Hebrews 1:4-6

HEBREWS 1:4-6 (Multiple versions:King James, NIV, American Standard & New Living translation)

Jesus - better than the angels
Inherited a more excellent name
For which of the angels said:
he at any time this is my son, this day I have begotten thee?
I will be to him a father & he shall be to me a son?
And when he bringeth the 1st begotten into the world and let all the angels of God worship him

Angels are certainly glorious beings and are messengers of the most high God but they are not to be worshiped. We are to worship God and God alone. In this passage we read that God the Father has called Jesus his only begotten son. God the father had declared that the angels of God are to worship Jesus.

Even today people will seek and worship angels. They worship the created rather than the creator. We are not called to worship angles. We were created to worship God. Jesus is to be the object of our worship. Be wary of any person, any thing and yes even angels who blind you into idolizing & worshiping them rather than God Almighty. Angels of God will tell you clearly do not bow to nor worship them. Any angel that seeks your worship is not of God. Any messenger that seeks your worship is not of God. Be careful what creeps into your life, ministry and church.
God said that his angels are to worship Jesus any angel or messenger who disobeys is a rebellious angel and not of God.

Col 2:18

Hebrews 1

HEBREWS 1

HEBREWS 1 MULTIPLE VERSIONS

1-3

• 1.
• In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

• 2.
• but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

• 3.
• The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
• read more @ My Bible Study Tools Christianity.com

In what ways other than the prophets has God spoken to people? Rahab had said that she and the people had heard of what the Lord has done for His people and they were in fear. So the victories that God obtained for His people were heard by others. Therefore God spoke to people through miraculous victories. Didn't God also communicate to people through creation, the commandments and his judgements? How does God communicate to His people today?
What is meant by in the last days he has spoken to us by His Son? What is meant by the last days?

Exodus 9:8-12

Exodus 9:8-12

Plague of the Boils on both the Egyptians and animals-Yet Pharaoh's heart is hardened? Pharaoh does not seem to care about all the destruction he is causing. He does not care who it affects-even his magicians who stood by him and went against the Lord God almighty. Pride, Arrogance, Stubboness-sins that keep you from receiving the grace, mercy and forgiveness of our Lord and Savior. Why would anyone continue to follow such a leader? Where is the wisdom in remaining loyal to someone who resist God? The kind of loyalty or love that does not confront sin that supports you in sin is not true loyalty, love,kindness nor compassion toward you. It is certainly not wisdom that keeps you attached to sin. The scripture does not say that the magicians were coerced, forced, theatened nor abused in order to support Pharaoh. It appears that they did so for their own motives and reasonings. To freely support an evil leader in their evil doings is not wise. Resist evil with the Word of God. Jesus when tempted said to the devil..it is written...if Jesus relied upon the word of God to resist temptation then so should we.

A Photo

Playing with my camera today and took a picture of my cat Jireh. Jireh has been with me since 1994. When I went to the shelter to find a cat...Jireh was at the front desk and the lady that was taking care of her saw me and said this is the cat for you. I said that I would take a look around and then decide. Well every cat that I saw that day was hissing at me and everyone who dared to glance their way. So I quickly returned to the front desk and said to the lady, you're right this is my cat. At the time I took Jireh home I was suffering from a wounded and broken heart, beginning not just a new job but a new career and just moved into a new apartment. That year I also learned how to love gardening. It was a time of new beginnings. Each day was filled with heartache and joy. It was also a year that we had a big earthquake in Calif. and parts of Sherman Oaks looked like a war zone. Jireh was a most interesting companion. The man who broke my heart was still my best friend. We continued to communicate over the phone and mail. I sent him letters of Jireh's adventures and included photos. We then began to see one another as friends. Eighteen months later the man who broke my heart and I were married. Jireh is still with us making each day a new adventure.

Exodus Chap 9

http://nasb.scripturetext.com/exodus/9.htm

I am still reading and re-reading Exodus chapter 9...so please share your insights/comments on this chapter.
9:1-7
Pharaohs heart remains hardened and God send Moses to tell Pharaoh to let His people go so that they can serve Him. Pharaoh is told that if he continues to refuse then God will send another plague-this time on the beast of the field. God will also distinguish between the cattle of Egypt and the cattle of Israel. The bible does not tell us what the children of Israel are doing and thinking at this time. Were they discouraged? Were they angry? Were they patient? Were they praying?
Not sure what they were feeling but by the time I read chapter 8 - admittedly I was pretty discouraged and impatient...but reading chapter 9 this all became very alive for me. Although God is still speaking to Pharaoh through Moses...for some reason this seemed very intense and very personal between God and Pharaoh. I was amazed that Pharaoh still did not get it and continues to try to withstand the will of God. I think by now that even some of his servants wondered at the pride of Pharaoh. How awful it must be to be ruled by such an arrogant leader.

EXODUS 8: 25-32

And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, Go ye, sacrifice to your God in the land. And Moses said, It is not meet so to do: for we shall sacrifice the abominations of the Egyptians to the Lord our God: lo, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to the Lord our God, as he shall command us. And Pharaoh said, I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness; only ye shall not go very far away: entreat for me. And Moses said Behold, I go out from thee, and I will entreat the Lord that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people, tomorrow; but let not Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the Lord. And Moses went out from Pharaoh, and entreated the Lord. And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; and he removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; there remained not one. And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go. EXODUS 8: 25-32

According to Matthew Henry commentary- If the children of Israel offered the sacrifices of Egypt to God then they would be an abomination to God and if they offered their own sacrifices to God then they would be an abomination to the Egyptians.
Those that would offer an acceptable sacrifice to God must:
1) Separate themselves from the wicked and profane- for we cannot have fellowship with light and darkness.
2) Must retire from the distractions of the world
3) must observe divine appointment- Do as God commands and not otherwise.

What are our surroundings? Are their items in our homes that are offensive to God? Are their issues in our hearts and minds that we have yet to confess and repent? Who are our friends and close associates? Do we compromise our walk with God? Do we spend time in God's Word while listening to the radio or t.v.? Do we shut the phones off while in prayer or reading God's Word?
Last summer I felt that the Lord would have me pray at our church at specific times and for specific purpose i.e. Monday- for our Nation, Tuesday- Persecuted Church and Friday for our Community.
Occasionally others would walk in and join me in prayer.
I do not drive - so I would take the bus there and walk home($was tight)
Up until January/February this worked out fine.
Then walking home in the ice and the snow...I was not liking this too much...
Then I was sick for about a week or two...when I felt healthy again...it snowed and it snowed...and it was too cold...(feeble excuses for someone who prays for the persecuted church and knows some of what they endure just to hear the word)
I would pray from home but it was not the same...
I am returning to prayer at church now that the weather is getting better...but oh what have I missed out on...because I chose my comfort over being obedient to God...now I know that God forgives and He is gracious to allow me another chance...But when I see someone who is mature in Christ it is usually someone who is obedient to Him and submits to His ways. I long to be someone who obeys and submits to my Lord and Savior.

Exodus 8:20-24

And the Lord said unto Moses, Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, lo, he cometh forth to the water; and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into they houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are. And I will sever in that day the land of goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. And I will put a division between my people and thy people: tomorrow shall this sign be. And the Lord did so; and there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants houses, and into all the land of Egypt: the land was corrupted by reason of the swarm of flies. EXODUS 8:20-24

The Lord spoke to Moses - get up early and speak to Pharaoh. Tell him to let my people go so that they may serve me. God's objective is not only to set the people free from slavery but to set them free so that they can serve Him. Many time we may seek deliverance and healing from God without recognizing that our purpose is to serve Him. We seek gifts and blessings then seek to serve self rather than our Father God creator of heaven and earth. God is sending His messenger to the one who is holding His people captive. God could have just set Israel free right from the beginning. He didn't need to send Moses and He certainly doesn't need to ask Pharaoh's permission to receive what already belongs to Him. Why do you suppose that God chose this way to set His people free?

God let Pharaoh know what would happen if he did not let the people go. You would think by now that Pharaoh would realize that God kept His Word. This time God said that plague would not come upon His people but would come upon Pharaoh, the people and the land of Egypt. God is in total control He not only can send a plague but decides to whom and where it will be sent.
God controls the timing of the plague. Fear not God is in control and if we are living in a time of captivity it is God who will decide what can and can not come upon His children.

Exodus 8:16-19

And the Lord said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, 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 smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.
And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not: so there were lice upon man, and upon beast.
Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh, This is the finger of God: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:16-19

Pharoah does not get a warning this time. The magicians attempt to duplicate but can not and they acknowledge God even unto Pharaoh. Yet Pharaoh heart continues to be hardened. Even in corrupt leadership there will be those whose hearts and minds can be changed. Even if their hearts remain unchanged their eyes might become open enough to acknowledge the truth of the sheer vanity of defying the Lord God Almighty. Those who have the ear of leadership, those who advise leadership ought always to tell their leaders the truth. Any leader would be wise to listen to truth carefully even if it is not what they want to hear. Who knows what loss and devistation could be avoided if leaders would only heed the truth? Who knows what blessings could be possible if leaders would only heed the truth? Do not withhold the truth from anyone.
Pray that all leadership will have the wisdom and the discernment to know truth and abide in the truth. That we will always have the faith, courage and boldness to speak the truth. That we too will receive truth even when it may not be what we want to hear. God's Word is truth and it has the power, to convict, deliver, forgive, love, change and save us.





INTERESTING?
link suggest that quite possibly this plague is not complete since scripture doesn't say that Pharoah requested the plague to be removed nor does it say that God removed that particular plague.
http://refbible.com/p/plagues.htm

Exodus 8:8-15

Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, Entreat the Lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord.
And Moses said unto Pharaoh, Glory over me: when shall I entreat for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to destroy the frogs from thee and thy houses, that they may remain in the river only?
And he said, Tomorrow, And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.
And the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, and from thy servants, and from thy people; they shall remain in the river only.
And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh: and Moses cried unto the Lord because of the frogs which he had brought against Pharaoh.
And the Lord did according to the word of Moses; and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields.
And they gathered them together upon heaps: and the land stank
But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them: as the Lord had said.
Exodus 8:8-15

Pharaoh pleads with Moses to take away the plague of the frogs and then he will let the people go. Have you ever pleaded with someone to make a bad circumstance better and then you will give them what they want? Do you think that Pharaoh recognizes that God is speaking through Moses? That Moses is doing as God instructs? Or does Pharaoh believe that Moses is just perhaps another magician? What do you think was foremost on Pharaoh's mind-God, Moses, the children of Israel-No it was the frogs--Get these frogs out of here!!! If you do this for me I will give you what you want? Sorta of sounds familiar...if you bow down to me I will give you the world Do you think that Pharaoh has any idea of the power and authority of the Lord our God?
Sometimes we attempt to make deals with God and so far that has not worked out very well for me. How about you?
Moses agrees to make this request to God in behalf of Pharaoh...was it Pharaoh's wisdom or pride that kept him directly from making this request of God? Considering the pride of the man I would have thought that he would want to deal directly with God rather than his messenger
Moses prays for Pharaoh and we too are to pray for others, even those who mean us harm.
We are to pray that they will know the Lord our God.

And he said, Tomorrow, And he said, Be it according to thy word: that thou mayest know that there is none like unto the Lord our God.
Exodus 8:10

Pharaoh's heart was hardened and he broke his promise as soon as his prayers are answered. Hearts and minds are not changed by circumstances-we need Jesus to work in our hearts. When our hearts and mind are open to Jesus - then He who began a good work in us will continue until the day of Christ Jesus. If we are only moved by circumstance then each time the circumstance changes, so will we.

Exodus 8:1-7

Why the Plagues? The plagues were a contest between God and the gods of Egypt. Egypt had many gods and many idols. Each plague was directed toward a particular god in Egypt.
1) Blood - the Nile was the life blood of Egypt and sacred to Osiris
2) Frogs- Heka was the frog headed goddess of Egypt and it was an offense to the goddess to kill frogs.

We are to not to worship any other god.
I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;

Has our society been worshiping false gods? For decades we have heard stories of people who were unable to kill rats on their property, we are told what kind of clothing is not acceptable, we are told that we should not hunt for food nor are we to chop down trees. I believe that we are to be good stewards of our environment but let us not be foolish and make idols of nature.
Lets protect the environment with wisdom as directed by the Lord our God.
Here is a link to Protected Species List

check the link and then imagine that God determined to plague your home, community and nation with one of those that are on this list. We are certainly called to be good stewards of the environment but have we gone too far? The earth is the Lords and the inhabitants thereof. It is the Lord we should seek for direction on how to care for our environment.


Exodus 20:2,3, 5
Chapter 8:1-7 And the Lord spake unto Moses, Go unto Pharaoh, and say unto him, Thus saith the Lord, Let my people go, that they may serve me. And if thou refuse to let them go, behold, I will smite all thy borders with frogs: And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into thine house, and into the bedchamber, and upon thy bed, and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thine ovens, and into thy kneadingtroughs: And the frogs shall come up both on thee, and upon the people, and upon all thy servants. And the Lord spake unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt. And the magicians did so with their enchantments, and brought up frogs upon the land of Egypt.


Once again God sends Moses and Aaron to Pharaoh to tell him to let the children of Israel go worship the Lord God of Israel. Once again Pharaoh refuses. God sends a plague throughout Egypt. Frogs are everywhere!( Yech...not a fan of frogs.) v 7 says that the magicians also brought frogs upon the land of Egypt...just what Egypt needs more frogs. What kind of a battle is this you would think that the magicians of Pharaoh would at least attempt to get rid of the frogs that God had sent as a plague. But it was an offense against their goddess Heka to kill frogs so I suppose the only way they could show any power was to add more frogs to an already plagued Egypt.

This plague effected the Children of Israel as well as Pharaoh and the Egyptians. The decisions that leadership makes effects a great many people whether we agree or disagree with their decisions. Quite possible their were a few Egyptians who were thinking that Pharaoh should just let the Children of Israel go and worship God rather than face the plagues God had sent upon them.

Exodus 7:19-25

Exodus 7: 19-25
And the Lord spake unot Moses, Say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, andstretch out thine hand upon the waters of Egypt, upon their streams, upon their rivers, and upon their ponds, and upon all their pools of water, that they may become blood: and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, bot in vessels of wood, and in vessels of stone.
And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord commanded; and he lifted up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of his servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.
and the fish tat was in the river died; and the river stank, and the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river; and there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt.
And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments: and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, neither did he hearken unto them; as the Lord had said.
And Pharaoh turned and went into his house, neither did he set his heart to this also.
And all the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink; for they could not drink of the water of the river.
And seven days were fulfilled, after that the Lord had smitten the river


Moses and Aaron are obedient to God and using the rod turn the waters into blood. Pharaoh's heart remains hard set against God and the children of Israel. He calls for his magicians who duplicate what Moses and Aaron had already performed - turning the water into blood. Why wouldn't Pharaoh request of his magicians to turn the blood back into water? Did Pharaoh and the magicians truly recognize that God's power is greater than their magic? Did they know that they had no power other than what God would allow? His people the Egyptians need to dig to find water to drink. Pharaoh's pride would not allow him to yield to God.
There will be times that God will send us out with specific instructions. And though we are obedient to those specific instructions the enemy will come with a deceptive duplication. It is frustrating when some impostor rises up to steer people away from the Lord. Being obedient and submissive to God means doing no more nor less than instructed. Moses and Aaron didn't get involved in a competition with the magicians. They trusted God. When in obedience to God, Moses and Aaron turned the water into blood, it was in order that Pharaoh would let the children of Israel go to worship the Lord their God. For what purpose did the magicians turn the water into blood? Scripture does not say that Moses and Aaron engaged with the magicians nor does it say that they were flustered by them. I believe that it was God's mercy that allowed the Egyptians to find water to drink. God is merciful to a people even when their leaders are ungodly.

Siesta Scripture Memory Verse February 15

PROVERBS 3:7
Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.

How foolish and prideful we can become when we believe that we are so clever. When we cease to check with God if we are going in the right direction. When we neglect to read His word and seek Him in prayer we often stray from the path of righteousness toward the path of sinfulness. We are in danger when we bristle or scoff at those who would suggest that we have not yielded to God on certain issues. We often falter when we believe that we "know" what we're doing and we have sufficiently read the word of God so we do not need to constantly refer to it.

The Lord will give wisdom to all who ask and He supplied us with His word and His Holy Spirit. He has given us a great cloud of witnesses. We have brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand in the gap in prayer and share God's word with us. He has given us those who have experienced His power, love and deliverance and they share their testimony with us. How often do we miss a blessing, healing and deliverance because we believed we knew best? How often do we get entangled with things outside of God's will because we neglected to seek Him?

Exodus 7:14-18

Exodus 7: 14-18

And the Lord said unto Moses, Pharaoh's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.

Get thee unto Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goeth out unto the water; and thou shalt stand by the river's brink against he come; and the rod which was turned to a serpent shalt thou take in thine hand.

And thou shalt say unto him, The Lord God of the Hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying, Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness: and, behold, hitherto thou wouldest not hear.

Thus saith the Lord, In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river.

Incredible- God deals with Pharoah instead of wiping Pharaoh out- He sends Moses to tell Pharaoh - The God of the Hebrews sent me unto you, saying, let my people go so that they may serve me in the wilderness. God has set His claim upon His people and yet gives Pharaoh the opportunity to release them. The Hebrew people belong to God. God wants His people returned to Him. God tells Moses to wait for Pharaoh at the river and show Pharoah how it is God who will turn the water into blood. Moses is to use the very same rod that turned into a serpent. God said then Pharaoh would know that I am God. Is God given Pharoah the benefit of the doubt - maybe he doesn't know who I am? Or is God revealing the true nature of Pharaoh's heart? God is often know by His Love, Compassion and Mercy. Some only begin to recognize God for who He is after they have been convicted perhaps even chastened by God. Others come to know God by His judgements. Sadly some never come to acknowledge God as God. There are people in our life that we wonder what is it going to take? I pray that even the hardest heart will come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.

1st and 15th Memory Verse

Still taking time out on some internet stuff such as blogging to seek the Lord. I still have so far to go...I am so easily distracted. In Jan. I began participating in the 1st and 15th memorize scripture and I choose Proverbs 4:4
"He taugth me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments and live."
Notice He said heart and not mind. I listened to Carter Conlon's sermon this evening and he taught on how with all of Solomon's wisdom he did not have the heart to apply God's word to his life. The link to this sermon is in the previous post.
It is not sufficient for us to know God's word we need to have the heart for His word. We need to desire His word. To Love His Word. We aught to love and delight to do God's will. I am seeing in my own life how often I have put God aside for the things of this world. How easily I am distracted is evidence of that...yet knowing that something is wrong, even acknowledging something is wrong is worthless if you don't repent and change of that wrong. I remember my "first love"...I couldn't get enough of Jesus - I was excited when I read His Word..His Word was so alive...I loved to pray and worship Him..focus solely on Him...I loved fellowshipping with other belivers, I loved telling others about Him. Not sure what happened...but there came a dullness, a dry season that became one very long season...
It is good to be wise and it is good to retain God's word in your mind...but if it doesn't enter your heart...if His word doesn't rule and reign in your heart...there is no life in it...

Another Time Square Church Link...

I still have not figured out how to post a video from Time Square Church ...I just finished listening to Carter Conlon the Sermon is called the wise mans eyes feb 1 and wanted to share it with you..
here is the link

The Wise Man's Eyes
Be Blessed

check out Times Square Church Website

I am still taking a time out from the internet but during my time of seeking the Lord I went to the time square website and listened to David Wilkerson.


I had wanted to post the video here but have not been able to figure out how...I am not sure then what it meant by posting but I did agree to the terms...so please go to the link below and click on the sermon how to live by one's faith david wilkerson -I believe it was dated January 18th. I will say that it is a hard message but stay with him through the end of the message.


http://www.tscnyc.org/sermons.php?filter=y&media_type=WMV

How to live by one's faith

I too will be taking a time out..

For awhile I have felt that I wanted to write/comment and did not know what to write/comment.
I know that the Lord has asked me several times in the last few years to come away and spend time with Him. I confess I have not really responded with my whole heart. I have not given the Lord my full attention. I even doubted that I heard correctly. I know that others are also experiencing this call and are taking time away from blogging. I just read Edie's blog about taking a time out and sense that I also need to finally heed the call. So I too will be taking a time out.

Memory Verse

"Jesus Wept" John 11:35
The Jews then which were with her in the house, and comforted her, when they say Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, she goeth unto the grave to weep there.
Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.
When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,
And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see.
Jesus wept. John 11:31-35

The ladies of the LPM blog are posting scripture to memorize on the 1st and 15th of each month.
I just joined them this morning and the scripture that came to my mind to memorize was Jesus Wept.
Jesus didn't just "feel their pain", he experienced their pain. We have a Lord and Savior who is not just someone who observes what we go through and has compassion on us. It is not that He relates our experience to His own since He knows the truth the beginning and the end of each circumstance. Jesus saw their weeping and in the Spirit He connected with and experienced their suffering. I believe when we hurt for our love ones and friends that it is just a small taste of what Jesus' experiences for everyone of us. When we intercede for others we sometimes experience the experience of another. How do we respond when we see beyond the immediate grief that someone is experiencing and they only see the moment? Are we tempted to speak only to a wonderful outcome? Will we let ourselves stand beside them and experience the grief of the present time? I am not talking about a pity party...but sometimes we are too focused on ushering someone out of the grief and pain...when the response that is required is to experience the grief alongside them. Then encourage and move with toward a blessed resolution.

Hallelujah Your Love Makes Me Sing!

EXODUS 7:8-13

EXODUS 7: 8-13
And the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron , saying,
When Pharaoh shall speak unto you, saying, Shew a miracle for you: then thou shalt say unto Aaron, Take thy rod, and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.
And Moses and Aaron went in unto Pharaoh, and they did so as the Lord had commanded: and Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh, and before his servants, and it became a serpent.
Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers: now the magicians of Egypt, the also did in like manner with their enchantments.
For they cast down every man his rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.
And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the Lord had said.


MATTHEW HENRY:
-13 The first time that Moses made his application to Pharaoh, he produced his instructions only; now he is directed to produce his credentials, and does accordingly. 1. It is taken for granted that Pharaoh would challenge these demandants to work a miracle, that, by a performance evidently above the power of nature, they might prove their commission from the God of nature. Pharaoh will say, Show a miracle; not with any desire to be convinced, but with the hope that none will be wrought, and then he would have some colour for his infidelity. 2. Orders are therefore given to turn the rod into a serpent, according to the instructions, ch. 4:3. The same rod that was to give the signal of the other miracles is now itself the subject of a miracle, to put a reputation upon it. Aaron cast his rod to the ground, and instantly it became a serpent, v. 10. This was proper, not only to affect Pharaoh with wonder, but to strike a terror upon him. Serpents are hurtful dreadful animals; the very sight of one, thus miraculously produced, might have softened his heart into a fear of that God by whose power it was produced. This first miracle, though it was not a plague, yet amounted to the threatening of a plague. If it made not Pharaoh feel, it made him fear; and this is God’s method of dealing with sinners—he comes upon them gradually. 3. This miracle, though too plain to be denied, is enervated, and the conviction of it taken off, by the magicians’ imitation of it, v. 11, 12. Moses had been originally instructed in the learning of the Egyptians, and was suspected to have improved himself in magical arts in his long retirement; the magicians are therefore sent for, to vie with him. And some think those of that profession had a particular spite against the Hebrews ever since Joseph put them all to shame, by interpreting a dream which they could make nothing of, in remembrance of which slur put on their predecessors these magicians withstood Moses, as it is explained, 2 Tim. 3:8. Their rods became serpents, real serpents; some think, by the power of God, beyond their intention or expectation, for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart; others think, by the power of evil angels, artfully substituting serpents in the room of the rods, God permitting the delusion to be wrought for wise and holy ends, that those might believe a lie who received not the truth: and herein the Lord was righteous. Yet this might have helped to frighten Pharaoh into a compliance with the demands of Moses, that he might be freed from these dreadful unaccountable phenomena, with which he saw himself on all sides surrounded. But to the seed of the serpent these serpents were no amazement. Note, God suffers the lying spirit to do strange things, that the faith of some may be tried and manifested (Deu. 13:3; 1 Co. 11:19), that the infidelity of others may be confirmed, and that he who is filthy may be filthy still, 2 Co. 4:4. 4. Yet, in this contest, Moses plainly gains the victory. The serpent which Aaron’s rod was turned into swallowed up the others, which was sufficient to have convinced Pharaoh on which side the right lay. Note, Great is the truth, and will prevail. The cause of God will undoubtedly triumph at last over all competition and contradiction, and will reign alone, Dan. 2:44. But Pharaoh was not wrought upon by this. The magicians having produced serpents, he had this to say, that the case between them and Moses was disputable; and the very appearance of an opposition to truth, and the least head made against it, serve those for a justification of their infidelity who are prejudiced against the light and love of it.

DANIEL 2:44
And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall ever be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Satan is a great imitator setting out to deceive and turn people from the truth. The bible tells us that in the last days that if it were possible even the very elect will be deceived. Those who are in Christ Jesus dwell in Jesus and He in them. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in those who believe- they Holy Spirit will lead us in all truth. There are some who will continue to believe a lie even when presented with the strong evidence of the truth. They will hold unto to their almost truth to be as valid as the whole truth. Each time the deny the truth their hearts become harder and harder. Pray for God to soften their hearts and that they will allow the truth of God's word to heal, deliver and save them. Moses and Aaron were obedient to God, they did as God commanded them. They did not shy away because of Pharaohs unbelief. We do not hear them discussing that this is pointless - Pharaoh is not listening...let's just forget about it and work on delivering God's people another way...certainly we heard wrong...true Moses heard directly from God...but if we believe that the Bible is God's word then we too are hearing directly from God. We know that when someone speaks or entices us to behave in a way that opposes His Word. But what about the times when it comes close or close enough? Do we know the word of God well enough to discern? Spend time in His word, spend time in communion with God through worship, praise and prayer. Let us know Him so intimately that no cleverly devised imitation will draw us away.

Thou shalt have no other gods before me

Exodus 7:1-7 And the Lord said unto Moses, See, I have made thee a god to Pharaoh: and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I command thee: and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may lay my hand upon Egypt, and bring forth mine armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I stretch forth mine hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. And Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them, so did they. And Moses was fourscore years old, and Aaron fourscore and three years old, when they spake unto Pharaoh.

Egypt had many gods. The Lord had made Moses as a god unto Pharaoh and Aaron as Moses' prophet. God had told Moses and Aaron what they should say to Pharaoh and they did as God had commanded them. But God had hardened the heart of Pharaoh so that Pharaoh would not listen and let the children of Israel leave Egypt. So even though God had made Moses a god in Pharaohs site-Pharaoh would not obey. Because Pharaohs heart was hardened and he did not obey even when God increased His signs and wonders throughout Egypt this provided God the opportunity to go in with His Armies and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt. The Egyptians would would know that it was God who had delivered His children out of captivity.
We often will look to the world and see how they idolize and make gods out of celebrities. We see other faiths where they make gods of men or objects. But do we sometime find ourselves in the same trap of exalting men and women of god rather than God and God alone.
Paul said in Corinthians 1:12 -!3 Now this I say, that every on of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Let us remember not to taint the message and work of God's people by idolizing them instead of worshiping Our Lord and Savior. God's hand had to come down upon Egypt rather strong before they could see that Our God is God.
Exodus 20:3-6 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thous shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.