"You must only serve the LORD your God."
Exodus 23:25
Exodus 23:25
My Take Aways
Something Old:
God really wants us to only serve Him. This is all He has ever wanted from His children.
Something New:
Exodus 24:13
Joshua is said to be Moses' assistant. (Note: Watch carefully as Joshua emerges as a leader. This is second mention of Joshua. Exodus 17:9)
Something to Do:
Beware of the company I keep.
19 Comments:
Oh My,
Yes Wendy, we truly only need a "few Good Friends" and must take the rest of the world with a grain of salt. "We must BE the Change we want to see", strong in our walk with the Lord, ever grateful for his protection, grace and mercy.
Endeavor went off this moring at 4:15 am, what an AWESOME sight to see this ball of fire in the heavens out over the ocean.
Father God may you surround their misson with saftey.
I thank you Lord for my many blessings, to see your mighty works this morning, humbles me.
slee, FL
Good Morning! Wendy, I just agree with everything you said on your vlog. Your message reminds me of my boys' Kdg. teacher, many years ago. They were both blessed to have the same teacher, a wise grandma-teacher, that never minced words with the children, and managed so nicely to teach them life skills right along with her daily lessons. Also, our pastor spoke on this topic too. I can't remember his exact words, but basically, over-time, we "act like who we hang out with." The world is evil enough, we want to seek to surround ourselves with friends that are always going to point us back to God's truth. And, a few close & loyal friends are way better than a bunch of acquaintances, any day! :)
Now, one little sentence with 7 words was my nugget today:
Something to Do:
“You must not pass along false rumors” (Exodus 23:1). This means more than repeating gossip or slander. The Hebrew word also means that a person should refuse to even listen to slander. [Small talk. Hearsay. Chitchat. Tattletale. Rumor. ---talking about or listening to the affairs of others. (dictionary.com)]
How easy but sinful it is to spread gossip!
“and whoever spreads slander is a fool” (10:18).
“but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends” (17:9).
God even goes as far to say that it is so wicked (gossiping) that He lists it with the 7 sins He hates the most in (Proverbs 6:16-19)!
It’s a subtle sin that a person commits; but, it separates us from God’s presence. So, what can we focus on? “Finally…whatever is true… noble…right…pure...lovely…admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).
Lord, Help my tongue glorify you today in all the things I say.
Hugs, coming your way sweet friends! Lori
PS Ya'll blessed me so much this weekend w/ your comments! Sue, in N. CA. -I completely missed the application of what Jethro said. Thank you for sharing! And, Jeanne, thank you, too for opening up sharing your story!
Wendy - Thanks for your words of encouragement as we read these next few days. I really liked the nugget you shared with us - I have to confess to missing the fellowship I had when I was in high school and college (I am well out of both now!!) - I feel that that level of fellowship is much harder to find as an adult & am praying that God will send me a few good Christian women with whom I can have accountability and a close friendship.
I too had to really dig to find a nugget, but here's what was laid on my heart:
23: 5 "If you see that the donkey of someone who hates you has collapsed under its load, do not walk by. Instead, stop and help."
To me, this goes back to the old "love your enemy" saying that I have struggled with before. I don't have any blatant enemies, as I suspect most of us do not; but I certainly have people that I don't like. God is still calling me to love them and help them as they do not know Him.
Have a great Monday, everyone!
Kate
Wendy I took a look from the other side of your teaching. Am I ever the friend who causes my Christian friends to sin? Sadly I have to admit "yes". My mouth gets the better of me. Lord, thank you for pointing that out to me and forgive me. With Your help I can do better.
Amen
Morgen
Hello friends!
I have missed everyone but was busy with a 10 year old's birthday party and then in bed with something for a few days....Back in the land of the living now!
Wendy, as always, you bless me with your words and nuggets. I have seen that even in "Christian" company, we must be careful to honor God with our time and words. I, too, have been easily led to gossip or other manner of defaming God all under the pretense of "need information to know how to pray." Ouch. Not true.
Something new - I was also catching up on my reading for the past few days but one theme kept coming up. Firstborn. Dedicating/redeeming/sanctifying your firstborn. We have one son and the Lord has really been working on us regarding him. I see how important all things first are important to God especially our firstborn children and sons. He ultimately belongs to the Lord so we must give him back to the Lord. And trust the Lord has He loves our son more than we possibly can.
Something old seen in a new way was Ex. 23:20 - He sent His angel before the people. Wow. Never really paid attention before. He promises to go before us in all our ways. Just as He did for the Israelites. Wow.
Again, glad to be back with you all. Praising God for all the blessings each of you are.
Have a wonderful day!
Good Morning! Wendy - thank you for sharing the wisdom God is shwoing you!
Something Familiar but new:
That Joshua went with Moses. Love the visual that comes to mind - Then Moses dissappears into the clouds (God's glory surrounding him). He climbed higher into the mountain. I sse the clouds as God's extension of his coat saying come and let me warm you - bask in my glory - snuggle up and lay at my feet.
Something New:
Continue to love the foreshadowing:
Ex 4: 4-8 - Drained 1/2 of the bulls's blood and put the other 1/2 in a basin - splattered blood on the pillar he made then splattered the other half from the basin over the people and said "Look this blood confirms the convenant the Lord has made with your in giving you these instructions."
Nugget:
I want to be under God's feet surrounded by his brilliance - to look at him as Holy and to always be in awe of his majesty/power - I have always loved to fly especially being up above incredible looking clouds and above them nothing but the clear blue sky - I will see that setting in a whole new light when I fly again - can't wait for spring break!
Have a great Monday - more snow on the way today for us!
Meredith in OK
Morgen
I love your take-away about causing someone to sin. I never thought about it that way.
It made me think of 1 Corinthians 10;31-33
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— even as I try to please everybody in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved.
Good Morning & Happy Monday,
Wendy your nugget was great. My mom would say show me your friends & I'll know what you are. Lots of truth in that!
My nugget & heard in a new way are one in the same; Exodus 23:1-13 God calls his people to be fair & honest to all people no matter where that person is on the social or economic ladder.
Didn't know that that Joshua was Moses's assistant. Joshua was in training to lead the people & didn't even know it. Also I didn't remember God sending an angel to go before His people.
Lord please send Your angel before all of us to protect & shield us from harm!
Have a great Monday.
Blessings & Peace Mary
Morgen...Thank you for your honesty! The Lord has used you so much this year to point things out to me in my life that are not pleasing to Him. I too let my mouth get the better of me at times and know this is not pleasing unto the Lord.
Lord forgive me! Guide my actions & words (or close my mouth when needed) today and every day!
Loyce
Wonderful comments, girls! Thank you Wendy, for sharing that nugget!
I wanted to share my "something new." It's Ex. 24:11. "And though these nobles of Israel gazed upon God, he did not destroy them. In fact, they ate a covenant meal, eating and drinking in his presence!"
They "gazed" upon Him! I want to research this a little more to see what the commentaries have to say. I love learning these new things!
Have a great day, y'all!
Hugs!
Susan
Morning Everyone,
What great points Wendy and everyone else. God has blessed me so much the past few years with wonderful, godly Christian girlfriends. Kate, keep praying for them and God will bring them your way in His timing. I prayed for about two years for friends in my life after I started staying home with my son. I went through that time where I felt very lonely, but I look back and see that it is in that time that God grew my root system in Him. It was in that time I had lots of Will's nap times to read, pray and study His Word. I got grounded and if I had been surrounded by lots of girlfriends at that time I would have been leaning on them and not searching out God. He brought them in my life in His perfect timing and they are friends like I have never had in my whole life! Keep praying!
My first nugget of truth also goes along with this whole theme of the company we keep. Exodus 23:2. "You must not follow the crowd in doing wrong."
My second one is Exodus 23:30, "I will drive them out a little at a time until your population has increased enough to take possession of the land." We have to trust God's timing and His work in our lives and the lives of others. Look for the little things He does that shows He is working. Little changes will add up to big change before we know it and the enemy will be driven out!
Have a great day everyone! Off to clean this dirty house :)
Brandee, TN
Hi all! This is the first time I've commented as I'm usually reading this on my iphone. Hard to type any comments on that little keyboard! Felt compelled to write today, though, and share my nugget...
(Ex 24:3,7) The people were SO QUICK to answer Moses and say, "We will do everything the Lord commanded. We will obey." Well, we soon learn how quick they are to DISOBEY! I was struck by the idea that I, too, am quick to offer the Lord obedience with my lips when he gives me a fresh revelation or assignment. It seems so great and wonderful and right and easy at the time (and it is!!!), but when it comes down to the nitty gritty of life, I, too, struggle with the follow through of obedience. I desperately need the Lord and his power in my life to do this!
The Lord bless you all today! Thanks, Wendy, for your wonderful blog! My friend and I have been reading since the beginning!
Tiffany in Texas
Wendy thanks for the teaching. I also underlined the scriptures you brought up that is always nice when that happens.
Morgen, I too have been working on my mouth.
God is showing me what all He considers gossip. Funny (not really) how much I thought was just conversation or stating facts, God considers gossip. Here's the Dictionary definition:
* a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts.
* a chatty talk
And going along with what Wendy was stating about watching who we hang around, I feel God is calling me away from a friend that I have. Due to the fact that most of what she says falls under that criteria, it can cause me to go there too, and I know that is not pleasing to God. I feel as if I am being a little of a pharaoh in the fact that I have tried to limit our conversations or time together, (instead of severing the cord all together) And to complicate it more, I work with her. So I have to see her, and therefore I am trying to ease away peacefully. Sorry for rambling, this was not my intent of comments but oblivious is on my heart so prayers are greatly appreciated.
My something new: Ex 23:25-26 my Nephew and Niece are struggling with having a child, so this verse popped out to me. They are the ones I am also praying for their salvation.
Different and Apply: Exodus 23:13
Pay close attention to all my instructions, you must not call on any other gods. Do not even speak their names. I hadn't really seen the part about not even speaking their names, not that I do alot but other god names come up in conversation at times, but as application, I won't speak their name.
Have a great day!
Lynn - OR
Thank you Wendy, for that teaching. My sons have often heard that from me as well: beware the company you keep.
Morgen, the mouth constantly gets us in trouble, doesn't it? Praying for deliverance in that area.
Tiffany fr TX, I know how hard it is to post using the phone! Glad you're joining us.
Brandee, I parked on that verse, too. God drives away our enemies a little at a time until we grow. What came to me when I read this verse is when God gives us a vision - and we know it's from Him - we wonder why it does not happen right away. Then doubts start creeping in, maybe we did not hear from Him after all. We must not waver. Maybe it is because God is "growing us up" by driving away the desires of our flesh. He wants us to be sufficiently mature to handle the responsibilities.
Greetings to All,
My nugget for today was Ex. 23:39 where God promises to drive out their enemies a little at a time. I thought that this is what He sometimes does for me-- gets rid of my "stuff" a little at a time. He is sanctifying me. He knows when I am ready and His timing is perfect.
I enjoyed reading the comments today about friends and gossip. Such wisdom and truth there--but we need His help to do it.
"(Not in my own strength) for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in me (energizing and creating in me the power and desire) both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight." Phil. 2:13 Amplified
That is my prayer for all of us today.
Lyn
Happy Monday everyone!
Wendy, thanks for your vlog today, boy that really was powerful.
The verse that gave me joy this morning was 23:20 - what a promise! "See, I am sending an angel before you to protect you on your journey and lead you safely to the place I have prepared for you." whether it's the place He has prepared for us in heaven or the place where we walk today, we can be assured that we are protected.
I was also surprised when I read that Joshua was Moses' assistant and accompanied him up the mountain. He is being groomed for his life's work in the promised land.
Blessings,
Betty
Whoa!!! when I started the reading this a.m., I thought, "Okay, where's my nugget?" After the vlog and Wendy's great insight, I knew that Ex.23:1 was it. For I have been guilty of doing just that...God has slowly taken the "murmuring" away as I developed a closer walk with Him. So, when I read ya'lls' "professions", I felt better.;) NOW, we can all pray for each other to be strong in that area of our life.
Lynn, I feel that I must share with you that God is going to bless you for seeing that He is calling you away from that friendship. I know the feeling of peace that you will have over time as I,too, removed myself from a great Christian friend...probably the closest friend I've had in my adult life. We did everything together...mission trips with our youth, SS class, taught together, on and on. I finally saw that our f.ship was not being productive in developing God's Kingdom if we were going to find faultwith those we worshipped with and taught. I didn't see the faults of others or talk about it unless we were together...and that was a lot!!!!! Slowly, as Ex. 23:30 implies...He opened my eyes to what I was a part of and what I had allowed to happen. I just couldn't see it; I suppose I didn't want to as we were just like sisters. Then, she began to talk about my family members to others... and finally I could see her for her real worth. I removed myself...and I am so much better for it; I don't even miss what we had because it was an unhealthy relationship in God's eyes. She continues to have "friends" that she and I use to find fault with, and now my true friend is Jesus. He is the only One who truly knows my heart and soul. He truly taught me a valuable lesson that I have peace about...I sinned in that relationship, but thank God, He has forgiven me.
So from the morning to the night, the Lord has presented His Presence to me again when I thought I'd understand nothing. He is so goooooooood.
Love and goodnight,
Jeanne
Wendy,
thank you for your insight today...the company we keep...wow what a huge reminder. As a woman sometimes I struggle feeling "left out" when I don't get invited to something I think would be "fun". But when I stop and think about it, their version of fun is NOT my version of fun. I frequently have a feeling that I don't belong, then I'm reminded that I am an alien in this world!
I have been blessed with one friend God brought into my life 30 years ago and I count her as my sister. I also have another friend I've knows for close to 12 years. Besides my husband, these ladies are so dear to me and I count myself blessed to have them.
My prayer has been to have a Godly mother figure in my life. I don't see too much in the church of Titus women...even as a 40-year old, I feel I need someone to "mentor" me and offer wisdom and encouragement during times of my life.
Wendy - your comment on cancelling the word verification...I've noticed on some blogs there's a "handicap" sign that allows the person to listen and type what they hear...not sure if you've looked into that because I know spam can be a bear to manage, but just wanted to throw that out there.
Enjoying this journey...
Wendy,
Thank you for your wise words of about choosing our companions. We are struggling with this issue with our youngest son-- it is so hard to open his eyes. My prayer is for this to happen without too much heartache in the meantime.
Lyn in OR, I too have a concern with a workplace friend. She is a fun and social person, and we used to have a close relationship, based on the shallow problems of our little worlds and our whiny complaints! We fed off each other! She also had worldly expectations that prevented me from feeling authentic. She was hurtful without even realizing it. This negativity affected the people around us also.
Last year I finally saw how this cloud was oppressing me, and I stepped back from the friendship. The cloud was lifted! It continues to be difficult, because she still attempts to draw me in, and thinks there is something "wrong." But it couldn't be more right, because now I have so much more peace! How does one take a loving approach with companions who are not yet ready to see? For now, I pray.
Blessings,
Jacque
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