Do you see the hand of God in your life? Hebrews 11:27 says, “By faith [Moses] forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; FOR ENDURED AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE.” (Emphasis mine). Seeing the hand of God does not imply anything mystical. It means that you see God working in and through the circumstances of your life. We have a gracious merciful God, who allow things to come into our lives for a reason and purpose. Even when He permits things that we would deem as “evil” it has a purpose in shaping and directing our lives. As we view our lives, we can see how the hand of the Lord has given us direction as we follow Him. We often do not understand the destination, but we end up where He is leading. Ask the Lord to give you the eyes and perspective to see His sovereign hand in your life. … READ MORE

Where is your heart? We often struggle with what is valuable and what is not. Faith’s riches are not found in the material things we acquire. Yet we are so tempted to buy in the philosophy “he who has the most toys wins.” In Hebrews 11:26 we are reminded that Moses, “esteemed the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt; for he looked to the reward.” To often we live for the here and now over the long range and eternal. We want what brings us the immediate pleasure over what is designed to bring us the greatest long term gain. For example, most people are looking forward to retirement, but according to studies, the average American is not saving toward retirement. Reason: They are not willing to sacrifice the immediate pleasures, for the long term goals. Moses was willing not only to give up the temporal, but also to plan for the eternal. I read once, “You can not take anything with you, but you can send some things before you.” My friends, may you live with the goal of pleasing God now. Doing so is only possible if you remember not to sacrifice the long … READ MORE

Have you ever given up a good thing for something that was better, even when the “better” was harder? I remember as a young seminary student, I worked on a small estate in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I had an opportunity to participate in something that I thought was a great opportunity for me. I asked for time off, and the lady I worked for allowed me that opportunity, with some counsel. She said, “Jim, always remember not all good opportunities are the right opportunities for you.” That is a word of advice that I have always held in my heart. In Hebrews 11:24-26 we are told that Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of Gor than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin.” A study of the life of Moses in the book of Exodus reminds us that his role as leader of the nation of Israel was a difficult life. He was subjected to the pain of a people who constantly questioned his right to lead, and his ability to lead. Yet he, willingly accepted his role as a ministry appointed by the Lord. As you are making choices in your life, you need to consider the … READ MORE