So Much of God

Exodus 33

Inspired thots

God is SO awesome; there is SO much to learn of God; SO much to know of God. It is a never ending quest... even as Moses himself found out.Yet, he spoke to God face to face and he spent a lot of time with God.

Truly, God is merciful and gracious. What is man that THOU Mighty God is mindful of? The son of man that Thou careth for him? (Ps 8:4) BUT THANK YOU God that You do!

Humility is Key to God's favor - asking to be taught HIS ways; having God's presence always and receiving His rest.
God's glory is God's goodness; hence, one Must always REMEMBER; when God is good, He is exhibiting His glory.

Idolatry Is An Insult To God

Exodus 32

Inspired thots

The CEO is a very busy person... he has many things to care for and oversee. But his subordinates may tend to be impatient with him. God is the CEO just like pastor is to the church. There is really so much to do when one is at the top.

Lower ranks tend to feel neglected and sidelined; perhaps feeling lost and not cared for. Hence, their hearts tend to stray to things that will make them feel good. Idolatry sets in and causes them to sin.

No wonder God is so upset with His people; here He is working the best for them; there they are thinking of themselves only and sinning against Him.

How soon we forget all the goodness of God!

Atonement for Anointing

Exodus 30 & 31

Inspired thots

God is holy... SO Holy! He must have an atonement before He can anoint.

Atonement leads to Consecration; Consecration leads to Anointing; Anointing leads to Service to the Lord!
And the Great thing about Atonement is ... God Provides it! He supplies my every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Phil.4:19) What a Great and Wonderful God!

Yes Lord! Help ME to submit myself to your Anointing through a consecration of my being and atonement through Jesus. Amen.

God is Holy

Exodus 28 & 29

Inspired thots

God gave so much details of all that is to be done for His people in preparing them to serve Him because He is a HOLY God.

It is incredible that Moses can remember all the details given to him by God on everything... Really, it must and can only be that God enables.

God is Very Detailed

Exodus 25 - 27

Inspired thots

God is very detailed in caring for His people; He instructs them the way to go and  what to do. Truly, there is NO other god that does that. He was ready to dwell with His people. And He provided all that was needed to follow His instructions.

And so it is Very Easy to obey God and live according to His ways. I must be more aware of His instructions and guidance.

Establishing A Relationship

Exodus 23 & 24

Inspired thots

God is really Great to His people; He provides for them in every way in detail. His instructions are exact and clear; simple and straightforward. It is a matter of Choice for the people to accept and obey.

This is how a relationship is established. Knowing the other party and accepting the instructions without murmuring and complaining. Spending time with the One who knows best and provides the best. Life can be simple and satisfying.

When one lives to please God, He does not chide or discipline; He accepts His people graciously and loves to spend time with them.

Doing Right in God's Eyes

Exodus 21 & 22

Inspired thots

God is interested in every part of His people's lives. He knows what they need and plans for every facet of their lives. He hears their cries and acts on their behalf.

He is compassionate and thorough in His ways.

One must then watch how we live our life for God is always watching.

Awesone God

Exodus 19 & 20

Inspired thots

God is Awesome! There is no other word to describe these two chapters of how Majestic and Great He is. He has no form but shows His majesty and awe through signs and wonders.

Now, when it thunders and billows, I will think twice about God's presence and working. He uses the physical and natural resources to display Himself; to prove His presence. Thunder, lightning, furnace of fire, volcanic eruptions... it is all God at work.

So awesome until the people did not want God to speak to them personally; here I am wanting God to speak to me.... foolish me!

Acknowledge God in All Circumstances

Exodus 17 & 18

Inspired thots

God knows our every need.... there is no need to worry or murmur for He knows all that happens. (Phil 4:6,7); on the other hand, we do not notice God's presence because we are too much of ourselves.

If God is the greatest, then we should...

> Seek God's will

> Learn the decrees and laws

> Share the load with Him and others

Stubborn & Disobedient

Exodus 16

Inspired thots

Sigh! Man.... stubborn, disobedient, complaining, coveting, grumbling, self-centered and what not....

Grumbling against anyone is grumbling against the Lord; and He hears it all!

Man is very self-centred; always wanting variety to satisfy the self; feeding the self all the time.
Man does not like to follow instructions; ignoring them to satisfy the self; feeding their curiosity; refusing to submit as per God's instructions.

Sigh! God is SO patient with us. I must learn to live my life humbly before God and be patient even when things do not go my way or when I do not agree with other's ways unless I hear from God personally. Each is accountable to God.

A Majestic God

Exodus 14 & 15

Inspired thots

God's people must be Diligent in God at Work and to celebrate His glory and awesomeness.
Indeed, Ex 15:11 proclaims rightly,

" WHO is like You, O Lord? Who is like You?
   - majestic in Holiness, awesome in Glory, Working Wonders"

How sad if we dont see the majesty and awesomeness of God through His wonders.
John 5:17 - God is always at work... so is Jesus!

Ex 14:13,14 says .... do not be afraid. Stand firm and see the deliverance of the Lord for the Lord will fight for you...

How awesome NOT to have to do anything BUT stand still and firm in God for victory! It is like being in the eye of the tornado; chaos everywhere but peace and stability in the midst.

God's GRACE & MERCY

Exodus 13 & 14

Inspired thots

The Lord is Faithful to His people; He went with them out of Egypt. When His people come out of their comfort zone, God goes before them. And God knows what His people's weaknesses are. He takes them on the BEST path.... His Grace and Mercy follow... a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night.
These are  always IN FRONT of His people.

Great is my God! How true today that He is with me all the time... His pillar of cloud (GRACE) by day to guide me through the day's happenings ... and His pillar of fire (MERCY) by night to get me through the night with good rest; even when I toss and turn; mind active and worrying... I do fall asleep. Senseless dreams come but I still have a good rest for the new day ... when God's Grace comes on again....

Hebrews 13:5 ~ "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"

Be Reminded and REMEMBER! All God's great deeds of glory.... are for His glory to remind His people of His greatness. Man tends to forget!

Foolish Not to Accept God's Grace

Exodus 10 -12

Inspired thots

On first reading, it was a bit disconcerting that there should be so many miracles done without the desired results. Are people so ignorant of the truth or callous of heart to acknowledge God's greatness? Is calamity really necessary to get people to come to their senses?

NINE plagues ... and yet, no conviction... until a dear one dies. Isn't that sad? A life has to be lost before one decides to change; how foolish! Why did it take one so long to accept God's grace upon grace?
> Man's heart - that is the main cause. - wanting to reign and be in control.
> Man's mind - forgetting easily

Distinction with the Lord

Exodus 7-9

Inspired thots

Man's heart is callous; hard to change until disaster or inconvenience strikes. No wonder God brings about calamities upon people; it is to get their attention on Him. People are too focused on themselves. They do not know how to distinct themselves from the Lord; they think they are gods...

All of God's wonders and mighty acts are to declare who He is and to acknowledge Him; to do otherwise is foolishness. Those on God's side will be protected; those who fear Him will be blessed. It is each person's choice.

Act after act to declare how great God is.

Hindsight to God's Plans

Exodus 5-7

Inspired thots

Yes, when you do not know the Lord, you would not give second thoughts or incline your heart towards Him. It was like that in the past and it is the same today... all over the world.

The Lord's plans take time to unveil which one must be patient about it. Difficulty and uncertainty may crop up along the way; perhaps even suffering... but the Lord's hand is upon it all for the BEST!

One can only have faith in the Lord and His Glory will be shown on hindsight.

Yes,Lord. Grant me patient as Your plan for me unfolds.

The Lord is Sovereign

Exodus 3 & 4

Inspired Thots

The Lord started to call Moses; He has ways to get his attention just like He does with any one of us... whether we are Christians or not; all man has been made in His image; so God does care for each person and knows all about man.

He is patient with Moses to explain His deliverance to Israel although Moses tried to skirt the issue. He is able to counter all arguments and human logic.
Moses contend that he is not eloquent; slow of speech and tongue... but God's ANSWER: "Who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord?"
(Ex 4:11)

One must be wise to acknowledge God in all his ways. Zipporah, Moses' wife, was wise to circumcise her child to ease God's anger; at least, she was educated in God's laws to abide by it and be safe. Women are more sensitive to God's ways.

Help me Lord to do likewise instead of wanting self-glory. May my heart be for my husband and family as You have ordained in Your wonderful plan. Thank You Lord for the past and now in the present lead me to the future with You all the way. Amen.

God Hears Our Cries

Exodus 1 & 2

Inspired thots

God knows our threshold of Everything.... pain, hurt, worry, anxiety, need....
He hears our cries of desperation and pain; 1 Cor. 10:13 promises God's Deliverance on us when it is too much. He sees our suffering and tears.

He knows who does good and when; and He rewards... even if they are not His people; they did His will. They feared Him. He honors those who fear Him; He rewards them according to their hearts' desires.

Though Moses' actions may be rash, God was there guiding him to execute His will. Here, Moses seem to be very initiative; he defended his fellow countryman and he was quick to help the ladies... but later, he faltered to rise up to God's call on service... hmm.. man can change.

The Cycle of Life

Genesis 50

Inspired thots

Jacob died.... Joseph died. But they saw their grandchildren. That is the cycle of life. To walk in the ways of God while you live all the days on earth.

No point holding grudges or being angry with one another; for God is the Judge in the end.Keep the heart aright with God and He will lead.

God gave life to be enjoyed with Him; in His ways.

These couple of days the Scriptures that come on consistently are Romans 8:28 and Proverbs 3:5,6. God is in control and will lead His people who stay with Him.

Walking with God All the Way

Genesis 47-49

Inspired thots

Jacob worshipped God all the days of his life; even to the very end. He acknowledged God in all his ways and God delivered him all the way. Such is our God who loves and shepherds; as Jacob rightly acknowleged. God is His angel of protection.

Jacob knew what is instored for his sons and grandsons; he blessed Joseph's sons in reverse order; Ephraim over Mansseh. He is living out Romans 8:28. He has walked with God so intimately that he KNOWS  the 'right order' of things to come.

He breathed his last worshipping God.

Life Made Simple

Genesis 44 - 46

Inspired thots

Life is very simple when God is acknowledged as King and God; His rightful place. Although the circumstances seem not favorable, do not murmur or complain; it is God at work... for our good; we shall see on hindsight.

If you really believe in God, trust Him in ALL ways (Proverbs 3:5,6); surely HE directs and makes straight all your paths. Then, there shall be peace and contentment within the self. Many events may happen in your life but God is in control. He has it all in the palm of His hands; no worries... no stress.

Yes, Lord. It is a lesson for me; life is fleeting. Much will not be remembered. It is best to enjoy each day under God's grace; indeed I am not strong and wise to scale the heights of life alone as I age but as I allow God to reign in my life, He works all things well (Rom. 8:28); just like Jacob; God sustained him until all his heart's desires were fulfilled.

Acknowledging God in Every Aspect of Life

Genesis 42 & 43

Inspired thots

When God is acknowledged in every aspect of our lives, He works for good to those who love him.(Romans 8:28)
The fear of God will keep our hearts from going astray and becoming puffed up. It is better to be humble and acknowledge God because He is indeed great and mighty. To exalt self is really foolish as no one can attain to God.

Joseph acknowledged God in his life and enjoyed protection and prosperity; his brothers and father acknowledged God and enjoyed direction and guidance. Though the circumstance seems bleak, God is in control.

Thank You, Lord!

God Reveals in His Time

Genesis 41

Inspired thots

God reveals His plans in different ways to different people in His time.

1) Joseph had to wait 2 years before he could experience freedom from the dungeons and enjoy power to the highest in Egypt.

2) Pharaoh was used by God through dreams... I have weird dreams too but no interpretations; what does it all mean, Lord?

It is sufficient to live under God's grace and merciful; there is peace and sufficiency. Yes, until God guides specifically. I must learn more patience and confidence in God to work with Him. God does not work like man - in a hurry and hastily. Everything good works out with time.

Be Patient with God

Genesis 39 & 40

Inspired thots

Joseph must have gone through a lot of hardships in a foreign land; though he did nothing deserving them. Yet, it was God's will to have him undergo the sufferings to mature him and hone his patience for greater things in the future.
He maintained his righteousness before God and walked rightly no matter what the circumstances were.
His success may not be as what I would have wanted but having favor with God to enjoy His protection over his life is better than the material riches and honor.... I see that now from Joseph's life.

Hence, yes Lord; I shall not ask for material wealth or fame BUT favor with YOU alone as I rest under Your wings of protection; for then, I have it all!
Though I may not see the bigger picture, God is in control.

Taking Matters into Own Hands

Genesis 38

Inspired thots

Judah and Tamar took matters into their own hands but God permitted it and let the issue take its course according to His plan.

Judah and Tamar's ways are all ordered by the Lord (Proverbs 20:24) even if they were not aware of it; as they keep aligned with God, all their actions are directed by God although it may seem like human effort.

Praise God for this Revelation which is so enlightening; I am assured that as I stay close to God, He directs my steps; my ways and decisions are ordered by Him even if it seems 'human'. Yes, Lord, direct every step and thought. Thank You for your assurance that You are in control to lead me into Your ways for Your glory and my safety.

God at Work in Man's life

Genesis 36 & 37

Inspired thots

Gen 36 is a record of Esau and his family. God is gracious and fair to record his lineage even though he is not the 'main' hero. He remembers His promises to everyone He created.

Gen 37 shows God at work and yet, we are unaware of His working amongst us. It is usually by hindsight that we note the hand of God in our lives.

Everyone makes mistakes; no one is righteous (Isa.53:6) just like the bible says. Joseph's brothers plotted and took action against him. Although Reuben planned to rescue him, plans can get backfired.
But God is in control. In all things God works for the good to those who love God; who are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28)

Keeping our Chastity with God

Genesis 34 & 35

Inspired thots

When we walk with God, we must be careful to keep our chastity for the Lord. Just like Dinah was defiled by the Shechemites and the family of Jacob had gathered many other gods along the way, we can be defiled by the things of the world and gathered lots of unpleasing stuff - making them our gods; it could be too much computer or TV; indulgence in hobbies or career; anything that takes us away from God.

Only Jacob remembered God and walked rightly before Him all his life. There must be self-checks to 'springclean' our selves to rid the unrighteous stuff within and ask God for forgiveness and cleansing.
We must always turn back to God if we cannot consistently keep walking with God; else, how can we hear from God?