“Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12)

February 4, 2012

Number 5 of God’s Top Ten. This one along with #4 are “shalts” rather than “shalt nots.” This is the first command with a promise: long life. So, honor (respect, pay homage, give financial support, obey…) your parents. ‘Cause God said so.

“You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself” (Exodus 18:18)

February 3, 2012

The advice Jethro gave Moses should be heeded by every pastor and ministry leader. Leaders, learn to train and delegate. And church members, get out of the stands and get in the game. Ask your pastor or ministry leader how you can help.

“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God” (Matthew 22:21)

February 2, 2012

God has ordained human kings and nations. They are ministers of justice (albeit imperfect). Jesus said to “render unto Caesar.” He didn’t call them to lawlessness. As April 15th approaches and we begin a presidential election year, remember your dual citizenship status.

“I have planned this in order to display my glory through Pharaoh and his whole army. After this the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord!” (Exodus 14:4)

February 1, 2012

God led the Israelites into an apparent trap against the Red Sea to lure Pharaoh out. The Israelites were terrified. Would God allow us to experience difficulty in order to display His glory, so that others would know Him?

“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it” (Matthew 21:22)

January 31, 2012

The currency of the Kingdom is asking. A child holds out her hand for food asking and a mother gives willingly. Children are experts at asking. Adults forget how to ask. And they forget how to pray. What are you asking God for today?

“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26)

January 30, 2012

Jesus taught the disciples the principle of servant-leadership. This kind of leader leads from the front, not the rear. This father does what he says. This mother models what she teaches. This manager helps others get promoted. This pastor isn’t working a job, but lives out a life-calling.

“I have spared you for a purpose—to show you my power and to spread my fame throughout the earth” (Exodus 9:16)

January 29, 2012

Don’t harden your heart like Pharaoh. Yield your life to God and join Him in His purpose. Be a witness to His glory. Join the movement to make His Name famous throughout the earth. What movement? The Church of course.

“Jesus replied, ‘Moses permitted divorce only as a concession to your hard hearts, but it was not what God had originally intended'” (Matthew 19:8)

January 28, 2012

National statistics show that Christians are now just as likely to be divorced as non-believers. This shows the disconnect between our faith and our faithfulness. Should Christians suffer from “hardened hearts?” (As it turns out, this statistic was reported in error. Recent book by Shaunti Feldhahn, “Good News About Marriage”)

“Who makes a person’s mouth? Who decides whether people speak or do not speak, hear or do not hear, see or do not see? Is it not I, the Lord?” (Exodus 4:11)

January 27, 2012

Don’t worry about what you will say when witnessing. When we are obedient to go, He is faithful to speak through us. You are called to bear witness to what God has done for you. Open your mouth and let God speak.

“My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why are you so far away when I groan for help?” (Psalm 22:1)

January 26, 2012

A Davidic psalm that described the torturous death of crucifixion centuries before it was used. These are the very words that Jesus spoke from the cross. He took our death, so we might receive life. He was forsaken, that we might be brought near and cry out “Abba!”