Daily Devotion – Partners in Victory

“Moses’ hands were heavy … Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.” – Exodus 17:12-13 NASB

Joshua led Israel’s army against the Amalekites. And Moses communicated God’s strategy and became a symbol of His presence. As long he held up his hands, “Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed” (v. 11).

But victory would not have been possible without the help of Aaron and Hur, two men who did not lift a sword or slay one enemy soldier. But Israel was victorious because these men fulfilled their assigned roles.

While Moses stood with God’s staff in his hand, the Israelites were victorious. Then, as the day wore on, his strength faded. That is when Aaron and Hur stepped in. Their task: to support Moses’ hands. This might sound trivial, but without this support, the battle could not have been won.

As we look at the work of ministry, we need to realize that, just as in the days of Moses, Christians need to work together as partners. There are many roles to play, and every person, every role is important. God’s army needs prayer warriors and teachers, encouragers, and administrators. He needs believers who will sacrifice and give to support the Gospel.

Remember, you have a vital role to play. The tasks and  skills you’ve been given are important. God has given you special gifts, talents, and special assignments. Make sure you are doing the work He called you to do.

Prayer

Father, I commit my life to You. Show me the tasks You’ve given me to do. I dedicate my time, talents, and treasures to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Exodus 17

//Inspiration Ministries//


Daily Devotion – Daily Time with God

“He shall burn it every morning … When Aaron sets up the lamps at twilight, he shall burn incense. There shall be perpetual incense before the Lord throughout your generations.” – Exodus 30:7-9 NASB

One of Aaron’s primary responsibilities as a priest was to take care of the lamps set before God. He was assigned to trim them not occasionally or often, but twice each day – every morning and evening. God wanted these lamps to burn constantly and as brightly as possible. Aaron had other duties that would keep him busy. He easily could have been distracted. But he never could forget the lamps.

While central to his ministry, this assignment also an important part of his personal life. This was a daily reminder to focus on God, to think about His Word, to evaluate his own heart and priorities, and to make sure He was serving Him faithfully.

These principles still apply to each believer. Every day, we each have many options about how we spend our time and what we do with our resources. How easily we can focus on our jobs or hobbies, our interests or families, world events or the news, even religious activities instead of on spiritual matters.

But the assignment given to Aaron reminds us why it is important to begin and end every day with God, to read His Word, to pray and spend time with Him, and to seek to be attuned to His Spirit.

Don’t ignore your “lamp,” but seek to make your testimony burn brightly. Spend quality time with God. Dedicate your life to Him. Seek to please Him and faithfully serve Him.

Prayer

Father, I seek to serve You. Purge anything that displeases You. Forgive my sins. Help me burn brightly for You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading

Exodus 30

//Inspiration Ministries//


Daily Devotion – An Anointed Life

“The holy garments of Aaron shall be for his sons after him, so that they may be anointed and ordained in them.” – Exodus 29:29 NASB

As God called men to serve as priests, He wanted them to realize that this was no ordinary position. This was serious. They needed to realize that they were being called to be His representatives.

In this position, He was not just interested in their words and actions. Even their garments were consecrated and holy, symbols of God Himself. And each priest was to wash and be cleansed before putting on these garments.

Aaron and his sons were the first to wear these special garments. But these were not personal possessions. They were to be passed down from generation to generation. Each man would be reminded of his heritage and his special responsibility to represent God.

Sadly, throughout the years, some failed to take these responsibilities seriously. We think of the sons of Eli, “worthless men” who used their position for their own benefit (1 Samuel 2:12-17).

These same principles apply today to every part of our lives. God gives each person unique gifts and resources. We all have a special calling to serve Him. We are to remember that He blesses us that we might bless others. And He calls us to be good stewards of His gifts.

Remember that you are God’s servant. Remember His special calling for you. Commit your life to fulfill this calling. Seek to serve Him faithfully with the resources He gives you. And seek to bring Him glory!

Prayer
Father, thank You for Your calling. Help me to be faithful. I commit my life to You. Use me for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended Reading: Exodus 29

//Inspiration Ministries//

Daily Devotion – Please Send Someone Else

“’O, Lord, please send someone else.’ Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses.” – Exodus 4:13-14 NIV

God told Moses He wanted him to leave the service of his father-in-law, Jethro, and return to Egypt to lead His people into freedom. God described the task and even the response he could expect. Moses reacted with a series of objections. He felt inadequate for the task: “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).

He complained that he was not “eloquent” enough but was “slow of speech and tongue” (v. 10). He simply did not know what to say and wondered how he would respond to criticism or objections.

God answered every excuse until Moses asked him to send someone else. Suddenly God became furious. What was different? God demonstrated that He welcomed honest questions. But Moses crossed the line when he declared that he would not go. But, finally, he did agree to go – with his brother Aaron.

We may go through similar experiences. As we feel God’s call, we may have questions and concerns. As Paul discovered, all of us have weaknesses and need to depend on God (2 Corinthians 12:10). Remember, He has prepared us for His assignments. We need to trust Him and move forward in faith.

Be ready to respond to God’s call for you. Seek His answers for the strategies and wisdom you need. Ask Him for the necessary resources and abilities. Always trust Him. Move forward in faith.

PrayerFather, I am willing to do what You want me to do. I trust You to give me everything I need. I trust You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Extended: ReadingExodus 4
 
  

The Bible in a Year – Day 62 – Spies Sent to Canaan

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Day 62: Spies Sent to Canaan

As we read Numbers 12 and 13, Deuteronomy 11, and Psalm 94, Fr. Mike reflects on the conflict between Aaron, Miriam, and Moses and explains why Miriam appears to be the only one punished. He also mentions the lack of trust the people continue to have in God, as they discover that the land of Canaan is occupied by a seemingly stronger force.

Click on link:

https://bibleinayear.fireside.fm/day-62