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

Josephus, a first century historian, wrote that Moses grew to be so handsome that passerby would stop to look at him. No doubt the heart of Moses’ mother was heavy as she brought him to the gate of the great palace to give him to Pharaoh’s daughter. But even as she had faith as she placed her baby in a little basket in the Nile, she now had faith that God would keep him in the midst of the evils he would face. And there would be many evils, such as the godless Egyptian teaching and idol worship. Although Proverbs 22:6 had not been written yet for encouragement to her, Moses’ mother practiced the principle of doing what she could while she had Moses and then entrusting him to God when he had to leave home. The decisions we make are focused on the knowledge we have acquired. Good decisions are based a foundation of principles that we have built into our lives. If we want to make godly decisions, we must base them on the clear teaching of the Word of God. In order to do that, we must hide those principles into our hearts, so that we might … READ MORE

When exploring the background of Moses as he prepared to lead the nation of Israel out of Egypt, we are reminded of several points to ponder. First, it is critical that we give our children a background that will outlast the teaching and instruction of the world. Moses’ parents were able to input his life until he was early in his development, and their instruction provided a foundation for his faith. Second, it is important for us to recognize that not all opportunities are good for us to follow! Moses was offered the opportunity to be the next Pharoah of Egypt, but he refused that being willing to suffer affliction with the people of God (Hebrews 11:25). Third, we need to learn to live by a faith that allows us to believe in God and trust His plan for our lives. In Hebrews 11:23-29, it is recorded all the things that Moses was able to accomplish, because of his faith in the power and plan of God. Finally, all our decisions need to be founded upon the faith we have in God. We forget that Moses had no written revelation, and yet he displayed great faith in the Lord. We … READ MORE