As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life" (Romans 1:17)
When the Lord called Moses to go back to Egypt and liberate his people from their bondage he would be visited with countless miracles. When he went down in front of Pharaoh and his officials, and he threw down his stuff which became a snake, "Pharaoh then summoned wise men and sorcerers, and the Egyptian magicians also did the same things by their secret arts: Each one threw down his staff and it became a snake. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs" (Exodus 7:11-12).
That was the start. From there on the Lord would reveal himself through a series of miracles. First, there was the plague of frogs, then the plague of flies and came the plague of gnats (Exodus 8). These would be followed by the plague on livestock, the plague of boils and plague of hail, the plague of darkness and more (Exodus 9). Still hardened, to humble Pharaoh but also reveal his decisive power, came the plague on the first born (Exodus 11) forcing him to finally relent. And when he still resisted came the final blow when his troops in hot pursuit all drowned under the Red sea as Moses led his people safely away (Exodus 15).
If there was a man who had seen God 's hand of power it was Moses. But at Meribah Moses showed some doubts. When he was asked to strike a rock for water to gush out and quench the thirst of his restless people, yet for some reason, he hit twice, leading the Lord to rebuke him: “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them". (Numbers 20:12).
Just as it were any of us could have witnessed countless miracles in our lives. But like Moses we dare doubt God, inspite of all we have seen. God is certainly not pleased when after all He has done for us, we are still doubtful of His power.
Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as you have revealed yourself in my life through countless miracles, I move with faith knowing you are the same God today, yesterday and forever, this I pray in Jesus's name.
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17/05/2024 - 18/05/2024 All day“And I in righteousness I shall see your face; when I awake, I shall be satisfied with seeing your likeness” (Psalm 17:15)
One of the defining aspects we see in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ is that He began the day with prayer. “Very early in the morning while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35). As he was always surrounded by crowds and after such a busy day before of preaching and engaging the Pharisees in debates this must have been a therapeutic moment for Christ when he would have some good time to himself.
But there was also more. For Jesus being away in a secluded place would also mean a chance to pour out His heart to God, meditate in quietness, plan for the day ahead and listen to the Father. Jesus must have looked up to this moment every day knowing its benefits. Conversations with His Father must have been real and intimate, bringing a certain soothing and uplifting of His spirit. You do not wake up and stick to something on a daily basis that is a drag – this must have been his best time of the day!
Martin Luther the leader of the protestant reformation is reputed to once have said, “I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.” Here is the point. In the olden days before the arrival of locomotive transport those who were setting out for a long journey on foot had to start early with the first cock crow before the punishing sun came out. One of the things they had to start with also was a good meal, which was fuel needed to give them energy through the long walk to their destiny.
There are no rules about waking up to pray as first thing- or even saying prayer at a defined hour of the day. God is everywhere and ever with us. He is accessible at any time of the day. But there is something special about prioritizing our lives that the first thing we do is to talk to God. Just like the early traveller we need fuel, for the long day ahead!
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, what a joy and privilege to make time at the start of any day, talk and hear from you, for the power I need through the day, this I pray in Jesus’ name!
