SOAP 02/07/2015; Exodus 19:15

Today's reading: Exodus 19

S) "¹⁵ He said to the people, 'Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.'"

Exodus 19:15 (NASB)

O) Moses was preparing the people for an encounter with the LORD at Mount Sinai. He came down from the mountain, after talking with God, and he consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. Then, he spoke the curious words in the above verse. Initially, this verse seems to be oppressive and judgmental. It seems to be accusing women of being contaminated. However, when we consider some of the context, I think this is speaking to something else. These people were about to encounter God in a way that they had never experienced. They were about to get a lesson in holiness that could prove fatal. Staying away from a woman was not about any physical cleanliness, or even a symbolic one. I think this was an attempt by Moses to cover all bases. This was the spiritual equivalent of saying, "better safe than sorry." Moses, I think, was trying to get all distractions set aside, so that the people would focus all of their attention on the LORD. In a sense, this could be seen as a mandatory celibacy in that manner of fasting.

A) There is another biblical reference to celibacy fasting in 1 Corinthians 7:5, but admittedly, I have never done this in my marriage. There are two main elements of a fast. First, it needs to create a loss in order to be effective. I cannot reasonably say that I'm going to fast from television, if I do not miss television when it's gone. On the other hand, if I fast from food, I feel it significantly. I cannot say that I'm fasting from soda pop, when I seldom drink the stuff anyway. However, saying that I'm fasting from videogames could be quite effective. The second element, is that the fast must be a constant reminder, drawing my mind to think about the "why" of my fast. This type of fast would pretty well fit both of these elements to fasting. It's not a necessary step, in as much as the verse above is not a timeless instruction (I can't take it out of context and use it as a modern statute), but It's something to consider the next time I fast.

P) Father, You are worthy of my obedience in every way. You deserve my obedience in every part of my life. While it might seem quite hard to consider this type of thing to be a fast, You're worth all of the hardest things. The next time there is an important situation, which needs prayer and fasting, remind me of this passage (and the verse from the New Testament), and let me prayerfully consider if this type of fast would be effective.  I want to draw closer to You, Father God, and I know that denying my own self, denying my flesh and its desires, will only prove to draw me closer to You. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Let me approach You with great reverence, with every distraction laid aside. Help me to stay focused on You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/06/2015; Exodus 15:1

Today's reading: Exodus 15

S) "¹Then Moses and the sons of Israel sang this song to the Lord, and said,

'I will sing to the Lord, for He is highly exalted;
The horse and its rider He has hurled into the sea.'"

Exodus 15:1 (NASB)

O) There are a couple significant points to make about this verse. This chapter comes immediately after we read about the parting of the Red Sea, and the demise of Egypt's finest warriors. The first notable thing, is that this is actually the first recorded song in the Bible. It came on the heels of Israel's most significant deliverance, and it was spontaneous and genuine, full of thanks, awe, and adoration. The second notable thing about this verse, is that it highlights that this was corporate worship. "Moses and the sons of Israel sang," all together, in the same place. Later in the chapter (see v.20), Miriam leads the women in corporate praise as well. This was a nation of people who had just experienced the same miracle, and they celebrated it together with song, music, and dance.

A) While worship can be a very personal, intimate thing, it should also be a common public thing. Numerous examples, throughout both the Old and New Testaments, show believers worshiping together with others. It is almost always because of shared experience in hardship and/or freedom. If I ever find myself in a position that I am resisting public assembly (which Paul warns against in Hebrews 10:25), or joined worship, then I need to seriously question my heart's condition. Just as we see in the first recorded praise, singing with others about what God has done for us, should be an authentic response that comes easily. While there are aspects of worship that can be a little bit vulnerable (thinking of literal crying, for example), that level of shared honesty and intimacy is exactly the kind of experience that can unify the body of Christ all the more. Worshiping together should be a regular part of my Christian discipline, and if it is not, then I need to beware.

P) Father, Your goodness, holiness, might, grace, mercy, and love are all so evident to me, that my heart should react in praise and worship at all times. If I am ever resisting worship, in any fashion, for any reasons, make me aware, Lord! Discipline me in those moments, because I fear that a resistance to worship could mean much deeper issues at work in my heart. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, to be constantly aware of Your worthiness of my songs, LORD. Help me to worship You with my whole life, in songs, music, dancing, giving, working, and anything else. Let everything I do, be done for Your glory, and bring You joy. Thank You for the grace, mercy, and love You have shown me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/05/2015; Exodus 14:14

Today's reading: Exodus 14

S) " ¹⁴ The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent."

Exodus 14:14 (NASB)

O) This was not an encouragement about quiet meditation and prayer. This was a rebuke from Moses, because the people were bickering at him in fear, that the Egyptians would overtake them and kill them. They had been slowly making their way through the wilderness and were then (supposedly) hemmed in by the sea. Immediately, the people began to take a "woe is me" mentality, already forgetting the great miracles that took place in getting them even that far. So, before he even goes to the LORD in prayer, Moses has the confidence to tell the people that God will fight on their behalf, and he rebukes their complaints and vocalized fears. The tone of his words have more irritation than sympathy, but it was still what the people needed to hear.

A) There have been times, as a dad, that I have simply told my children to stop talking completely. When it seems that everything out of their mouths is a complaint, or an argument, or a fight with a sibling, sometimes it's simply a better discipline to tell them not to speak at all until the conflict is resolved. But, as I read these words of Moses, I couldn't help but wonder: which side of his words am I on...? Am I the one rebuking others, or am I the one who needs to shut up? Sometimes, I'm sure, there will still be a time and place to... encourage... people to wait silently upon the LORD. Equally, though, I need to be careful to consider if my words (particularly in prayer) are doing more harm than good. I grew up hearing the phrase, "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." And while that's true, I think it can be extended a bit. It should also be said something like, "If your words do not inspire faith, don't speak them." It is much better to say nothing, and simply rely on the words and actions of God alone (i.e., the Bible), than it is to ever speak words that produce doubt, especially in others. I need to know there are times to close my mouth, and simply let the LORD fight for me.

P) Father, as I was typing all of this, it also occurred to me that this is true when I minister, too. I need to remember that my own words do not have the authority or power that Your words do. Nothing I can ever say will be as important or impactful as what You can do for a person directly. Help me to remember that it's better for me to be silent completely, allowing You to fight for someone, than it is to speak arrogantly and possibly miss Your mark entirely... but I digress. I know the bigger point to this verse, in context, is that complaints are poisonous. As I lead my wife, and raise my children, they must see that I lead by example. When I have doubts, I do not let them take root, but instead I close my mouth and rely solely on You to fight when I cannot. The Israelites were right to fear the Egyptians, if it was only them versus each other. But, if they would only remember You, LORD, then they would have had nothing to fear at all. When I have doubts, let me remember who You are, and that You fight for me. Let me keep silent as I wait for You to deliver me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/04/205; Exodus 13:8

Today's reading: Exodus 13

S) "⁸ You shall tell your son on that day, saying, 'It is because of what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt.'"

Exodus 13:8 (NASB)

O) Moses was instructing the people of Israel about some of the new traditions they will be keeping, to commemorate the Exodus. They are to hold the feast of Passover, eating only unleavened bread for seven days. Also, he instructed them to consecrate their firstborn to the LORD, whether sons or livestock. Throughout the chapter, there are many instructions given to teach future generations about these traditions, and what they mean. Here in v.8, though, we see a small variation in wording. Instead of using inclusive pronouns like "we" and "us" Moses tells the people to say, "... what the LORD did for me when I came out of Egypt." Using that type of wording makes this a much more personal retelling of the Exodus. This first generation that was leaving Egypt, they were oppressed, suffering hardships, and under heavy persecution. Pharaoh was slaughtering their sons. The deliverance God gave them was for them all together, but it was also very personal, very direct.

A) Our faith is an old one. Christianity is only two thousand some-odd years old, but our faith in the LORD dates back another few millennia. Because of that, sometimes when I read the Bible it can be hard to relate these ancient stories of a living God, to my life in the present day. If my faith is only based on what has happened four thousand years ago, or even two thousand years ago, then my faith is at risk of being quite literally dead to me. This is why it is so vital that I am fully aware of what God has done for me, personally. Not only is it important that I know it for myself, but it is vital that I can relate my story to others. The Bible is the foundation of my faith. The Bible is the final authority in my life. The Bible is not the entirety of my testimony of the Living God. I serve God because of what the LORD did for me when I got married, when I became a father, when I moved from Washington to California, when my mother died. The details of my own life are proof positive of what the Bible tells me: God is real and He loves me.

P) Father, the grace You have shown me is evident from my very birth. You preserved my life despite those who opposed me. After my birth, You continued to keep Your hand over me, protecting me and providing for me. When I was grown, You were faithful when You gave me my wife. Despite my attempts to leave You out of my life, You were gracious to invade it. You proved Yourself as a faithful provider, protector, counselor, comforter. You took my heart of stone and gave me a heart of flesh, humbling my pride, giving me a heart to serve. Give me the words, Father, to articulate all of my life's testimony. Help me teach my kids how personal of a God You have proven Yourself to be. Let them, and others, see that You are alive and active in my life. I serve You because of what You did for me when... Be glorified in my testimony, LORD. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/03/2015; Exodus 11:7

Today's reading: Exodus 11

S) "⁷ But against any of the sons of Israel a dog will not even bark, whether against man or beast, that you may understand how the Lord makes a distinction between Egypt and Israel."

Exodus 11:7 (NASB)

O) Moses was quoting the LORD, telling Pharaoh about the last plague that was about to befall Egypt. The first born of all of the land was going to die, including the cattle. Moses warned Pharaoh that there would be terrible wailing, such as had never been heard. But, no one would cry against God's people. God had given His people great favor in the sight of all of Egypt, to ask their neighbors for silver and gold (see vv.2-3). Now, it would carry over to protect His people against any retaliation by the people of the land. God was intent to rescue His people from their slavery, provide for their physical needs, and protect them as they escaped. He was being completely gracious to His people in every way. He was distinguishing Himself as the only true God, and personally claiming His people as His own.

A) God is very much interested in His namesake. By claiming Jesus Christ as my Lord, I am taking on His name. I am labeling myself as His disciple, taking His name when I call myself a Christian. Everything I do, then, bears God's name on the action (or inaction). Life brings hardship, though, and Jesus promised no different for His disciples. The difference is always in how we handle it, as believers. So, I live in a community, a culture, a society, and a country. There are things that will befall my community, tragedies or calamities. Those difficulties are opportunities for my life to glorify His name. I must live my life in such a way, that onlookers see a distinction between me and the world. There must be a difference. In the case of the Exodus, the plagues did not touch Israel, while they were being completely protected from it. In my own life, I cannot expect God to isolate me from all harm. However, when something grievous does happen, it's how I react that makes the difference. If I am grieving as those without hope, then how has Christ made any difference in my life? On the other hand, as I look to the LORD for hope, and receive peace and joy through the Holy Spirit, that becomes a beacon for unbelievers, as they see the distinction that my Father God gives me.

P) Father, You have been ever faithful. You have brought me through some hard times already, but harder times may still be ahead of me. You know, God, and I don't. Prepare me, Father, for every hardship that will come my way. Let me rely fully on You for my comfort, peace, and joy. When calamity strikes, whether it's my family, community, or nation, let me seek You alone and be protected, healed, and supplied, to the glory of Your name. Let me be fully equipped so that my very life is a beacon to others, and serves to further Your kingdom purposes. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/02/2015; Exodus 7:23-24

Today's reading: Exodus 7

S) "²³ Then Pharaoh turned and went into his house with no concern even for this. ²⁴ So all the Egyptians dug around the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the Nile."

Exodus 7:23-24 (NASB)

O) Moses was warned that Pharaoh was going to be a hard sell. The first sign to the Egyptian king was the staff of Moses turning into a snake. Then, Pharaoh's magicians did the same by trickery (although Moses' staff ate theirs). So, now the actual plagues begin, and the first is that the Nile river (indeed all of the water that Egypt had) was turned to blood. It would be a long time before Pharaoh is convinced, with each plague becoming more and more serious. The reaction Pharaoh had to this first plague sets the tone: he had no concern for this. He did not fear the power of God, because he thought he had available to himself, the same kind of power. God put forth a problem, and Pharaoh figured he could just dig around it. In the end, his inability to see the full scope of God's power cost him the life of his own son before he would truly acknowledge the power of God.

A) There was a time in my life that I thought I could just dig around the Nile. God was trying to redirect my life, back toward Him, and I was stubbornly trying to work out my own solutions. I have a lot of regrets about that time of my life, and I sometimes wonder how different my life might have been, if I would have had concern even for those redirecting pushes. It is amazing grace that God is so patient, and that He starts small with us. It's amazing that He even tries to reach us at all, but then to do it with so much compassion and patience, it's amazing. I just need to remember, when it seems that I am facing a difficulty in my life, am I going to get a shovel to start working on my problem, or am I going to get on my knees and pray for God's direction?

P) Father, I am tired of digging around, trying to solve all of my own problems. Let the struggles I face, the difficulties, all point back to Your grace and mercy and peace, Father God. Open my eyes to see that Your hand might still be sovereignly over all of my trials, and open my ears to hear You calling me into a deeper relationship with You through those tests. I want You to use those circumstances to discipline me, just as a father disciplines the child he loves. Teach me to trust and rely on You. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/01/2015; Exodus 4:11

Today's reading: Exodus 4

S) " ¹¹ The Lord said to him, 'Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?'"

Exodus 4:11 (NASB)

O) Sovereign. Moses was apprehensive because he neglected to acknowledge that the LORD is sovereign. God told him to go and speak. While Moses might have thought he was doubting his own abilities, he was actually doubting God's character. He was doubting God's omniscience. He was telling God that He was wrong to choose him, wrong in his assessment of Moses. He was not telling the LORD that he could not be used, he was telling the LORD that God could not use him.

A) We do not serve a cruel Master. He equips us for the work to which He also calls us. He strengthens us to carry a load. He nourishes and sustains us to carry on. He protects us to accomplish His will. He gives us wisdom and plans to succeed in His will. We do not serve a limited God. He does not depend on my abilities. God does not need my involvement. God wants my involvement. It pleases Him to use my shortcomings to fulfill His purposes, because it glorifies His holy name. It pleases Him to use my weakness so that His strength is seen more perfectly. When the Lord my GOD, my Father in heaven, calls me to action, I can trust to obey. I am not trusting myself, I am trusting Him. This is not self-confidence, this is LORD-confidence.

P) Father, the faithfulness You show is astounding. Open my eyes and ears, to know Your will. Give me the confidence, in You, to obey without doubt. Let me stay humble, not by thinking less of myself, but by thinking of myself less. Let me decrease that You would increase. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.