Reflections

I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing: To live with him in his house my whole life long. I’ll contemplate his beauty; I’ll study at his feet. (Psalm 27:4 MSG)

A while ago, I was reflecting on this verse and considering the idea of simply beholding the Lord’s beauty….seeking His face (to know Him) rather than His hand (to get something from Him) in my prayer time and miscellaneous times of communication with Him. As a result, I elected to go on an “Ask Fast” where, for a week, I would not be asking for anything from the Father; just talking with Him and listening to Him, and pursuing knowing Him better. For the next couple of days, I will share some of my thoughts and what I learned in that week. In fact, let’s start today!

Reflections on Exodus 7-14

This is the section of scripture where we see the Lord’s plagues upon the Egyptians as a result of Pharoah’s unwillingness to release the Israelites. And the ultimate release of the Israelites – through the Red Sea.

Pharoah’s hardened heart (7:5). Through the coming plagues, because of the Pharoah’s heart, the Egyptians would learn that God is God – the true God. This was good for them. It was ultimately in their best interest.

Although God hardened Pharoah’s heart, it was not against Pharoah’s will to resist God.

Although no being has the power that God has, some magicians were able to imitate God’s works. Be careful for those who are led and empowered by evil spirits!

In Egypt, God was able to make the plagues affect the Egyptians - sparing the Israelites.

God knows and cares whose cow is whose!?!?!?! Intimate knowledge of our circumstances and the distinguishing in such matters is unbelievable! This cow belongs to Aker – kill it. This cow belongs to Baruch – save it.

Even the flies obey His commands! The locust! The lice!!!

In what ways do I have a heart that, even in God’s presence, I maintain a hard heart? Do I recognize His movement but continue on my path?

God is able to make it dark in one city while fully light in the very next city! God is sovereign. He is amazing.

God can always be trusted. He favors and provides for His children.

Isn’t this what we told you, while we were slaves, to leave us alone? We said it would be better to be slaves to the Egyptians than dead in the wilderness. (14:12 TLB)

Do I believe or act like it is better to be a slave to man than to follow God?

And Israel saw that great work which the Lord did against the Egyptians, and the people [reverently] feared the Lord and trusted in (relied on, remained steadfast to) the Lord and to His servant Moses. (14:31 AMP)

The Israelites revered the Lord after the Red Sea incident.

Trials have helped me to grow in reverence for the power and grace of the Father and for His precious presence in the midst of it all.