Rocky Creek

Before the plagues commenced, Scripture provides a genealogy for Moses and Aaron, highlighting their unsavory family line. Just like these two who were used mightily by God, nothing in your family tree can disqualify you from God’s service.

God reassured Moses that He would be able to redeem the people no matter how bad the opposition seemed to be. In the circumstances that impact our lives, we must remember that there’s not a situation God can’t redeem.

Moses’ initial efforts only increased Pharaoh’s narcissistic rage and the Israelites’ horrific conditions. We must hold on to God’s promises when things get worse before they get better.

As Moses prepared to return to Egypt, God prepared him for the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, but a curious event on the way showed that Moses wasn’t exempt from that very thing. We must prioritize assessing our own personal obedience.

As Moses added to the excuses for why he couldn’t do what God called him to do, God kept providing assurances of why he could go forward. When God calls us to do something, He always equips us with exactly what we need.

Moses received the LORD’s instructions at the burning bush and immediately provided excuses for why he could not do what God asked of him. When we consider what God calls us to do, we must never forget who He is and who we are not.

Moses received the LORD’s instructions at the burning bush and immediately provided excuses for why he could not do what God asked of him. When we consider what God calls us to do, we must never forget who He is and who we are not.

Moses desired to deliver God’s people through his strength, but his efforts would never suffice. If God calls us to something great, we must realize His power must accomplish it.

In what seemed like a random set of events surrounding the first few months of Moses’ life, God orchestrated details to save Moses and God’s people. God rescues us from danger to place us in the center of His plans.

The Israelites intimidated the Egyptian Pharaoh, so he used all forces at his disposal to reduce their presence. No matter how much God’s enemies oppose His people, they will never fully succeed.

As the Book of Exodus commences, God reminds us of how He kept His promises to an unlikely family to fulfill an uncommon calling. God sets the stage to use His people to accomplish His purposes, and nothing can stop Him. 

The angels announced the gracious and glorious arrival of Jesus to a group of panicked shepherds. The gospel emboldens our lives once we comprehend that Jesus actually came for us. 

When the angel informed Joseph of God’s workings regarding Mary, he was willing to go forward with God’s plan. No matter how unconventional God’s plan proves to be, we can go forward if we are confident that God is in it.

If you think our days are full of reasons to fear, you must consider what it must have been like during that first Christmas when God invaded some people’s plans for His own. Met by God, these individuals were all overwhelmed by uncertainty, but the presence and promise of God were meant to rid them of fear and embolden them to go forward. Jesus has come, and everything must change.

Nehemiah left the city for a short time, and opposing voices emerged in an attempt to change direction. When compromises come among the people of God, we must commit to rerouting to God’s expectations.

As the people dedicated the wall’s completion, a joyous celebration commenced. When we celebrate God’s work, we should be known by sincere thanksgiving.

The people of God organized their efforts and installed leaders in critical areas. When we all know our roles, we are better if we serve according to our giftedness and others’ requirements.

As the people commit to keeping the covenant, they also agree to fund the temple’s financial requirements. When we give together, we join our generous offerings and stand amazed at what God does through aligned efforts. 

After listening to the Word of God, the people were aware of their sins and repented. When conviction comes, we must humbly approach God with a restorative desire.

As the people gathered together, Ezra, the scribe, read God’s Word to the assembly to obey it. When the Word is central among the people of God, we can better operate the way God intended us to live.

As the workers prepared to settle into the land, Nehemiah assembled them to ensure all were covered. When everyone is accounted for among the people of God, we can rest knowing that we all have others watching out for us.

The people not only experienced organized efforts to slow them, but certain people also conspired against the leadership. When we’re tempted to slow progress, we must discern God’s will among all the competing voices.

After slowing down the opposition of outsiders, Nehemiah addressed how the rich were wrongfully exploiting the poor among them. When we fail to help each other, we work against that which God has called us to accomplish.

The opposition increased as Nehemiah and the people made progress on the wall. When forces oppose God’s work, we must stay faithful to His calling, knowing that He is more powerful than any resistance aligned against us.

As the work on the wall began, Nehemiah organized the people into specific groups to accomplish the greater task. When we work together as the people of God, we can marvel at the progress He intentionally makes among us.