Passage
Exodus 1:1- 22 (ESV)
Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch
Acts 8:26-40
Key Verse: 8:35
The God Who Refines and Blesses
Date: Sep. 1, 2015
Daily Bread
Introduction to the Book of Exodus
Key Verse: 1:7
First, who could imagine how God will work? (1-14) God will multiply his people despite the world's intrigues. God brought 70 people to Egypt so that he might make them into a great nation. But this involved suffering. When the dynasty changed, the new king did not remember God's grace. He feared the Hebrews and oppressed them. But God was with them. Gold is refined in fire. The persecution became like a crucible to refine his own people.
Second, God blesses individuals (15-22). The cruel policies of the king did not slow the birth rate. The king commanded the midwives to kill the baby boys. But God intervened. He moved the hearts of the midwives to fear God more than they feared the king. They were strengthened to do the right thing and were blessed. They were saved and got families of their own, and God blessed the nation with a bright future. God blesses people who fear him more than they fear the people of this world. When God aims to bless no one can stop him.
Prayer: Lord, things seem so hard. But I know that you are refining my faith and blessing my life. Thank you.
One Word: The God who refines and blesses
