Forward Together (Exodus 23)

Americans grow up in a culture that promotes independence which makes it tough to understand how to operate dependent on the body of Christ. If we are going to move with God as His body, we must learn to walk together with the other parts, or there will not be a move of God. 

Exodus 23:1-13; deals with justice. We are to consider others more than we consider ourselves. Every decision we make we need to think it through making sure it is what is best for each person that it affects. The majority of the world is swayed by what is most popular. Children of God are only moved by what is just and right, no matter what persecution may follow.

Passion for God equals compassion for humanity, which produces empathy. Jesus, tempted in all ways, can relate to all people. Those who walk with God identify with the hurt, pain, loss, and anger of others. They don't pass by or cause greater oppression but do whatever it is in their means to help. Knowing that if it wasn't for the grace of God they as well would be in a similar situation.

After dealing with how to walk in harmony with each other, God commands Moses that three Festivals must be celebrated each year; the feast of unleavened bread, harvest, and final harvest.

It is hard to celebrate with people unless you get along with them.  When people enjoy each other they look for any opportunity to come together and have a good time.  God wants His people celebrating it is a way to bring glory to God for all He has done.  The world longs for a good time, they love to be able to forget their worries and just let loose.  Those who walk with God have joy, unspeakable, and running over.  We don't need a chemical substance to feel good.  Our drink is living water, and it is a spiritual well deep within our soul.  

When I was a college student, I partied just about every night, I needed alcohol in order to get out of my shell.  I had a lot of good times but I had a lot of regretful moments as well.  I had a girlfriend who invited me to a gathering of young adults at a theatre when I got there it was packed with people singing about Jesus.  They seemed so happy and it caused me to wonder because of my view of Christians as they were boring and serious, obsessed with the end of the world.  I went to Denny's afterward with a bunch of them and they stayed up all night, laughing, and enjoying themselves yet without any chemical substances.  This blew me away and was a serious seed planted in my heart that eventually led me to know the Lord for myself.

When church gatherings are full of people who love life and love each other, celebrating the goodness of God, it will be very attractive.  We will no longer have to pull and push our family and friends to come to church it will be a wanted destination.  People want to get free of their cares, they want to feel loved and accepted.  We as leaders need to create a celebratory environment and the church will grow.

​It is a scary world; mass shootings, terrorist attacks, nuclear threats, police brutality, causing many people to be crippled by fear. The good news is there is a safe place called the presence of the Lord.

The Lord provides protection to those who journey with Him. Someone may say if this is true then why do bad things sometimes happen to Godly people? Jesus did say that those who follow Him will experience suffering. There is certain trouble that cannot be avoided for it goes along with the Lord’s plans. Example of this is when Paul was shipwrecked and bitten by a deadly snake for in him not dying people opened their hearts to God. Unnecessary pain can be avoided if we as it says in Exodus 23:21, “pay close attention to Him, and obey His instructions.” This is only possible if we follow Proverbs 3:5 “acknowledge God in all your ways and He will direct your path.”

We cannot take our life for granted, Satan is waiting for an opportunity to devour us. We must proceed cautiously not haphazardly thinking God will just rescue us anytime we get ourselves in trouble. When we are on God’s right path, His angels go before us and behind us, opposing our enemies, destroying anything in the way of us fulfilling His will. The enemy will try to distract us and get our eyes off of God by tempting us in his evil ways but as we choose to serve the Lord and not walk double minded He will bless us with all we need and protect us from unnecessary harm.
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As our faith increases our enemies will fear us and scatter as we go forth to possess God’s promises. The Lord will enlarge our boundaries and expand our influence as we remain completely surrendered to His will.