Expectations We Place On God

It would be easy to throw stones of judgment against the Hebrews for their sin of idolatry, in the face of God’s glory and grace. But we are as guilty as they are. Many of us have professed Christ as Lord and Savior, believing that He is the only Son of God who died for us, and rose from the grave on the third day. We have seen His wonder working power in the lives of others, and He has pulled us out of more catastrophes and problems then we can remember. What have we done in the face of that glory and grace? We have forgotten, just like the people in this message. We forget, until we need to call on Him again.

This morning see the need! Remember what it was like the first time you went up on the mountain and were with God! See the need to continue to go up that mountain and be with God. He is piercing, he is unhurried, and he is unportrayable. He is full of mystery, and wonder! This morning I close with the words of Moses “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” This is not only an opportunity to submit to 10 rules by this YAHWEH God… This is an opportunity to live life to its fullest. This is an invitation to peace. All their lives the Hebrews lived in turmoil, all their lives they were being held back from true freedom and YAHWEH was offering them lasting peace.

As we prepare for prayer this morning I want to share with you an exert from Michael Walzer

In his book Exodus and Revolution, He shares three lessons we can all learn from the Exodus event of the Old Testament:

“What the Exodus … taught: first, that wherever you live, it is probably Egypt. Second, that there is a better place, a world more attractive, a promised land. And third, that "the way to the land is through the wilderness."”

There are altars here that you can pray at, all of us have many things we can bring to God this morning, if you would like a quiet place to pray the altar is a great place for that to happen.

Father God we pray this prayer from your word…

Psalm 119:169

Let my cry come right into your presence, GOD;

provide me with the insight that comes only from your Word.

Give my request your personal attention,

rescue me on the terms of your promise.

Let praise cascade off my lips;

after all, you’ve taught me the truth about life!

And let your promises ring from my tongue;

every order you’ve given is right.

Put your hand out and steady me

since I’ve chosen to live by your counsel.

I’m homesick, GOD, for your salvation;

I love it when you show yourself!

Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,

use your decrees to put iron in my soul.

And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!

I’ll recognize the sound of your voice.

God we desire to recognize the sound of YOUR voice over all others we are hearing in our world today. Help

us, God, to allow your Spirit to pierce our lives. Show us how we can truly follow your ways. Help us to daily

seek your face, to daily pray to you and communicate with you about what is happening in our lives that you