Doyle Smith Daily

Exodus 15: 22-25 (ESV) Originally published 03/16/2015 “Then Moses made Israel set out from the Red Sea, and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter; therefore it was named Marah. And the people grumbled against Moses, saying, 'What  shall we drink?'" Exodus 15:22-25 (ESV). Moses was a great hero in the destruction of the whole Egyptian army at the Red Sea. Then three days after they left, the people were complaining about his leadership. Lord, it is sometimes impossible to please you and to please the people around us. When that happens, please give me some help to know if I have obeyed you or misunderstood you.

Exodus 14:30-31 (ESV) Originally published 03/14/2015 "Thus the LORD saved Israel that day from the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. Israel saw the great power that the LORD used against the Egyptians, so the people feared the LORD, and they believed in the LORD and in his servant Moses" Exodus 14:30-31 (ESV). So, the people of Israel won the battle not by fighting, but by obeying God. Lord, I wonder how many "battles" I lose by fighting instead of obeying you. Give me the wisdom to know which "battles" you want me to fight and which ones you want me to let you fight.

Exodus 14:17-18 (ESV) Originally published 03/12.2015  God wanted to rescue his people to keep his covenant promises to them, but he had another purpose: "I will get glory over Pharaoh and all his host, his chariots, and his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am  the LORD, when I have gotten glory over Pharaoh, his chariots, and his horsemen" Exodus 14:17-18 (ESV). Lord, it is clear that you help me to make good decisions, provide my needs, protect me and make me a positive influence to those around me, not just to help me, but that all who know me will see your glory and greatness. Show me how to tell people what you have done in my life without making me seem important, but that you would be seen as great, powerful, and loving.

Exodus 14:15 (ESV) Originally published 03/11/2015 "The Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward'" Exodus 14:15 (ESV). God had already told them what they were to do, but they were still praying to him. So, he said "Quit praying and do what I told you to do." There is a time for prayer and a time for work.  Lord, sometimes it is easier to pray for people than it is to try to help them. I want to pray for people, but don't let me substitute prayer for doing what you have told me I need to do to help them. 

Exodus 14:16 (ESV) Originally published 03/10/2015 God's intention was to rescue the people of Israel from the oncoming army of Egypt. So, he said to Moses: "Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground" Exodus 14:16 (ESV), God could have done this without Moses or without his lifting his hands or staff. Moses was never able to do this again because Moses never parted the water, God did. I am not able to do the work of God, but he enables me to do what he tells me to do. God chooses to accomplish his work using people. Lord, make it clear to me what you want me to do, and help me to ignore Satan when he tries to stop me from obedience by reminding me of all my limitations and inadequacies. When I obey, and you do wonderful things, remind me it was your power, not mine, at work.

Exodus 14:15 (ESV) Originally published 03/09/2015 The people of Israel were between the sea and the vast army of Egypt. Moses had already told them they were not to be afraid because they were to see the saving power of God that day. But they were still praying and crying out to God. "The Lord said to Moses, 'Why do you cry out to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward’’ Exodus 14:15 (ESV). The water had not yet parted, but he told them to march toward the water as if it were not there. Lord, I know that you want me to talk to some people, but it is easier to pray for them than it is to risk talking to them. Forgive me for praying when I should be obeying. Give me faith to do what you tell me, even when it seems foolish to me.

Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV) Originally published 03/07/2015 The people of Israel were angry because they had escaped slavery, but now the entire Egyptian army was baring down on them, and they thought they would die. "The LORD said to Moses, 'Why do you cry to me? Tell the people of Israel to go forward. Lift up your staff, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, that the people of Israel may go through the sea on dry ground'" Exodus 14:15-16 (ESV). God guided the people of Israel to this spot with a sea ahead of them, and he knew that the Egyptians had a change of heart and were going to come after them. Sometimes God leads us into difficult and even dangerous situations to show us his power to rescue us so that in our future we will have faith in him. Lord, help me to not get upset or angry when I am obeying you and I get into situations that seem disastrous, but to continue to trust that your wisdom and power will save me. 

Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV) Originally published 03/06/2015 The Egyptians had a change of heart, and they set out to bring the Israelites back to slavery. The entire army of the greatest army in the world at that time was within sight of the Israelites. "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The LORD will fight for you, and you have only to be silent'" Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV). It is really hard to be silent when someone hurts me or offends me and to "turn the other cheek" instead of trying to get even or defend myself. Lord, give me the faith in you to allow you to fight my battles for me so that I might experience your salvation instead of my conflict.

Exodus 13:21-22 (ESV) Originally published 03/05/2015 The people of Israel had no plans and no idea how they were to get to Canaan. "And the LORD went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from them before the people" Exodus 13:21-22 (ESV). Our God knows where he wants us to go and what he wants us to do. He goes ahead of us and never leaves his people. Sometimes I think it would be good to have something as visible as a cloud or fire to guide me, but a cloud or fire cannot communicate with me. Lord, I praise and thank you for your spiritual presence in me to show me how I need to change and what I need to do. Lord, I praise you that you know where you are leading me.  Help me to be sensitive to you and obedient to whatever you tell me

Exodus 13:17 (ESV) Originally published 03/04/2015 God has reasons for the way he leads us. "When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near. For God said, 'Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt'" Exodus 13:17 (ESV). Sometimes I get impatient when God does not get things done as fast as I think he should. But this Scripture shows us that God is not always so interested in how fast we reach the destination as he is in developing our character. Lord, this past two weeks things have not worked out as I planned, and it has discouraged me. Help me to be more concerned about obedience and submission to you than about what I am able to accomplish.

Exodus 13:14-15 (ESV) Originally published 03/03/2015 God's plan for passing on our faith … "And when in time to come your son asks you, 'What does this mean?' you shall say to him, 'By a strong hand the LORD brought us out of Egypt, from the house of slavery. For  when Pharaoh stubbornly refused to let us go, the LORD killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn of animals. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the wombs, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem'" Exodus 13:14-15 (ESV). As our children see us as parents and grandparents read the Bible, worship, pray, turn the other cheek, give money to God, return good for evil, we are to explain why we do these things, so they see why we submit our lives to God. It is not the task of the church or government to pass our faith on to our children. Lord, as a father and grandfather guide me to live a life of submission to you, and aler...

Exodus 13:11-13 (ESV) Originally published 03/02/2015 Because God saved Israel from slavery, he wanted them to know they belonged to him. He said: "When the LORD brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, you shall set apart to the LORD all that first opens the womb. All the firstborn of your animals that are males shall be the LORD's. Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb, or if you will not redeem it you shall break its neck. Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem" Exodus 13:11-13 (ESV). They had to buy back their first sons from God to remind them that they belonged to God. Lord, I remind myself that I have been bought by your blood shed on the cross, and you "own" me.

Exodus 13:3 (ESV) Originally published 02/28/2015 It was not enough that God delivered his people from slavery: "Then Moses said to the people, 'Remember this day in which you came out from 'Egypt, out of the house of slavery, for by a strong hand the LORD brought you out from this place" Exodus 13:3 (ESV). Lord, I remember that my "Exodus" started before I was born.  It started when you died on the cross to provide forgiveness of my sin and to deliver me from the power of Satan. From the time I was a boy I committed my life to you, and you have guided me to save me from the Devil's temptations and power. You have guided me and empowered me to make choices that have given me a life far above what I ever imagined. Today, I remember my "Exodus" and how you have set me free to live. All honor and praise to you, my savior!

Exodus 2:26 (ESV) Originally published 02/26/2015 God told Pharaoh that if he did not let the Israelites leave, the first born of all the people and animals would die, but Pharaoh did not believe it. "At midnight the LORD struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of all livestock" Exodus 12:29 (ESV). We look at Pharaoh and think that he was stupid. But almost everybody knows about Hell and judgment, but they don't think that God will send them there, even though he has made it clear that everyone who does not submit to live under his authority will be sent to Hell. Lord, give me a passion to tell people the truth about what is coming. Guide me to those you want to warn, and give me boldness to speak to them.

Exodus 12:27-28 (ESV) Originally published 02/25/2015 Moses told the people of Israel that the LORD was going to pass through Egypt and destroy all of the first-born of people and animals. If they would kill a lamb and put the blood on doorposts and lintels of their houses, their homes would not be struck. "And all the people bowed their heads and worshiped. Then the people of Israel went and did so; as the LORD had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did" Exodus 12:27-8 (ESV). It is amazing that everyone did this. They bowed their heads and worshiped God, which means they acknowledged his authority over them. Lord, it is not that I don't always know what to do. Sometimes I put it off and never get it done, and sometimes it just doesn't seem that urgent. Today, help me worship you by obeying you as if my life depended on obedience, which it does.

Exodus 10:1-3 (ESV) Originally published 02/19/2015  God had brought seven plagues on Egypt, but still Pharaoh would not do what God asked of him. "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the heart of his servants, that I may show these signs of mine among them, and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and your grandson how I have dealt harshly with the Egyptians and what signs I have done among them, that you may know that I am the LORD.' So Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD, the God of the Hebrews', 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go that they may serve me'" Exodus 10:1-3 (ESV). God wanted to get his people out of Egypt, but the greater issue was that he wanted the Israelites and Egyptians to be convinced that he alone was the ruler of the universe and to have them all submit to his authority. Most of our problems are the dire...

Exodus 8:25-26, 28, 30-32 (ESV) Originally published 02/18/2015 The plague of flies was so troublesome that Pharaoh wanted it to stop, but he didn't want to do what God demanded. "Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, 'Go, sacrifice to your God within the land. But Moses said, 'It would not be right to do so,... 'So Pharaoh said, 'I will let you go to sacrifice to the LORD your God in the wilderness; only you must not go very far away. Plead for me.' ... So Moses went out from Pharaoh and prayed to the LORD. And the LORD did as Moses asked, and removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people; not one remained. But Pharaoh hardened his heart this time also and did not let the people go" Exodus 8:25-26,28,30-32 (ESV). Negotiating with God is a person's effort to control God. Lord, give me the trust in you that whatever you ask, no matter how hard it seems, I will obey you.

Exodus 8:21-22 (ESV) Originally published 02/17/2015 God wants to show his power by the difference between how he treats his people and those who do not belong to him. He was sending a plague of flies on Egypt: "I will send swarms of flies on you and your servants and your people, and into your houses. And the houses of the Egyptians shall be filled with swarms of flies, and also the ground on which they stand. But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people dwell, so that no swarms of flies shall be there, that you may know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth" Exodus 8:21-22 (ESV). Lord, may all who know me see your hand on my life, and never let me take credit for what you have done in me or through me so that through my life people would know that you are the LORD.

Exodus 8:8.15 (ESV) Originally published 02/16/2015 God sent a plague of frogs on the Egyptians to show them that he was the ruler of the universe and to get Pharaoh to honor him. "Then Pharaoh called Moses and Aaron and said, 'Plead with the LORD to take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go to sacrifice to the LORD.'...But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite he hardened his heart and would not listen to them, as the LORD had said'" Exodus 8:8,15(ESV). Sometimes people turn to God when they are in trouble and make promises to obey God, but when the trouble is over, they forget the promises. Lord, reveal to me my motives. Do I do what I do because I acknowledge you as Lord of my life or to get your blessings?

Exodus 7:21-23 (ESV) Originally published 02/14/2015 God wanted Pharaoh to let the Israelites leave Egypt to go to Canaan, but he refused. God turned all the water in Egypt to blood. "There was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. But the magicians of Egypt did the same by their secret arts. So Pharaoh's heart remained hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. Pharaoh turned and went into his house, and he did not take even this to heart" Exodus 7:21-23 (ESV). I think that this would have gotten my attention. When you are praying for someone to trust Christ with their life and terrible things happen to them, you think they will obey Christ for help, but often they don't. Lord, help me to be patient and not to give up on people who do not respond to you as I think they should.

Exodus 7:10-12 (ESV) Originally published 02/13/2015 To demonstrate his power and authority God told Aaron to throw his staff on the ground. "Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron's staff swallowed up their staffs" Exodus 7:10-12 (ESV). Satan has great power, but whatever evil or trouble he brings on the followers of Christ, we have to believe that God will give us the victory.  Lord, I live in the middle of this great battle between Satan and you, and sometimes the wickedness of Satan is overwhelming. Help me to live with the confidence and peace that comes from trust in your mighty power.

Exodus 7:1-5 (ESV) Originally published 02/12/2015 This is how God does his work in our world: "And the LORD said to Moses, 'See, I have made you like God to Pharaoh, and your brother Aaron shall be your prophet. You shall speak all that I command you, and your brother Aaron shall tell Pharaoh to let the people of Israel go out of his land. But I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my  hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great acts of judgment. The Egyptians shall know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out my hand against Egypt and bring out the people of Israel from among them'" Exodus 7:1-5 (ESV). When we are witnesses to what God has done or tell someone what we know God wants us to tell them, we may seem like God to them, but it is God who gives us the words and who brings the results. Lord, it ...

Exodus 6:10-12 (ESV) Originally published 02/11/2015 Moses delivered God's message to Pharaoh and the Israelites, but both ignored him. "So the LORD said to Moses, 'Go in, tell Pharaoh, King of Egypt, to let the people of Israel go out of his land.' But Moses said to the LORD, 'Behold, the people of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, for I am of uncircumcised lips?'" Exodus 6:10-12 (ESV). Moses was still focused on his ability and results that he expected, instead of obedience. He was trusting himself and his ability, not the power and wisdom of God. The more he obeyed God and saw the power of God at work, the more faith he had so that later in life he never acted this way, looking at his own abilities or lack. Lord, help me to grow in knowing what you want me to say and do and to judge my life by obedience, not by my ability or what results I expect.