Thursday, April 16, 2009

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.


1 comment:

From the Heart said...

Your post is great. You talked about where you prayed and the environment. I believe God expects us to pray but if where you are going is harmful to your health I believe He would expect us to use our own judgement and take care of ourselves. As long as we pray that's the important thing. You should not feel guilty because you could not go to the church when it was cold and bad weather. He will meet us anywhere we are. I will confess that I am lax in praying like I know I should. I am beginning to do more as the Lord leads me. It in those times when you are alone with no one but God that are so precious. The Bible also talks about praying without ceasing and I do that sometimes during the day or when i read someone's blog who is asking for prayer I stop and pray then.
Your prayer ministry is so important and I'm not sure there are many people like you who are praying for the persecuted church.
We each have our own calling.
Be blessed for you are a blessing,
AliceE.