Exodus 8-9, Matthew 9:13-30, Psalms 24:1-10, Proverbs 6:1-5

What God said to me – Have you ever said or heard someone say, “I need to lose weight and get into shape so I’m going to start a diet and exercise program – – – tomorrow.”  Why put if off until tomorrow?  When I brought Moses to Egypt to free My people, I brought about many horrific plagues to cause Pharaoh to let them go.  One of the plagues was frogs throughout the land.  They were everywhere – in their homes – in their beds – they covered everything.  Pharaoh told Moses he would give in and let the Hebrews go so they could sacrifice to Me if he stopped the frog invasion.  So, Moses told Pharaoh it was his honor to choose the time for the frogs to be destroyed.  You would think Pharaoh would say to stop them this minute – as soon as possible – but do you know what he said?  Tomorrow!!!  Can you believe it?  Why in the world would he say “tomorrow” when he could be freed from them today?  For the same reason it’s always “tomorrow” when the diet starts or when you start a regular quiet time or prayer time or on and on.  Stop putting off and delaying the things you know you should be doing.  Today is the day!  Postponed obedience is disobedience.  Commit each day to follow Me wholeheartedly.

Exodus 5:22-7:25, Matthew 18:21-19:12, Psalms 23:1-6, Proverbs 5:22-23

What God said to me – When the people of Israel were in captivity in Egypt and I sent Moses to lead them out of captivity and into the promised land, they didn’t listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.  They were so focused on their present circumstances that they missed the promises I made them which would have given them hope and peace and the strength to hang on until their faith became sight.  I promised that I would deliver them from bondage.  I promised that I would redeem them with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.  I promised that I would take them for My people, and I would be their God.  I promised that I would bring them into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  I told them My name – “I AM”.  There will be times in your life where like Israel, you will find yourself in desperate circumstances.  But don’t be like Israel and be so focused on the circumstances that you miss My promises because you’ll miss out on the peace and joy that comes with trusting Me to fulfill them.  Never forget that for My children I work all things for your good and for My glory.  Cling to that promise and wait for Me to work on your behalf.

Exodus 4:1-5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalms 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

What God said to me – What would you think if you heard someone say they weren’t going to the gym before they lost weight and got in better shape because they didn’t want the people there of make fun of them or think badly of them.  It’s ridiculous, isn’t it?  Yet people approach their relationship with Me that way.  What they don’t realize is that I don’t call perfect people to salvation or to ministry.  I call people as they are, where they are, I just don’t allow them to stay as they are, where they are.  I transform them as they repent and walk with Me in obedience.  There are so many accounts in My word about flawed, sinful people I called and used to accomplish My plan.  Look at Moses – he was a murderer, insecure, doubtful – he broke My covenant by not circumcising his son.  But as he humbly obeyed and allowed Me to work in his life, I used him to save a people and establish the nation from which the Savior of the world would come.  Even those who are already My children delay repenting of sin and returning to Me when they have fallen away.  You don’t need to fix yourself before you come to Me or return to Me.  You need to repent and allow Me to transform you – this time together is part of that process.