EXODUS

Today is Thursday and I have read the first ten chapters in Exodus.  God is working in the life of Moses.  Yesterday I mentioned that 14 chapters were given to the life of Joseph.  The same was given to Abraham in Genesis.  But when you look at Moses, you see that Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy are given to him.  So without a doubt, Moses is the greatest man in the Old Testament.  No other has so many chapters dealing with his life, and Moses is the writer of the first five books of the Bible.  Here are a few thoughts: 1) WHEN LIFE FLIPS- In Exodus 1:11 it says:  "therefore they did set over them taskmasters to afflict them with their burdens."  When the Israelites first went into Egypt, they were made taskmasters over the cattle business of Pharaoh, but now they have taskmasters over them.  Life had flipped on them.  That happens in life and how we handle these tough times, determines the strength of character we become.  Look to the LORD in times of financial, emotional, or relationshipal "flips" in life.  God will see us through of that you can be assured! 2) WHO AM I?  This is what Moses asked in Exodus 3:11.  "And Moses said unto God, Who am I, tht I should go unto Pharaoh, and that Ishould bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"  Moses didn't have a very high opinion of himself, but that is ok.  It is when we are lowly that God can use us.  It is the high opinion of ourselves that keeps us from being used of God.  We are not self sufficient, we are God sufficient!  We must be lowly to be used.  We must humble ourselves, or we ourselves will be humbled.  God exalts the humble and gives them grace.  We need both.... blessings and grace.  Let us pledge to keep a lowly opinion of ourselves and let God determine how to use us. 3) A DIVISION BETWEEN PEOPLE-  In Exodus 8:23, The Bible says:  "And I will put a division between my people and thy people:  to morrow shall this sign be."  God sees to it that His people are different from the world's people.  There ought to be a difference, and there will be a difference!  God is so good to make us a people unto Himself!  Let us enjoy the difference and not be concerned with being different.  We are a peculiar people unto the LORD!  Rejoice in it. Well, my time is gone.  I have an early staff meeting this morning.  Have a blessed day! Pastor Mike Mutchler