10.31.07 RE:ading – Exodus 1:1-2:15

RE:flect

“ Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.” Never underestimate your potential for evil. Some of us were told that this summer at CIY. It has rung true during the weeks of this semester. It is fear, mistrust, ignorance… it could be several things. But it is darkness and the lack of a relationship with the TRUE GOD that causes people to do the worst of things. Slavery. Murder (all male children drowned). Power is something that can create a very dark life, dark people and dark outcomes. How can anyone yield power correctly? How can one be a manager and not become greedy for more control?

RE:act

Do you find that you often also forget the things of God? Do you find yourself stuck in a sin and realize that the Cross of Jesus Christ (the marker that also shows us God’s hatred for sin—not just his love for us) is the furthest from your mind? What are those times like in your life? What would they say in your life book?

Perhaps mine would say, “ Then Josh woke up on Tuesday, forgetting that he was saved from his sins, forgetting that he had died to his sins and no longer lived in that realm, forgetting that the Holy Spirit of God was dwelling in him empowering him to overcome even the temptations….’

It is our obligation to pause, to focus on us, to take time to test ourselves…. to remind ourselves of whatever we have forgotten. If we forget the great acts of God, the great promises... if we neglect his word.. where else can we turn? Where else can we be reminded of what true LIFE means?

RE:ply

Lord, it is time. Please tell me more about you—encourage my heart as I read your word.

Lord, prepare my eyes, ears, mind, heart and my very spirit for the time when I am tempted to forget you. I want to remember you. I want to go to bed with your words on my lips. I want to wake up desiring your presence, your guidance and your love in my life.

Lord, help me to not forget you. You are my God and my King. Help me to praise you in the morning and the evening. That my life would sing a great song proclaiming your deliverance and freedom.

Lord, I love you. I want to love you more. Help me to love you more.

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them.’’’ (Ecclesiastes 12:1)