February Day 5

Exodus 13-15 - Here again, we see that God wants the Israelites to pass down their faith; this time using the ceremonies and sacrifices.  The ceremonies and sacrifices were meant to remind them of who God is and what he has done, not simply become religious rituals. God did not take the Israelites the shortest route to the promised land which was through the Philistine territory.  He knew they were not ready to fight that battle, so he took them the long way around.  God will take us on a path that prepares us for his promise and will not put us in a position to fail. It was God's plan to have the Egyptians come after the Israelites.  Sometimes God allows and even causes us to face situations that will force us to learn to rely on Him.  When the Israelites saw the Egyptians, Moses' response was - stand still and watch God fight for us.  And He did!  Faith is being willing to trust God in the face of fear rather than trusting our own flesh.  A part that I don't think I've noticed before is that the Israelites crossed at night.  

Psalm 28 - If you are silent, I might as well die.  I feel like we have all felt this way when we've prayed desperate prayers.  In moments of desperation, we realize how much we need God.  When we trust God with all of our heart, it leads to joy. 

Matthew 12:22-37 - Pharisees tried to dismiss Jesus' power by attributing it to Satan.  Jesus pointed out their flawed thinking.  A kingdom divided will fail.  At the same time, he was pointing out that while they may think they are on God's side, they are actually fighting against him.  He basically says that the way to know who's side you are on is by the fruit in your life.  Many people claim to have faith, but they really just have religion.  Faith is measured by fruit and fruit is produced through obedience to God. 

Acts 17:16-34 - Even though they had many God's, they clearly feel like there is more.  Paul says, let's start where you are - very religious, but clearly with all the false god's you worship, you still feel like there is something missing.  There is one missing and He is actually the only true God.  God wants us to find him as we seek him, and when we do seek him, we will discover that he is not far from us.  Some laughed, but others believed.