Prayer Journal

Sunday, February 1, 2004

We know Pharaoh must have been possessed by a spirit. How else could one person make so many stupid decisions that had such direct and undeniable consequences. He winked at God, kept deceit in his heart and lied about his intention to Moses. He asked for God's blessing and would have probably gotten it had he kept his word. But he would soon learn that God can wink too. You see, God knew Pharaoh's heart.

When things are good, we usually feel pretty good about things. But when things are not going so so well, that's when we start to grumble and complain. That's what happens when grief loses ground to irrational reasoning. The people put pressure of the king to go after their slaves. The people probably never knew the whole story that took place behind closed doors between Moses and Pharaoh. In their hearts, they had no reason to question their dominance over a bunch of slaves who had a murderer for a leader. They probably were just lazy and didn't want to finish the construction the Israelites had started. (Ex 14:6)

Pharaoh had no corner on the market when it came to grumbling and irrational thinking. The Israelites hadn't heard the dialog between Moses and Pharaoh either. As far as they were concerned, this whole escape thing was Moses doing. Three days out of Egypt, they felt Moses had made a mistake instead of following God's instruction, they complained and questioned his leadership and God's choice for a leader.

Now, go forward to the time Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem and listen to the people proclaiming he was Son of David and Messiah. However, when most of them learned he was a suffering Lamb instead of a military leader, their cheers of endorsement turned to jeers of "crucify him!" How quickly things can change. Or do they?

Perhaps you find it easy to praise God for who He is on Sunday, but question his love Monday. You find peace in the fact God loves you, but fail to see you owe him a debt you can never repay. Does your obligation lead you to serve him through serving and witnessing? Do you gladly accept where you are or do you constantly question God's leading? Are you searching for those who need to know God's love? Are you praying for those who cannot pray for themselves?

Today is a good day to serve the Lord. In that case, there is only one thing left to do. Ask God to search your heart and mind to uncover your motive. Failure to do that may only further frustrate God and irritate you.

Just Thinkin'... WebServant

1. Developed from Read the Bible Thru ( Ex. 13:17b-15:19 Mt. 21:23-46 Ps. 26:1-12 Pr. 6:16-19 )
2. Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society

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