Exodus 1 - 5.20.21
Scripture
Exodus 1:17 The midwives, however, feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live.
Observation
Exodus 1:8 Then a new king, to whom Joseph meant nothing, came to power in Egypt. 9 “Look,” he said to his people, “the Israelites have become far too numerous for us. 10 Come, we must deal shrewdly with them or they will become even more numerous and, if war breaks out, will join our enemies, fight against us and leave the country.”
Understanding
○ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Prov. 1:7
○ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. Prov 9:10
○ However, Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you will not sin.” Exodus 20:20
Exodus 1:20 So God was kind to the midwives and the people increased and became even more numerous. 21 And because the midwives feared God, he gave them families of their own.
Application
Abba Father, Creator of the universe, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments, let your ear be attentive and your eyes open to hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for your servants, the people of Santa Clarita. I confess the sins we, including myself and my father’s family, have committed against you. We have acted very wickedly toward you. We have not obeyed the commands, decrees and laws you gave your servant Moses.
In so many areas of our heart we have forgotten you.We have allowed the fear of man and circumstances to enthrone itself in us. Father, you are the king of our hearts and we enthrone you to your rightful place.
Holy Spirit we invite you to break the hardness of our hearts that keeps us from receiving your word. May the Fear of the LORD overtake us and renew courage in us to face the enemy with the confidence of the LORD!
Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting us favor!
May we arise and stand for you!
-Deborah Lee
Philippians 1-5.18.21
Scripture
Philippians 1:27
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is writing to the church in Philippi and verses 19-30 “speaks of Paul’s hope of being released from house arrest.” (bibleref.com)
Understanding-What does it mean?
Paul reminded the believers in Philippi that whatever situation they were placed in, their life must be conducted in “a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”
Life Application
God will hold us accountable to how we respond in not just ideal situations, but also difficult ones.
Paul was one of the greatest apostles who wrote a majority of the New Testament! However, he seemed to always be imprisoned for his faith. Regardless of his circumstances, he continued to find ways to not only be joyful, but stay on mission for Jesus Christ, even though in jail or house arrest.
As the Apostle Paul’s life proves, there’s still a way to be joyful and on mission for Jesus Christ even when going through hard and painful seasons. “We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us (Romans 8:37).”
What are some ways we can still be joyful and on mission for Jesus even through less than ideal situations like grief, pain, illness, financial hardship and the like?
Dear Lord, please reveal to us creative ways to continue to live a life worthy of our calling and mission to multiply Christ followers everywhere. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
Ephesians 6-5.17.21
Scripture
Ephesians 6:10-17
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Observation-What does it say?
Paul is saying that we are continually in a spiritual battle and war; therefore, we must be guarded, prepared and take up our offensive weapon, “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (vs. 17)
Understanding-What does it mean?
A couple of years ago, I memorized this passage in Scripture. The thing that stood out to me was that the enemy doesn’t send out his B-team to attack Christ followers. It is the devil’s A-team (rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil.) However, these spiritual forces have no hold over Jesus Christ. In John 14:30, Jesus told His disciples that the “prince of this world has no hold over me.” Also, God gives us the tools through HIs Spirit and His Word to counter ALL of those attacks.
Life Application
Pastor Gary has been preaching an awesome series on guarding our minds and heart and taking up our armor and weapon (God’s Word and the Holy Spirit) against the enemy’s attacks.
All of those messages are on our DSC YouTube channel: UC-OoOPkSrGKl1M_AxaAOFjw
Watch or review one of them today, share it on your social media page or text it to a friend and let us apply those truths to our lives!
-Michelle Gaddi