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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Celebrate God

Moses told his father-in-law about everything the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel's sake and about all the hardships they had met along the way and how the LORD had saved them. (Exodus 18:8 NIV)

When we get together with family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, especially those who are not walking together with God, we find ourselves afraid to talk about God.  Many of them, however, are not against God.  They just think there are more than one option out there.  When we share success stories about God, it helps them see more of the one we know to be God.  They hear great stories of people being fed, clothing being distributed, homeless being sheltered, and even more.  When they hear great stories about how our Great God is working, it helps them see God just a little more.

Jethro was delighted to hear about all the good things the LORD had done for Israel in rescuing them from the hand of the Egyptians. He said, "Praise be to the LORD, who rescued you from the hand of the Egyptians and of Pharaoh, and who rescued the people from the hand of the Egyptians. Now I know that the LORD is greater than all other gods, for he did this to those who had treated Israel arrogantly." (Exodus 18:9-11 NIV)

When they see God at work in these positive ways, it may help them overcome negative pictures of God that they have built from the past.  It may even help them see how the “gods” of other people really aren’t doing a lot of good.  It may help them praise the one true God.

Then Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to God, and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat a meal with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God. (Exodus 18:12 NIV)

Maybe you recognize this pattern.  Maybe not.  Jethro Encountered God through Moses’ stories.  Jethro Made It Real by talking things out with Moses, comparing other gods with the LORD.  Jethro Lived It Out when he brought a burnt offering and other sacrifices to worship God.  Moses helped Jethro take a step.  Moses helped Jethro walk together with God.

How about you?  Do you celebrate God and the good that God is doing in your life?  Do you share these stories even when the people around you aren’t sure about God?  Do you share them not to try to force a conversion experience, but just to celebrate God?

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