Faith Seeds: Prayers and Poetry

Reflection Questions

1.     Have you ever been tempted or enticed to compromise truth for self-interest? How and why?

2.     What were the results? Did your response strengthen or weaken your faith witness?

3.     How did this instance help prepare you for the next attack?

4.     Have you ever considered the possibility that at some point you may be tortured for your beliefs?

Share: What word from the Lord has helped you to witness in difficult circumstances?

Leaving Egypt Behind

Scripture: Exodus 10:24,…Go, serve the Lord; only let your flocks and herds be detained.

Pharaoh knew that if Moses left the flocks and herds behind, the people would return. And his words seemed so reasonable. Leave something here so we’ll know you are returning. Compromise a little. It’s just a minor detail. Just agree to this small item and we’ll give you your request. And Pharaoh’s words were tempting. If the Promised Land doesn’t quite measure up you can always return to the security of sameness, the familiar blanket bondage gives. Retain your options.

But Lord, You don’t settle for partial. You ask for all, not bits and pieces, here and there, but everything.

Moses could not and would not compromise. He knew You had chosen Israel and called Israel to choose You. He was ready to obey Your will in full.

Accepting Your conditions can be tough for me sometimes, actually most times. Yet Your way cuts the ropes that keep me tied to Egypt. Your word guides me.

Forgive me, Lord, for only making partial commitments and giving half-hearted service to You. Free me from compromise, from lukewarm decisions. Free me to serve You with my whole being, as Moses did. Free me to stand firm on Your principles and have the courage not to settle for Egypt’s comfort.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 135:4

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself,

Israel for His own possession.