We will be focused on that Amazing Grace in worship tomorrow so I think Psalm 51 (one of the recent readings in Engage the Word) fully demonstrates God's grace and is perfect for our discussion in this post.  The passage begs for forgiveness, mercy, and grace and verse 6 speaks to the fact that even our secret sins can be forgiven.  God wants truth in our innermost parts.  Do you have secret sin buried deep within and what is it doing to your joy, your witness, and your life?  Verse 13 talks about teaching transgressors the way of the Lord.  But it is preceded by several things in the first 12 verses.  Confession, repentance, cleansing, joy and the desire to have a pure heart and a steadfast spirit come before and allow us the privilege of leading others to Christ. 

What keeps us from confession and repentance?  Is it pride?  Verse 17 says that the sacrifices are a broken spirit and a broken, contrite heart.  Is your spirit prideful?  Does it keep you from asking for forgiveness of others and God?  What is holding you back?  Do you want to be different?  Do you want to grow in your relationships with others and with Christ?  This reading was a great challenge to me and I pray it was to you as well.

I would like to continue with a reading in Exodus 32:1-34:35.  Several things struck me in this reading.....And it was a long one!  But I have to say that I find that reading the Bible through a format such as Engage the Word is making the Word and its truths evident and alive!

One of the first things that really spoke to me is the importance of leadership.  Aaron was given the responsibility to help Moses, yet he failed and led the people to worship other idols while Moses was away.  This really shows how important it is for leaders in any capacity to understand the importance and power of their position.  This is especially relevant when we consider the upcoming presidential election.  As Christians, we must be in prayer that whoever wins is convicted by Christ to be a worthy and obedient servant leader.

The second thing that I noticed is that Moses was always interceding for those he led.  If you are a leader in your job, church, and certainly in your home, you can intercede in prayer for those you lead.  Do you do that?  I don't do it the way I should but Moses has certainly inspired me to be more diligent.

The third thing is that we are reminded that there are consequences for our sin.  Exodus 33:3b says that God will not go with the Israelites because of their sin.  Exodus 34:20b says that we should not appear before God empty-handed.  The questions I would ask myself and you are:  Will God go with me and what will be in my hand on my final judgement day.

And finally, Chapter 35 is really awesome because it describes Mose's face as being radiant because of his time with the Father.  Is your face radiant?  Do people notice a difference in you?  My very nature is to be analytical and deep in thought.  I catch my reflection in windows and mirrors and I look like I'm frowning.  I work hard to be aware of that.  Perhaps I need to bask in His presence more so that I might be more radiant?  Tell us about someone in your life who radiates Christ.

My favorite reading this week had to do with the call of Moses to lead the people out of Egypt.  In particular, I am focusing on Exodus 3.

First, God reminds Moses to take off his shoes when he is in the presence of God.  This reminded me to bow before God when I enter His presence and to recognize how sacred it is to be with Him.

Second, Moses continually second-guessed God throughout their conversation when God was telling him what he wanted him to do.  Don't you find yourself doing the same thing!  Second-guessing and full of excuses, we tell God why we can't obey Him!

Third, God tells him to take a 3-day journey into the desert to offer sacrifices before obeying His commands.  This is a great reminder that we should always take our time to reflect, prepare, and be in His presence before we do His work.  When was the last time any of us took at least three days that were solely focused on Him?

Moses was filled with doubt all the way through his conversation with God.  He doubted his talents and
abilities and tried to push his call and responsibility off on someone else.  But God constantly reassured him that He would give him abundant and miraculous help.  The question for you is:  "When have you doubted God's call on your life and how did He provide in miraculous and abundant ways so that you were able to do things far beyond your comprehension for His glory?"  

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