devotions written by Deborah Galyen

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March 11: Exodus 14-15

Exodus 14-15

“In Thy lovingkindness Thou hast led the people whom Thou hast redeemed” (15:13).  The Israelites had been redeemed (purchased, v16) from slavery by God’s dramatic intervention.  The sacrificed lamb of Passover pointed toward the perfect Son who would be killed to redeem all humanity.  Now, however, the Israelites had to follow their Rescuer.  Their faith was fragile, and dangers were all around (14:12).  Moses exhorted them: “The Lord will fight for you while you keep silent” (14:14).

God led the people He had redeemed.  After saving us, He doesn’t abandon us to figure out the path by ourselves; He walks with us all the way home. 

March 10: Exodus 12-13

Exodus 12-13

“Remember this day in which you went out from Egypt, from the house of slavery; for by a powerful hand the Lord brought you out” (13:3).  At the heart of Israel’s escape from Egypt was the “powerful hand” of God.  The Israelites could not free themselves; they could not negotiate or earn their way out of bondage.  The blood of a sacrificed lamb, smeared on their doors, demonstrated their faith in the God who could spare them from death and give them freedom.

The Israelites weren’t so different from the Egyptians.  But their trust in the God of Abraham gave them a different future.

March 9: Matthew 20

Matthew 20

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers …” (v1).  The first-hired laborers were angry that they were paid the same as the latecomers, complaining that they had worked long, hard hours (v12).  Their grumbling implied that those who stood around idle, waiting anxiously for employment, had a better life.  Yet those hired early were the secure ones, working steadily in expectation of a reward.  Their jealousy cast a cloud over their own good fortune.

Jealousy keeps us focused on someone else’s perceived blessings and prevents us from gratefully enjoying our own.

March 8: Matthew 19

Matthew 19

“Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” (v27).  Peter’s question sounds selfish, but it is honest.  He and the other disciples had sacrificed a normal life in order to follow Jesus, and they would face more suffering.  Others in this chapter were struggling with “counting the cost” of following Christ.  Jesus’ words about marriage set a high ideal, and his advice to the rich young man was equally challenging.  Was it worth it?

Jesus didn’t rebuke Peter.  Instead, He pointed Peter toward eternity (v29), when our sacrifices will be swallowed up by Life.

March 7: Psalm 12

Psalm 12

“The words of the Lord are pure words; as silver tried in a furnace on the earth, refined seven times” (v6).  It’s easy to forget what “pure words” sound like.  The internet and TV channels are filled with people who speak and write with “flattering lips and with a double heart” (v2), using words to manipulate and create attractive illusions.  Politicians twist words to make those who disagree with them seem hateful or ignorant.  Pure words, true words, are rare.

God’s words are true and powerful: convicting, saving, and comforting.  They are firm rock under our feet.

March 6: Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3

“Do not let kindness and truth leave you … write them on the tablet of your heart” (v3).  The proverbs are very practical, but they often contradict the wisdom of the world. “Our own understanding” (v5) tells us to excuse our mistakes, water down the truth, and serve ourselves rather than others. But the proverbs teach that the world’s values (selfishness and quick gratification) won’t lead to the life we want: the pleasant and peaceful path (v17). 

Trusting God means rejecting selfishness, following His ways, and believing that He will make our paths straight (v6).

March 5: Exodus 9-11

Exodus 9-11

“Beware, do not see my face again, for in the day you see my face you shall die!” (10:28).  As God displayed His power in Egypt, Pharaoh’s threats became more severe.  When Moses first demanded that the Hebrew slaves be allowed to leave Egypt to worship God, Pharaoh responded by increasing their labor.  As God shook the foundations of cultured, powerful Egypt, His people suffered more.  They were already slaves, and yet now they were more vulnerable and mistreated.

What happens when the miracle doesn’t arrive?  Our faith is in a Person, not an idea. We can trust His wisdom, timing, love and power.

March 4: Exodus 5-8

Exodus 5-8

“Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” (5:2).  Pharaoh didn’t know the God of Abraham.  The Hebrew slaves didn’t have a clear picture of Him, either, after hundreds of years in Egypt.  Some, like the midwives, had faith strong enough to inspire defiance.  Others simply suffered quietly, without hope.  “They did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage” (5:9). 

The plagues forced Pharaoh to free the Israelites.  But they also taught the unbelieving Israelites about their God: He is the One who hears our cries and comes to rescue us (Ex 2:24).

March 3: Matthew 18: 15-35

Matthew 18:15-35

“Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, even as I had mercy on you?” (v33).  The gospel transforms how we see one another.  Instead of a pyramid, with the powerful at the top and slaves at the bottom, Jesus portrayed all humans as standing side by side, with the Judge above them.  We have all been forgiven; we must all forgive.  We are fellow slaves of the Master, children of the same Father. 

We must give up our “rights” to justify ourselves, to feel superior, or to cling to bitterness, in order to accept our inheritance in God’s kingdom.

March 2: Matthew 18: 1-14

Matthew 18

“Thus it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones perish” (v14).  Jesus told the disciples that unless they become humble “as this child”, they would not enter heaven (v2).  Children in ancient times had no rights and few protections; they were “humble” in the sense of being powerless.  But Jesus said that the Father cherished these little ones and will punish those who harm them (v6).  

God doesn’t value people based on what they can do or their great reputation.  He looks for the humble, the “little ones” who know they need rescuing (v12).

March 1: Matthew 17

Matthew 17

“This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” (v5).  The Father’s voice frightened the disciples, but Jesus told them to “Arise, and do not be afraid.” (v7).  They had seen Elijah and Moses talking to a radiant Jesus (v2-3), and they didn’t know how to respond.  Should they make plans to stay on the mountain (v4)?  Worry about the end of the world (v10)?  But God simply commanded: Listen to Jesus.   

Sometimes we try to control the disturbing truth of the gospel with our own efforts: doing, working, trying harder.  But God says simply: Get to know Jesus.

February 28: Psalm 11

Psalm 11

“For behold, the wicked bend the bow, they make ready their arrow upon the string to shoot in darkness at the upright in heart” (v2).  The psalmist faced many dangers, both physical and spiritual.  He couldn’t “flee as a bird” to a mountain (v1); he knew that trouble would follow him there.  Sometimes even the foundations of his world – the familiar life we all depend on – seemed shaken (v3).  But he declared, “In the Lord I take refuge” (v1). 

God is on His throne, completely unshakeable (v4).  Surrounded by danger or sadness or the unknown, we are safe in Him.

February 27: Exodus 3-4

Exodus 3-4

“I have surely seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt … so I have come down to deliver them from the power of the Egyptians” (3:7-8).  God was extremely clear about what He intended to do for the Israelites, through Moses.  The plan wasn’t about Moses, it was about God.  God even reassured Moses that He could handle Pharaoh’s rebellion (3:19).  But Moses worried about his own inadequacies and the Israelites’ response, and begged for a replacement (4:13).

God told Moses that He was “I AM.”  How small our worries and fears seem, compared to the power of His name. 

February 26: Exodus 1-2

Exodus 1-2

“And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son” (2:10).  Those who cooperate with God’s amazing plan are not always the strong or powerful; they are often humble, and in this story, they were women.  The Hebrew midwives “feared the Lord” and refused to kill newborn boys.  Moses’ mother bravely hid her son and then, in faith, set him on the river.  Pharaoh’s daughter responded to the child with compassion, and Moses’ sister stepped forward. 

God calls everyone to share in His mission and bring Him glory.  Our willingness and faith are all He needs.