Ex 13: 17-22

This is a short passage but to me extremely critical in the direction that God would take the Israelites. God knew that the people that He would lead were fickle and complacent. They would not fight for what they wanted or were directed but rather they wanted things handed to them. As a result, althought the shortest distance between two points is a straight line, God took them a longer way. If they had gone the shorter route, they would face the Phillistines (their ultimate enemy) and war would be inevitable. So God led them via the desert to the Red Sea. However, the Israelites went up out of Egypt ready for battle. Also of significance was the bones of Joseph that would be taken on the trip to fulfill the oath that  his bones would not rest in Egypt. The Lord's presence was then recognized by a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night so that they could travel all day long.

While God's miracles and the awesomeness of the plagues fill this book, it still is a book of great promise and theology. Little details, such as the ones that were in this passage, were really awesome as they have come alive.

Praise for today: For you make me glad by your deeds, O Lord; I sing for joy at the works of your hands, How great are your works, O Lord, how profound your thoughts! Ps 92:4-5

Ex 13:1-16

The firstborn during this section was given its importance and as a result was consecrated unto the Lord after what happened in Egypt. It didn't matter whether it was man or animal. Then Moses reiterated the commemoration of the Passover day again with the importance to be passed down to firstborn son (8) and that they must keep this ordinance forever. The redemption process includes the firstborn of every womb. The fact that there was so much going on during the process of the Passover that the recounting of the story annually and the sacrifices/redemption process should be so distinctly marked on the hands, head and hearts that the recounting should be second nature.

How distinctive is the firstborn! Irene and David are firstborn and share many similar qualities - call it genetics and upbringing for some but the traits that they share are very similar. I, on the other hand, as a third child (second son) and GG as the second child share many similar traits. I don't know if they see it that way but I sure do. The Passover was and is a big deal even today as it should be. The entirety of the process got lost upon the Israelites over their history and the significance of their God as well. It was interesting that here the Lord was such an integral part of the freedom but the demands were so much greater and response so much more weaker due to the Lord being "in their face" more than we as Christians ever experienced.

Good weekend, saw the Red Tails movie on Friday and enjoyed it. Saw Chinglish on Bway on Sat and it was so-so... but had a good dinner at BoneFish Grill with David and Irene. Church was fine and got home relatively early last night. Started to watch Alcatraz and enjoyed it as well. After OUAT, got hooked on the Hallmark movie about special ed kids going to a NASA training camp. I do enjoy those movies when they are on.

Praise for today: May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Ps 67: 3-4

Ex 12:42-51

While the people and Moses/Aaron concentrated their efforts upon the journey out of Egypt, the Lord laid the foundation for the remembrance of the times. This section solely dealt with the regulations for the Passover. First, no foreigner, temporary resident or hired worker is to partake, just slaves after they have been circumsized. Second, it must be eaten inside the house - this was to commemorate their houses as a place of refuge after the blood painted doorposts. Third, if an alien wants to participate, he can after all of the males in his household were circumsized. No uncircumsized male may partake. The same law applies to native-born and the aliens living with them. With this understanding behind them, the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt by their divisions.

I know that for us, whenever we took a long trip (especially by car) we asked for the Lord's safety just before our departure. How much of the Lord do we include when we do our packing? Perhaps not much. Still as Scripture says, Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain.

Looking forward to the weekend, looks like after this morning's rain has left (praiseful it is not SNOW!!!) the weather should be great for the next several days.

Praise for today: Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Ps 103:2

Ex 12: 31-42

After the plague against the firstborn commenced, Pharoah summoned Moses and Aaron to tell them that they and the Israelites can leave Egypt with all of their livestock. The request at the end of 32 was sort of weird but egotistical as he asked them to bless him as well. The Egyptians couldn't wait for them to leave given all that they had to endure and even sucumbed to the requests of silver and gold as well as clothing since the Lord had made the Egyptians favorably disposed to them. The Israelites left Ramses to Succoth where they totalled about 600,000 men along with the women and children. Not just the Israelites left but also others as well who were in a similar situation as they were. They brought the cakes of unleavened bread as instructed for food. So the time that the Israelites were in Egypt was 430 years dating back to Genesis days and Jacob.

Amazing start to an amazing end. They had their ups and mostly downs while they were in Egypt and now it was time for them to go and carve their own destiny. They now had a chance to experience God as a nation first hand and the adventure will now start. Still trying the keep Charlton out of my mind while I continue with my studies.

So thankful that the weather has been so mild versus the past few years when it wasn't. Just recently, I have made sure that I spend a few minutes in prayer when I get in to thank and praise Him for who and what He is and that the HS dwells within me.

Praise for today: For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God. Ps 86: 10

Ex 12: 17-30

The balance of the section was to delineate the Feast of Unleavened Bread, because it was the very day that the Lord brought the divisions out of Israel and into the Promised Land. For 21 days on the first month, no yeast is to be made with the bread and no yeast is to be found in the house for a period of a week. Moses then told the elders to tell everyone to use hyssop, which was a bunch of branches and leaves of a local plant, and paint the doorpost with the blood of the slain lambs and remain inside so that the Destroyer will pass over their houses as he will kill all of the Egyptians' first born. This event, although a one-time event, would be remembered even today as a reminder and Jews all around the world still remember and celebrate the Seder for this. The deed was done at midnight with not one Egyptian having been spared a death in their house.

Nothing faces a parent more grimly than watching a child die. It doesn't matter what the age, it remains a parent's greatest nightmare. God waited for the Passover to prove to Pharoah, the Egyptians and the world that He is the one True God. The devastation and the helplessness of the people watching their children and livestock die would drive the point home like no other. I know that for me this would be my nightmare as well.

It was comical watching the FB posts while the State of the Union was presented. The President was optimistic while presenting absolutely no signs of fiscal restraint while the Republicans were the complete opposites. Should make for an interesting read in the newspapers today and the coming days.

Praise for today: Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary and his understanding no one can fathom. Is 40:28

Ex:12 1-16

The stage is set for the new calendar and traditions that will be celebrated by Israel from this day forth. While the Bible makes no mention of the number of days in the month, the assumption is at least 4 weeks worth. The tenth day of the first month would mark the man's responsibility to take a lamb (share one with a neighbor who is without) and slay the umblemished animal on the 14th day of the month at twilight. The blood of the animal is to be put on the sides and top of the doorways and the same night they are to roast the lamb with bitter herbs and eat it. The uneatened part is to be burnt. The clothes that they are to eat this with must be traveling clothes and the meal must be eaten quickly because, "it is the Lord's Passover" (13). The night will mark the slaying of the first born in Egypt - both men and animals as judgement will be made over Egypt by the Lord. The blood will be a sign that the Lord will "passover" the houses where they are marked with the lamb's blood. The day will also commemorate the celebration of the festival where unleaven bread will by made and eaten for 7 days. No work, except the preparation of the Feast will be allowed.

This is truly a "game changer" for the Israelites since the Lord will now set the pace for them to be united as a nation and be under Him. "Free at last" was the cry of Dr. King and the Israelites now had the opportunity to be free from the tyranny of Pharoah. We know that their freedom was a cause of celebration but will be a cause of rebellion in subsequent chapters.

Yesterday, we celebrated the CNY in Edison where we had a small gathering at home. Great meal, convo and fellowship before heading down to Delly late last night. Heading to the gym now and have a long week ahead, still praiseful to have a job. Praise that Donna is doing better but prayers for my niece that found out she is sick.

Praise for today: No one is like you, O Lord; you are great and your name is mighty in power. Jer 10: 6

Ex 11

The final plague will now be unleashed upon Egypt and Pharoah - death of their first born. This will hit them where it hurts the most - from Pharoah to the first born son of the slave mill. Dogs will cease to bark as a sign of the distinction between the two peoples. Only then will the officials (who respected Moses) and Pharoah relent in their stance. However God would still not soften the heart of Pharoah despite the movie and the children would be buried. This would set the stage for the Exodus.

All in all - a restful weekend. Snow does have that effect since after shoveling the stuff and lunch we were pretty much shuttered in for the rest of the day. Hence, another weekend that went by without seeing Warhorse. Still got back after church to see NE and NYG win - so I was 0-2 in my hopes for the SB. Looking forward to working in Princeton and seeing GG later (even though he got it while I was sleeping) and to celebrate CNY.

Praise for today: By the strength of my and I have done this, and by my wisdom, because I have understanding. Is 10:13

Ex 10: 21-29

By now, Pharoah was convinced that the sight of Moses and Aaron was not going to fare well for either him and or the Egyptians. He saw firsthand the Nile become blood, frogs,gnats, flies, livestock die, boils, hail and locusts. The spectular was yet to come, in the form of darkness. The darkness was pervasive throughout the land except for all of the Israelites in the places where they lived. For three days, the land was in the dark and it was complete darkness like a blanket between the earth and the rays of the sun. Pharoah then summoned Moses, who told him that the people can leave but the flocks and herd had to stay. Normally, that would be a victory but Moses insisted that wasn't good enough since the animals would be used for sacrifice. In Moses' word, not a hoof was to be left behind. But God hardened Pharoah's heart and he sent Moses away with the threat that he will die the next time their faces meet. Moses replied that it would be just as Pharoah says and that he will never appear before him again.

Darkness is a scary thing. Not initially, we get used to our immediate surroundings and stay put while we rely on secondary means of illumination when available. After a while, I would tend to go to sleep - hoping when I awake that the light would be restored. For three days, the light was turned off and that is a long time especially since you don't when it will be restored. The same thing is with our faith and how we "turn off" the light for a period of time. For me, I tend to miss the "light" and will return to it and desire to be illuminated by it. God's word was and always will be the light that I need daily.

The week is over and we do expect our first snowfall overnight for 2012. The amounts should be managable but I will pray for my s-i-l and her family who usually gets more and her safety as she treks down to our area for lunch.  Prayers for the safety of those in the Seattle area especially Scotty and Katy and their family as they cope with the ice and the damage that comes with it.

Praise for today: Sing to the Lord, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world. Is. 12: 5

Ex 10:1-20

"That you may know that I am the Lord" - the motivating factor that is behind all of this. The Lord, who is all powerful, all knowing created a situation by which history (or His story) can be told to all generations. The fact that this was so spectacular and so impressive that even today, a person like me could read and experience the times and glean who God is. How protective God is of his people and His holiness. God does bring down the proud and mighty because if you are, then you can never love Him with your whole heart, strength and mind. The locusts were next and even by this time Pharoah's officials even threw in the towel and pleaded with him to relent in order to save what was left of his ravaged country. Pharoah's response to Moses's request (10&11) brought God's wrath and the locust with the wave of Moses's staff. The locusts were devastating (13) and brought Pharoah to summon Moses and "repented" so that the plague would cease. Still even after the locusts were gone, the Lord hardened Pharoah's heart and the Israelites' status was quo.

Overall it was a decent day at work. The reduction in comp was well advertised but whether or not it was well received was another story. Even after the ding, I still give praise to Him who provides all things and we will get by. This will be a year of fiscal constraint which won't be too well received on the homefront but still that is beyond my control. The object for today is to get the laundry done so that I won't have to lug it home to do. With the CNY approaching, there is enough to do without having that as well. Looking forward to see my s-i-l and her family on Saturday as well. Hopefully, I will finally see Warhorse as well.

Praise for today: Jesus looked at them and said. "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God." Mark 10:27

Ex 9: 13-35

Here we are at plague #7. Up until now, it seems that God had not sent the full force of his plagues against Pharoah and his people. That is why some livestock lived from #5. Now God has warned Pharoah that he will send the most devasting hailstorm ever! He even warned Pharoah to shelter every man, woman and child as well as the livestock that remained for whoever and whatever remains outside will die. There were some that listened and some that didn't and left slaves and livestock outside. Then Moses was given the word by God to the deed. The storm was true to its billing and eroded away everything almost like a sandstorm would. However Goshen was spared. Pharoah, gave lip service to Moses and "promised" to after apologizing to Moses and God that he was wrong and would relent. Moses took him at his word and gave the order to for the hailstorm to cease despite knowing that Pharoah still didn't respect or fear God. As far as crops went, flax and barley were destroyed since they ripe for the picking but the wheat and spelt were not since they ripen later. After the plague ceased, Pharoah and his officials hardened their hearts again and were bent on not letting the Israelites go.

You would think that after seeing the "finger of God" at work after all of these plagues that Pharoah would be in awe of the Lord, I would. Still even today, man's heart is hardened and is incapable of belief and repentance. I am so glad that each one of my children and wife loves the Lord above all things.

Today is the day when I find out my comp for the year. From what I heard, it will not be a great day at the Rock, still bad breath is better than no breath at all.

Praise for today: How great are your works, O Lord, how profound are your thoughts! Ps 92:5

Ex 9: 1-12

The next plague that attacked Egypt was that against the livestock - horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, sheep and goats will all die except those that belonged to the Israelites would live. After Pharoah saw that this would come to pass, he still would not relent and let the Israelites go. The plague of boils would follow and that would affect men and the remaining animals not affected by the previous plague. The magicians couldn't stand before Moses since they too were affected by this plague. The interesting thing was how this plague would start - God told Moses and Aaron to take handfuls of soot from a furnace and toss it in the air in the presence of Pharoah. It would become fine duse over the land of Egypt and the rest was history. Still this would not move Pharoah's heart, which was predicted by God to Moses and Aaron.

It was a decent weekend and got back to Delly yesterday around 5ish. I led service on Sunday and felt it was approrpriate to start the service with excerpts from Dr. King's I have a dream speech. He truly loved God and this country and the quote from Is 40:4 which is in there is a highlight. What a remarkable man in the face of adversity and I am grateful for what he had done.

Although this will be a shortened workweek, still this will have its moments. Long day today but at least all I have to do is nuke my dinner. Looking forward already to this weekend, with CNY around the corner. Enjoyed my time in Brooklyn although it was wicked cold this weekend.

Praise for today My feet stand on level ground; in the great assembly I will praise the Lord. Ps 26: 12

Ex 8:16-32

The next plague came in the form of gnats that were created from the dust of the ground. When Aaron waved his staff in the air, gnats came upon men and animals. Since Pharoah's magicians couldn't replicate the deed, they told him that this was from the "finger of God". Still he wouldn't listen, just as the Lord had said. The flies were next as swarms of flies would come upon Egypt except for the land of Goshen,where God's people lived. This was the distinction between God's people and the Egyptians. The flies ruined so much of Egypt that Pharoah summoned Moses and Aaron to sacrifice to the Lord to rid the land of the flies here in the land. But Moses and Aaron refused since the sacrifices would cause an uproar with the Egyptians and wanted to do this in the desert. Pharoah allowed this but also requested prayers for himself from God. After this, God did what Moses requested but that still kept Pharoah's heart hardened.

Like frogs and other reptiles, I don't claim to have an affinity for gnats or flies either. It is hard to imagine the sheer magnitude of the gnats and flies that invaded Egypt to be called a plague. Still God defied the laws of nature that He created to prove his point - not just to Pharoah and the Egyptians but also to Israelites who witnessed this as well.

Got my review last night and although that went alright, the news of lower compensation was still voiced and grimly. Still glad to have a job and thankful for each day. Looking forward to the long weekend and going to Brooklyn tomorrow. Prayers still for my peeps.

Praise for today: Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things. Ps 107: 8-9

Ex 8: 1-12

The next plague to be brought upon Pharoah and the people of Egypt is the plague of frogs. I don't know about anybody else but I am not a fan of lizards, snakes and reptiles. Frogs don't place well with me either. When I see the little lizards when I am down in FL, it doesn't bother me too much because of the their size and their timidity. Still, I know that some species of frogs are dangerous given that they also have poisons which I am also still not to fond of. Still in the case of the frogs, God brought them out the Nile and in turn, the socerers were also able to replicate the deed. Pharoah pleaded with Moses to remove this plague which he did and told him that he would let his people go but reneged upon his word even after Moses complied. The frogs died and were swept into an area where the stench was awesome. With the plague gone, Pharoah's heart grew hardened and he went back on his word. The period of time between the first and second plague was 7 days.

How often is my heart hardened even when God has done great things? I should be more generous, extend my heart and hand more but still I don't. I pray for a more patient, giving and caring heart...  Prayers for my friend Deb and her daughter who were in a car crash yesterday in Franklin, TN. Glad to hear that they were ok even though the car wasn't . Also continued prayers for the family that lost their home the other day and for Donna who is still hurting.  Am happy that I was able to rearrange my schedule to see GG now that he will be home for CNY and have dinner with the family.

Praise for today: Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me! Ps: 66: 20

Ex 7:14 - 25

The first plague is brought upon Egypt in the form of blood. Moses was instructed by God to go Pharoah in the morning when he goes to the bank of the Nile. With the staff of God in hand, the Lord instructs Moses to challenge the hardened heart of Pharoah to let his people go. The first sign would be the Nile's waters and every water that is drawn from it is turned to blood. The fish in the Nile will die, the river will stink, and the water will be undrinkable. The Lord then instructed Moses to carry this out over all the waters of Egypt - streams, canals, ponds and reservoirs.With Pharoah rejecting this sign and returning to the palace, the Egyptians had to dig along the Nile because they couldn't drink the waters of the river.

What was interesting in this plague was that the Egyptian magicians were able to replicate this with their own form of black arts (22). But here the main source of life in the area was now gone, from the Nile flowed life and sustained life, yet still Pharoah could not see past himself.

Over all good day and praying for the same today. Still prayers for Donna as she struggles to get better and for the family near my s-i-l whose house was burned last night. Praises for all of their lives that were spared but the recovery will be devastating and laborious.

Praise for today: You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees. Ps. 119: 68

Ex 6:28 - 7:13

The time has come when Moses and Aaron would carry forth the task set before them. Despite the continued hesitation by Moses, they would go before Pharoah and demand that the Israelites be freed. The Lord warns them that this would not be an easy task and that this would take time and effort on both their parts before the desired ends would be achieved. This would be a tale for the ages and thus each party - Moses, Aaron, the Israelites (and their leaders) as well as the Egyptians (and Pharoah) would truly know and see the mighty works of God and would live to tell it. This is now the time for miracles and for God to be God. With the final charge before them, Moses and Aaron would do as the Lord commanded them - Moses at 80 and Aaron at 83 when they spoke to Pharoah. The first miracle was the staff becoming a snake and consuming the staffs of Pharoah's wise men and socerers. This marked the hardening of the heart of Pharoah and his not listening to them, just as the Lord had said.

It's hard not to read this and think of the 10 Commandments movie. What is also awesome about this was seeing the Dead Seas scrolls over the holiday week in NYC and actually seeing the 10 Commandments from Deut.

The week so far has been shaping up decently and hopefully, like the weather, will remain relatively calm. Prayers for GG who I won't see for a while and also for David and Irene as they live each day for Him.

Praise for today: And the Egyptians will know that I am the Lord when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out of it. Ex 7:5

Ex 6: 1 -27

This section actually begins at the end of Ch 5 with Moses asking the Lord about the calamity brought upon his people and the wrath that Pharoah has given them. The Lord's response to Moses gives him an idea of what is to come (v 1). He also said to Moses that He will deliver on his promise to remember his covenant with their forefathers and free them from slavery to take them as His own. Also deliverance meant God bringing them to a land that was promised to them. Unfortunately, when Moses delivered this message to the Israelites it fell on deaf ears due their discouragement and their current situation. The interchange between God and Moses/Aaron remained one of doubt and fear as Moses continued to see himself as inadequate. The family record on Moses and Aaron was geared more toward his tribe, the Levites  - clan by clan. The importance was to show that they were being brought out by the Lord out of Egypt by their divisions (12 tribes).

How often we don't see and stand upon the promises of God and merely wallow in our current situation wondering when God will deliver. I guess our advantage is seeing God's whole canon and resting upon the finished work of Christ upon the cross. Without the pain, there is no gain.Still good weekend with all of the Christmas decorations being reorganized and put away. The tree is out of the house and now getting ready for CNY - the year of the dragon. Looking forward to this weekend already with Monday honoring Dr. King but also a GFC board meeting on Sunday.

Praise for today: And I will bring you to the land that I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob, I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord. Ex 6:8

Ex 5

The encounter that Moses and Aaron with Pharoah had hoped for did not go as Moses and Aaron had planned. Pharoah was not about the let his meal ticket go without a fight and the fact that they wanted to take the Israelites away didn't sit well with him. He felt he was a god so why should another God take his people away? The fact that there was hope in the hearts of the Israelites made them have a different attitude about work and thus Pharoah made their lives miserable. Bricks without straw - forced them to work twice as hard and were beaten for the shortcomings. With no concession as far as what they were expected to do and their backs to the wall, the Israelite leaders confronted Moses and Aaron and blamed them for their plight as they feared for their lives. Moses, in turn, went to the Lord and complained to Him how lousy the situation was.

As Ringo Starr used to sing, "ya know it don't come easy" - and neither will this task be. The character and personality of Moses and Aaron will now be tested as never before. No one wants to lose what brought them to the dance and Pharaoh was no exception. Cheap labor became an entitlement to Pharoah and he didn't want to let that go easily, not unlike the entitlements and "country club living" that has gripped and destroyed the economies of Greece and Italy today.

Long but productive day yesterday. Will head home tonight and will take down the outside lights given the warm temps slated for tomorrow in the morning - hope to get a walk in early. Maybe we'll get a chance to see WarHorse as well.

Praise for today: Your ways, O God, are holy What god is so great as our God? Ps 77:13

Ex 4:18-31

The stage is now set for Moses to return to Egypt. Moses, after receiving his father-n-law Jethro's blessing to go, hears from the Lord and obeys. With the wife and sons in tow and his staff of God he heads off to Egypt. Already God is prepping Moses about what is to come: he will meet with Pharaoh and perform his "wonders" but God will harden Pharoah's heart so that he will not let his people go. God will give Pharoah the ultimatum of letting his people (firstborn) go or have his own firstborn son die. The interesting encounter is between Zipporah and the rest of the family. Since Moses's own son was not circumsized, she took it upon herself and used a flint knife to do the deed and spare him from God's wrath. The next meeting is between Moses and Aaron at Horeb, the mountain of God, where the plan is now revealed to Aaron. Together they then reveal the plan to the elders of the Israelites and realized that God did not abandoned them and has sent these two to deliver them from their misery. They bowed down and worshipped.

Productive day at work and I got my 2 mile walk in before the "fixed" treadmill went down later that day. I guess I will bike it today for a while. Still concerned about my BP which has been elevated recently. Trying to take care of that as well as trying to cut down on eating... Life long struggles.

Praise for today: Be exalted, O God , above the heavens, and let your glory be over all of the earth. Ps 108:5

Ex 4: 1-17

The conversation and charge from God to Moses continues. God is empowering Moses with signs that will show the world who and what God is yet there is still hesitancy. Maybe count it towards awe, or perhaps the past life that caused him to be banished from the place of his upbringing, Perhaps his sense of sin and inadequacy has taken over, still he wants the mantle passed from him and thus God is angered and allows Aaron into the picture. It was Moses that God wanted from the outset not Aaron but allowed him to go with him for "moral support". The staff would be the source of his signs.

Long day at work with some frustration and aggravation. It is always a downer when others do not have any sense of urgency or procedure that are in place. Still, we muddle through. I need prayers for more patience and less impulsive behaviors when I get frustrated. I do notice this in other areas - driving and sometimes dealing with people. Still, I ask God for a calmer and wiser heart.

Praise for today: Your name, O Lord, endures forever, your renown, O Lord, through all generations. For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on his servants. Ps 135: 13-14

Ex 3

According to AW Tozer, "true Christian experience must always include a genuine encounter with God. Without this, religion is but a shadow, a reflection of reality, a cheap copy of the original once enjoyed by someone else of whom we have heard." Moses may have looked (or turned his face) in fear, but soon that fear turned to delightful awe as he truly experienced God. Conceptually, the name and personage of God is difficult to understand but here, Moses experienced it and lived to tell about it. God laid the foundation by which Moses will become one of the greatest leaders in the OT despite his own hesitation and shortcomings. He laid out how His plans were to be carried out and also that the Israelites themselves would finance this exodus.

How awesome the sight because it comes from an awesome God. The Lord himself calls upon the experience and the relationship between Him and Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - the three patriachs of Israel three times during this chapter. According to God, it will start at Horeb and the exodus will end at Horeb. The shepherd will ultimately lead his flock back home.

Good day yesterday and it was nice to pray with and for each of my sons before I left for Delly. The weather has turned for now at least and it is wicked cold. Time to bundle up and make the doughnuts! Gym time!

Praise for today: So I have come down to rescue them from the land of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey - the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Hebusites. Ex 3: 8

Ex 2 :11-22

No good deed goes unpunished and while this was a noble deed, it had its consequences. While he was branded a murderer and was banished himself from Egpyt, he still had noble intentions. If he were to allow the Egyptian to live, his fate would have been entirely different and would have not been free to encounter God the way he would in later chapters. The fact that he knew and acknowledged his heritage and his people was amazing especially since he was treated like royalty and probably acclimated himself to the comfy lifestyle. Still he was a defender of the weak and helpless. What pushed the issue was that everyone knew that he was the one that defended his people and what made matters worse, his own people didn't care and were content to remain oppressed. His flee to Midian was one that helped shape and reveal his character and he was given a second chance at life. While he was still known to them as an Egyptian, he was still an Israelite and was given Zipporah as his wife. She bore him a son, Gershom - a stranger in a foreign country.

Good day at church yesterday. Nice also to spend a night at home and will head down to Delly later. Glad to see that we as a church are moving towards the direction of greater spirituality and personal growth for the coming year. Praying for a milder winter and so far, so good. Also nice to spend some time for GG before he heads off. It will be a while before he makes it back here for a visit.

Praise for today: Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don't get tied up again in slavery to the law. Gal. 5:1