Prepared Way

In Exodus 23:20-33, God promises to bless the Israelites with an angel to prepare the way into the Promised Land. Their enemies would be overcome and He assures them of good health, a long life, and a prosperous future. God gives a pledge that they would gradually conquer the land if they worshiped Him instead of idols.

The same promises made to the Israelites during the writing of this passage is available to us today if we worship the only ONE who can win our battles and prepare the Way. He will give us advantages and set up things for our benefit. All that is required is that we pay attention, listen, and remain committed to His plan for us.

This day will be amazing because we can put His guidance into practice by making prayer the top priority as we plan out activities. This day with God, expect greatness because heaven has been opened and God will lead to where we need to go.

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Lord we dream big today because as we pray, we know You can take these dreams and help us not only achieve them but along the way, make others dream big too. In so doing, we know that there will be more opportunities for all people to flourish. Just like the promises you made in today’s passage, You have given us promises that will build momentum for life. We will build on what You have done yesterday and we will dream big dreams for tomorrow. Amen.

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Depend on God To Provide The Power

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God be with us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

After reading Exodus 23:1-19 and writing in the post “Reach New Heights”, the thought entered my mind just how important it is to depend on God to provide the power in our life.

We can reach new heights by discovering the strengths God has blessed us with and like in the song White Flag by Chris Tomlin, surrendering it up for His glory. 
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Reach New Heights

As written in Exodus 23:1-19, God is seeking to develop in His people a quality of life that is fair and just for all. Mentioned is the need for a day of rest and a time to recharge. A growing faith will not go up and down like the stock market. Instead, faith will continue to grow over a lifetime and continue to free us up to reach new heights.

Another thought brought out in today’s passage is that we should depend on God’s power rather than on our own ability. This requires setting aside a time of renewal, celebration and praise. Just as instructions were given to the Israelites for annual feasts, we should also set aside time for celebration and praise. Some ways to praise God are through our actions, our music, and through prayer.

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This day with You Lord, help us to reach new heights. To face challenges head on by having faith that everything will work out with You by our side. Help us to use the skills You have given each of us, help us to be happy with who You made us to be, and let us depend on You to provide the power. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

This week, we will continue the journey and share more thoughts from the study of Exodus 23.

Index of Devotionals

Below are some questions for reflection:

Exodus 23:1-19
*What quality of life is God seeking to develop in His people here? What needs do the commands of verses 10-13 meet? What changes can you make so that a day of rest is a time of renewal instead of frantic activity for you and others? When and how do you express gratitude to God?

Exodus 23:20-33
*What are the provisional conditions and promises God makes? What are the areas in which God will bless Israel if they serve Him? Are these blessing available to us today and how can we receive them?

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible. 

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*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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Make Every Day Count

I enjoy writing inspirational poems and this one is inspired by a sermon at my church. This weekend, share a thought from one of the great sermons you attend in your community or on a podcast.

Mark Shields's avatarStep Ahead

Make every day count
By being Jesus centered
For you are the light
And been well mentored.

Make every day count
By proclaiming
God’s eternal truth
Forever unchanging.

Make every day count
By being humble
Before God and others
So to never stumble.

Make every day count
By reading the Bible,
Growing in faith,
And making disciples.

Make every day count
Christ we are following
Loving each other
Praying, encouraging.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 06-22-2017
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Inspired from Sermon – Make Every Day Count

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