The book of Exodus opens with the children of Israel experiencing bitterness (Exodus 1:14). What we can know about bitterness is that it spreads like wildfire (Hebrews 12:15.)

It is no coincidence that God brings them face to face with literal bitterness (Exodus 15:23-25) and, as only He can do, transforms it into sweetness. That is what God can do in the lives of His people. He can take what is bitter and difficult to bear and make something sweet from it.

As I am studying Exodus this winter, I am continually reminded that God goes above and beyond in His care for the children of Israel. He takes them on a journey of, not just deliverance, but delight.

#instabible #biblestudy #bible #exodus #deliveranceanddelight #intheword #mysisterskeeper #lovethyneighbor

In Exodus 35 God gives instructions for the building of the tabernacle.

Take from among you an offering to the LORD. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering to the LORD: gold, silver, and bronze. Exodus‬ ‭35:5‬

The passage goes on to say anyone who has anything they want to contribute should do so. From gold to linens to animal skins. If anyone had a willing and generous heart, they could be a part of what God was doing.

It’s the same for us today. If you want to be a part of what God is doing in your community and around the world – you can. There is work for each person to do no matter what gifts or talents you have to offer. All that is necessary is a willing and generous heart.

#instabible #intheword #bible #biblestudy #generosity #god #gospel #gospelliving

“And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.””

‭‭Luke‬ ‭11:4‬

I’ve been pondering forgiveness and what it truly means. Here, in the model prayer for believers, Jesus tells us what forgiveness looks like in real life.

1. We are to forgive everyone. That means those who didn’t ask for our forgiveness or feel like they need it. Those who don’t deserve it. Those who can never undo what has been done.

2. We are to forgive those who are currently indebted to us. God doesn’t say, “You need to forgive them because what they did wasn’t that bad anyway.” No, there are people who have wronged us and are currently indebted to us. They have sinned against us. Forgiving them means we no longer hold that debt against them. We no longer ask them to keep paying the same debt over and over.

Lord, help me to forgive like you forgive. Help me to no longer demand payment from people for past sins. May I not seek their shame. And may I not hold against them the things for which you have forgiven them.

#instabible #intheword #wordbeforeworld #forgiveness #thelordsprayer #bible #biblestudy #god #gospelliving #lovethyneighbor

Everything is upside down in God’s Kingdom. The first shall be last. The least shall be greatest. He who humbles himself will one day be exalted. And this backwards way of living begins here on earth.

Bless those who persecute you.

Love your enemy.

Forgive those who aren’t sorry.

Pray for those who hurt you.

It isn’t easy. It doesn’t always feel fair. Our flesh wants to respond in anger and bitterness.

Yet, we have this example of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples many who, out of fear, would abandon him. One, out of greed, would betray him. And he humbles himself, washes their feet, and says, “For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done.” (John 13:15)

It isn’t fair. It isn’t fun. It isn’t at all what our flesh wants to do. But we can humble ourselves and serve those who may abandon or betray us knowing Jesus did it first.

#lovethyneighbor #mysisterskeeper #humility #actsofservice #instabible #intheword #wordbeforeworld #god #bible #biblestudy

Exodus 3:11-12

When God tells Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let God’s people go. Moses’ initial response is, “Who am I that I should do such a thing?”

Most of us have had similar thoughts. Who am I to be given such an opportunity? Who am I to enjoy such pleasures? Who am I to be used by God?

I love that God doesn’t say, “Look, Moses. You’re gifted and talented. You’re charismatic, popular, and, doggone-it, people like you.”

No. God never answered Moses’ self centered question. He simply said, “I will be with you.” In other words, “Calm down, Mo. It isn’t about you.”

Sometimes, we want to make everything about us. Spoiler alert: it’s always about God.

#instabible #bible #biblestudy #intheword #wordbeforeworld #god #lovethyneighbor #mysisterskeeper #gospel #moses #exodus