Exodus 21 - The Law

It is hard to believe that we are half way through Exodus.

Last night I was talking to Jeffrey about how I wasn't very confident about what I would write this morning. As I sit here I still feel the same. This chapter is clear about the laws God set forth for his people. I see in this word that he is a loving God. He cared so much for them that he was very specific in how they were to handle certain situations. He wanted them to know exactly what was expected and how to keep his commandments.

Yesterday I was a commandment breaker. I have really felt convicted and I guess this is a perfect opportunity to share with you how God has been tugging at my heart.

In Sunday School, yes in Sunday School, I said something not so nice about a co-worker. I called them an idiot. Granted, this was BEFORE the class started but it was still very, very wrong.

In my frustrations with people I see at work, I did the wrong thing. I spoke negatively about this person when I should have had silent lips. It was not a very Christian thing to go. It was not honoring God. It was not keeping his law.

That then spilled over into the rest of my day. I was not honoring my husband as I should. I used a harsh tone and got upset when he reminded me of a promise I made that I have not fulfilled. Then I was frustrated with Abby so I yelled at her. I wasn't upset with her, just frustrated with an issue.

It seems like when the devil gets a foothold, he holds on tight. I had felt the conviction in SS to apologize for what I had said but never did. As the day got busier I forgot to pray and ask for forgiveness.

My being frustrated with someone who is hurting (but I don't think completely intentional) people I care about caused me to lose my focus on the people I care about.

The lesson in SS and the sermon really spoke to my heart.  It reaffirmed the calling I know that God has placed on me. I am to be an encourager to those around me. I am to be the light in times of darkness. I am here to make sure the world doesn't get worse. I am here to help change situations around me.

I am going to be in prayer about some changes I have been encouraged to pursue with work. I don't want to be Jonah. I want to go directly to where God has called. I will be listening for him to make it crystal clear.

As for my husband and daughter. I owe them apologies and ask for them to forgive me for where I fall short. I know that they will forgive me and that I need to keep my word and quiet my tongue.

I pray that each of you will have a good week. I pray that you will encourage those around you and that you will be encouraged by others. We have to lift one another up. We have to keep the world from getting worse. We are his people and he will use us. Today I will be super vigilant to be the salt and light.