Scripture text for Monday, January 25, 2010: Exodus 1:1-2:25
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“The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.” Exodus 1:17
Whom we fear should make all the difference in every part of our lives. Do you fear God more than man? More than a certain man or woman? More than a group or government or nation? These midwives were commanded by Pharaoh to kill the Hebrew baby boys, yet “they let the boys live” despite the possibility of severe punishment for disobedience. Currently, we are more likely to face other kinds of pressure, usually more subtle, to conform to the ways of this world, disobeying God’s commands for us. Perhaps it’s investing your time too much in the Internet, TV or gaming, to the neglect of your marriage, kids, job or prayer and Bible study. Perhaps, it’s going along with the crowd when you know you shouldn’t see that R movie or spend that money on something you don’t really need. It could be anything.
When my husband was a graduate student, we didn’t have much money. I was talking to a close friend about money issues and spoke of tithing. This person suggested maybe we shouldn’t tithe. I was quite upset. I feared God more than fearing not having enough money. So we tithed. In fact, that’s when Hurricane Katrina hit, and our church down in Georgia asked people to commit to 6 months of financial help for the victims. We felt called to help, but didn’t know how it would work. We serve an awesome God! As we gave that extra amount, God blessed us abundantly. As we gave, a bit nervously, that first month, I realized we had the same amount in cash at home that someone had just given us. God blesses us when we put Him first, when we fear Him most! When I come to the end of my life, I hope to see that I feared God more than men.
“He said in a loud voice, ‘Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come.’” Revelation 14:7a
Devotion prepared by Diane Kelley