Moses and the Exodus Offer Lessons for Our Time
Moses and the Exodus provide many powerful lessons applicable to our time. God’s freeing of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity speaks to the fear rampant during our isolation in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moses and the Exodus Offer Lessons for Our Time
2MefromHim Devotionals
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9
Moses and the Exodus provide many powerful lessons applicable to the COVID-19 pandemic. God’s freeing of the Israelites from Egyptian captivity speaks to the fear rampant during our isolation.
Just as Israel was held captive by a strong enemy that threatened their ability to live as free people, we are held prisoner by this virus running rampant in the world. The people were afraid, and God sent them a deliverer in the form of Moses. As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the confidence that God is in control, just as he showed his power over the mighty Pharaoh.
Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! Romans 5:9 #salvation #Godislove #hope Share on XGod Protected Moses and the Exodus
During the plagues of Egypt, the Israelites were protected because God wanted Pharaoh to realize there was no one like him in all the earth.
In the way that our protection rests in social distancing and personal hygiene, the safety of the Israelites relied on trusting a strange order from God to Moses. Their firstborn were protected by the blood of a lamb painted on the doorframe. However, they had seen how God shielded them from the other plagues. As believers, we must share our trust in God’s love and control whenever we are able.
Believers must share our trust in God’s love and control whenever we are able... #Christians #Godislove #pandemic Share on XChristians Rest on the Promises of God
Just as the blood of a lamb painted on the doorframe protected the Israelites, Christians have the assurance that the blood Jesus, shed for our sins, covers us with protection. We have forgiveness and eternal life but also abundant life right now. John 10:10 tells us, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NASB) We can live without fear because God is in control. We must share our hope with others.
Pharaoh set the Israelites free after the death of his firstborn. Moses and the Exodus left Egypt with great wealth, because of the Egyptians eagerness to get rid of them. The Christian’s great wealth during times of trial rests on the promises of God.
The Christian’s great wealth during times of trial rests on the promises of God #trials #hope #coronavirus Share on XMoses and the Exodus Remind Christians of Our Hope
In spite of all the miracles God performed, the Israelites rebelled and became afraid once they reached the desert. Likewise, we as believers have stories of how God helped us in the past. But with the drastic, unexpected changes wrought by the coronavirus pandemic, it’s easy to become afraid. Ephesians 1:7-8a reminds us, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.
While others panic, the story of Moses and the Exodus reminds us that our hope is in the God who watches over his own. The blood of Jesus sets us free.
Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27
Our hope is in the God who watches over his own... #Godisgood #COVID19 #protection Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, March 24, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
When Trust Overwhelms Fear -A 2MefromHim Devotional
Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. A failure to believe God is in control allows the voice of fear to inundate trust with a deluge of doubt.
When Trust Overwhelms Fear
2MefromHim Devotionals
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 1 Timothy 1:7
Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. A failure to believe God is in control allows the voice of fear to inundate trust with a deluge of doubt.
Fear threatens everything I know is true when I allow it to control my mind and heart. I can’t think clearly, can’t sleep, can’t eat, and act irrationally.
Trust is the opposite of fear, a deep, unshakeable confidence that everything will be fine, sometimes despite all reason.
Trust overwhelms fear when faith in God drowns out the voice of doubt. #trust #faith #peace Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear by God’s Grace
In 2003, I left a routine physical knowing that, in all likelihood, I had cancer. There was a nodule on my thyroid gland. Two members of my family had already experienced cancer. It was my turn. But no tears came.
Thyroid cancer is one of the most curable. However, any cancer diagnosis is uncertain. A supernatural peace filled my heart and trust infiltrated my thoughts.
As I moved through doctor’s appointments, surgery, and a radioactive iodine ablation, trust carried me. It’s not that I have extraordinary faith. I worry and become afraid, sometimes to the extreme. However, I read the Bible and kept my prayer time every day. God’s goodness and grace buoyed my heart with confident trust that never wavered.
Sixteen and a half years later, I revisited the nuclear medicine department for a scan. Once again, I was overwhelmed at the memory of God’s grace through the months of having no thyroid hormone in my body and fatigue so immense I can’t even describe it. Trust overcomes fear when I lean on God’s grace because I lack strength.
Trust overcomes fear when I lean on God’s grace because I lack strength. #grace #God #coronavirus Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear When I Believe Who God Says He Is
Psalm 46:10 AMPC says, “Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.” When fear threatens, I must determine to be still and think about who God says he is and what he has done in the past. Jesus calmed the storm with the words, “Peace, be still.” How can I doubt the Son of God who holds power over the waves and wind?
If I truly believe God is who he says he is, I must trust his will. When I struggle, he offers strength if I lean on him. He will never leave or forsake me. The Lord walks beside me, indwells me by his Holy Spirit, and leads me through the Bible and prayer. Choose to act from faith, not fear.
Choose to act from faith, not fear. #courage #trust #coronavirus Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear When We Listen to the Voice of God
The prophet Isaiah wrote, “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’” I must take time to sit in silence and listen for his voice.
Much lesser trials have created far greater fear. God wants me to always experience the level of confidence that I knew during my episode with cancer. When fear threatens to overcome trust, I can remember how he helped me in the past. Power to overcome fear with trust depends on my knowledge of who God is and what he says. The outcome won’t always be according to my desires but it will be in line with his character of goodness and grace.
Trust overcomes fear when I listen to the voice of God more than any other voice that vies for my attention. When I feel fear, I can still choose to act as if I trust and real trust will follow.
When I feel fear, I can still choose to act as if I trust. #trust #fear #pandemic #faith Share on X
Trust Overwhelms Fear When Faith Drowns Out the Voice of Doubt
No matter what plagues us with fear and doubt, God is still on the throne. From the beginning of time, he knew every trial I would face. God knew. God reigns. God enables me to overcome fear if I place my trust in him.
The Great Physician
I know the Great Physician,
He loves me tenderly.
My health and gracious healing
Are His priority.
He gave to me The Comforter,
Who always knows my need.
When all is fear and chaos,
He calms and cares for me.
I need not fear the battle,
No harm can touch my heart.
For Jesus, my Great Healer,
Will always take my part.
And if my body fails me,
He surely will be there.
My Lord will not forsake me,
For heaven awaits His heir.
While here on earth we struggle,
When others think all is lost,
I have peace and hope to offer
For Jesus paid the cost.
What peace His Presence lends me.
What hope I can impart
With others who are struggling,
I share the peacekeeper of my heart.
When Trust Overwhelms Fear -A 2MefromHim Devotional Share on X© Norma Gail Holtman, March 14, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing May 19, 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 44 years. They have two adult children. To connect with her, you can follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
Believe that You Have Received – 2MefromHim Devotionals
Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Mark 11:24
Believe that You have Received
2MefromHim Devotionals
“Believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.”
I repeat this promise multiple times a day, as I pray. As children, it’s not uncommon to disagree with a friend, move on to a new best friend, and never regain the closeness that once existed. I changed my best friends several times for multiple reasons. However, none of those instances haunts me.
All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you. Share on XAs an adult, and a Christian, however, I’m held to a higher standard in my personal life than in childhood.
For instance, recent events have removed people from my daily life, my holiday table, those with whom I share my joys and sorrows, those I call on in times of need. As a result, pain throbs deep and unrelenting in a heart that is no longer whole.
Pain throbs deep and unrelenting in a heart that is no longer whole Share on XBelieve there is purpose in waiting
Jesus said, “All things for which you pray and ask, believe that you have received them.” The Holy Spirit has impressed upon my heart that there is purpose in waiting. Time spent in prayer changes my heart. To wait, patient and trusting, gives God time to work in the hearts of others.
Time spent in prayer changes my heart... Share on X
Belief requires faith. James says that if we lack wisdom we must pray. I have no idea how to approach this problem. But, the solving of the dilemma doesn’t rest solely with me. However, James says we must ask in faith and not doubt. Doubt makes me unstable and unsettled like the wind tosses waves of the sea against the rocks.
Believe prayer changes your heart
I am weary of the battered, brokenness of being constantly tossed against the rocks. Therefore, I began to pray daily for God to heal, to bring repentance, and reconciliation into damaged relationships. Nothing has changed, but oh, what changes I see in my shattered heart. As a result, my days are now free of the nagging doubts and uncertainties that slammed me against the rocks and left me bruised and battered. Nights are no longer haunted by questions about “what-if” and “how.” What relief to rest, assured that my prayers are being answered, unconcerned about if, how, or when.
When I pray in God’s will, I have the assurance He will answer Share on XBelieving prayer aligns my desires with those of God. Therefore, whatever I pray is in agreement with His will. When I pray in God’s will, I have the assurance He will answer.
God’s heart breaks
God’s heart breaks when relationships are broken when His children can’t get along. It’s possible to know peace in the midst of unsettled relationships. Trust His promise and believe you have received it. When you pray, believe God will answer.
God’s heart breaks when relationships are broken when His children can’t get along Share on XTis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus
In conclusion, may this precious old hymn comfort your heart as it does my own:
‘Tis so Sweet to Trust in Jesus
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
And to know, “Thus saith the Lord!”
Refrain:
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
Oh, for grace to trust Him more!
Oh, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
And in simple faith to plunge me
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood!
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
Public Domain
© Copyright Norma Gail Holtman, February 7, 2020
About the author:
Norma Gail writes Fiction to Refresh Your Spirit. Her contemporary novels, Land of My Dreams, which won the 2016 Bookvana Religious Fiction Award, and Within Golden Bands (releasing in the summer of 2020), explore the theme of women whose faith triumphs over trials. A women’s Bible study leader for over 21 years, her devotionals and poetry have appeared at ChristianDevotions.us, the Stitches Thru Time blog, Inspire a Fire, and in “The Secret Place.” She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Romance Writers of America, Historical Writers of America, and the Women’s Fiction Writers Association. Norma is a former RN who lives in the mountains of New Mexico with her husband of 43 years. They have two adult children. If you’re interested in connecting with her, follow her blog, or join her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Goodreads, or Amazon.
First Do No Harm – A 2MefromHim Devotional
“First do no harm”, a familiar phrase to all medical personnel, but one that applies to Christians as well. We have the key to protection from eternal death, but it takes courage to offer it. We may face ridicule and danger, but standing up for God and right always leads to blessing.
Read MoreGod’s Perfect Peace – A Devotional by Nan Jones
God’s perfect peace? My dear friend, Nan Trammell Jones, offers insight into that treasured state we all long for. Nan and I became friends through Twitter and Facebook several years ago. It quickly became evident that she had a heart tender to the Lord, and a gift for speaking His truth in a deeply personal way. We would love to hear your comments!
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