Celebrating God's Strength, Sovereignty, and Kindness

Devotional

Day 1: Rooting Our Strength in God Alone

The Israelites' song in Exodus 15 celebrates God's mighty power in delivering them from Egypt. This reminds us that true strength and security come from God alone, not from worldly powers or political leaders. We should root our trust in God's unchanging strength, which surpasses all earthly might. The Israelites witnessed firsthand the power of God as He parted the Red Sea and defeated the Egyptian army. This miraculous event was a testament to God's unparalleled strength and His ability to protect and deliver His people. In our lives, we often face challenges that seem insurmountable, but we must remember that our true source of strength is God. By relying on His power, we can overcome any obstacle and find peace in His protection.

[32:32]

"The Lord is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation; this is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him." (Exodus 15:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you relying on your own strength or the strength of others instead of God's? How can you begin to shift your trust to God's unchanging power today?

Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereign Reign

God's reign extends over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. This universal sovereignty assures us that no matter the challenges we face, God's control covers every aspect of our lives. We can find peace and confidence in His reign, knowing that He governs all things with wisdom and power. The Israelites sang of God's reign over the nations, acknowledging that His authority is not limited by borders or circumstances. This truth is a source of comfort and assurance for us today. When we face uncertainties and difficulties, we can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. His reign is personal and extends to every detail of our lives, providing us with the peace and confidence to navigate life's challenges.

[44:50]

"The Lord will reign forever and ever." (Exodus 15:18, ESV)

Reflection: What challenges are you currently facing that you need to surrender to God's sovereign control? How can you remind yourself of His reign over all aspects of your life?

Day 3: Experiencing God's Steadfast Kindness

Despite the Israelites' grumbling when they couldn't find drinkable water, God showed His kindness by providing a solution. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and kindness, even when circumstances seem dire. His steadfast love and care are always present, guiding us through every challenge. The Israelites quickly forgot God's miraculous deliverance and began to complain about their lack of water. Yet, God responded with kindness, instructing Moses to make the water drinkable. This act of provision is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and care for His people. In our own lives, we may face situations that seem hopeless, but we can trust in God's steadfast kindness to provide for our needs and guide us through difficult times.

[54:00]

"And the Lord showed him a log, and he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet." (Exodus 15:25, ESV)

Reflection: When have you experienced God's provision in a difficult situation? How can you cultivate a heart of trust and gratitude for His steadfast kindness?

Day 4: Embracing a Life of Praise

Praising God should be an integral part of our worship, not just through singing but in all aspects of our lives. Our worship should be a heartfelt response to God's goodness and faithfulness, encompassing our daily actions and attitudes. This holistic approach to worship honors God and strengthens our relationship with Him. The Israelites' song of praise in Exodus 15 was a spontaneous and heartfelt response to God's deliverance. Similarly, our lives should be marked by continuous praise and worship, reflecting our gratitude and love for God. By incorporating praise into our daily routines and actions, we honor God and deepen our connection with Him.

[50:28]

"I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea." (Exodus 15:1, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate praise into your daily life beyond singing? What specific actions or attitudes can you adopt to honor God in your everyday activities?

Day 5: Trusting in God's Unconventional Plans

God's plans often don't look like what we expect, but they are always for His glory and our good. We must learn to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when His solutions seem unconventional. By relying on His steadfast kindness and provision, we can navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence. The Israelites' journey through the wilderness was filled with unexpected challenges and solutions, yet God's plans were always perfect. In our own lives, we may encounter situations that don't make sense to us, but we can trust that God's ways are higher than our ways. His plans are designed for our ultimate good and His glory, and by trusting in His wisdom, we can face any challenge with confidence.

[01:03:41]

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to trust God's plan? How can you begin to surrender this area to His wisdom and timing today?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we began by praying for our high schoolers and staff heading to CIY camp, asking for their safety, spiritual growth, and the development of friendships. We then transitioned into a light-hearted moment where I shared a few jokes about singing, leading us into the main focus of our message: Exodus 15. This chapter is a song of praise sung by Moses and the Israelites after their miraculous escape from Egypt, celebrating God's deliverance and His mighty power.

We explored three main themes from this song. First, the strength of the Lord. The Israelites sang about God's power in defeating the Egyptian army, emphasizing that true strength comes from God alone. This is a reminder for us today that our security and strength should be rooted in God, not in political leaders or worldly powers.

The second theme is the personal reign of the Lord. The song highlights that God's reign is not limited to Israel but extends over all nations and peoples. This reassures us that no matter the challenges we face, God's sovereignty covers all aspects of our lives. We can trust in His reign and find peace in His control over every situation.

The third theme is the steadfast kindness of the Lord. After their song of praise, the Israelites faced a challenge when they couldn't find drinkable water. Instead of trusting God, they grumbled. Yet, God showed His kindness by providing a solution through Moses. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and kindness, even when circumstances seem dire.

We concluded by emphasizing the importance of praising God in all aspects of our worship, not just through singing but in our daily lives. We also prayed for our teachers as they prepare for the new school year, acknowledging their vital role in shaping young lives.

###

Key Takeaways

1. ABQPzM&t=1952s'>[32:32]
2. The Personal Reign of the Lord: God's reign extends over all nations and peoples, not just Israel. This universal sovereignty assures us that no matter the challenges we face, God's control covers every aspect of our lives. We can find peace and confidence in His reign, knowing that He governs all things with wisdom and power.

3. The Steadfast Kindness of the Lord: Despite the Israelites' grumbling when they couldn't find drinkable water, God showed His kindness by providing a solution. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and kindness, even when circumstances seem dire. His steadfast love and care are always present, guiding us through every challenge.

4. The Importance of Praise: Praising God should be an integral part of our worship, not just through singing but in all aspects of our lives. Our worship should be a heartfelt response to God's goodness and faithfulness, encompassing our daily actions and attitudes. This holistic approach to worship honors God and strengthens our relationship with Him.

5. Trusting in God's Plan: God's plans often don't look like what we expect, but they are always for His glory and our good. We must learn to trust in His wisdom and timing, even when His solutions seem unconventional. By relying on His steadfast kindness and provision, we can navigate life's challenges with faith and confidence.

### [32:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:30] - Prayer for CIY Camp
[23:46] - Light-hearted Jokes
[26:19] - Introduction to Exodus 15
[27:21] - Overview of Exodus 15
[28:45] - Reading Exodus 15
[31:21] - Theme 1: The Strength of the Lord
[32:32] - God's Power Over Egypt
[34:02] - God's Plan for His Glory and Our Good
[36:51] - Misplaced Trust in Political Power
[38:25] - True Strength in God
[41:34] - Theme 2: The Personal Reign of the Lord
[42:35] - God's Sovereignty Over All Nations
[44:50] - Confidence in God's Reign
[45:23] - Facing Challenges with Faith
[47:08] - God's Reign Over All Circumstances
[48:18] - Running to God in Fear
[49:20] - Miriam's Leadership in Praise
[50:28] - Importance of Praise in Worship
[51:42] - Worship Beyond Singing
[53:26] - Theme 3: The Steadfast Kindness of the Lord
[54:00] - God's Provision in Difficult Times
[55:04] - Disappointment and Trust in God
[57:58] - Responding to Challenges with Praise
[58:53] - Grumbling and Complaining
[60:19] - Moses' Trust in God
[62:09] - God's Unconventional Solutions
[63:41] - Trusting in God's Plan
[65:05] - Listening to God's Instructions
[66:54] - God's Kindness Leading to Repentance
[68:16] - God's Mercy and Grace
[69:58] - Eternal Life in Christ
[71:22] - Living Out Our Response to God's Kindness
[73:03] - Prayer and Invitation
[77:42] - Recommitment and Prayer for Mary
[78:57] - Strengthening Our Commitment
[83:25] - Recognizing and Praying for Teachers
[84:21] - Teachers' Impact on Young Lives
[85:43] - Closing Prayer and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Exodus 15:1-27 —
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Observation Questions

What event prompted Moses and the Israelites to sing the song in Exodus 15? ([27:21])
How did the Israelites describe God's power and actions in their song? ([28:45])
What was the Israelites' initial reaction when they found undrinkable water at Marah? ([56:36])
How did God respond to the Israelites' grumbling about the bitter water? ([57:05])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the Israelites emphasized God's strength in their song? How does this reflect their recent experiences? ([32:32])
What does the song in Exodus 15 reveal about God's sovereignty over other nations and peoples? ([44:50])
How does the story of the bitter water at Marah illustrate God's steadfast kindness and provision? ([57:05])
In what ways does the song of Moses and the Israelites serve as a reminder for us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems unconventional? ([01:03:41])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced God's strength in your life. How did that experience shape your trust in Him? ([32:32])
The Israelites sang about God's reign over all nations. How can this understanding of God's sovereignty bring peace to your current challenges? ([44:50])
When faced with difficult circumstances, like the Israelites at Marah, what is your typical response? How can you cultivate a habit of turning to God first instead of grumbling? ([57:05])
How can you incorporate praise into your daily life, not just through singing but in other aspects of worship? ([50:28])
Think of a recent situation where God's plan didn't look like what you expected. How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:03:41])
Identify one area in your life where you need to trust in God's provision and kindness. What steps can you take this week to rely more on Him in that area? ([57:05])
How can you support and encourage others in your community to trust in God's strength and sovereignty, especially during challenging times? ([44:50])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "In this Exodus narrative, we've been going through week by week. We've been seeing God has a plan, remember? And his plan is for his glory. But it's also for our good. And God had sent Moses and Aaron there to Egypt to go before Pharaoh. Now, Pharaoh, remember Pharaoh at that time, Egypt is the most powerful nation on the earth. It had been for a while at that point. They controlled more territory. They had more wealth. They had more resources than any other peoples around them." [34:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We are so blessed to be living where we live having all of the resources of the strength of the United States of America at our disposal. It's a pretty amazing thing but it's in the middle of that kind of setting that God's people often forget where the real power is where the real strength is in fact especially in an election year we start thinking the real power is and who gets elected here right the real power and who's going to be the president who's going to control congress because that's where the power is." [36:51] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We can rest assured and our safe care and keeping in the hands of a God who has all strength all power all authority all control that's where we find our security our strength now that's good because here's the thing the rest of the landscape will change it's always changing if our hope is in those things how secure is that hope if it's always changing it's not very secure is it but if we rest our hope in the one who never changes who has all power and all authority and all strength and control then we can always rest secure and strong no matter what the landscape is doing around us." [39:58] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The things that I'm afraid of are afraid of you as he's singing to God. Isn't that the truth? The things we get scared about, they're afraid of God. That's exactly what this song of praise is saying. That all of these people will tremble at God, before God, and His power and His strength and His reign over all things. The things that we're afraid of, even today, those things that we're afraid of God. So let's run to Him. Let's find our shelter in Him, our security in Him, our safety in Him." [48:18] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If you know Jesus today you already have what eternal life it's already yours it's a done deal Jesus has already accomplished all that needed to be accomplished so now what we're doing is not trying to earn eternal life what have we already got we can't earn eternal life why shouldn't we keep striving to earn eternal life we can't do that but we already have it because of the kindness of God expressed in Christ Jesus so now what we're doing is living out our response to what Jesus has already done for us." [01:09:58] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "The first theme I see in this song is the theme that has been repeated over and over again, and now is being sung about in praise, and that is the strength of the Lord. The strength of the Lord. Back in verses 1 through 10 again, look at it. I will sing to the Lord, why? Because he's highly exalted. Both horse and driver, he hurled him into the sea. They sing, the Lord is my strength and my defense. He's become my salvation. He's my God. I'm going to praise him. He's my Father's God. I will exalt him." [31:21] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The personal reign of the Lord is not, even then, listen, was not just for Israel. The personal reign of the Lord was over all the nations, all the lands, all the peoples of the earth. See, He rules and reigns not just for this small group, though it was a pretty large group, relatively speaking, there were hundreds of thousands of Israelites at that time, but worldwide, of course, there are many more people, but God's reign and rule and His strength is over the whole world and all of creation and everything that had ever been created." [43:08] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "So as they start singing praises, they start realizing, look at all these other people around us here and all the land that we're going in right now. They don't have an opportunity. They don't have the ability. They don't have the resources or the strength or the power that our God has. Our God reigns over those territories too. So we can walk in with confidence. We can travel through with assurance of God's reign. Now that's a good reminder to have. I'm so glad they're singing that part of the praise." [44:50] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "So here's what I want you to know. Before we get to this last thing, I just want to remind you, because some people look at it this way. When we assemble on Sundays as the church, here at Lakeshore, but all around the world, when the church assembles, there are people who kind of look at the song part of it as a prelude to the rest. And so you're not getting into the auditorium when it starts, and you're kind of just waiting, and some people are just coming in, you know, when the preacher gets started, because that's really, you know, I came in for the lesson, so I'm going to come in for the preaching time, and I'm glad you're serious about that, and you want to take notes, and that's a good thing. But friends, our God is worthy of us praising Him in song." [50:28] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So I know, like me, I'm not a great singer, so my leaning might be not to participate so much in that, right? Maybe you feel that way about yourself. But what God wants for our singing is not that we're on pitch every time and hit every note perfectly, though that sounds beautiful, and I love people that can do that. I'm so thankful for those who do a great job leading us in that way. But it's about your heart crying out in praise to God. I'll bet, I'll bet of the hundreds of thousands of Israelites singing on the shore of the Red Sea, a lot of them couldn't sing well either. But this wasn't about the performance. This was about the praise." [52:23] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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