Week 4 Exodus God of Deliverance

The Patience of God

Proverbs 16:32 says, “Patience is better than power and controlling one’s temper than capturing a city” (HCSB). When I read this week’s passage of Exodus 5:1-6:27, I realize the patience of God is long-lasting. He knows the wicked heart of Pharaoh will not bend to His will. But He also knows the hearts of the Egyptian and Israelite people need a thorough cleansing from idolatry.

Therefore, stubbornness and holding onto ingrained ideas is no surprise to God…, and He controls his temper.  

As we will see in later chapters, people of both cultures are open to following the One true God. However, convincing people to die to self is something God knows is done layer by layer and trial by trial. The Egyptians who turn to Him do so in awe of His mighty hand, while the Israelites see the fulfilled promise of their heritage.

Although Israel is eager to be rid of their bondage, the process of tearing down the cultural influence ingrained in them is going to be painful. Would you please read Exodus chapter five to see how this process begins to take place?

Moses approaches the proud Pharaoh as he begins the bargaining with, “Thus says the LORD, let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness (vs1). Pharaoh responds, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I don’t know the LORD.”

When Things Don’t Go as planned

Pharaoh accuses Moses and Aaron of distracting the slaves from their work. So, he makes the arduous task of the brick makers even harder. They must begin to gather their own straw to make the bricks and continue the same quotas. Call me stretching the concept a little bit here, but do we not see this same principle infiltrating our own economic state?

After all, the average workweek now is fifty-sixty hours with half the workforce and resources. However, the same amount of work and outcomes are expected. The underlying evil behind this is Satan. He resists God and every attempt to put Him first and puts more tasks on people to distract them from seeking Him. Pharaoh’s refuses to allow his grip on Israel’s loyalty to be tested. We see, instead, any attempt to alter their dedication crushed. He scatters them so they cannot talk about worshiping the One true God.

Israel cries out from their increased burdens, and their Hebrew foremen (taskmasters) are beaten when the quotas are not met. A situation making everyone mad at everyone else! The foremen blame Moses and Aaron, as Moses approaches God to say, “O Lord, why have you done evil to this people? Why did you send me? (vs22)

When things get hard and don’t go the way we plan, we blame others and God too, don’t we?

God Moves Outside of Comfort

Please don’t miss this interaction, especially in our time of ease and comfort. We turn on our faucets in the morning and bathe with clean water. The clean water fills our showers for bathing, pots for cooking, and our glasses for drinking, sometimes without a thought to thank God above for providing us with such blessings.  The lights come on at the touch of a switch. There is no gathering wood for a fire, finding kindling, and keeping it stoked to light candles at night. Physically, for most of us, life, in general, is ten times easier than previous generations. Therefore, we tend to mistake inconvenience for a trial.

But what if God begins to show us what he can do through discomfort, just as he begins to show Israel?

He says to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand, he will send them out” (6:1a). In chapter six, God reminds Moses of the promise and the covenant made with Abraham. We are also given the genealogy of Moses and Aaron. His response to, “Why did you send me?” is answered clearly by God.

We may question, why me, God? Do you really want to send me to these people suffering from physical discomfort? Or share the gospel with people digging deep into their stubborn idolatry? The answer is YES! He sure does. And we are to do it with patience while also controlling our temper. God gives us the perfect example, doesn’t he? He lets history unfold in a manner that will create lasting change rather than swooping in and making an exit from slavery as easy as turning on a switch.

The one sure way to endear the people’s hearts to follow Him and let go of their idolatry.

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Exodus Week Four

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be your mouth and teach you what you shall speak?

Exodus 4:11-12

Exodus Chapter 4

Today’s reading for our text is Exodus chapter 4, we will see God’s patience with Moses and the signs he is to preform. Moses is still in the presence of God before the burning bush. Please take a moment to read this chapter before it is discussed in the post below.

Last week we learned about covenant and how Abraham’s descendants would never be able to fulfill their end of this powerful agreement between God and man. The penalty of which eventually falls on God in flesh, Jesus.

However, this week we see the loving patience of God giving signs to Moses as proof He will be by his side as he presents the plan to the elders of Israel with his brother Aaron. Moses’ response in verse one is classic of us as we hesitate to present truth to the skeptical, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, “The Lord did not appear to you.”

God Will Teach Him to Speak

The Lord is such a masterful teacher, isn’t he? He says to Moses what is that in your hand?  Moses replies the obvious, it is a staff. He is commanded to throw it on the ground as it becomes a serpent. We learn in the teaching time, that the snake represents “Wadjet” the snake God and protector of Pharaoh. God is showing He has power over the natural order and all other false gods.

God proceeds to show Moses His power over diseases as he places his hand in and out of his robe; normal to leprous, to normal again. Lastly, God tells Moses to take some water from the life-supporting Nile River and pour it on the ground as it becomes blood. Proof to Moses and Israel God is in control of life and death.  

Poor Moses, he tries to wiggle out of this commitment three different times in this chapter alone. His next objection is that he is not eloquent of speech. God assures him, “Who made the mouth?  It is not I? He promises to be Moses’ mouth and teach him what he will speak. (vs. 11-12).   Finally, Moses just says, “’Oh my Lord, please send someone else.”

Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. I wonder if the bush, at this point, shoots a billow of fire above as the Lord convinces Moses he is the chosen deliverer. Aaron, his brother, is on his way to be his mouthpiece. Therefore, Moses is convinced and asks Jethro’s permission to take his family and leave for Egypt because all those seeking his life are dead.  We get a glimpse of how difficult this plan will be as God warns him about the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart. Keep in mind, Pharaoh’s heart is already hard because he thinks he is a god.

The Risk of Not Taking God Seriously

The historical account takes a sudden turn in verses 24-26 at a lodging place along the way back to Egypt. The Lord met Moses and sought to put him to death (vs. 24). We understand from last week’s study Moses was born in a Hebrew home, nursed there until he was weaned, then sent to Pharaoh’s daughter to be raised in the palace. Although he understood he was a Hebrew, when he became a father in his forties in the land of Midian, he failed to adhere to the covenant of circumcision ascribed to his people (See Genesis 17:1-14).

We do not know if Zipporah was for it or against it at the time of her son’s birth. Nor do we see circumcision as a custom her priestly father practiced with his own family. All we see is that Zipporah, took a knife to her son’s foreskin to save the life of her husband. The inference here is understood, she did not do it happily.

God’s command to circumcise every male on the eighth day as a sign of the everlasting covenant in the flesh of his offspring is to be obeyed! However, when not obeyed, they shall be cut off from his people for breaking the covenant (Gen. 17:14).  We see the seriousness for Moses, and us for that matter, of obeying God’s commands. When he calls us to follow Him and carry out his plans, it’s time to listen.

Reunited and Ready to Deliver

As Moses’ life is spared, and Aaron arrives to meet him at the mountain of God. They leave to gather all the elders of Israel to speak the words that the Lord spoke to Moses. “And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshipped (Exodus 4:31).

The beauty of trusting God is stepping forward in what he calls us to do, despite our lack of eloquence, or ability. When we submit to Him, He will teach us what we are to speak. Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and patience in our hesitancy and doubt. May we overcome the fear and trepidation in such a volatile culture and speak the truth as we remember your signs of wonder and glory through Moses, and later Jesus. 

Get your workbook for our Exodus Study, God of Deliverance by Jen Wilkin at Lifeway.com/deliverance.

A Prince Becomes a Fugitive

The passage of scripture for this week’s study is Exodus 2:11-3:22.

I pray our hearts and minds are open to what God wants to show us this week as He establishes a leader for Israel. To begin with, we see an adopted son show a particular affiliation with the people of his birth. Although Moses grew up in the house of Pharaoh, he knows he’s a Hebrew.

He comes to the defense of a Hebrew slave being beaten by an Egyptian.  However, his efforts are rejected, and he flees the country. The corresponding next we read alongside Exodus this week is Stephan’s account of Moses’ history in Acts 7:17-36. Please take a moment to relish the extra details he offers.

Meanwhile, Moses camps out by a well in a land far away and meets his future wife, Zipporah. We learn from Acts that he is around 40 when he arrives, and he stays there to shepherd Jethro’s flocks for around forty years. The text says,

After a long time, the king of Egypt died, and the Israelites groaned because of their difficult labor, and they cried out; and their cry for help ascended to God because of their difficult labor.

A Covenant Perfected

The God of Deliverance heard their groaning, and He remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Wilkin has us look up definitions throughout her studies. I love to do this because it takes me down a delightful rabbit trail and into a deeper understanding of God and His word!

So, according to ancient Hebrew sources, the covenant was an agreement that worked like a Suzerain/Vassal treaty. The lesser/weaker vassal pledges fidelity to the more powerful Suzerain. The vassal shows his loyalty through giving part of his crops and lending his services, while the Suzerain offers his protection. The ancient Hebrews established this covenant with the sacrifice of animals and dividing them into halves. The two parties walked together between the divided animals to seal the treaty. If the parties failed in their part of the agreement, the understanding was, what was done to the animals would happen to them.

Now, take another rabbit trail with me to Genesis chapter 15. Please read the entire chapter—-I promise it will be worth your time!  God, Himself, makes the covenant with Abram! But, in this covenant, Abram is asleep; only God, in the form of the smoking fire pot and flaming torch, appears between the divided animals. Therefore, the price of not meeting the demands of the covenant fall on God. The beauty of a better covenant is fulfilled when the Word became flesh and dwelt among men in the form of Jesus!

The Promise is for Us Too!

Yes, my sweet friend, God hears, he remembers, and he has delivered a way. Not only for oppressed Israel but for you and me. We have no way of meeting the requirements of righteousness in our flesh. However, all we must do is place our faith in Jesus, and his righteous blood covers us. He walked through that covenant long ago as Abram slept. He also perfected it years later when he took the wrath of God upon himself for all eternity. Praise and glory to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I pray you have a wonderful week studying our Mighty God of Deliverance! Please don’t forget, it is in your workbook and personal time with God that you grow spiritually. Look for the link in Week 1 to get your book, written by Jen Wilkin and offered through Lifeway. God bless you!

You can find more encouragement for your week with Bold Faith!

My small ladies group is beginning the study of “Exodus: God of Deliverance” by Jen Wilkin. It is a solid study, and if you want to participate, you can. There is an affordable deal by Lifeway to purchase a book and video rental for only $24.99—considering the cost of studies these days, you can’t beat that offer!

Jen’s method of study is straightforward and comprehensive too. I like that “God of Deliverance” focuses on the attributes of God and how I can draw closer to Him through his word.

Exodus 1-2:10 is our passage to read and study this week.

As the first week of our Exodus study, “God of Deliverance” begins, we see the names of the twelve tribes. Jacob’s sons who left Canaan during the famine to live in Goshen. They are shepherds under the rule of their brother Joseph, second only to Pharaoh, in Egypt. However, Joseph’s heroic acts of saving Egypt has long been forgotten, by the new king of Egypt.

An interesting turn of events leads Pharaoh to deal harshly with the Israelites. He is threatened by their large numbers and chooses to work them harshly. The scripture says, “mercilessly”. God sees and he hears their groaning. So, he begins His intervention.

Surprisingly, as Wilkin points out, God’s plan to free Israel begins with five women deliverers. Let that sink in a moment. God’s plan for redemption is seen through the heart of a mother, a sister, an unbelieving King’s daughter, and women who devote their lives to delivering babies.

God’s Plan

Throughout the text we see God is fulfilling the promise of Israel’s fruitfulness as they continue multiplying. Despite their oppression, they keep producing babies. The threat of their numbers and their proximity to the border makes Pharaoh uneasy, so he commands the deaths of all the newborn boys.

The girls are no threat.

Infanticide is a common practice throughout history and continues today. The bottom line behind this evil atrocity is a lack of value for human life.

As Christians, standing for the life of the innocent is something we are all called to do. It is also something Shiphrah, and Puah, the midwives, take seriously before God Almighty.

I am keeping in mind, God’s plan for Israel’s spiritual redemption is greater than their physical redemption at this point, but I still mourn the loss of so many innocent children…then and now.

In reading Exodus 1-2:10 this week we’ll see the repeated language of fruitfulness as spoken in Gen 1:28, 9:1, 17:2, 6, 22:17, 26:4, 28:14, 35:11, 48:4.

As Jen Wilkin always points out in her studies, “What aspect of God’s character has this week’s passage of Exodus shown you more clearly?

Enjoy your 1st week of study time, as God’s word accomplishes its purpose!

More Bible Study Plans Here

I hope your week is going well and you are staying healthy spiritually and physically, despite the chaos of our day.  I don’t know about you, but for me, with so much unrest in the world, it is hard to stay focused on what is good and Holy!

However, that is exactly what we are called to do!

Therefore, I need some biblical ways to boost my mood! God’s word is more powerful than a double-edged sword to spiritually combat negative thinking and attacks from the evil one. Plus, His word never returns void or empty.

So, with that in mind, and following up with on the 10 Easy Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System post, I want to give myself and you 10 biblical ways to strengthen our mood; while also easing our mind, will, and emotions. Are you ready?

1. Praise God

When we fill our hearts with gratitude and praise God almighty for His unending, unshakable, enduring faithfulness we boost our mood. Negative thoughts are consumed by gratitude and evaporate from our thinking.

Romans 12:2 is an often-memorized verse in the bible to help us change our thinking.  It says:

Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

The testing comes in the form of situations, people, or circumstances that rub us the wrong way. As soon as negative thoughts build from encounters with others or text messages start rolling in, we are conforming to the pattern of this world.

Rather than getting our moods down, we can boost it instead by saying, “God, I praise you for this person, this situation, and this opportunity to turn to YOU for comfort and peace! Although, I don’t know what you want to accomplish with this situation, I trust you and praise you as you lead me.

2. Pray Scripture

I love to do this over you and my family! The best time to do it is in my early morning reading of the bible. Scripture is something we can incorporate into our morning prayers for ourselves and others because we oftentimes think of people in need as we read. For instance, Paul, in Ephesians chapter six calls the believers to be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. He urges them to put on the whole armor of God that they may stand against the schemes of the devil.

My friend, there is no greater victory for the devil than when he steals your joy!

As he reads our faces and remembers our reactions, his tactics become more precise. We need our full
armor of protection on before we leave the house in the morning. Remember, he is the tempter, so if we are prone to gossip, we’ll get a juicy tidbit of information from someone who is always ready to fill our ear. Pray for her and remember:

1 Timothy 5:6 “She who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.”

Do you see how serious this is?

Likewise, if we are prone to anger or fear, we’ll be tempted with the same scenarios each day that stimulate those turbulent emotions! (See more under # 3)

3. Memorize a Combat Verse

This one is so easy and EFFECTIVE in the heat of the moment. My personal favorite memory verse from scripture to combat the evil of the enemy and my own negative thoughts is—–“Take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ Jesus.” Look through scriptures for your personal favorite and use it as soon as those defeating thoughts creep into your mind.

This is especially helpful when fear, anger, and pride well up within at the sound familiar scenarios. If it is the news, turn if off! Gaslighting is a tactic of the devil and used by the media ALL THE TIME to pit one person’s view against another and stir up more hatred. Social media and search engines watch everything you browse, so they know how to add fuel to your own little fire.

If it is not the chaos in the world, it may be our spouse, family, or neighbors who stimulate unwanted or anxious emotions. We can pray for a soft heart towards them and to respect their stance on an issue without judgment.

James 1:19-20   God please let me be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

James 1 ESV – Greeting – James, a servant of God and – Bible Gateway

Therefore, confessing the behavior you and I are most likely to fall under and finding a scripture to pray ahead of time over this pattern will help us boost our mood; even under full blown attacks!

4. Laugh

—Look around us for fun and join or listen in on the activity. Yesterday we played kick ball with three of our grandsons. The middle one can’t stand to get out, so when he knows he’s caught between the person with the ball and the next base, he runs everywhere but toward the next base—-it’s hilarious! For you, it may be listening to your favorite Dry Bar comedian (they are clean and fun), watching puppies romp, or a funny movie.

5. Listen to Good Music

I love praise music and contemporary Christian songs that are upbeat and make me want to dance! You may like the old hymns, eighties, sixties, classical, or even bluegrass; wonderful! God created our love of music to lift our moods, express our gratitude and even express our sadness. It’s one way to work through our emotions.

6. Walk

Taking a walk does so many good things, it gets us out into the sun (see #7). Also, exercise as many of you know releases endorphins, known as the happy hormones in our brain. It’s true, so take advantage of something free and wonderful to just notice life, appreciate the breeze on your face, or the wonder of nature!

However, biblically speaking, walking with God means walking in His ways and in obedience to Him. There is no better way to boost our moods than when we are in step with God.

Ephesians 4:1-3—” I, therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Psalm 84:11  For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

7. Sunlight

Genesis 1:16 “God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.”

God provided the sun for our benefit! Not only to give us light and warmth, but to make plants grow and feed us. It rules the day. Just think of its power over the earth.

Moreover, taking that walk or sitting in the sun 20-30 minutes will bring a bright light into dark thinking. Soaking up the sun gives us the wonderful vitamin D synthesis I talked about last week. Not only does it build our immune system, it boosts our mood!

Studies show a release of serotonin (the mood boosting hormone) at highest levels during summer sun exposure. (1)  

8. Socialize

I know, if you’re an introvert like me, you must internally process emotions privately and in your own time; that is fine for the first day or so of your mood change. You can pray, and agonize with God and to God about all the stuff you’re dealing with. However, after the first day, find we need to find our trusted person or persons with whom to gather. The comfort, presence, and encouragement of other believers will biblically lift our mood!

Hebrews 10: 24-26  —And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not  neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more   as you see the Day drawing near.

9. Omega 3’s.

These amazing ESSENTIAL oils are found best in tuna, salmon, sardines, and halibut, so try to eat them at least twice a week in this “preformed” way. If you don’t like fish, and want a different source, try chia seeds, hemp seed hearts, ground flax seeds or flax seed oil which can be added easily to salads. Your body must do a little more work to transfer it to the long chain fatty acid it needs, but still, it’s better than nothing.  I mentioned the fish first because it contains the necessary EPA that has been proven in studies to help with reducing anxiety, depression, and boost our mood!

Although I cannot find a scripture that says fish boosts your mood, I do know Jesus ate, prepared, and served A LOT of fish. He called fisherman to serve Him, fed the five thousand spiritually starving people with it, and it was the breakfast he shared with his disciples after his death, burial and resurrection (John 21).

10. Serve Someone Else

Getting out of the house and doing something for someone else is an amazing biblical mood booster! When we are self-focused our mood is down or if overburdened with the care of a loved one, we may feel we are serving enough. But I ask you to just start small; this can be sending a card with a thoughtful note, or even simple text message. If you are particularly energetic, mow your neighbor’s lawn, or help someone load their car at the grocery store. God gives us PLENTY of opportunities to serve others; even if it is just a prayer.

1 Peter 4:9-10 “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: 

I hope these 10 Ways to Biblically Boost Your Mood Help you this week!

References:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12480364/ Lambert GW, Reid C, Kaye DM, Jennings GL, Esler MD. Effect of sunlight and season on serotonin turnover in the brain. Lancet. 2002 Dec 7;360(9348):1840-2. doi: 10.1016/s0140-6736(02)11737-5. PMID: 12480

Strength Comes Through His Power

May you be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy giving thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light.
Colossians 1:11-12

Colossians 1 ESV – Greeting – Paul, an apostle of Christ – Bible Gateway

There is nothing more comforting in times of cultural chaos, fear, and discontent than to read the words of being strengthened with power according to “His glorious might”! It takes the focus off of me and places it directly on the shoulders of the One in control. At the time of this letter to the church of Colossians there was confusion about Christian living and false teaching abounded.

Sound familiar?

As technology becomes the primary focus of our day, information is bombarding our minds and hearts at breakneck speed. Especially through all media outlets. Gone are the days of awaiting news through letters and savoring the words over and over again. Instead, we’re given sound bites of someone’s opinion on a matter instead of a rational explanation of what is taking place. If we’re not careful we and our loved ones can me mislead.

The assurance of God’s inspired word to Paul gives us a better hope in overcoming chaos and fear. He says we’ve already been rescued from the dominion of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves! Although, physically our bodies are still here to working out our salvation with fear and trembling among precarious circumstances, spiritually we are with Jesus. Therefore, through faith in Him, we have redemption and forgiveness of sins.

How We Are Strengthened

Not only that, but POWER to resist the devil’s schemes. How wonderful is this promise amid the constant barrage of divisive tactics all around us? As soon as I feel his schemes coming along in my household, in my workplace, and on the road, I immediately start praising God and thanking Him for placing me with Him!

Moreover, my friend, I’m actively practicing what I read in scripture. If I want to sleep better and throw my anxiety out the window, all I have to do is grasp onto power beyond my own strength. I begin by praising God. Christ is the image of the invisible God, all thrones and dominions submit to Him! He is above all things and in Him all things hold together. You and I are secure in His love, so we can give Him praise when we feel like the world is closing in on us and taking our loved ones along with it.

It’s bold faith that see’s us through the refining fire of chaos, fear, and disdain of others. In our hearts and souls we have an unending calmness. The assurance He is working all things to our good and for His glory.

My Prayer For Today

Holy Father in Heaven, You see all things and know all things, My heart and *[FNAME]*’s hearts are before you this day bare and open to be filled. I ask you today Lord come and fill every empty place in our hearts. Remove any bitterness that lingers over lost dreams or disappointments. Help us come to peace with the things that are out of our control and look to you for fulfillment.

Lord, I pray for *[FNAME]* to be strengthened with all power according to your glorious might! This means the two of us bow before your son as the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created. Visible and invisible entities, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Just knowing, Father, that he is before all things, and in him all things hold together gives me peace. I pray it does for *[FNAME]* as well. 

We have hope with Jesus Christ as the head of the body, the church. He is the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and make peace for us by the blood of his cross. I thank you God, for this sacrifice because I know that me and *[FNAME]* were once alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, but Jesus reconciled us with his body of flesh by his death, to present us holy and blameless and above reproach before you. Praise you, God may we live in gratitude this day and every day with the fulness of your love.  (Scripture taken from Colossians 1:15-22).

“And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you….” Colossians 1:9a

The Role of Rebar Intercessors

Several years ago, a lady approached me at my grandmother’s funeral to verify my identity and association with the grieving family. I told her, “Yes, I am she.” The lady smiled broadly and said, “We’ve been praying for you for years!”

She went on to explain that she is in my Aunt Donna’s weekly prayer group, “The Rebar Intercessors.” Flashbacks quickly began to filter through my mind of fast cars, questionable behavior and living outside of God’s will as a teenager. All of which came to an abrupt halt when I became pregnant at nineteen.

I’ve often wondered how and why God would shelter an unworthy person like me through such rebellion. Now, I know. The Rebar Intercessors made an impact on my life when I didn’t even know they were praying.

Women of faith, praying to my Father in Heaven to protect me, guide me, and not give me over to my flesh. He held me close in my loneliness and collected every tear of painful regret because of someone else’s prayers. How wonderfully humbling this lady’s words were to my spiritually mature ears!

Paul says to the church of Colossae,

“We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven. Of this, you have heard before in the word of truth, the gospel, which has come to you. And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. (Colossians 1: 3-6a, 9-)

Colossians 1 ESV – Greeting – Paul, an apostle of Christ – Bible Gateway

Paul does an excellent job of explaining how necessary it is to pray for new believers. Yes, they heard the gospel, and it impacted their lives, but without people ceasing to pray, they will quickly fall into the behavior of the culture surrounding them.

The Impact of Intercessors

Like me, they experienced the grace of God in truth. Grace for safety in foolishness and protection of the soul during immaturity. Spiritual wisdom does not come when we are chasing material things, running from painful experiences, or struggling with body image.

It comes in the gratitude of a reformed heart. The day we look back at what could have happened but didn’t. His grace is in all the blessings that kept multiplying despite a lack of reverent devotion on my part. Moreover, it came because of prayer warriors meeting weekly to intercede for my soul.

Glory to God for the Rebar Intercessors and for listening! Now I have the opportunity and wisdom to act on behalf of those going through the same struggle.

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“Moses even indicated in the passage about the burning bush that the dead are raised, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He is not God of the dead but of the living, because all are living to Him.”

Luke 20:37-38

Biblegateway.com

Opening My Heart

Lord, what will happen when you open my heart to your all-consuming presence?  I see a heart filling with contentment, softening its demeanor, less sarcasm, and increasing mercy. Insults and innuendos are not absorbed into my psyche and mess with my identity because they bounce off your shield of grace.

My focus will change from temporary pleasure to eternal pleasures. The mind once narrow expands its limited thinking beyond this span of time. Your word says you are not the God of the dead but of the living, for all are living to you.

Since Jesus is referring to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob being alive before the Father, the truth of living souls is clear. Their souls remain alive while their bodies await His return and their own new resurrected immortal bodies. Peter, James, and John are amazed by this reality as Jesus opens their eyes during His transfiguration.

He was transformed in front of them, and His face shone like the sun. Even His clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. Then Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here! If You want, I will make three tabernacles here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.
Mathew 17:2-4

A Sense of My Loved One’s Spirit

Not only are their forefathers speaking with Jesus in person, Peter recognizes who they are without being told. A taste of the afterlife is physically present for Jesus’s inner circle and for all of us who’s hearts are open to receive this truth, for all are living to Him.

Sometimes, I think I get a small taste of my deceased great-grandmother’s spirit when I’m engrossed in my favorite hobbies. As I am digging in the dirt to remove weeds or plant seeds, I feel a connectedness I cannot explain. It’s almost as though she is there with me and I cannot see her.

Grace, fed her ten children from the soil of her garden not far from the ground where I dig. I believe our souls are so enter-twined that her love of the soil and all God provides through the seeds of vegetation are present with me.

The same thing happens to me when I make soap and body creams. I think of Grace, who mom tells me rendered the fat from her hogs every fall to make her own soap.

Walking through the garden, picking vegetables and feeling that connection with her is a great pleasure to me. I see it as a small gift, or part of her she left behind. Her soul is with Jesus, while mine longs for the day of living beyond this place and time in His presence.  

Therefore, awaiting Jesus’ return is assuring to we who have lost loved ones. Abraham, Jacob, Isaac, each took their last breath, died, and were gathered to their people (Genesis 25:8, 35:29, 49:29). I get a sense of being reunited with family members spiritually with the last breath, while the body is placed among their remains physically.

Living Forever

Solomon emphasizes the spirit and body separation upon our last breath in his reminiscing, he says,

“… man is headed to his eternal home, and mourners will walk around in the street;
⁶ before the silver cord is snapped, and the gold bowl is broken, and the jar is shattered at the spring, and the wheel is broken into the well; ⁷ and the dust returns to the earth as it once was,
and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
Ecclesiastes 12: 5a-6

So many people confuse Jesus’ words of “falling asleep” as though the soul is asleep when our bodies die. However, his message and the apostle Paul’s do not indicate that concept at all. It helps to listen closely to what Jesus tells his disciples when Lazarus was sick:

Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I’m on My way to wake him up.”
Then the disciples said to Him, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will get well.”
Jesus, however, was speaking about his death, but they thought He was speaking about natural sleep. So Jesus then told them plainly, “Lazarus has died. I’m glad for you that I wasn’t there so that you may believe. But let’s go to him.”
John 11:11b-16

He is not referring to sleep as a living state, but of death. Jesus later gives them a glimpse of the resurrection when he brings Lazarus back to life. What sweet assurance we have abundant life here with Christ and eternal life with him in heaven! The apostle Paul’s description of living in God’s presence is something to behold! He says:

Promise of a Future Home Living with God

“Indeed, we groan while we are in this tent, burdened as we are, because we do not want to be unclothed but clothed, so that mortality may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ And the One who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave us the Spirit as a down payment.

⁶ So, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we walk by faith, not by sight, ⁸ and we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:4-8

Yes, one day we will be out of these weak, decomposing bodies and at home with the Lord. Our souls live forever and God gives us the opportunity each day to choose where we will spend eternity. Since God is the same yesterday, today, and forever we understand he exists outside of time. My focus on this temporary body might change if I could live in the Spirit more and grasp how limited my body is. Although I am to be a good steward of this tent, use it for his work, and nourish it with his provision in the garden; I am not to be bound by its appearance and desires.

More importantly, my heart will be open to his promise of a future home with him. I may even get to know Grace a little more. Her soul, her essence, her spirit is there with God while the dust of her body awaits the return of Jesus here on earth. She may be getting to know Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in His presence because ALL are living to God.

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Who is the gentle spirit in your life?

The gentle spirit of my friend comforts me in my times of distress. Yes, even those of us who walk closely with Jesus experience heartache and longing. There are times, as a mother, when I want to fix the problems of my child as if she is still a youngster. The battles my child face are not insurmountable but I want to take them on as my own, to be the gentle spirt walking alongside her. Under waves of uncertainty I’m sure her circumstances feel overwhelming.

Questions that plague her are the same ones I experience: “Am I raising my children right? Is this the best decision for me and my family? How can I be all things to all people, ALL the time?! Yikes, so much pressure! I want to be a comfort for her, like my friend is for me. Paul says in Galatians 6:1 to restore a person with a gentle spirit.

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.  For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 

Galatians 6 ESV – Bear One Another’s Burdens – Bible Gateway

The context of this verse is about wrongdoing and warning followers not to be ruled by temptation. However, the gentle spirit in my situation is helping my daughter through worry and thinking she’s doing something wrong. Carrying the burden of my hurting child is a privilege. My goal is to walk alongside her and reassure her that God sees and He knows. He sent his son to experience and take on the deepest burdens she desperately tries to hide from others.

The Gentle Spirit of Jesus

I want her to know he not only sees those deep burdens, but He also cares!

Jesus says,

“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. All of you, take up My yoke and learn from Me, because I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Mathew 11:28-29).

My study bible describes the yoke as a harness placed on two animals who pull a cart together. The older more experienced animal receives the larger harness so the younger animal can be trained and guided by its mentor (The Holman Cristian Standard Bible p. 1537).

The metaphor gives a beautiful example of Jesus carrying our burdens and walking alongside us in our distress. I too, can take his example and show my sweet girl how to navigate self-doubt, indecision, and striving to be all things to all people.

 She and I can talk to Him when we are uncomfortable sharing our stuffed fears, even with people we trust. We don’t have to worry about Him thinking we are crazy as we try to rationalize thoughts of catastrophe that never materialize.

What a relief to know rest is available to all and not just a select few. Jesus calls all of us to him, for the rest only He can offer. He is a gentle understanding Savior who has walked where I have walked, felt the agony I have felt, and offered to stand in my place and take the punishment for my mistakes.

Moreover, the yoke of his teaching and the way he lived his life as a suffering servant is a beacon of light for my child swamped with doubt and “what ifs”. I feel the earnestness of his humble heart strengthening me to be a solid example of hope to her. He is worthy of my surrender and hers because in His presence we will find true rest. Only then, will I truly find the gentle spirit walking alongside me.

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Life’s Stress is Like a Wrecking Ball

I have the experience of witnessing the long-term results of anxiety and stress on precious sisters in Christ every week. The repeated activation of the stress response causes physical damage over time. Similarly, a picture of a wrecking ball swinging against a concrete building comes to mind in these strong women I love. Just as sharp, fast hits repeatedly strike to weaken the structure of a building, the natural stress response attacks their hearts.

The response to stress is a stimulation of hormones like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, preparing her to respond to a perceived threat. As a result her heart rate increases, her blood vessels constrict, blood pressure elevates, there is a release of insulin from the cells, and escalating lipids. A response of God-given hormones designed to help fight or fly away from the perceived threat.

In a genuine emergency, she needs this natural response. However, during everyday life, such as meeting deadlines or keeping pace with a demanding work schedule, the threat is more personal and frequent. It may come in the form of a micromanaging supervisor or tense moments of sustaining peak performance. My friend in the corporate world also adjusts hourly to the lack of resources available to accomplish outcomes in her 40–60-hour week.

Search Me God and Know My Anxious Thoughts

Not only does she face continual anxiety at work, but she also has the pressure of providing for her family. A burden to be alert financially, physically, and emotionally is persistent. Moreover, stressors that stimulate the same emergency response meant for prolonging life in the short term become fast, frequent hits multiple times a day, attacking and damaging her heart.

Her lifestyle is fast-paced, and her heart is pumping with all its ability to keep up with the continual demand. I can empathize with her anxious thoughts. However, I want her to know, God’s word has power over life’s wrecking ball. I imagine reading the Psalms; a lonely shepherd boy who became a King felt sharp, fast hits too. He wrote the most life-giving words of hope during his suffering as he turned his despair towards God.

David says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.” There is no doubt David knew some stress. He, too, had an angry, demanding boss, multiple enemies, brothers who were jealous of him, and children who disrespected him.

David served King Saul faithfully despite his ridicule, and he trusted God to conquer Goliath. He was on the run and hiding in caves as his angry boss chased him with an army. The king’s son, Absalom, incited half of Israel against him and took over his palace. Yet, God’s presence and protection assured David, the multiple attempts to kill him would fail.  

God’s Word Has Power of Life’s Stressors

At the peak of his stress, he pours out his heart to God and remembers the Almighty’s promise in his distress. David says, “Lord, how my foes increase, there are many who attack me! But You, Lord, are a shield around me. His eyes are swollen from grief as he pleads for evildoers to depart. The assurance of being heard by the Lord is present in his plea for help. You see, he understands the value of examining his thoughts and emotions before God. Therefore, he sings how magnificent God’s name is (Psalm 3:1-3, 6:7-9, 7:9, 17, 8:1).

Although he fell into sin, repentance brought him freedom. Even though he turned a blind eye to his sons’ evil and hard feelings escalated into full-blown nationwide rebellion, he trusted God’s word to see him through.

Through his Psalms, David teaches us to hope in Him who sees all things and works them to our good and for His glory (Romans 8:28).  Although Psalm 23 is a frequent chapter written for those who have passed, many who have walked in the shadow of a cardiac event can bear witness; its evil is real and the shadow of death foreboding.

Proof of Power Over the Enemy

The enemy is a life-threatening, chronic condition that requires vigilant attention while managing everyday stressors. My friend, take comfort in David’s words. He trusted God with all his heart on his road to recovery. May you also give Jesus your fears and anxiety as the power of God’s word deflects the wrecking ball of the stress response to your own heart.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name’s sake. Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Only goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord as long as I live. (Holman Christian Standard Bible, 2003)

Psalm 23 ESV – The LORD Is My Shepherd – A Psalm of – Bible Gateway