"Yahweh! The LORD! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness."
Exodus 34:7
Exodus 34:7
My Take-Aways:
Something Old:
"What do I sacrifice on the altar of my idols?"
Something New:
Exodus 32:14
God changed His mind.
Exodus 32:17
Joshua was not with Aaron and the others when the golden calf was made.
Something to Do:
Ask God to forgive me for giving His affections to another.
Waiting can cause weariness. Weariness can cause weakness. Weakness leads to temptation. Temptation leads to sin.
We must be better "waiters."
We must be better "waiters."
34 Comments:
that was unbelievable, I hadnt remembered that God was forgotten so quickly.Help me not to cave into weakness and remember His faithfulness even when I am waiting and waiting for my families transformation.Also sins of the fathers makes me realise my behaviour has long reaching consequences, I need to be totally dependant on our Father and ask for daily strength and forgiveness to keep my eyes only on Him.
I need to saturate myself in the Word so people can see Gods presence in me as Moses radiant face did for the people around him.
Thankyou Wendy I am learning so much
Susan xx
Wendy, great vlog. I will be pondering those questions myself.
The readings today were rich. I also took note of Aaron's actions. When Moses asked him about the calf, the Mom in me saw through this lie immediately: "I simply threw it into the fire - and out came this calf." Really, Aaron? Because verse 4 says you molded it into the shape of a calf. Trying to please people will always lead to lies and compromise.
New to me: Ex 32:29 when the Levites sided with Moses and they became ordained for the service of the Lord. For some reason I thought the setting apart of the Levites occurred before the ceremony with Aaron from yesterday's reading.
My to do: I will share what I learned from Gayle Erwin's sermon regarding Moses' time in the mountain. Mr. Erwin said something else happened the time that Moses went up to the mountain that is more important than the tablets. It is found in Ex. 34: 6-7. He said that everytime we go to the scripture and see this typed in all caps: "LORD" think back to this passages because it reveals the nature of God our Father. And
the LORD is:
compassionate
gracious
slow to anger
abounding in mercy and faithfulness
mercy to thousands
forgiving wickedness
forgiving rebellion
forgiving sin.
He asked that we commit this to memory. Because knowing God's nature determines how we deal with each other. This is my to-do for today and tomorrow, and the next day and the next.
(Mr. Erwin discusses this in detail in his book "The Father Style" - a fresh look at the nature of God the Father. This is a sequel to The Jesus Style.)
Goodnight from chilly So Cal. Looking forward to reading all your comments in the morning.
Have a blessed day and remember our LORD.
Wendy - love your heart for God, His Word. And way to go on the vlog!
OH MY!
I am overcome with our LORD, with You dear Wendy, G&P and all my wonderful GIG and FIG.
Please is there someway these insightful comment's can be printed out?
New to computer world and new to Studying the Bible. I would love to have these comment's to dig deeper.
If anyone knows how to print this section, please let me know how.
May we keep strong and not grow weary.
slee, FL
Your message brought tears to my eyes, Wendy and has given me ALOT to ponder on and pray about. The word was rich and can't wait to dig deeper into from all the notes I took from your vlog. One of the many things I noticed in Ex 32:16, These tablets were God's work, the words on them were written by God himself. Foreshadowing of the Bible we are not reading?
Question to whomever - What is the significance of the yeast and no yeast in the Bible? I have always wondered that?
Thanks everyone - Bethany, OH
Wendy, You touched my heart this morning, and I will say we shared very similar thoughts. It seems like last year as I read through His Word, I was always very quick to think and probably(I wrote) HOW could they?
Something old in a new way:
This year it is just the opposite with me. I'm slow to judge, and very quick to think about my own shoes. We have Him in us, His presence. We have His Word,that tells us everything from the beginning of time. And, I know I still put "other" Gods before Him. God is working on one in particular with me right now, and I must say the only way to "let go." is to "let God." Lean on Him. Seek Him. Focus on Him.
Something New: I did not know that Tabernacle in Hebrew means “Tent of Meeting.”
Something to do: Ponder over idols that take front row seat in my own life! Thinking about what "golden calf" is hindering me from loving God with my whole heart, whole mind, whole soul, and whole strength.
Today's reading was so very good, there is so much I'd like to chat about, so I'm eager to read all the comments today! Grace & Peace-I so love everything you find for us! That list re: the LORD! Awe! No wonder He keeps pursuing us. He is such a compassionate and loving God. And, what a list to hold in our heart's as we deal with others' around us! Love that!
Have a GREAT Thursday dear friends!
Lori
Happy Thursday to you all!
Thank you for your insights Wendy. It is easy to criticize "these people", but this reading applies to me, today. I need to sit up and take note...
I loved what you brought to the disussion, Grace and Peace. Thank you for sharing. It is hard not to focus on the harsh side of God - the God of the Old Testament instead of seeing the very nature and essence of our LORD.
Exodus 34:14 stays with me : "You must worship no other gods, but only the LORD, for he is a God who is passionate about his relationship with you".
Thank you. God bless each one as we dwell in Him,
Marianne
Wendy, thanks so much for your teaching today. I loved today's reading and your analogy to a dripping spigot versus a fireman's hose was right on. My page of notes today is prolific.
Thanks for all the comments so far - I love when God describes Himself and I wrote down the list that Grace and Peace provided - good to memorize.
I am feeling such a longing in my spirit today to know God the way Moses did. Face to face, friends. I feel like I know a lot "about" God but am lacking in that "friendship" area. How can I go deeper. Also, Moses' response to God's choosing him was to rely on God for wisdom and direction - so often I am off doing my own thing.
I need to think about the idols and gods in my life - and what I sacrifice to them. Would love you all to give some examples and how to overcome....
Blessings, Val
As far as printing:
You can copy and paste them into a MS Word document and print from there.
Great idea!
Oh what a wonderful message today Wendy. Yowza!
Bethany: yeast in the bible signifies sin. Like a little bit of yeast in the bread dough spreads and effects the entire loaf; so a little sin introduced into a group spreads throughout.
Slee: I've been able to highlight what I want to print and then cut and paste it to for example word pad or something like that and then print it from word pad.
Today was so full of good stuff I don't know what to limit my points to but I'll try.
Old: The Lord changed His mind. Our prayers and petitions do matter to Him.
New: Exodus 32:34: And when I come to call the people to account I will certainly hold them responsible for their sins". No excuses when that day comes - Jesus is going to look us in the eyes and we will be humbled by Him.
Nugget: Exodus 33:16: "Your presence among us sets Your people and me apart from all other people on the earth." Do others take notice? Do I look set apart from this world? I sure hope so.
Morgen
Like Morgen, I pray that my face will be radiant because I have been in God's presence, for His glory, and as a testimony to those around me....especially unsaved family members....who know and love me, warts and all!
Morgen,
Thanks for your response! WOW!
To my dear FIGs thank you for your words. As I, too, was indignant about the shortness of memory of the Israel people, I read this line in an old study: "Just because we worshiped God and walked with Him yesterday does not mean we will do so today." I must choose to be a "waiter", to walk daily, hourly, minute by minute to walk and worship God.
The impatience of the people was followed by sin, followed by consequences, then repentance, and God's gracious forgiveness, when all it would have taken was some faith and restraint.
Blessings,
Gaylene
Blessings of this Thursday to one and all!
I also have two pages of notes after having read today's lesson...and I could write another two after having visited here.
WOW
Me too, me too, me too...this year through I am seeing myself *wince* in the shoes of the Israelites rather than merely observing them and wondering how they could be so dense. I love how God can get us to laugh at ourselves!
It's so hard to pick what to write this morning - one page my notes are "a stubborn and rebellious people" and the other is "the presence of the Lord". Both are so good!
To summarize, especially as we are preparing for Lent, I am asking the Lord to search me and show me what is keeping me from him. What impatience has led me into temptation and that temptation into sin? From what can I fast that I might grow into deeper relationship with God my creator who wants a relationship with me? (Exodus 32:1-6)
I want to treasure the words of the Lord, for they are indeed our daily bread. I want to rest in him, to know he looks upon me favorably and that everything will be fine. He knows me by name, and will show me mercy and compassion. I want to live in the knowledge and give thanks every day that "his presence among us sets us apart from all other people on earth" (Exodus 33:12-23)
Too, I just have to say I loved reading how Moses interceded for the Israelites. What a leader of men and what a friend of God!
Finally, I took to heart Moses' words to God as my prayer:
"let me know your ways so I may understand you more fully and continue to enjoy your favor." Exodus 33:13
Amen!
Be radiant today, sisters!
Liz
Alaska
Dear Wendy, your vlog today really touched me. Thank you for being so humble, and sharing your heart with us. God bless you.
I have learned so much from all of the ladies' comments.
What caught my eye today was when Aaron told the people to take their gold earrings to make the idol. I was drawn back to yesterday's reading from Exodus 25:1-2 where God told Moses to tell the people of Israel to bring their sacred offerings, accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them. It is those things that I hold back from the Lord that lead me into sin. What is my heart not willing to surrender to the Lord? How am I using it to build my own idols? I am more like Cain than I thought. Back on day 2, in Genesis 4 we read that Cain brought "some" of his crops but not his "best" like Abel did. God told Cain if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at the door. Forgive me Father for not giving you my whole heart.
Kathy in Indy
Great scripture application! I love how you pulled the Ex. 25 and Cain and Abel in.
Good stuff. Like connecting the dots.
Good morning FIGS --
Wendy what a powerful VLOG today!! Thank you for sharing.
One of the things that really struck me about Aaron and how I relate it to my life -- when I take my eyes off God and look at man (leaders) I can be lead astray. It is so important that we have that personal relationship and meet with God (just like Moses did). I am learning that that is a minute by minute relationship. Not just when I feel like it - but before I do or say anything "Lord, is this pleasing to You?" To keep Him in my thoughts at all times. It is so easy to be led astray by the world - I stray way too often. Tearing down idols has been a lifelong process and until I meet Jesus face to face I think I will always be dealing with something. Thank you, Lord, that You are quick to forgive and slow to anger.
vs. 32:11 "Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend." I desire that relationship with the Lord. I believe the Lord is showing me to establish that "Tent of Meeting" and meet with Him first thing in the morning. Some days I just sleep in and then rush to "catch up" - those are usually my bad days.
Another nugget for today was when God hid Moses in the cleft of the rock and let Moses see Him from behind -- But my face will not be seen - chapter 33:23.
Kind of confused about meeting with God face to face in the Tent of Meeting - but God hides him in a rock so as not to show Moses His face - any insight into that?
Teri
When we started this week's readings I was sure I wasn't going to find anything new. I was sure mistaken.
I like many of you have lots of notes scribbled in my pad today.
My old: How descriptive is God's anger at the Israelites? WHOA? I just felt like something was pulling at me to stop right there and really study that message.,,,
God is really fired up. And then, how compassionate is Moses' plea to God to release his anger and forgive the Israelites. What a true brother to his people.
My new: Moses covered his face with a veil. I had not remembered this at all. His face was so radiant that the people were afraid to even come close to him. I hope that not only my face, but my actions are that revealing to my family and friends and they can see the love of Christ in me.
I could really go on and on today. But am anxious to read the comments from others.
Blessings,
Betty
Wendy,
I just wanted to tell you how much your vlog spoke to me. I love to see your emotion and how the Spirit is using you to communicate!
You are so right about how much there was to learn in this reading,but my big take away has been something I have been struggling with for awhile.
I have been told I can't change God's mind or His plan,by some women who know a lot more about the Bible than I do. So, I really had no scripture to think otherwise.
The reason this scares me so much is due to the fact we don't know God's plan for Claire. I pray every night for one more day with her! I pray that His plan for her is a beautiful long fulfilled life,but if it is not I pray he might change his mind.
Any how after that rattling on, the point is,today the scripture did my heart good to hear He does hear us, and in some cases, could change His mind.
2 Kings 20 "Hezekiah's Illness" was the first place I found God changed his mind and now I have another scripture to help me.
I am so thankful that God has brought me to this place and is teaching me so much. Thank you Wendy for your obedience in serving Him this way!
Good afternoon everyone...I listen to the vlogs during my lunch hour so I have the privilege of reading several comments before I dive in.
Wendy - the message today just about made my bawl at my desk! God's Word is so powerful...two-edged sword! I have always been amazed at the Israelites' short-term memory loss in the desert - oh, but how impatient I become! Lord please forgive my short-comings!
I absolutely love this portion of Scripture. The friendship between God and Moses is so beautiful. I love how in Chapter 32 they go back and forth with God saying "your people", Moses replying "no your people." Just like friends :)
Chapter 33 has them also conversing back and forth...God said, Moses said, God said, Moses said. It reminds me how much God wants me to just "converse" with him--pray without ceasing.
I want to throw out a resource because I feel there are some wonderfully annointed Bible teachers out there...Kristen Sauder of Further Still Ministries has a Bible study titled God Seeker that focuses on Exodus 33 and offers some wonderful insight on the tent of meeting and how that looks in our life. You can seek her out at www.furtherstillministries.org
Again - Wendy, thank you so much for your teaching...every day is a blessing to me along with everyone's thoughts.
Trying to stay warm in Louisville KY! Tomorrow is Friday and going to see a Jeremy Camp concert!
Wendy,
The vlog was wonderful. We are all guilty of putting MANY other things before God. Often we do not realize that we are guilty of this. Upon reflection, if we are honest with ourselves, we all have culpability in this area daily. Thank you for reminding us of this.
God bless you for your hard work and all you do.
Chip
Val, one of the 'idols' I've been dealing with is certain TV shows. I don't watch much, but one show in particular starts just at my children's bedtime. The premise isn't bad necessarily but there's just no need to go there. I found myself rushing through our bedtime routine and devotions with my kids so that I could be settled in front of the TV so that I wouldn't miss any juicy second. So, I'm purposely letting us get a few minutes behind schedule so that I'm still with my kids when it starts and then working on other, better things instead - finishing laundry or reading - instead of turning on that show. I had put my desire to be 'in the know' about what was happening with the show ahead of important time with my family or God's best for me - I know He doesn't want me to watch that. Is that what you mean? Does that help?
Liz, Wendy's message reminded me of Lent's nearness, too. Wendy, when you were talking about how the Israelites couldn't even wait a measly 40 days for Moses to return, the '40 days' jumped out at me. Lent is just that long, and this year I feel as if He's calling me to do a Daniel fast. I've always given up something for Lent, but Biblical fasting was never something that was discussed in my church or home as a kid, and I've only been learning about it recently. I don't know why God wants me to do this, but I'm determined to find a way if that's what He wants. Thinking about the I's made me realize just how easy it is to rationalize rebellion away. I don't want to do that. I want to walk into this with my eyes on God and to stay focused throughout the 40 days. Thanks for reminding me of what NOT to do!!
Gaylene, what you said about waiting reminded me of the song 'Waiting' from the movie 'Fireproof.' You can dl it for free right now if you go to http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/valentinesday/index.php?id=89082825440.
The reactions of Moses and Aaron jumped out at me today. Both had personally met and spoken with God. Both were chosen by Him for a particular task and had witnessed many, many miracles firsthand. In today's reading, both of them were faced with a temptation: for Aaron, to go along with the people and be popular or to stay true to God, and for Moses, to agree to God's new plan and take Abraham's place as the father of a nation or plead on behalf of these former slaves that he was not even raised with. What a contrast in their answers! Aaron doesn't hesitate at all, just jumps right in with the people's plan and, as someone pointed out, even lies about it. He's all ofr instant gratification. Moses, however, immediately asks God to reconsider His plan and to be merciful to the Israelites, even though he will then remain in his frustrating, unwanted, and difficult position as leader. If he had not objected and God and destroyed the I's, Moses' job would've been over! He'd have been off the hook! Yet he didn't take it - he resisted what surely was at least a bit tempting and took the hard road. That's what I want to be like - easily identifiable for God, even when it's hard. What an example!
Have fun at the concert, Val! Sounds like fun. :-)
Tina - your post touched me so deeply. I will pray for Claire and the walk you are on with the Lord right now. Thank you for your transparency.
Gee....giving up something for Lent is coming up for me a number of times the past few days....I'm trying to figure out what God wants me to give up this Lenten season. Pondering....
Morgen
God chooses who He will show compassion to. I also believe that only He knows and has pre-ordained those that will turn their hearts towards Him and believe. He knows who He has called. This brings both peace and God-fear to my heart. God is God. He will do as He wishes, none of us can control Him with our wants and wishes. It is by His grace we even have breath, and to praise Him in all things, I believe is one of the wisest things we can do. The passage that hit me today:
Ex. 33:19 "For I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose".
From one of our past readings, I am reminded that God chose to harden Pharaoh's heart countless times, in order to fulfill His plans for His people... Pharaoh ultimately could not control any of that. God is the one who can harden people's hearts, as much as He shows mercy to all of those He has drawn to His heart. It is only by His mercy that I can "see" the truth found only in Him and by reading His word. It is by His grace that I continue to seek Him, He continues to draw me back to Him, Praise Jesus.
I pray He will never harden my heart towards Him (b/c He totally could if He wanted to!), my prayer is that He continues to have mercy on me.
Krista
Old but in a new way: Moses melted down the golden calf but then he ground up the gold, added water to it and had the people drink it! I tried to find info on the hazards of drinking gold or its benefits but there is no real evidence of benefit or harm to one's health. It didn't seem linked to any of the events that came after that either. Did anyone else look into that issue?
New: I wondered why God didn't punish Aaron for his sin in making the idol? He helped to lead so many others into sin. God was angry at the people but He didn't even mention Aaron's responsibility in the situation-or I should say lack of responsibility.
Observation: after the punishing plague the Lord forbid the Israelites from wearing jewelry from then on- Two punishments-one where pain was inflicted and the other where a somewhat vain priviledge was taken away. It caused me to reflect on priviledges I have that could possibly lead me to sin if I don't use them properly.
Another thing: Certainly Moses didn't want God to kill the Israelite people but it struck me that Moses was concerned formost about the Lord's reputation before the Egyptians. He says in 32:11, The Egyptians will say, 'God tricked them into coming to the mountains so he could kill them and wipe them from the face of the earth'. Moses didn't want God's reputation tarnished eventhough God had every right to slay all of the people who had worshipped the idol.
Last thing: Anyone could go to the Tent of Meeting to consult with the LORD. But it seems like only Moses took advantage of the opportunity. Ex. 33:11 Joshua, son of Nun, stayed behind in the tent of Meeting. Wow!-he was in there, in the presence of the Lord. What did they talk about? I remembered that Joshua (and Caleb)were the only ones who reported that the land could be taken when the Israelites sent the spies into the Promised Land the first time. Joshua's faith was certainly being built with the one on one time he had with the LORD. How many times do I think about doing that and then decide I have something else is more important to do? Ouch!
Oh, Cindy, the earrings! I thought it interesting that slaves had the choice to pierce their ears to show that they were choosing to serve their master. I don't know how the I's came to have pierced ears, but it seems ironic that they did have them and then removed those to make their idol... almost like they were showing physically that they were taking back their willingness to serve God. Just a thought.
Hi friends,
I wanted to respond to Tina...i recall that Abraham, in Genesis18:16-33 (on January 6th of our reading) interceeded/petitioned for the inhabitants of sodom and gamorah, and God agreed to not destroy the cities for the sake of 50/45/40/30/20/10 Righteous people. (of course, we know from the outcome, that there were NOT even 10 righteous people...) the point being, abraham seems to have 'helped' God adapt His plan through his intercession... again, as morgen pointed out, PRAYERS MATTER!! i believe in the power of prayer...
to those who are considering the daniel 40day fast, there is some great info and resources at jentezen franklin's website (jentezenfranklin.org). his church, free chapel in gainsville georgia, does a corporate 21 day fast at the beginning of each year...giving the first of the year to God. i've done it a few years and it is powerful! a wonderful way to draw near to God.
you ladies are just amazing, and i learn so much each day, it blows my mind....
regarding the guestion about yeast, i also recall that during the exodus from egypt that the israelites fled, and didn't have time to bake the bread in the standard way, so the absence of yeast (ie. unlevened bread) is a reminder of the exodus from egypt, and the deliverance of the Lord.
kathy in indy...wow!what you said 'it is those things that i hold back from the Lord that lead me to sin'....i need some serious quiet time to reflect on this...it affects at a visceral level...
and, oh, i add my AMEN to the prior comments regarding our annoyance at the silly israelites....last year, my 1st time reading thru, i judged them for being so dumb...how could you forget about God, get tangled up in all the ridiculous ways of the foreign folk/gods....BUT THIS YEAR, i am seing myself in a mirror...the Word humbles me...it is printed with the words 'amy jane' where it used to say the 'israelites'...reminding ME to not worship other gods, to not forget Him, to value and respect and revere and worship Him, to not grow weary in the 'how long's...wow, wow, wow....
thank you all for accompanying me on this most sacred journey...
love,
amy jane
Amy
Natalie Nichols has just led a group on a 21 day fast and the testimonies are amazing. She has done this with Jentzen Franklin's church in the past. She has some excellent teaching and information on her website concerning fasting. It's Shades of Grace.org
God bless you as you seek Him.
Thank you Wendy for the teaching today and your humility. I was taken by v14- So the Lord changed his mind. WOW..
Hi Ladies-
Started a google account, so I'm testing to see if it works!
Wendy, the vlog today was awesome and really made me think...
My little one has been keeping me busy this week, so I haven't been able to post...she is not very patient with mommy when I get on the computer :) She does talk up a storm though and smile at Wendy when I watch the videos!! So cute!
My nugget came from Exodus 34:14- It makes me feel really good to consider and think about how God wants a relationship with me (little ol' me) as much as I want to develop one with Him! Wow...
Elizabeth
WOW...today was ssssooo good, and all of you ladies have made it even "gooder". :) I just wish I could see Wendy's vlog, sigh...maybe the Lord will send someone else to transcribe it for those of us who can't watch it.
In 34:7 where God told Moses His name and what it meant, the commentary I was reading did some word studies.
~Iniquity... error, general forms of sin.
~Transgression... rebellion, concious violation of the law
~Sin... habitual disobedience.
Kind of sheds a new light on those words for me.
My take away...33:13 Let me know Your ways so I may understand You more fully and continue to enjoy Your favor...I know your name. Oh, wow...He knows my name! How awesome, now I need to live a life that is pleasing to Him.
Keep close to the LORD, FIG's.
Jan TN
To Anonymous -
Thanks for the info about the Daniel fast! Heading off to check it out now ...
Amy
Thank you again Wendy. I love your tender heart and it makes me take more time to listen patiently and ponder - with the lesson and later.
I'm learning so much here from everyone.
I loved the intimacy between Moses and God. The back and forth. That God would change His mind and that Moses would ask for mercy and grace for the people - who did not deserve it. Those people! Last week I could see parts of "Pharoah" in me, this week I see myself as a "Aaron" who gives into peer pressure so easily and lies. And even makes the lie seem ridiculous.
I'm so thankful for God's mercy and grace. Wow - He loves me this much.
joan
Wendy, I give praise to the Lord for your insight. You were right on target for me with, "What do I sacrifice on the altar of my idols?" I want to dwell on this thought for quite awhile. I so many times find myself thinking,"Oh, Jeanne, you love the Lord." However, this made me realize that I also love others so very much...if I had to choose!!!!??? Please, dear God, let me place you above all else and everyone else in my life...my children, my grandson...Oh my!!! Thank you, Wendy!!!!
My take aways: 32:14...He is a God of second and sometimes third chances. Halleluia!!!!
32:26..."All of you who are on the Lord's side... " I must be completely obedient to His Will to be on His Side.
33:1"...I will not travel among you, for you are a stubborn and rebellious people..." The Holy Spirit in not with us when we are rebellious, etc.
I want to claim Ex.33:16 for myself--> it truly is not about religion; there has to be a relationship with the Lord our God that sets us apart; that relationship must be visible to others. Our entire person should radiate as Moses' face did.
Ex.32:29 I suppose this is my nugget as it is something I want to say to myself every day:
Jeanne, today you have ordained yourself for the service of the Lord, for you have obeyed Him EVEN IF IT MEANT ...... Today, you have earned a blessing. He will lead and guide in the EVEN If's... I had one today, but it was difficult.
Rest tight in the Lord's Arms tonight,
Jeanne, NC
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