‭‭Exodus‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else.”

We have shared a lot recently on how fear can be crippling. We have also shared how important it is to have a relationship with both Christ Jesus and our earthly friends. Do you ever wish you would have said or done something but was too scared to do so? Or maybe you didn’t think you were equipped? 

Today’s verse is just a snippet from the story of Moses and Aaron. You can read the entire passage found in Exodus 4: 1-17. When Moses didn’t think he could speak the words God had given him, God gave him Aaron to help deliver the message. 

Everything we are going through here on Earth is God preparing us for what’s ahead. Whether we say yes or no, God will move on to someone like an Aaron for His plan to be fulfilled. As you think about your “yes”’ and “no” answers, think about how God is getting you ready. Join me in worshiping with the song, “He’s Gettin Me Ready” by Darin and Brooke Aldridge.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Help me turn my wishes into saying yes to Your perfect will. When I say no, give me an Aaron to help deliver Your message. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭32‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plants.

So far this week we’ve admitted giving an apology is hard and that we all have messes in our lives. In our key verse, it is refreshing to know that the word of God can make us teachable. In our messes there is a lesson to be learned. Often it is humility. Are you teachable?

We are God’s tender plants. May we always be reachable and teachable. May we always slow down and reflect on teachable moments. Envision God showing you with His love and word. Let’s ask God what areas of our lives need watering.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to be reachable and teachable. Teach me. Shower me. Show me what areas of my life need watering. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭40‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭MSG‬‬ — But all who are hunting for You— oh, let them sing and be happy. Let those who know what You’re all about tell the world You’re great and not quitting. And me? I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing: make something of me. You can do it; You’ve got what it takes— but God, don’t put it off.

Life is messy, right? Often we think our stories are messier than others. In reality, we all have messes in our lives. When we are transparent, we learn that we are not alone. I value the close-knit friendships I have, where transparency comes easily. I also value how God can turn my messes into messages for His Glory.

I love The Message version of today’s verse. It comes right out and says, “I’m a mess.” For me and my life, I can relate. How about you? Does your life seem messy? Have you been able to be transparent? Transparency can lead to the healing of our hearts and minds. It also lets others know that they are not alone. Lauren Daigle reminds us in her song that we will “Be Okay.”

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for walking with me through all of life’s messes. Help me be transparent so that I can bring You glory. Remind me to keep looking up and that it will be okay. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Psalm‬ ‭38‬:‭18‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.

Do you struggle with the words “I am sorry?” We are human so the natural answer is probably a yes. Last week Deborah shared about friendships. Often our closest friends, especially spouses and our children, don’t always get to hear an apology.

In this verse from Psalms iniquity means sinfulness. Although we may not have physically sinned in our relationships, our thoughts may be sinful. Often our thoughts will determine our words and actions. An apology may not solve everything but it is working toward the humility of our hearts and minds. It is also the first step in healing a bruised relationship.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for the forgiveness we have through Christ Jesus. Give us the humility we need to extend a heartfelt apology when needed. May our thoughts, words, and actions be in line with Your word. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Deuteronomy‬ ‭7‬:‭9‬ ‭NIV — Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.‬‬

Join me here for See You Saturday as I talk about a thousand generations of worship.

Worship with “Holy Forever” by Chris Tomlin.

Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV — He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations.‬‬

1 Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations.

Jesus wrote in Matthew ‭11‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

One of my favorite and more widely used hymns, “Spirit Song,” was written by John Wimber in 1979. You can read more on umcdiscipleship.org. Some of the lyrics sing, “Let Him have the things that hold you and his Spirit like a dove, will descend upon your life and make you whole.”

In reading our key verse I envision myself surrendering all my burdens over to God so that He can give me rest. 

As our week on hymns comes to a close, I thought by sharing this musical video we could sing the words ourselves. Watch as Greg Sungshik Shin guides us through the musical notes.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for a week of beautiful hymns. I, as Your lamb, ask that you fill me up on this Friday. I surrender all my burdens to You and ask for rest.

Psalm 25:14 —The Lord Confides in those who fear Him; He makes His covenant known to them.

John Sammis and Daniel Towner first published “Trust and Obey” in 1887. You can read more on Hymnologyarchive.com. Some of the lyrics sing, “While we do His good will, He abides with us still and with all who will trust and obey.”

In our key verse we read about that holy, healthy fear I talked about a few weeks ago. Our Pastor recently asked us if we had enough faith. He went on to say, we have enough faith that God has assigned. If we need more, God will provide it. The real question is, do we have enough confidence in God to act on our faith. 

I had to search a little harder for a version that I enjoyed, eventually finding this rendition by Chelsea Moon and the Franz Brothers.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for giving me all the faith I need to accomplish Your will. Give me the confidence I need to act on my faith. Abide in me as I do Your will. May I have the holy, healthy fear that I need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.