January 27

Exodus 4:1 – 5:21, Matthew 18:1-20, Psalm 22:19-31, Proverbs 5:15-21

PRAY: Lord, You’ve brought me through another week and I thank You for keeping me in Your every thought. Please help me to put You first in my thoughts today. I want to consider Your will first, above everything else, in my dealings and decisions. Lord, if there is some assignment You have for me, help me to do it—show me who I can ask to come alongside me. But help me not to keep avoiding Your call. I love You. I trust You. Open my heart and mind to hear Your Word as I read it now. 

READ: The Old Testament reading today opens with Moses protesting God’s call to free His people. “What if they won’t believe me or listen to me? What if they say, ‘The Lord never appeared to you’?” (Exodus 4:1) Even though God empowered Moses with power to perform three miraculous signs (vv3-9), Moses still protested. “O Lord, I’m not very good with words… Lord, please! Send someone else” (vv10a,13). Have you ever said, ‘Lord, send someone else?’ Is there something the Lord is calling you to do—some ministry or assignment—but the doubt living within you says He has the wrong person? Be honored, He is calling you to this task. He doesn’t have the wrong person. Just know, however, things may get more intense once you say yes.

EDIFY: The New Testament reading today opens with the disciples asking “who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven” and closes with Jesus explaining: “I tell you the truth, whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven” (Matthew 18:18). When we choose to align our steps with the Lord’s direction, heaven pays attention. Jesus calls us to enter His Kingdom humbly like a little child. Although Moses doubted his decision (especially when Pharaoh’s hand came down heavier on the Hebrews), Moses stayed the course. Following Christ is not an easy path and obedience is hard. In fact, the heat will be turned up when we decide to trust God. But stay the course. It’ll be worth it.

PRACTICE: God provided Aaron to help Moses. Perhaps the Lord has someone to partner with you as you say yes to God. Jesus says: “If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (Matthew 18:19).  Take a few moments and ask the Lord to give you specific marching orders. Then do it!