Time for Action

Reading 15: Exodus 3

I'm not sure that my first response to a burning bush would be to rush over and look at it. I'm pretty sure, I'd have panicked probably thinking of ways I could put the fire out. But Moses rushes over to this miraculous bush, and recieves a direct and personal word from God.

What are the "burning bushes" in my life? What miraculous signs has God placed around me that I am running away from? I don't think my instinct to run is limited to physical fire. I often run away from spiritual fire, emotional fire,...anything that has the capacity to burn or hurt me.

But what if instead of running away, I did like Moses and ran towards it? Think of all the possibilities that this "burning bush" holds! I think that in every 'burning bush' we will hear a direct and personal word from the Lord, but too often we are running away, afraid of getting hurt.

Behind the Scenes

Reading 13: Genesis 41

I sit eating beef stew for dinner, with no thought or concern as to where my next meal will come from. People in Gaza tonight, have no such luxury. Famine and distress are as real today as they were then.

Pharaoh was warned in a dream, interpreted by Joseph, and acted accordingly. It's another lesson for me on how when God speaks into my life, what is my response? Am I slow to act? Do I rationalize non-action? Or do I comply with the desires of my God?

Part that stuck out to me today was that Joseph was shaved and given new clothes (vs. 14) before coming before Pharoah, and then presented with new clothes and new jewelry. It's important to prepare for the role we will play in God's plan...

Final Exam

Reading 9: Genesis 22

Both times that the Lord called to Abraham there was an immediate response of "Here I am." Both times. Even at the point when he had the knife in the air and was prepared to do as God had commanded him earlier, he paused to respond to God's call.

When God calls into my life is there an immediate response? Am I quick to say 'Here I am', or "Just a minute..." "Let me finish this one last thing..."

These past two readings have contained two very different responses to God when He speaks into your life. Lot hesitated and bargained. Abraham responded, obeyed, and was blessed.

May I always remember to obey and be blessed...so I may fulfill God's covenant with Abraham and bless others;

"I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me."