Image from wallpaperforgod.com
Moses and Aaron did just as the Lord commanded. In the sight of Pharaoh and of his officials he lifted up the staff and struck the water in the river, and all the water in the river was turned into blood, and the fish in the river died. The river stank so that the Egyptians could not drink its water, and there was blood throughout the whole land of Egypt. But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts; so Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the Lord had said. Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart. And all the Egyptians had to dig along the Nile for water to drink, for they could not drink the water of the river. Seven days passed after the Lord had struck the Nile. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Go to Pharaoh and say to him, “Thus says the Lord: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. If you refuse to let them go, I will plague your whole country with frogs. The river shall swarm with frogs; they shall come up into your palace, into your bedchamber and your bed, and into the houses of your officials and of your people, and into your ovens and your kneading bowls. The frogs shall come up on you and on your people and on all your officials.” ’ (Exodus 7:20-8:4)
I know this is gross to some, and you probably haven't had breakfast yet, but it's a Bible story, okay? Good Friday to you, dear Friend! I pray this finds you well and ready for the last day of work for this week and for whatever plans you may have for the weekend. I lovingly remind you to worship the Lord at the church of your choice; surprise your pastor if you haven't been in a while! They can take the shock! (joking!) And if you are in the Seguin area and don't have a church home come visit First Presbyterian where I will be preaching one service at 10:30 a.m. Everyone is welcome and I'd love to see you there!
The story of Moses continues, today's passage gives you a clue of what was to come. God sent Moses before the most powerful king in the world at that time, Pharaoh with the command to release the Hebrews from slavery. Their request for permission to go into the wilderness to have a worship festival did not work and the first of the plagues begins. The first was to turn the Nile River into blood. Remember the Nile was the source of drinking water as well as water for all tasks, including bathing. One cannot drink blood unless you are a vampire, but even vampires, I believe, do not like to bathe in blood. "You shouldn't waste/play with your food!" This first plague was matched by the magicians of Egypt so this left no impression on Pharaoh. The next plague was the plague of frogs. The cute one in today's photo seems harmless enough; it's in its natural habitat; all is well. But imagine a frog in your house. This would send the grandkids squealing with delight, others would squeal with fear, and I'm not telling you which camp I'm in! Suffice it to say one frog in our house, in say, the kitchen would keep some out of that area. But, imagine a houseful of frogs! On your bed, in your toilet, bathtub or shower, your easy chair, your remote control? You get the point of this plague! God said they would be even in the oven, and no one, short of some of our Louisiana brethren, would want baked frogs or biscuits with frogs in them! This plague got to Pharaoh. He said to Moses to rid the land of the frogs and he would release the slaves tomorrow. Just like, "The check's in the mail!" The frogs died, workers piled them up and the whole land stank of dead frog. (Are you enjoying your cereal? Sorry)
God went to extraordinary, supernatural lengths to bring release to the captives in the entire drama that was the showdown with Pharaoh. Blood and frogs were but the start. God goes head to head with our enemies and seeks our release. There is not an enemy that God cannot defeat to bring about our release. Is your life plagued with worry? Is worry your enemy? God can defeat it. Is it sickness? God can defeat it. Is it debt? God can defeat that too. In all the things that plague your life, turn them over to God and seek from Him the release you need, and it will begin in your life. If it's sin, again, through Jesus Christ, God has brought our release and we are free to live our lives in Him! Say this aloud today at various times, to yourself, to your loved one, or to your coworkers, "God is at work in my release and God will prevail!" Okay, you might scare some, but it gives you an opportunity to share a witness of God's love and power!
PRAYER: Awesome Father, be at work in this dear reader's life. You know the burdens they've carried for some time now, and I pray, we pray together, for their release. Bring a glorious victory into their lives so that they may glorify You! Strengthen our faith and make great Your name among us. This we pray, in faith, in the Name above all names, Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Remember to share "God is at work in my release and God will prevail!" And He will!
Eradio Valverde
Friends, we still have room, and the March 5th deadline is coming soon, if you're interested in our tour to Greece, please let me know. For more information for yourself or that you would like to share with friends, click on the link provided here: https://gateway.gocollette.com/link/924557
