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand. Exodus 4:19-20(NKJV)

God saw Moses’ weak faith; yet God was not displeased. God does not discard people because they worry. God wants to build our faith. Here He speaks to Moses and assured him that it was now safe to take his family and go to the fertile plains of Midian.

One of the first things Jesus taught his disciples is how to pray. Prayer is a casting of your cares upon the Lord; however, it is also a time where God can speak back to your heart.

In prayer, God can reveal to your heart what you should do. Yet, when praying we must remember God is going to lead us to where we should be and never forget He will also lead us into greater trials to accomplish His work. Therefore, when we pray we should be ready to act.

And the LORD said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go. Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD: “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I say to you, let My son go that he may serve Me. But if you refuse to let him go, indeed I will kill your son, your firstborn.”‘” Exodus 4:21-23(NKJV)

Is your faith strong enough to deliver a harsh message to a great, fearful king, as the Pharaoh? God’s message was extreme and brutal; however, God also knew that Pharaoh would choose to harden his heart and so God would give Pharaoh what he chose. God would harden his heart for him.

Brutal is God? Was God going to pay the Pharaoh back for all the sins he committed towards God’s people? Does God choose to not love some? The answer to these questions is no. Let me put it this way, NO!

God loves every person; He is their creator and holds His responsibility of creating them with honor. However, every person has been given freedom of choice. You can choose to walk to God or choose to walk away from God.

Yet, many people must face hardships before they will acknowledge God and turn to Him. Miracles will not turn them, your prayers will not turn them; they will have to come to the end of themselves and so God allows their heart to be hardened so they may reach that end.

I know a lady, who I love as a sister. I took her to church with me; yet I could tell she came for me, but her interest was not in God. She only wanted to fulfill her expectation of getting a spiritual supercharge from going. She was disappointed when it did not happen.

She admitted that she believed in spirits, Buddha, karma, astrology, and basically everything. Though she has those beliefs, God still loves her and yet the only way to reach her is to harden her heart so that she will come to the end of herself.

She is in my prayers daily and I see the pain of her family as they watch her sink lower into struggles and trials. She lost her job, chose drugs over food. She relinquished her son to her mother and lost her apartment.

She blames others for her predicaments and though she knows that there is help in God, she refuses to turn to Him. Christianity is truth and it sets a person free; however, she chooses to walk away from it.

Everyone would love to help her, but their help only becomes a crutch supporting her in her choice. Family and friends who pray for her watch and wait for her to turn to the Lord.

Moses was going to have to watch his adoptive Egyptian family that he was raised with go through horrible circumstances.

The people he was raised to be like where going to suffer because of one man whose bitterness scarred their lives.

The message of God’s loves is blurred by the tragedies which befall people. “How can God allow this?” people say. Could he not do a large miracle to dazzle them into faith? As we will see, miracles do not have that effect on people. It takes more than miracle and God loves people so much He is willing to do what it takes.

Signs Follow the Church

Signs Follow the Church. Exodus 3:19 – Exodus 4:9.

Staring into the burning bush, Moses hears God tell him to walk into the danger of Pharaoh’s court, look him in the face and demand the release of the Israelites who worked building the Pharaoh’s treasure cities.

Moses is overwhelmed with God’s request; for Moses was wanted for murder of an Egyptian and the Pharaoh had ordered his death.

Though Pharaoh knew Moses as an adopted grandchild, the Pharaoh hated the prosperity of the Israelites. However, Pharaoh was benefitting from their hard work.

Moses would be a dead man walking into the court of Pharaoh and then Moses heard God say this.

But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go.

And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” Exodus 3:19-22(NKJV)

I’m certain that Moses keyed in on the phrase, “But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go.” That statement must have caused Moses to open wide his eyes, in spite of the bright light from the bush on fire; however, then Moses heard God strategizing.

Does it sound like a strategy to you? God knows the future; but to move the immovable providence of the Pharaoh, God was going to have to display His power and cause the Pharaoh to change his mind.

Can you see that God wanted Moses to have confidence in Him? God is able to move the unmovable. God is able to change the minds of others.

Revealing this to us through this encounter with the Pharaoh, God would have us all trust in His ability to intervene in our behalves. God wants us to trust in Him.

The one thing we must also recognize is that God wanted his people to leave with compensation for their work.

They were to leave with Gold and silver and the young children who suffered in fear of being killed were to wear the jewelry and carry the riches of those who enslaved their parents.

Does it not cause your heart joy to know that God wants to reward us for our faith and recompense us for the evil that befalls us?

God is fair, just, and will never leave His people or forsake His people. Therefore, if you are part of His people, you are to look up in your situation with faith. Moses was to accept what God asked for and in faith, act upon it.

Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The LORD has not appeared to you.’” Exodus 4:1(NKJV)

Moses’ question reveals a very important aspect of who he was; he was just a normal person; he was having trouble catching up to the conversation.

God already said that the Pharaoh would resist even after seeing the mighty hand of God, which means that Pharaoh will listen.

People react much the same today. Jesus instructed the church saying, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:15-18(NKJV)

However, though we are given the direction, like Moses some say, “What if they will not hear me?” Jesus said, decisions will be made; and the church is to get those decisions.

What people today need to understand is, they will be heard; Jesus said so. Therefore, don’t be afraid to share the gospel with others.

So the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.” And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.

Then the LORD said to Moses, “Reach out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), “that they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” Exodus 4:2-5(NKJV)

In the great commission, Jesus gave to the church, this same miracle was referenced. The taking up of snakes is literal in the case of Moses. However, it was not a command to the church to tempt snakes to prove the miraculous power of God.

In the great commission, Jesus was referring to the fact that God takes great care in providing for the messenger. If God has sent you to speak to a people, we are not to fear the bad that could happen to us.

Furthermore the LORD said to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow. And He said, “Put your hand in your bosom again.” So he put his hand in his bosom again, and drew it out of his bosom, and behold, it was restored like his other flesh.

“Then it will be, if they do not believe you, nor heed the message of the first sign, that they may believe the message of the latter sign. And it shall be, if they do not believe even these two signs, or listen to your voice, that you shall take water from the river and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take from the river will become blood on the dry land.” Exodus 4:6-9 (NKJV)

Many people wish they could do the miracles mention here in these verses. Some try to find miracles and others believe that miracles are a part of their faith. However, these are not to be thought of as miracles, they are to be thought of as signs. Signs follow the church.

We are told by the Apostle Luke in our day, signs are promised. Great earthquakes, famines, pestilence, and fearful sights will join themselves with great signs from heaven. These signs are what we are to point too; for what greater miracle can be than those Christ performed? The great commission does not say to go perform miracles and then people will get saved.

Too many people seek miracles, but signs will have a greater impact. This was recognized by the prophet Daniel, who told us more about end times than any other person in the Bible.

Daniel wrote, How great are His signs, And how mighty His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And His dominion is from generation to generation.

It’s all About Faith.

It’s all About Faith. Exodus 3:10-22.

Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Exodus 3:10

What if you were approached by God to lead a world changing event that included risk, danger, and you to be brave? Could you do it? Moses could not conceive how God’s plan for him was going to happen. Egypt depended on the Israelites and the Pharaoh was not going to let his workforce leave.

The challenge of getting the millions of people to follow him out into the desert was equally difficult. Even if he could get them to follow him, where would they go? In Egypt they had homes, they had food and water; in the desert there was none of that.

But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” Exodus 3:11-12(NKJV)

Moses’ head must have been overloaded to the point where that he could only stare into the fire; so deep in thought, the rest of the world vanished. Only a few of his thoughts were able to make it out of his mouth.

“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” Moses was not a king, he had no power, and he had no protection. It was suicide to walk into the palace to make such demands.

“I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” How can I provide for them? How will I get them to follow me? Who am I that they should trust me?

These are much the same thoughts of any person called by God to make great strides before people. People tend to look at themselves, their inabilities, their background, and their education. Yet God wants us to get our eyes off ourselves and on to Him. That is the one reason why God spoke from a burning bush; God wanted Moses’ eyes on Him.

Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:13-14(NKJV)

The name of God had no vowels; it is spelled Hvh. It is pronounced in Hebrew as “Hayah.” It means “to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about” The one sending Moses was the God of their fathers, the promised God that would come, the person who was from the beginning, the creator of the earth.

These words, I am who I am, is enough for a person. Some want to have an intellectual understanding of God before they will follow or believe in Him. However, the capacity to understand God or who God is, is not in us.

Even when Jesus came to earth, the explanation He gave, that we could understand, is that we should relate to God as our Heavenly Father. God is, was, and will be forever; this lack of origin is beyond our logic, because we are creatures of time.

Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ Exodus 3:15(NKJV)

This last part they could understand. The person who encouraged Abraham to believe in Him through faith was coming to help them. If Abraham could have faith with good results, so should they.

Since God had proved His intentions towards men through their ancestors, Moses represented an opportunity for them to follow in like faith.

Every Israelite had heard how faith was rewarded and though the concept of God is very hard to understand, every Israelite wanted to have a faith and results from their faith.

You can come to God as a skeptic; however, you are extending your faith when you come. Your faith maybe small, but you are giving God a chance to prove to you that “He is”. In the case of the Israelites, it would mean deliverance and they would see the power of God first hand.

God wants you too to experience His life changing, saving power. Remember, it is not something you can understand and then proceed; you have to come in faith. It is not something you try and if it does not work, you leave. Coming to God takes a commitment, a risk, and once you have extended yourself fully, you will see the power of God.

Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”‘ Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The LORD God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ Exodus 3:16-18(NKJV)

We must remember that Moses also was at a stage in His life that He was beign challenged to exercise his faith.

Moses was being told to walk into a death trap; then tell the Israelites to walk away from the fortified, abusive, Egyptians. Moses must have been trembling at the thought.

The captivity and abusive slavery was allowed by God long enough for them to become sick of their situation. Often times a person must be left to become sick of their situation before they will surrender to God’s will for them.

It is sad, but often true; people’s situation has to get the best of them, before they desire better.

God was offering deliverance and was telling Moses when you talk with the elders of Israel, they will accept what you say.

God promised a land flowing with milk and honey, subsidence with abundance; much like today He is offering Heaven, a place so extraordinary and beautiful. God was saying, people will accept to follow; for this is what they want.

Today, many people want heaven; however, they choose to live like hell. They feel like slaves to the Pharaoh and fear losing the little prosperity they still have.

However, this world shows signs of winding down and they will listen to your appeal, when you offer them a chance to have their sins forgiven, so they may enter a land so sweet.

Christians, this story is to cause you to think beyond yourself. To think big and to not fear danger. Moses had eighty years of preparation and now God was saying. “It’s time.” For some of you, it’s time. Time to offer salvation to others.

Surviving Tragedy.

Surviving Tragedy. Genesis 47:13-26.

Now there was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan languished because of the famine. And Joseph gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought; and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. So when the money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money has failed.” Genesis 47:13-15(NKJV)

Proceeding this time of famine was a time of plenty; is that not the way it goes in life? There was plenty of grain in the fields and their livestock had room to graze. People were buying land, and fighting to take land; now there had come a famine and all they valued disappeared, it became worthless.

The freest of person, no matter how rich they are, is a slave to their mortality. A person needs food to survive and our source for foods depends on the actions of others. Food must be harvested, transported, cleaned, and packaged, before it makes it to our tables and our world has placed their future in hopes that these chains of commerce to not breakdown.

All we see around us can disappear in moments. Should power grids fail and satellite transmitting end, it would cause a modern day famine. Natural disasters also contribute to desperate times. People are not beyond ruin and their reality is not beyond crashing in around them.

Should our electronics systems fail, ATMs would no longer be able to dispense the money most survive on. Stores would have to rely on a cash system until their supplies were gone. Chaos and looting would ensue and marshal law would have to go into effect and the military would have to replace the departmental police.

Certain collapse of the banking system would occur and the cash in your hand would be worthless. The coins you have saved would be only metal.

In Egypt, the famine had done just that. The money was worthless and the people were worried for their existence. Joseph had become the most trusted man in Egypt and he relied on God for wisdom on what to do.

With Joseph, it all began with a dream of Pharaoh. Joseph was given the interpretation and the dream was a warning from God that famine would occur. Yet though Joseph understood the warning, now he had to see the terrible realities come to pass. Joseph had to continue in faith to trust God for how to react to the circumstances.

Then Joseph said, “Give your livestock, and I will give you bread for your livestock, if the money is gone.” So they brought their livestock to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for the horses, the flocks, the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. Thus he fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock that year. Genesis 47:16-17(NKJV)

When knowing the famine was eminent, Joseph stored up food in the storehouses of Egypt. Vast quantities he compiled and guarded as precious commodity. He was working for the Pharaoh and as a good workman he used those resources to buy up all the livestock, for that was the only thing of value.

Joseph looked at the future, as reveal by God, and took control of the circumstances. Looking at what was truly valuable; Joseph gathered grain for bread and seed for replanting. When others might stockpile their futures in land, gold, silver, and money; Joseph was able to see what was needed to sustain life.

His situation is not so different from ours. It has been revealed by prophesy and written in our Bibles that when the world reaches the end of days, there will be famine, sickness, and trials of great magnitude. Yet we live in a society that will not even prepare for surviving a minor earthquake. The smallest of tragedies rock our lives and in no way are we ready to survive end times.

When that year had ended, they came to him the next year and said to him, “We will not hide from my lord that our money is gone; my lord also has our herds of livestock. There is nothing left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants of Pharaoh; give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate.” Then Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh; for every man of the Egyptians sold his field, because the famine was severe upon them. So the land became Pharaoh’s. And as for the people, he moved them into the cities, from one end of the borders of Egypt to the other end. Only the land of the priests he did not buy; for the priests had rations allotted to them by Pharaoh, and they ate their rations which Pharaoh gave them; therefore they did not sell their lands. Genesis 47:18-22(NKJV)

Many people put faith in the land they own; however, as you can see, land loses its value quickly when tragedy strikes. In Canaan and Egypt the fallacy that people owned their own land was most people’s conception; however, Governments control our lands and through a deed may hold our name, the ownership of land defaults quickly.

It is also interesting that Joseph used the conception of selling their land for rite of passage into their cities. Some governments have gone out and rounded people up and forces people to become slaves. Yet the finesse of Joseph kept peace amongst the people and made Pharaoh’s popularity high.

Then Joseph said to the people, “Indeed I have bought you and your land this day for Pharaoh. Look, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. And it shall come to pass in the harvest that you shall give one-fifth to Pharaoh. Four-fifths shall be your own, as seed for the field and for your food, for those of your households and as food for your little ones.” So they said, “You have saved our lives; let us find favor in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have one-fifth, except for the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh’s. Genesis 47:23-26(NKJV)

Joseph was a man of God and his obedience to be kind to others is what made the difference in getting the land of Egypt back on its feet. The famine lasted seven years and in the end, commerce survived.

Most people in our world refer to men of God as being fanatics, extremists, and pushing their views upon the masses. When tragedy strikes, the world should hope for godly men to help them through the crisis.

This is why people preach the word of God. Not to condemn the world, but so the world might be saved from the perils they will face. So they may trust in God’s wisdom to survive.

We need godly people in offices of prestige and our children should be raised to be those men and women that make a difference. This cannot happen if we teach them to live in false realities of electronic worlds.

Yes, electronic media has a place; but reality, preparation for the future, and honor of God must be first and foremost our agenda for salvation.

Restoring Relationships.

Restoring Relationships. Genesis 33:1-17.

Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. Genesis 33:1-3(NKJV)

Here we read about the reunion that made Jacob worry. Though he worried, prayed, and faced his fears, Jacob boldly headed into the inevitable; the future was going to be what it was going to be. Jacob arranged his families into an orderly precession and in front he put his faith in God to protect them.

Worry is one thing that we all do best. How we face worry is what defines us as people. We can be filled with worry, but commit our future to the Lord and still be considered faithful in His sight. It is when we face our fears that our faith is committed to God and without faith it is impossible to please Him.

His brother Esau was still the same man. He had not the experiences of Jacob; he did not have God appear to him and he did not wrestle with the almighty for blessings. Esau had formed a band of people who hunted, fought, and were tough individuals. Now four hundred of these rugged men came backing Esau and ready for anything.

What do you suppose was in Esau’s mind? Could it have been expecting a skirmish? Without God in his life, Esau thought of strategies to defeat his brother and surly was ready if Jacob came on attack. Esau still thought of his brother as a thief who stole his birthright and at one time, Esau wanted to kill Jacob. The only thing that shielding Jacob on this day was twenty years they spent apart and God who protected them.

But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?” So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down. Then Esau said, “What do you mean by all this company which I met?” And he said, “These are to find favor in the sight of my lord.” Genesis 33:4-9(NKJV)

Truly, the way Jacob approached with reverence and respect, showed no sign of aggressiveness and when Esau looked into his brother’s face, he could tell that Jacob was a different man. There was no fear and no frown; Jacob had a look of peace and so does the person who spends quality time to know God; even his enemies will be at peace with him.

So the dialogue began; Esau was amazed at all the children and wives that Jacob acquired; he had left with nothing and returned rich. Esau could see the result from the blessing his father had given to Jacob and now Esau was also at peace with who he was.

Esau liked to hunt and hang with manly men; it is even possible that Esau had no wife and as he looked at his brother’s brood, he thought to himself, “I could never be tied down with responsibilities as these.” Esau’s focus was on the women and children and he gave little attention to the great herds of animals.

But Esau said, “I have enough, my brother; keep what you have for yourself.” And Jacob said, “No, please, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present from my hand, inasmuch as I have seen your face as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. Please, take my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough.” So he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:10-11(NKJV)

Jacob was sizing his brother up also. Because he saw his brother had need, he generously offers to give him a share of his herds; but is politely rejected. Esau was a hunter, not a herdsman. Esau could not fathom having to care of such animal; yet he took them to satisfy his brother and put closure to their differences.

Jacob also witnessed to his brothers by proclaiming his wonderful testimony. In his evangelism, he looks into Esau’s life to point out the work of God in hopes his brother too would embrace God and seek a relationship with him. Jacob proclaims, “I have seen the face of God and you were pleased with me” which stated that God turned our hearts towards each other, now let us turn our hearts towards Him.

Then Esau said, “Let us take our journey; let us go, and I will go before you.” But Jacob said to him, “My lord knows that the children are weak, and the flocks and herds which are nursing are with me. And if the men should drive them hard one day, all the flock will die. Please let my lord go on ahead before his servant. I will lead on slowly at a pace which the livestock that go before me, and the children, are able to endure, until I come to my lord in Seir.” And Esau said, “Now let me leave with you some of the people who are with me.” But he said, “What need is there? Let me find favor in the sight of my lord.” So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. And Jacob journeyed to Succoth, built himself a house, and made booths for his livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Genesis 33:12-17(NKJV)

Esau’s invitation to protect Jacob on the rest of their journey was a great offer; but what need is there? Jacob had his own life and was able to take care of himself. He had done so for many years and though the brothers were united once again, their differences were going to keep them apart. They could be neighbors, yet Jacob was going to have to take care of himself.

Esau was conveying a message of warning. The land they were entering was not the same land as when Jacob left. There were treacherous people who Jacob would have to face and traveling had its dangers. Let the truth be said now, bad company corrupts good morals. The fear that Jacob would face was not might, but secular infiltration of sin into their camp. Yet one does not always see this ahead of time when they choosing where they shall live.

Then Jacob came safely to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Padan Aram; and he pitched his tent before the city. And he bought the parcel of land, where he had pitched his tent, from the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for one hundred pieces of money. Then he erected an altar there and called it El Elohe Israel. Genesis 33:18-20(NKJV)

A new land, a new start, and Jacob declares before his family and friends that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob was going to be their focus. El Elohe Israel, “the God of Israel” had brought them back to the land He had promised to them. They would honor God in their families and in their camp with the alter that stood to commutate their elegance to God.

The question we will later answer is, “Is a alter enough to raise a Godly Family?”

God uses Trials.

God uses Trials. Genesis 26:1-11.

There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar. Genesis 26:1(NKJV)

It had been many years since the famine God used in Abraham’s life; in fact, it was the first famine that Isaac had seen. Yet it was used by God for Isaac’s good to test him. This trail was used to help him become the man he should be. God uses trial in our life to make us better.

There are times in our life that God wants to begin new works. When being guided by the winds of trial, many new situations come our way. For Isaac, he now was to meet the Philistines and learn about faith in God.

He knew of the Philistines and at some point met a few who journeyed through his area; yet what he saw of them caused him to think cautiously.

Because of the famine, Isaac traveled to the place of his birth, Gerar. It was here that the Philistines centralized and it was here he met Abimelech.

Abimelech was not the same Abimelech as his father encountered in his time of trial. The name Abimelech was a common name to call a Philistine leader; much like the Caesars of Rome.

Then the LORD appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” Genesis 26:2-5

Now with any trial, it is important to know that the Lord is behind us. To know His control of the situation and the power of His might will bring ease to any person who is in trial.

Many Christians pray waiting to have God appear or see a sign that shows God’s commitment; yet in our day there are large differences in our need to have God appear to us. The difference is the Bible.

We had the Lord appear to us and He came that we might be delivered from sin. He walked with men and talked with men, teaching them the essentials that all men will need and it was recorded to guide all men until the end of the world.

These words were written for our instruction, our comfort, and for our wisdom. From the scriptures God can lead any man without having to appear or speak. We must remember that God is not a sideshow who appears as a magician to make things better. He is a God that wants us to have faith and believe.

As Isaac, God wants to bless us and help us care for our families; for one day we will be with Him in heaven, live for eternity, and be co-heirs with His son Jesus Christ. So why should we expect to have more than faith? We are a gifted prosperous people who need to live as such.

So Isaac dwelt in Gerar. And the men of the place asked about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister”; for he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” because he thought, “lest the men of the place kill me for Rebekah, because she is beautiful to behold.” Genesis 26:6-7(NKJV)

Talk about the apple falling not too far from the tree. Isaac had like fears and concerns when it came to his own beautiful wife, Rebekah. Seeing the way Philistines acted, fought and lived in their barbaric habitats, brought fear to Isaac.

This story, enacted again and recorded for us to read has much significance for us. It communicates that while we are trusting and following God, at times we will fail. Yet as you will see, the reproof again comes from an Abimelech and not from God. The reproof of the world was enough for God.

Now it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked through a window, and saw, and there was Isaac, showing endearment to Rebekah his wife. Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Quite obviously she is your wife; so how could you say, ‘She is my sister’?” Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die on account of her.” And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might soon have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us.” So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” Genesis 26:8-11(NKJV)

It is amazing how the unbelieving world can exhibit a high concern for what is decent and right when some Christians do not. Then to see them grant grace and forgive is as salt on a wound.

Christians are to be above board in their dealings with the world and with each other. Never should fear cause us to lie, cheat, or steal. Isaac was wrong in what he did; however, there is the fact that Abimelech had to put out a strong warning to his people, for without a strong warning his people would have not respected Isaac.

Yet, it all worked together for good. Isaac and his wife were protected while they stayed and God had grace towards them.

Our Bibles are the most important words we can read and if we want to know God and His will for our life, we must read them.

Through the Bible we can find comfort in our trials, understand our situations, and give God glory for the hardships we face. Yes, we can find good in the hardships we face. We need only look.

Gaining the Respect of Others.

Gaining the Respect of Others. Genesis 21:22-32.

And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” And Abraham said, “I will swear.” Genesis 21:22-24(NKJV)

Abraham was a soft hearted man of God. He honored his neighbor as he would expect to be honored. Your neighbors, your acquaintances, visitors, and those you work with, look into your life to see what type a person you are. Do they see a soft hearted person who knows God?

Jesus told us we are to be a light unto the world. They should see us and give the glory for our demeanor to our Father in heaven. Such was the case of this meeting of Phichol and Abraham.

Phichol had a vantage point of Abraham’s life; he noticed that a supreme power followed and helped him. He was watching as does so many who see us. Phichol silently judged Abraham’s actions and in the shadows was considering what type of man Abraham was. His conclusion, Abraham was a godly man and even more important, God honored Abraham by blessing him.

You and I face the same thing each day; in our large societies the number of people judging us is huge. If so, then let us ask, “What is the general consensus people walk away with when meeting you?

I have met people who right away I can tell they are a happy person. The way they carry themselves and the joy bubbling from their life indicates they are content. Yet even content people can be content within themselves without spilling over into my life.

Now a person who not only is pleasant, but opens themselves to know me is someone very special. Just the other day I met a quiet, but pleasant couple in the hospital. They were there for a surgical procedure on the wife’s neck and so were my wife and I.

A delay allowed us to sit in the hospital waiting room and I began to notice they were different from most people. After some small talk, our conversations became deeper and carried effortlessly as we waited for the surgery.

Through our conversation it was obvious that they were a godly couple and that God was with them. When we parted there almost seemed reluctance to part, we were such good friends.

Most interactions I have with people, I try to show interest in them and what I find is not always good. There are people who carry bitterness and harbor resentment. Some harbor worry, fear, and are discontent. What always amazes me is when a person like this tells me they are a Christian; I wonder how can that be?

How can a Christian not be a reflection of Jesus? How can a Christian speak jealously about others? How can a Christian harbor hatred, bitterness, and resentment? How is it that they associate themselves to Christianity and yet are not like Christ?

Evidently Phichol had met others who called themselves of God, but dealt with him falsely. It was this prior encounter that stood Phichol off, only wanting a treaty with Abraham. He wanted peace with Abraham and did not ask to join Abraham to know his God. Oh what a terrible thing it is for people to treat others wrong, hardening them towards knowing God.

Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.” So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?”
And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. Genesis 21:25-31(NKJV)

As Christians we are to continue our gentleness, kindness, and keep our demeanor even when we must do business with others. Here Abraham encounters Abimelech and has to take back his well that was seized by Abimelech’s servants. Abraham rebukes him; but does it with respect.

As Christians, there are many times that we must contend with others and in these times God expects us to do it without emotional bursts and without being a bad witness. We can be gentle and do business direct, for God fights our battles.

Abraham states his case and with him he brings a peace offering and handled the encounter without a blemish. Some people have given up on peaceful encounters and pull out a bag of tactics. They become actors to persuade others and sometime they are threatening. A Christian should never think they have to intimidate others to persuade them.

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines. Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days. Genesis 21:32(NKJV)

Abraham considered himself a diplomat; yet more importantly, Abraham considered himself an ambassador of God. He was not going to tarnish his witness or destroy relationships that God had made for him. He was going to deal persuasively, honestly, and cautiously.

Our reputations, our demeanor, and they way we treat people is all an indication that we are submitted to God. If we believe that all things work together for good to them that know God and are called according to his purpose, why would we have to manipulate people?

There are many who have not learned to commit their ways unto the Lord and this leads to emotional confrontations. If God is a God that hears our prayers, why would He not help us in what we deem as important?

Submitting the outcome of situations to God is what makes a godly person. In this we honor God and others see it. Yet how are we to be that Godly person? What can change us from the way we are? It is seen here in that last part of our chapter. Abraham worshiped God.

When we seek God with all our heart, all our minds, and all our soul, we cannot help but be changed. We become like Christ and can confidently say we are Christians.

Have Faith, not Fear

Have Faith, not Fear. Genesis 18:1-16.

And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;  And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, Genesis 18:1-2 (NKJV)

Will you recognize the Lord when you are face to face with Him? Oh how terrible to pass on, wake, and stare blankly into His face asking, “Who are you?”

At first glance Abraham knew that this visitation was of a different nature. He recognized that the visitors were sent from God and he quickly ran to bow and worship in reverence.

Abraham had the correct attitude. Many people tread on holiness, they disrespect the messengers of God. They walk past churches and church people, the people who are calling them to come and reverence the Lord. The outreaching hand of God they acknowledge, but they do not commit themselves.

The general public has a belief in God, but they disrespect God and their belief is nothing more than a recognition that He exists. Often, their belief is mistaken as faith; yet it is not faith unless there is respect and worship of God. Abraham reverenced God and his actions proved it.

Here was Jesus accompanied by two angels and Abraham calls him “Lord,” which is a title spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish displays of reverence.

And said, My LORD, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. Genesis 28:3-5(NKJV)

God is to be honored with our service; mere words are not enough. If a person believes in God, they will become involved, meeting God’s needs as they see them. Abraham offered to wash His feet, feed Him, and provide comforting care to the three men. It was the work of a servant and Abraham, whose name means “exalted father,” humbled himself before the Most High God.

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat. Genesis 18:6-8(NLKV)

Abram was sitting at the door of his tent on a warm day. On days like this life can seem to stand still. Your desires are not going forward and thoughts of productive days meander their way through your mind as your eyes stare at nothing.

Yet that day was going to be completely different from the rest; it would be a day that could change Abraham’s life and to do it, Abraham needed to be involved; therefore, Abraham served.

As they waited, Abraham hurried to dine with his visitors. He orchestrated the preparation of the meal to make sure that a culinary treat would be to their liking. He set a table before them as a servant; however, Abraham wanted more. Abraham could tell these three came on a mission of serious matters. This was not a common visit.

The meal was not necessary, it was customary. Dinning can be a most pleasurable time and a great way to share commonalities with others. By sharing a meal the dinners can align their thoughts, share direction, and open opportunity to join intentions.

And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent. And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also? And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old? Genesis 18:9-13(NKJV)

In Sarah’s reply, the Lord became upset with Abraham. The very plan for a baby was told to Abraham one year prior. The Lord looked to Abraham and asked, “Why does she laugh?” with the implications that Abraham failed in talking to his wife and did not explain the work that God would do in their lives. Could the reason for not telling Sarah have been fear and unbelief?

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son. Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh. And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. Genesis 18:14-16(NKJV)

If God is not forgiving how could He allow Abraham and Sarah to stand in His sight? When God was doing such a wonderful thing, Abraham did not share it with Sarah. Abraham held back information from his wife; something within him caused Abraham not to tell her.

To make things worse, Sarah laughed at the thought of having children and when reproved by the Lord, she deigned laughing. Yet, through all of this, the Lord did not waver in His kindness towards them. The plan for God’s people would continue in their lives; however, He exhibited his displeasure towards them.

We do fail God when we have a lapse of faith. Trials press down around us and our instinct is to think the worst. As if all the promises of God are null and void, Christians grab hold of worry and fear, doubting that God is greater than their problems.

The Apostle Paul was adamant about the importance of gaining control of misguided thoughts and wrote, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Galatians 1:5 (NKJV)

We, like Paul, must cast down vain imaginations and every thought that exalts itself above the power of God. Our faith is important; for if we do not allow God to perform His mighty work in our lives, how we will recognize Him on the day we stand before Him?

There is a day of visitation awaiting all of us, will we be ready?

Fear not, only Believe.

After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. And Abram said, LORD God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? Genesis 15:1-2(NKJV)

If God were to come to you in a vision, would you be able to confidently speak with Him? Many people hear wind blowing through the trees at night, a floor board creaking, or a cat moan. The mysterious sounds cause hair to stand on end and heart rates to elevate. Should suddenly, from the night, you began to see shadows and hear whisperings realizing that you are in the presence of God, what would you do?

Though God does not sneak up on a person, nor does He appear as ghosts; Christians are to seek God in Spirit and in truth. Seeking God, they create times in their life when they open themselves to the presence of God. In those times God teaches them, comforts them, and ministers to their soul.

A Christian life is one that attends church to worship God and to hear back from God. Finding time throughout their day to read his word and pray; these are looking for His provisions to accomplish the tasks set before them.

To some people, being in the presence of God is not a common occurrence. They go to church, they say prayers at meal time, and they go about their life to be good people; yet they never place themselves in a place to be quiet with only Him. To not take time for God is to act in unbelief. If we believe we will need Him, we will seek Him, and we will find Him.

In the quiet of morning, the peace of the afternoon or in the quiet of night, a person should seek God which creates the rapture of worship. From here comes encouragement, from here comes direction; but it is here that many do not choose to meet with God.

“Fear not” is a command, not a suggestion. Too many people spend their lives in defeat from fear. People fear an outcome, they fear the truth; they fear circumstances and they fear to fail. However, it is God that shields us from these fears and though trials happen, we can confidently say, “The Lord is my shield and all things work together for good to those who know God and are called according to His purpose.

The fear of Abram was failing God’s expectation. This type of fear is a most crippling fear, for it inhibits a person from trying. When they should apply the gifts of the Lord, they procrastinate and find ways of becoming busy in other matters.

And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. Genesis 15:3(NKJV)

Abram and Sarai were not fertile together; yet God promised that Abram’s seed would be a great nation. In Abrams mind this could only happen by making Eliezer, his servant, heir to his possessions and honors.

Would Abram have had a daughter, the blood line could be carried through her; but Abram had no daughter either. This troubled Abram for he did not want to fail God, but yet what God wanted was beyond Abram’s own ability.

Dearest Christian, take comfort that you are not the only one asked to do things that are beyond your means. We all are challenged to reach new levels of service; going beyond our expectations.

Some are called to ministries that seem, in their own minds, impossible for them; but never the less, God has called them. To continue building God’s kingdom there is need for preachers, evangelists, missionaries, teachers, and those gifted in administrations.

Then there are those people who are to minister to those around them. These will carry burdens that seem too large to carry. As if walking uphill with a heavy pack, they will take upon themselves the burdens of many. Yet in the middle of the hill, these will find that the burden is light and there was nothing to fear, God is with them.

Abram stated that our Lord is “The Most High God.” Often we say we believe in God, but do we believe that God can do all things? Is the Lord, “The Most High” in your mind?

And, behold, the word of the LORD came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:5-6(NKJV)

Fear displeases God and He judges it as unbelief. It is only when Abram believed the word of God that God accounted it to Abram for righteousness. Therefore, we must conclude that to not believe is to be judged as unrighteousness.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul warns Christians saying, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” 1 Corinthians 6:9a. Let this become a threat to all of mankind, God will not accept those who do not believe in Him.

In our world today, people want to do their own thing; they want to go their own way, and many are trying to redefine
the terms of righteousness so that they can feel accepted by the public and therefore, accepted by God.

Abram believed in what God was saying and it was accounted to him for righteousness; the same applies to all that God have said in His word, the Bible. God’s words are there and we must make the time to read them, to know them, and abide by it.

This judgment, of our actions and beliefs, is a pretty stiff measure. That is why we must find a place to go, where we can get alone with The Lord Most High and worship Him, pray to Him, and forever be believers in His directions for our lives.

Abram and Sarai were going to have children and they were going to be a great nation. God has a plan you’re your life to and whatever it is your going to be great!

The Trails we Face. Genesis 12:8- 20.

The Trails we Face. Genesis 12:8- 20.

And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD. Genesis 12:8(NKJV)

Having left his land, its idolatry, its wickedness, and its corruption, Abram found it important to declare his faith before all those that joined him. Abram built and alter to the Lord and worshiped Him. It was a declaration of his purpose, his morals, and set the expectation to know God for his family and those who followed with him. This alter would stand for future generations and would be known as a place that Abram worship. This alter was a gesture intended to have impact.

There are many people who call themselves Christians. but they have yet to make a public recognition of their faith in Jesus Christ. We are told by the Apostle Paul that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10(NKJV)

The examples of faith that we have in the Bible show us men and women who openly worshiped God and made that worship a priority. Though Abram had turned his back on the wickedness, it was important to openly show honor and glory to God.

Each week churches around the world hold services that begin with worship. Worship is an expression of the position of our heart before to God. King David wrote songs of worship to God and those songs are recorded in our Bibles so that we might always have the words to worship God.

Those who neglect to worship, pray, or read God’s word may have feelings of dryness, fear, and thirst. To them spirituality has become only a religion and they must realize that to choose to align with Christians is not enough. Those who seek the Lord must worship Him in spirit and in truth.

And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land. And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife, Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon: Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see thee, that they shall say, This is his wife: and they will kill me, but they will save thee alive. Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee. Genesis 12:9-13(NKJV)

Once you have committed to the Lord and have began to look to Him for guidance, the things that happen in your life might not make sense. Here Abram, though he is obedient to God, find himself in the middle of famine. Why would God bring him to this land to experience famine?

Personally, I have gone through trials of my faith that have brought me to my knees. These trials stretched me to the breaking point and have even taken my health.

I had pastor’s council me saying, now that I have committed to the Lord, the enemy has a reason to fight. Where it is true that a battle rages, the trials I lived through were not always the force of evil against me. Some trials are blessing from God.

Abraham was given this land that had many inhabitants and God needed used that famine to drive people off the land. Everyone headed to the store houses of Egypt. There they could find work and food. Even Abram was driven to journey south.

How do you stand up in trials? Do you stand strong in faith, proclaiming that God will not forsake you? My answer is, “Not always.” I have times of fear and worry; yet I know in my heart that fear and worry comes from distance from God. When fear and worry creep in, it is time to go to the alter and worship and pray.

It is only when you come close to God that you will feel secure in trails. Here Abraham is worried that they Egyptians will see Sarai, his wife and kill him to take her. So he asks her to lie to the Egyptians. Abram fell from saint to sinner and his awful behavior could have been avoided with faith.

And it came to pass, that, when Abram was come into Egypt, the Egyptians beheld the woman that she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh: and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels. And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram’s wife Genesis 12:14-17(NKJV).

Now, how could you let your wife be dated by the Pharaoh? Pharaoh was a man gripped in pagan idolatry and though he would treat her with respect; he would indulge himself and add her to his entourage. Sarai would be defiled.

And Pharaoh called Abram and said, What is this that thou hast done unto me? why didst thou not tell me that she was thy wife? Why saidst thou, She is my sister? so I might have taken her to me to wife: now therefore behold thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him: and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. Genesis 12:18-20 (NKJV)

Though we are unfaithful to honor God, God is faithful to us. He continually calls us to repentance and we must remember that no sin is to big that He will not forgive. The Pharaoh was not a monotheistic believer in God; however, he believed that you did not mess with the God of Abram and he sent them on their way.

How do you see your trials? Do you see them as trial to make you stronger? Do you see God rearranging your world for good? Regardless of how we see them, when trials come we must draw close to the Lord, pray, worship, and bible study, so that we might see Him stronger than our trials.