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Tuesday 23 September 2014

Exodus chapter 21


EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

21



1. These are the ordinances that you shall set before them: 2. When you buy a male Hebrew slave,  he shall serve six years, but in the seventh he shall go out a free person without debt.  3. If he comes in single, he shall go out single; if he comes in married, then his wife shall go out with him.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 1 to 3)



On reflecting we can infer a special emphasis made by God on the number 7. In the beginning we find that on the seventh day God rested from His work. On leaving Egypt the seventh day was consecrated to God as the Sabbath meaning time of rest in God. In the given context the seventh year was also the year of liberation. God gives us the opportunity to become masters over our own sinful selves by means of His grace. Without Him we are slaves of our passions, wishes and instant gratification which does not always follow according to the will of God. 


Another observation that we can infer on reflecting on verses 1 to 3 of the twenty-first chapter of the book of Exodus is the fact that God is in favour of the preservation of the family. If a man entered slavery as a married man ,he would be liberated as a married man. As a family we cannot be saved by ourselves but as a family. He who thinks that he or she, will experience ones salvation on ones own has a surprise coming, for we cannot be saved on our own but as a family. We are all each ether's stepping stone or signpost to heaven by which God gives us directions in order to achieve this Holy goal.


As a community or Church we also cannot be divided, because we are also to be saved as one unit, even though there are divisions in the Roman Catholic Church and its offshoots. While on earth in the person of Jesus, He declared that there will be one flock and one shepherd and that any sheep that are out of the flock or maybe for some reason have been driven away will one again return to the original flock and there will be unity in the body of Christ.


4. If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sins or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master's and he shall go out alone, 5. But if the slave declares, " I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out a free person," 6. then his master shall bring him before God. He shall be brought to the door or the doorpost; and his master shall pierce his ear with an awl, and he shall serve him for life.


(Exodus chapter 21 verses 4 to 6)


Verses four to six give us a perfect example of a person who is dedicated to God and his family in contrast to one who is simply self seeking. The dedicated person seeks the interest of both himself and that of his family, moreover,  he accepts to be a slave and stay with his family than to be a free person and be separated from his wife and family. Our choices are to be based on the will of God and not simply on our own egotistic wishes and agendas.


7. When a man sell his daughter as a slave, she shall not go out as the male slaves do. 8. If she does not please her master, who designated her for himself, then he shall let her be redeemed; he shall have no right to sell her to a foreign people, since he has dealt unfairly with her. 

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 7 to 8)



Before God we are not slaves but free people. God gave such orders as to establish a form of social order when the people would continue to grow and integrate with their social environment. Having a healthy social order is very sufficient for the community at large.  Unlike the ways of man, God paid the full price for our redemption regardless if we were males or females. 



9. If he designates her for his son, he shall deal with her as with a daughter. 10, If he takes another wife to himself, he shall not diminish the food, clothing or marital rights of the first wife. 11. And if he does not do these three things for her, she shall go out without debt, without payment of money.


(Exodus chapter 21 verses 9 to 11)


Now that the people had been initiated in their spiritual welfare in their relationship with God, God started the social formation of his people. On reflecting on these verses we can find the beginning of a form of 'human rights' bill containing a list of norms, duties, rights and obligations, which are the foundation stones of our society.



12. Whoever strikes a person mortally shall be put to death. 13. If it was not pre-meditated, but about by an act of God, then I will appoint for you a place to which the killer may flee. 14. But if someone wilfully attacks and kills another by treachery, you shall take the killer from my altar for execution.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 12 to 14)



In relation to violence God ordered that if a person is killed by accident without any intention of killing the other person this person shall not be condemned to death, however, if the person was in control of his actions the person was to be executed. It is not that God is in any way in favour of the death of humans, however the example would act as a deterrent in the case of likewise negative actions. It can be said that the model being applied is one that has a meritocratic slant.



15. Whoever strikes father or mother shall be put to death.

(Exodus chapter 21 verse 15)


As in many laws there are many trap doors left open such as in verse 15. One may question the issue of self defence or if the person happen to be the abusers themselves. On reflecting God is positive and unlike humans focuses on the positive, therefore the law promulgated is one that exalts love and respect towards the parents and does not focus on the negative side thus portraying the parents as ever being at fault themselves.



16. Whoever kidnaps a person, whether that person has been sold or is still held in possession shall be put to death.

(Exodus chapter 21 verse 16)



The basic concept of verse 16 is that the person is held against ones own will and is therefore having his concept of liberty violated. This is what sin does to us. It keeps us kidnapped from the beautiful self that God lent us by which we can live on earth. As a consequence of our sin we end up spiritually and or physically dead. Therefore evil within us and beyond us is to be condemned. Satan is evil and therefore this evil entity is condemned by God but at times approved of by humanity.



17. Whoever curses father or mother shall be put to death.

(Exodus chapter 21 verse 17) 



On reflecting I would add that whoever curses anybody is to be put to death. The fruit of cursing is pure anger. The fruit of anger is spiritual, psychological and social disorder in our systems. Disorder in turn is equal to sin or a negative intervention, which all boils down to the temptation of the evil one. Therefore when feeling angry we are to seek confession so that God will forgive us. When we experience God's forgiveness we will in turn forgive those who trespass against us and the circle of sin and anger is broken one again.



18. When individuals quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone or fist so that the injured party, though not dead is confined to bed, 19. but recovers and walks around outside with the help of a staff, then the assailant shall be free of liability, except to pay for the loss of time, and to arrange for full recovery.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 18 to 19)



When issuing such laws God really knew what He was talking about. Since the beginning of socialisation such laws have been applied unconsciously and have been in time incorporated into ones civil code and legal system of jurisdiction. With reference to the Maltese legal system there is much in common to the tenets and addenda mentioned in chapter 21 of the book of exodus, however although modifications have been done on a compare and contrast perspective there is much in common. In order to reflect on this issue please click on the following link that takes us to the civil code of Malta. In order to browse in depth in relation to the issue of physical harm as mentioned  in Exodus chapter 21 verses 18 to 19  in light of chapter 9 of the Maltese Criminal Code please click on the following:

re physical harm



20. When a slave owner strikes a male or a female slave with a rod and the slave dies immediately, the owner shall be punished. 21 But if the slave survives a day or two, there is no punishment; for the slave is the owner's property.


(Exodus chapter 21 verses 20 to 21)


Ideally nobody is the slave of anybody. When in such a position the slave is subject to all forms of abuse. The funny thing is that we make slaves of each other when God created us in full liberty as sons and daughters of God. It is human sin that causes slavery and the related abuse.


22. When people who are fighting injure a pregnant woman so that there is a miscarriage, and yet no further harm follows, the one responsible shall be fined what the woman's husband demands, paying as much as the judges determine.


(Exodus chapter 21 verse 22)



When promulgating such laws God took into consideration many scenarios along with their long term and short term consequences, in order to cover all our needs and interests, from the stage of being an unborn baby to the stage of adulthood and death.


23. If any harm follows, then you shall give an 24. eye for an eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25. burn for burn. wound for wound, stripe for stripe.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 23 to 25)


In the New Testament Jesus made an alteration to this law. Jesus introduced the issue of forgiveness in order to compensate for such grievances.  



26. When a slaveowner strikes the eye of a male or female slave, destroying it, the owner shall let the slave go, a free person to compensate for the eye. 27. If the owner knocks out a tooth of a male or female slave, the slave shall be let go, a free person, to compensate for the tooth.


(Exodus chapter  21 verses 26 to 27)



The logic used in this verse is that the loss of the part compensates for the whole, however God created us as whole beings and not as individual parts. Even as a Church we are one whole, the body of Christ and as in the body every part has its personal value and plays a special role. Therefore if at the time you are reflecting on this chapter and feel unworthy or even depressed, remember that as a member of the body of Christ you have value as much as all the other parts that make part of the body.


28. When an ox gores a man or a woman to death, the ox shall be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall not be liable. 29. If the ox has been accustomed to gore in the past, and the owner has been warned but has not restrained it, and it kills a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned, and its owner shall be put to death.


(Exodus chapter 21 verses 28 to 29)


When reflecting on verses 28 to 29 of the book of Exodus it becomes clear that our sense of responsibility for our actions plays a vital role with reference to our well being and even that of others. As humans and moreover Christians we are to show concern for others well being and take responsibility for those actions that we do and even those that we were duty bound to do and was reluctant to perform at the detriment of others.


 30. If a ransom is imposed on the owner, then the owner shall pay whatever is imposed for the redemption of the victim's life.

(Exodus chapter 21 verse 30)


The big dilemma that arises is the exact total in ransom that is enough to pay in order to redeem a person's life. Jesus Christ gives us the answer. In order to redeem the lives of all the people of the world He gave up his whole human existence on earth, giving us his body blood skin and bone and even his natural mother whom he dearly loved. God paid the price for our redemption in full.


31. If it gores a boy or a girl the owner shall be dealt with according to this same rule. 32. If the ox gores a male or a female slave, the owner shall pay to the slave owner thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 31 to 32)


According to Exodus chapter 21 verse 32 the price of a slave was thirty shekels of silver. On referring to the New Testament we find that Jesus was betrayed for thirty pieces of silver. Therefore it can be concluded that Jesus was ridiculed and devalued to the status of a slave in fiscal or monetary value.


 33. If someone leaves a pit open, or digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls into it, 34. the owner of the pit shall make restitution, giving money to the owner but keeping the dead animal.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 33 to 34)


As already mentioned although God did not do anything wrong, he paid the price for our redemption in full, but instead of keeping our sins, God pinned them on the cross at Calvary and took the brunt of the blame for our irresponsibility's as a human race.

 
35. If someone's ox hurts the ox of another, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide the price of it; and the dead animal shall also divide. 36. But if it was known that the gore was accustomed to gore in the past, and its owner has not restrained it, the owner shall restore ox for ox, but keep the dead animal.

(Exodus chapter 21 verses 35 to 36)


As already mentioned the bottom line or philosophy is that of a tooth for a tooth, in which one replaces the other.  However as referred to throughout this chapter Jesus made a serious alteration to the thwarted logic of this philosophy and introduced the issues of forgiveness by being the first to break old patterns and set up a completely new one based on His live for us. Even though we all may have had negative patterns or history of bad habits or negative acts, gives us the opportunity to change our life styles and does not keep on accusing us of our previous faults. On the other hand God is just and cannot turn a blind eye to our faults and excuse us of our iniquities and their consequences for which we are to be accountable to both God and humanity.


The author of this chapter of the book of Exodus Mrs. Mary Geveetha chose to end this chapter with the following prayer which is the fruit of her reflection on this chapter:   



We Praise and Glorify You for Your Mighty works. We give You thanks for the commandments You laid upon the earth. Through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus we are bonded in a new everlasting covenant. And Your commandments lay morals and rules of natural justice of daily living. We pray to be obedient to Your commandments in all sense of living.  We pray to be led by the rules of justice for our wrongdoing. In repentance may we turn to Jesus for refuge and reconciliation and receive Your mercy through Him.We pray to become a people that is  bound by Your laws for a righteous living and savour the Grace our Lord Jesus purchased for a high price as He gave Himself on the Cross of Salvation.

In Jesus precious name we pray, Amen

Thursday 18 September 2014

Exodus chapter 20


EXODUS

 CHAPTER

 20



1. Then God spoke all these words:

(Exodus chapter 20)



According to Mr Devain Ajit Pawar Ajit Pawar who is the author of this chapter and with whom I totally agree, God speaks through all of us. He is present inside all of us and speaks by means of all of us, even though he may not speak directly, God speaks by means of every day life experiences. Each day He teaches us something new.


 2. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 2)


Unlike the Devil, God never hides his identity. He reveals and manifests Himself to us. Unlike humans God is free from sin. On the other hand as humans we are always prone to sin against the will of God. Even though we consider ourselves as being free and not slaves in some way or another we are still bound by our sins and our sinful self. However just as God freed Moses and His chosen people from the bondage of Egypt God has given us His grace by means of the sacraments of liberation in order to free us from slavery of our sins. Every time we confess our sins God liberates us from the clutches of evil, forgives us and bestows on us His grace and blessings that is the power to stand up again and keep on walking in His steps.


3. you shall have no other gods before me.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 3)


God made it clear that there is only one God and that all of us are to agree that God is our heavenly father who lovingly looks upon us. He has the sole role of 'Master Creator'. In God as in humans there are present these dual roles, the creative and the destructive. For instance when we eat food we are destroying it in order to obtain the nutrients and vitamins needed to keep the body in good condition.


4 You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 4)


God loves us so much that he wants to be the only God in our lives and is not ready to take second place to any body or any thing, whether pop star, foot ball fan, money other religions, luck by chance or many others. God wants us to be free from false beliefs that promise us a false means of salvation or hopes or riches as in the case of the practise of black magic called voo doo or fortune telling. Although such sources have a degree of power, they are no match against God, however if we meddle with such practise we can end up in series trouble both on a spiritual, psychological and even social level as in the case of a demonic possession.


5. You shall not bow down to them, or worship them: for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 5)


God never wants us to bow down before the forces of evil in adoration or praise. However many practise such as foot worship and female domination is practised. During such negative practise, the aim of worship is shifted from the creator on to the created. Without doubt the devil plays a significant role in persuading, such people to humiliate the human body, that God made holy when taking the human form in order to save us from eternal damnation.


6. but showing steadfast love to the thousand generation of those who love me, and keep my commandments.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 6)


God loves us so much that he considers it as being such a negative act that of giving God second or third place in our lives in order to give worship to other gods. This is such a serious sin that it has long term repercussions. We are therefore to pray to God for forgiveness not only for our sins but even of those of our predecessors, of which we may be still experiencing the negative consequences of their negative actions. In practise their exist conditions and situations where the patients or clients are still experiencing the negative consequences of parents or even significant others, such as negative actions having to do with the supernatural such as occult, forms of abuse and many other negative practise. However although we may greatly sin against God. he always loves us and is always happy to see us go against our negative ways in order to follow His holy words, ways and most of all His commandments. 


7. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not acquit anyone who misuses  his name.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 7)


As emphasised by God misusing the name of God as in swearing is strictly unacceptable and is not to be practised under any circumstance even if we are really angry at each other. We are to remember that the name of God is Holy because its owner is Holy and therefore we are to treat it and refer to it in adoration love and respect.


8. Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. 9. Six days you shall labour, and do all your work. 10. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God; you shall not do any work- you, your son, or your daughter, your male or female slave, your livestock or the alien resident in your towns. 

(Exodus chapter 20 verses 8 to 10)


In order for us to never forget the day of our salvation God wanted us to keep this days as being holy. Therefore as a rule no work is to be carried out on such days. However although God mentioned all days, He would not consider people in hospital such as nurses and doctors who are on shifts and even split shifts to stop giving their service or even people who manage power stations and airports etc or even police forces.


11. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but rested the seventh day: therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and consecrated it.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 11)



God cares for us so much that he gave us Sunday that is a day for rest both on a spiritual level and also on a physical and psychological level. During the week of six days we are to do our duty to man and to God in work however  on a Sunday we take our deserved rest. Therefore we are to respect and glorify God and the special day that He has given us



12 Honour your father and your mother:so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 12)


God wants us to give honour to our biological parents, however in some cases some of us complain of our childhood and our upbringing. Some of us may have lived a living hell and are still enduring the negative consequences of such a negative childhood. However God has given us our parents for a particular purpose and we are to accept them as being chosen for us according to God's infinite wisdom. We may not understand why some of them are abusers or alcoholics or workaholics however what we can understand is that God has made a perfect plan for us and part of that plan is our having such parents. Therefore in such respect we are to give honour and praise to God for giving us such parents. 


13 You shall not murder.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 13)


When God said "You shall not murder" He meant what He said and even today the meaning is the same. Do not murder does not make an exception for crime of passion or even abortion or euthanasia or simply giving a person the cold shoulder by playing the silent game as if the other person is not present at all. God was clear when giving us this commandment. Under no circumstances a human is to take the life of another human not even in wars or death penalty or capital punishment. Our life is a gift from God. He has given it to us ,and only \he has the right to take it back again.


14. You shall not commit adultery.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 14)


During our times adultery is being widely practised, we have become an adulterous society, some may say that one does not have an extra marital relationship, but if you love your work more than you love your wife and family and aim to spend more time at work than at home, that is also an  extra marital relationship. On the other hand those of us, who prefer engaging in masturbation than having pure and sincere intercourse with their wives are also being adulterous without being adult in their actions. When we abuse of our love we become like children who are at a certain age irresponsible. During such adulterous moments we are completely stripped off the God given dignity of being called adults.


 15. You shall not steal.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 15)


Stealing somebody else's property is always considered as being a negative act that merits condemnation, even though some may say that stealing in order to survive is not. However stealing is always considered as being a negative act in itself. God always provides us with all that we need therefore we do not need to steal other people's property, wives, husbands, promotions at the place of work and even more. Taking a persons life is also stealing a person of his life, therefore we are to remain aware of our selves so that we are protected by the grace of God from committing such negative acts.


16. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 16)


 God is asking us to always say the truth in our witness against our neighbour. If I am working on a product or being part of a work force that is producing a product that will have negative side effects on humanity it is my obligation to speak the truth and expose my employer even if this means losing my job and in turn causing my colleagues to become unemployed.


There are moments when we try to come out clean from a situation by placing the blame on others however this is not a solution to the problem. It will only be a quick fix solution, which is certainly not justified. As a consequence other people may endure negative consequences because of our having been untrue in our witness. There are those who have been falsely accused of having committed acts of murder or abuse and have spent the prime time of their lives in prison instead of with their families. This time has been unjustly denied of them.


17 You shall not covet your neighbour's house; you shall not covet your neighbour's wife, or male or female slave, or ox, or donkey, or any thing that belongs to your neighbour.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 17)



On reflecting verse 17 has many ramifications. One may attempt to make a claim on a person's house property or even ones wife, if the person in question does not make the payment in time or even satisfy the conditions of a business contract that in itself may not be totally legal. As in the case of usury or drug dealing one may like or fancy the property of another and chose it as payment in return if the recipient does not pay or deliver in time. On knowing well the shortcomings of the recipient one may abuse of the situation and require that the property will be used as payment.



18. When all the people witnessed the thunder and lightning, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking they were afraid and trembled and stood at a distance, 19, and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen: but do not let God speak to us, or we will die."20. Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid; for God has come only to test you, and to put the fear of him upon you so that you do not sin".

(Exodus chapter 20 verses 18 to 20)


Many people who make an experience of  God by means of a  vision are terrified even though we know God as being a caring and loving God who is also our loving father. We might fear Him because as humans we are prone to sin and that makes us afraid of that day when we appear before God and are compelled to render an account of our lives and being open to God's just judgement.


On the request of Mr.David Hur I am sharing this video clip that reflects our reasons for remaining distant from God



        







21. Then the people stood at a distance, off, while Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

(Exodus chapter 20 verse 21)


Those of us who have a strong relationship with God have no need to fear God. They love God so much that they are ready to do anything for him, even if it means going in to the darkness of the unknown as in giving their lives as in the consecrated life which even secular people can do, without the need of becoming a priest. When making the leap of faith in our life it is accepting to plunge into the darkness of mystery with the faith that in that darkness God is going to meet us at the other end of the tunnel or mountain top as in the case of Moses.


22. The LORD said to Moses, This you shall say to the Israelites, You have seen for yourselves that I spoke with you from heaven. 23 You shall not make gods of silver alongside me, nor shall you make for yourselves  gods of gold. 24. You need make for me an altar of earth and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings of well being, your sheep, and your oxen: in every place where I cause my name to be remembered  I will come to you  and bless you. 25 But if you make for me an altar of stone, do not not build it of hewn stone: for if you use a chisel upon it you profane it. 26. You shall not go up by steps to my altar, so that your nakedness may not be exposed on it"

(Exodus chapter 20 verses 22 to 26)


God made it clear to His people that they were never to make idols of gold or silver and give them the same honour and ranking as they give to God. God occupies the most important place in our lives that can be matched by no other entity, be it natural such as our work career or family, or supernatural as in the worshipping of evil spirits or statues of saints that some idolise to the point of giving more worship to them than to God. 


God is good mighty and pure without the least blemish or traces of sin or corruption. Therefore in order to sacrifice to Him the apparatus used on which to offer sacrifices as in the case of the altar in our Churches are also to be made of non corruptible materials. All is to be as pure as possible in order to reflect the purity of God who is omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient in the sense that He is anywhere and everywhere. He is formless and his power and love are beyond our imagination. Therefore when we make an idol or image of him we are creating a limited perspective of God, because no statue can ever portray the beauty, love and might of God as it really is.


This is why different people have different symbols, beliefs and interpretations of God, because we are all different. Moreover our social environment conditions our perception of God. In primitive times humans were very close to nature, As a consequence they created nature gods which they gave worship by offering sacrifices. Throughout the years God continued to manifest Himself to us and now we worship God in spirit and in truth. However there are still those who have decided to impose their beliefs on others up to the point of shedding the blood of others who do not share the same belief and even resort to evil acts as the beheading of whom they consider as being non believers. Their perception is so corrupted that they state that their actions are being done in the name of God, who is a God of love and peace and not one of murder and blood shed.


On having reflected on this chapter the author of this chapter, Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar: invites us to keep a moment of silence, for all the victims of, murder, robbery adultery, our Christian brothers and sisters in Iraq who are being slain for whom they believe in and others who have been convicted as the result of false accusations.

 Our source would like to end the following chapter with the prayer:


God I would like to pray for all the victims, as well as those who have sinned against You. I  hope all victims of murder rest in peace. Moreover I also pray for the families of such victims that You Oh God will help them to overcome their sadness by your blessings. I also pray for those who commit these sins so that they realise their mistake and try to amend it. God thank you for everything you given to us and hope you be with us just as you have been with our ancestors.


Thank you God for everything.

Monday 15 September 2014

Exodus chapter 19


EXODUS

 CHAPTER 

19




1. On the third new moon after the Israelites had gone out of the land of Egypt, on that very day, they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 They had journeyed from Raphidim, entered the wilderness of Sinai, and camped in the wilderness; Israel camped there in front of the mountain.


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 1 to 2)



On reflecting this is the journey of life that we are still walking every day of our life. All our plans, agendas or projects all reach their apex when appearing before the Mountain of God, who is the primary focus of our lives, that is only if we give Him the priority in our life. Even if we do not all our plans without our being aware have their roots in God, even though we may not yet believe in Him. He is a super navigator.


In order to view the route fashioned by God from Egypt to the wilderness of Sinai please click on the following link:


In relation to the route leading to Mount Sinai our source Mr R. Russel has generously given me the permission to publish the following image:





(Contributed by Mr R.Russel 
at http://www.bible-history.com/geography/maps/map_sinai_peninsula.html)



3. Then Moses went up to God; the LORD called to him from the mountain, saying, "Thus you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the Israelites: 4. You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on my eagle's wings and brought you to myself.


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 3 to 4)


During our moments of reflection or maybe when we feel a bit down in the dumps, that may lead us to consider making rash decisions we are to refer back to those blessed moments when we experienced God as being super active in our lives and give Him thanks.



5. Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed the whole earth is mine, 6. but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the Israelites."

(Exodus chapter 19 verses 5 to 6)



On reflecting God does not ask too much of us. Nothing more than what we parents expect of our children, that is their love and obedience. As a loving father this is what god expects of us. Moreover although God is the owner of the World if we obey Him we will be His prized possession the apple of his eye. This message that was to be transmitted to the Israelites is being given to us even as we read and pray over this biblical verse. God is making this covenant with us today the choice is ours to make.



7. So Moses came, summoned the elders of the people, and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8. The people all answered as one: "Every thing that the LORD has spoken we will do."Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD.

(Exodus chapter 19 verses 7 to 8)



On reflecting it seems that Moses continued to practice the hierarchical system that God by means of Jethro had passed on to him. Up to this very day, this system is practised in the Roman Catholic Church. The people gave their consent to obey the will of God. On reflecting this is a serious issue to consider. Pledging total obedience to the will of God is a total dedication to His will. This implies that our will and nature as humans is to be disciplined in order to be second and this can only be done with the help of God. Our spirits truly wishes to obey the will of God, however our bodies, makes this task almost impossible to be done. It is only if God gives us this gift of obedience and subordination of our sinful nature that this can be done.




9. Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to come to you in a dense cloud, in order that the people may hear when I speak with you and so trust you ever after." When Moses had told the words of the people to the LORD, 10. the LORD said to Moses: "Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11. and prepare for the third day, because on the third day the LORD will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 9 to 11)



Now that the people had accepted to obey the will of God and be His people bound by an eternal covenant, God decided to come closer into their lives and manifest Himself to them. The same happens with us. In the beginning of my conversion God was a distant person




(Vince editor of this chapter) I was born in the Christian faith, but my relationship with Him was still underdeveloped as much as I was at the time. On joining a group of people who all had the same aim that of following God, he started my spiritual transformation. This group was called the 'Neocatechumenal Way'. More information about this group can be found by clicking on the following link:


Please click to follow



Throughout these years of formation God chose a particular moment by which He came close to me and has been with me ever since. A week before my 18th birthday I had a dream in which God told me in a vision to leave all I had in order to follow Him. At the time I did  not understand what He meant by this calling but in time today I realize the true message of that calling. If it was not for that special intervention in my life I would not be praying on the Word of God and sharing it with all who are interested.



12. You shall set limits for the people all around, saying, 'Be careful not to go up the mountain or to touch the edge of it. Any who touch the mountain shall be put to death 13. No hand shall touch them, but they shall be stoned or shot with arrows, whether animal or human being, they shall not live. When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they may go up on the mountain."


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 12 to 13)




Verses 12 to 13 show us the value of humility, obedience and the respect of boundaries towards our fellow persons and most of all towards God. When we feel that we are growing in our relationship with God that is measured by how much we are growing in our relationships with others, we start feeling the need to give more to others and feel more in the Spirit of God. We may risk violating set boundaries. We are still babies in our relationship with God, therefore we cannot embark on a personal mission of saving souls on earth. If God wants this from us He will personally transmit this to us. In the mean time we need to keep on growing and respect God's boundaries by growing according to God's will. If we rush the first tribulation that comes our way is enough to extinguish our flame of faith and motivation because like babies we are not yet strong enough. Therefore God set boundaries for His chosen people in order to train them in obedience and self-control.


14. So Moses went down from the mountain to the people. He consecrated the people and they washed their clothes. 15 And he said to the people, "Prepare for the third day, do not go near a woman."


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 14 to 15)




Every time we meet God we need to prepare ourselves for our meeting with Him, because when meeting with God we are meeting with a very important person. One means that is of great help is to go for confession before receiving Him so that as much as being physically clean we may also be spiritually clean which is just as important.



16. On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, as well as a thick cloud on the mountain, and a blast of a trumpet so loud that all the people who were in the camp trembled.


(Exodus chapter 19 verse 16)


God manifested himself to His people. He presented Himself to them as an almighty powerful God more than as a loving father as in the New Testament. God manifests Himself according to the level of development that He has enabled us to reach.


17. Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. 18. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the LORD had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently.


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 17 to 18)


In order to help visualize and imagine this awesome moment in the life of God's chosen people please click on the following link;


God on Mount Sinai



19. As the blast of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses would speak and God would answer him in thunder. 20. When the LORD descended upon Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up. 

(Exodus chapter 19 verses 19 to 20)


God invited Moses to have a mountain top experience with Him. These are special moments in our life that often take place during moments of either great crisis or moments of inspiration. God makes use of such moments in order to pass His message on to us. God gives us an opportunity where He can have personal contact with us.



21. Then the LORD said to Moses, "Go down and warn the people not to break through to the LORD to look; otherwise many of them will perish. 22. Even the priests who approach the LORD must consecrate themselves or the LORD will break out against them."

(Exodus chapter 19 verses 21 to 22)


God strictly ordered that anything or anybody coming close to Him was to be pure. This is why some of us lead a long life on earth, so that during this time they have the opportunity to reach a level of purification which at times is reached by many sufferings. A long life is therefore a blessing. It is a golden opportunity for us to reflect and change our ways with the help of God.



23. Moses said to the LORD, "The people are not permitted to come up to Mount Sinai: for you yourself warned us, saying, Set limits; around the mountain and keep it holy.'


(Exodus chapter 19 verse 23)


Moses as if tried to remind God that a few minutes before He had prohibited all the people from coming into contact with the mountain and now he was making an exception to the priests, who although clean as priests also needed to be consecrated. In our lack of trust even towards God we still try to find loop holes in God's ways in order to make them suit our agendas. In this respect the Word of God is constantly being abused by groups who interpret the Word of God in contrary to the teachings of God by means of the Roman Catholic Church (Vince: God help and protect me from falling into the same trap!!)



24. The LORD said to him, "Go down, and come up bringing Aaron with you; but do not let either the priests or the people break through to come up to the LORD; otherwise he will break out against them." 25. So Moses went down to the people and told them.


(Exodus chapter 19 verses 24 to 25)


God had indeed planned an exception and this permitted Aaron to go up the Mountain. Aaron was a person from God and Moses' inner circle and not an outsider like the rest of the people. As in the case of Moses Aaron had been an instrument in the liberation process of the people from the bondage of Egypt, therefore both himself and his role in assisting God had been special. Our prayer is to be that we also make part of God's inner circles as He permits us to grow in our relationship with Him and then He will be able to use us in order to accomplish particular roles. As Christians, parents, teachers, students and many more functions God has already assigned to us roles that are to be considered as being special in themselves. Therefore we are always to pray to God in helping us to carry out these roles that are becoming more challenging throughout the times.


The author of this chapter Mary Geveetha chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:



Almighty Father, creator of the universe and God of all glory and praise, Thank You for making your power magnificent on the highest mountain.  In the thundering and lightning, in the sound of the loud trumpet, in the thick cloud of smoke of furnace, You spoke through Your prophet and made your people gaze upon You in eminence.


We thank You Father for giving us Lord Jesus.  In His obedience to Your will, in His death and blood, He has purchased us an everlasting covenant called Grace between You our God and us Your people. By His sacrifice He tore the veil between You and Your people,  that we could worship and talk to You without fear.


We pray Father to sanctify ourselves in a deeper purer relationship with You through our Lord Jesus Christ. We pray to be a people privileged to be a chosen generation,  a royal priesthood and a holy nation before You.


We pray that in prayer we obey Your voice and keep Your commandments and establish love peace and joy in all  things. We pray to be a people worthy of Your mercy and grace.
We pray in the precious name of Jesus, 




Thank You God

Amen.

Wednesday 10 September 2014

Exodus chapter 18



EXODUS 

CHAPTER 

18




1. Jethro the priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard of all that the God had done for Moses and for his people Israel, how the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt.

(Exodus chapter 18 verse 1)


In English we have an expression that says news travels fast. It seems that this is appropriate in the case of Moses. News of God's wonders and might in Egypt travelled fast thus spreading as far as Midian. The good news of the Word of God has also been travelling fast throughout the years however many people view it differently from others. There are those who accept it as it really is as being true and as coming from God's however there are others who are totally sceptic about its authenticity. The choice is ours to make along with the consequences of our decision.



2. After Moses had sent away his wife Zipporah, his father-in-law Jethro took her back. 3. along with her two sons. The name of the one was Gershom: (for he said, I have been an alien in a foreign land")

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 2 to 3)



On having decided to follow the will of God, Moses decided to send his wife back to her father Jethro the priest of Midian who accepted his daughter back and did not hold a personal grudge against Moses for having done so. This verse raises an important issue regarding the marriage of priests in the Roman Catholic Church as in protestant churches. In order to be able to follow the will of God it was necessary for Moses to be separated from his wife. He presence would have caused complications in the sense that Moses would have been forced to choose between obeying his wife and her needs in contrast to obeying the will of God. This would have bound to create stress and conflict between the couple as in the case of Abraham and Sarah who at times was a hindrance to Abraham as found in the book of Genesis. I would greatly love to receive your feedback on this issue in the comments section. (Vince Micallef)



4. and the name of the other Eliezer (for he said, " The God of my father, was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh. 

(Exodus chapter 18 verse 4)



God is always our helper, He is always there for us and and he will deliver us from our sins to bring us closer to him and make possible our salvation.



5. Jethro, Moses', father-in-law came into the wilderness where Moses was encamped by at mountain of God, bringing Moses' sons and wife to him. 6. He sent word to Moses, saying, "I your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, with your wife and her two sons." 7. Moses went out to meet his father-in-law; he bowed down, and kissed him: each asked after the other's welfare and they went into the tent. 

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 5 to 7)



After having delivered the Israelites from the bondage of Egypt God gave Moses back his family. Although during the peak moment of the Exodus the presence of his family may have been of more stress for Moses, he still had responsibility for his family. He was still a married man and no Annulment tribunal can ever change that, even though there may be issues that make family life challenging to live. Although Moses had the company of  many people it cannot be compared to the love, care and support that can be given by our family.



8. Then Moses told his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh, and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the hardship that had beset them on the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. 9. Jethro rejoiced for all the good that the LORD had done to Israel, in delivering them from the Egyptians.

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 8 to 9)



Just as Jethro was happy upon hearing how God had delivered the Israelites out of Egypt, God is also happy to help us and give us His support in overcoming our problems and personal issues because God has sincere love and concern for our well being.



10. Jethro said,  "Blessed be the LORD, who has delivered  you from the Egyptians and from Pharaoh. 11. Now I know, that the LORD is greater than all gods; because he delivered the people from the Egyptians,"

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 10 to 11)



God is always above everything he is the one and only supreme being and loving father who is always there for us loving and blessing us and delivering us from our problems. Even though the outcomes of our problems are not always according to our agendas at the given time of our deliverance, God is still there to accompany us throughout our pilgrimage on earth.



12. And Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, brought a burnt offering  offered and sacrifices to God: and Aaron came with all the elders of Israel to eat bread with Moses' father-in-law in the presence of God.

(Exodus chapter 18 verse 12)



When we offer a sacrifice to God our aim is not that of self-gratification but as a means of showing gratitude and thanks giving  to God. According to the author of this chapter it is best to offer our bad habits and other sins than to sacrifice an animal, because this form of offering brings us closer to God.



Now that Moses had confirmed his very good relationship with Jethro Aaron and the elders of Israel could now join the celebration in the presence of God. God's friends are our friends, God's family is our family, as people walking in the footsteps of God, we are one family. In order to view the route to Mount Sinai please refer to the following link


Map of Mount Sinai peninsula



13. The next day Moses as judge for the people, while the people stood around him from morning until evening.


(Exodus chapter 18 verse 13)



Moses was assigned the role of judge over the people, however the role that God had given him was that of leading His chosen people out of Egypt to the promised land according to His Covenant. At times we find ourselves executing roles that in truth are not according to the Will of God and this is a drain on our spiritual, mental and physical abilities. We can only imagine the effect of such a drain on Moses who spent from morning to evening carrying out such a role. Without knowing as humans we also carry out the function of judging others. At times our judgement is positive praising the good that God gave to others, however at times our judgement is negative and does much harm, therefore we are to choose between being positive judges to negative. Ideally we leave judgement to God for only who is working on a 24 x 7 shift without no break on our behalf and will not rest until He has helped us in solving or coping with our minor or even major problems and issues. He is competent to carry out such a role. In the New Testament Jesus warned us about passing judgement on others He totally disapproved of it.
     


14. When Moses' father-in-law saw all that he was doing for the people, he said, "What is this that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone, while all the people stand around you from morning till evening?15. Moses said to his father-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God? 16. When they have a dispute, they come to me and I decide between one person and another, and I make known to them the statutes and instructions of God."


(Exodus chapter 18 verse 14 to 16)



In the beginning of our spiritual life we often have many question on our minds. We may not only doubt our behaviour, beliefs and values but may even condemn or judge those of others. Therefore in order to clear away the doubts it is wise to seek the counsel of others self who are more advanced in their spiritual walk with God. It is very healthy to have a spiritual director as long as this person is still walking and growing with God himself and not with his psychology and counselling techniques only.



On reflecting Moses ended up as being a one man army. When considering that he was the only link between God and the people, the latter bombarded him with questions to which they required instant solutions or answers, that at times may have not been easy to answer. Thus spending so much time in giving to others is a drain on ourselves, because we also need to receive. I f we do not spend time to receive from God we will have nothing to give to others. In time we will become annoying and stagnant to others and of no help or support at all. Therefore it is a must that we spend time in prayer with God if we wish to be of help to others. We also need to nourish our relationship with God therefore we need to have quality time with Him.



17. Moses father-in-law said to him, "What you are doing is not good. 18. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.  


(Exodus chapter 18 verses 17 to 18)


When the demand is not equally shared there is always the great risk of burn out in the long or short term. In such cases the coping abilities do not match with the demand, therefore stress is experienced by the care giver. Therefore in such cases a fair distribution is needed in order to cope with the demands at hand. This is valid on both a spiritual contest as in the case of Moses, the Pope who has priests, deacons e.t.c to assist him and even on a social level at home or in a work setting. At home the wife especially if she is a full time married working mother who has not gainfully occupied and even more if she is, cannot cope on her own with the demands of the family which are never ending, and or the demands of work that in themselves are already stressful. What is needed is a fair distribution amongst all the members of the family, so that the demand is shared and so the stress is also shared and not focused only on one person. Every family member is to contribute according to ones, capacity, time availability and opportunity amongst other criteria that are to be discussed in a spirit of love and cooperation during family meetings.



19. Now listen to me, I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You should represent the people before God, and you should bring their cases before God. 20.teach them the statutes and instructions and make known to them the way they are to go and the things they are to do. 

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 19 to 20)


On reflecting we are to pay heed to the counsel of significant others. Different people share a different perspective of how they perceive reality or the problem at hand. God teaches us to hand over all our problems to Him because He is the wisest problem solver ever. The saying says that knowledge is power. Instead of giving a person the answer to ones problem it is best to present the person before God and teach the person to think, pray and behave according to the will of God. From then onwards the person can continue to grow in ones personal life.



21. You should also look for all able men among all the people, men who fear God, are trustworthy, and hate dishonest gain; set such men over them as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and  tens,

(Exodus chapter 18 verse 21)



In order to be a good administrator over the people of God, Jethro suggested that those chosen for this role were to have the above mentioned qualities. When considering our human nature it would seem to be almost humanly impossible to find such people, however if such people were chosen by God they would also have the required qualities.  As in the case of a vocation God gives the person all the necessary qualities, however if that person in time does not nourish his or her relationship with God, that person places the assigned consecrated life in danger with the risk of becoming dishonest, unfaithful to God and His people amongst other negative consequences.



22. Let them sit as judges for the people at all times:let them bring every important case to you, but decide every minor case themselves. So it will be easier for you, and they will bear the burden with you. 23. If you do this, and God so commands you, then you will be able to endure, and all these people will go to their home in peace."

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 22 to 23)


From a simple group of people a new structured group was in the process of formation. The hierarchical structure was being applied and falling into place. As in the case of the people while still in Egypt, they had taskmaster that governed their work. Therefore the people had been used to being part of a structure or a system. On reflecting God was laying down the foundations of a new society based on the presence of God and His values.



24. So Moses listened to his father-in-law and did all that he had said.

(Exodus chapter 18 verse 24)



Upon hearing the suggestion Moses in acted it as it was a good suggestion as he didn’t want people to completely be dependant on him. God do not want us to be completely dependent on him in a sense when we face some problem no doubt we should pray to god and wait for his answer but also we should be strong enough to face the problem for the time being till god correct time arrive and he will bring a solution for our problems.



25. Moses chose able men from all Israel and appointed them as heads over the people, as officers over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. 26. And they judged the people at all times; hard cases they brought to Moses, but any minor case they decided themselves. 27. Then Moses let his father-in--law depart and he went off to his own country.

(Exodus chapter 18 verses 25 to 27)



After having listened to all that Jethro had explained to Moses, the latter implemented all that had been explained to him. The word of Jethro who was influenced by God as an eye opener for Moses became actions. On hearing the proclamation of the Word of God we are not to be passive but act on God's Word in a spirit of obedience. In order to resolve many conflicts the Word of God is a trustworthy source. It gives us guidance that helps us to solve the basic issues of concern.



On reflecting the system described by Jethro is complementary to the Maltese Judicial system. Trivial cases are heard in the civil case section of the court while hardened cases are heard in a second domain where criminal cases are heard.



Before ending this chapter Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar the author of this chapter wishes to present the following challenge for us to reflect on before moving on to Exodus chapter 19. The author is asking us to, think about those moments where and when God played an important role in our lives. The author asks us to reflect on a particular scenario and we will become more aware and grateful for God's intervention during that particular moment of crisis or blessing.


In order to help us readers in reflecting on this issue please click on the following link that has pleasant bird sounds and background music in order to help us relax while praying on this issue;


Birds background music



In order to end this chapter 18 of the book of Exodus the author chose to include the following prayer:


 I would like to thank you God,  for every moment in my life, whether it was good or bad. Even though I may have been hurt by the situation I would still like to give thanks. I strongly believe that you have control over anything that happens in our lives and that all happens according to your plan for us and me in particular. I am sorry for those moments when I ever complained and murmured stating my dissatisfaction and my bad habits. In spite this thank you God for being with me

Thank you God for everything

 Amen



Saturday 6 September 2014

Exodus Chapter 17



Exodus

 Chapter 

17


1. From the wilderness of Sin the whole congregation of the Israelites journeyed by stages, as the LORD commanded. They camped at Rephidim, but there was no water for the people to drink.

(Exodus chapter 17 verse 1)

In order to view the route please click on the following link:




According to the author of this chapter Mr. Deevain Ajit Pawar:


"Following God's orders is good but sometimes it is not easy as in the process we sometimes face difficulties and hardships that we were not prepared for.However instead of complaining we are to thank God for such changes in our original plans, because ultimately God knows what is best for us."


At times we may think we are walking in God's ways, but in reality we may be following God to satisfy our personal agenda maybe just to feel good, or maybe to leave a good impression on others. In such cases we can keep on following Him but we will never make an experience of Him. We will never find water to drink because our intentions are not genuine. Many of the chosen people of God, were not aware what they were in for when they decided to follow Moses in the wilderness. Some of us Christians also did not have an idea of what it was like to follow Jesus, some persisted, others grumbled and went on their way joining other churches cults, or religions.


2. The people quarrelled with Moses, and said: Give us water, to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test the LORD? 3. But the people thirsted there for water, and the people complained against Moses and said, Why did you bring us out of Egypt, to kill us and our children, and livestock with thirst?

(Exodus chapter 17 verses 2 to 3)


When we face difficulty we have the habit of blaming the person or source that we think is causing all our misery and sorrow. If we are still not satisfied we end up placing the blame on God. Moreover when deep in our sorrow we may even threaten God with not going to Church any more or even that we will no longer keep on praying. This is very childhood behaviour and attitude which as in the case of the people of God were still very immature in their relationship with God.


4. So Moses cried out to the LORD,  "What shall I do with this people? They are almost ready to stone me. 5. The LORD said to Moses, "Go on ahead of the people, and take some of the elders of Israel with you: take in thy hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. 6. I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it so that the people may drink. " Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel

(Exodus chapter 17 verses 4 to 6)


On reflecting God does not want us to be harmed, however He is ready to be harmed for our sake. When Moses told God that the people where ready to stone him if he did not give them water, God decided to place himself in front of the rock. Therefore on giving Moses the go ahead to hit the rock, in reality Moses was hitting God, from which flow fountains of living water. God was situated between Moses and the rock therefore it was God who was struck and not the rock. God was ready to be beaten in order to give his people life given water. At the time of His passion God gave us His body and soul to nourish both our body and our soul.


7. He called the place Massah and Meribah, because of the Israelites quarrelled and tested the LORD, saying: "Is the LORD among us or not?"

(Exodus chapter 17 verse 7)


According to the author of this chapter with whom I entirely agree at some point in our life we all ask the fatal question in relation to whether God was with us or not during our moment of crisis. During such moments in the life of the world such as the tragic event of the twin towers and the beheading of our brothers and sisters in Iraq one may ask where is God in this situation? Although we may not have the answer at the time in question, when the time is proper God will reveal to us His role in such circumstances and maybe even His reasons for permitting such things to happen. However what is sure enough is that God never gives us situations to experience that are beyond our capacity. Moreover, if it happens to be beyond our capacity god will give us the skills to cope with such a situation. God is love and all that He does he does because He loves us. 


8. Then Amalek came, and fought with Israel at Rephidim. 9. Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some men for us and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill, with the staff of God in my hand."

(Exodus chapter 17 verses 8 to 9)


Whenever facing a problem instead of acting according to our own wishes we are to consult God and ask Him for his help. The next important step is to wait for his reply so that our decisions are made on a healthy foundation. During such crisis we face many threats such as Amalek who try to take away our source of happiness and security, however God will fight for us every every time by permitting only what is good for us to take place.


10. So Joshua did as Moses told him, and he fought with Amalek; while Moses, Aaron, and Hur, went up on top of the hill.

(Exodus chapter 17 verse 10)


Just as Joshua fought with Amalek without any hesitation, after being assured by God, when we face problems God tell us not to give up or be afraid because He is with us as long as we are walking in His ways and not simply according to our sinful nature to satisfy our personal agenda that in turn may be of harm to others or ourselves.
   

11. Whenever Moses held up his hands, Israel prevailed; and whenever he lowered his hand,  Amalek prevailed.

(Exodus chapter 17 verse 11)


According to the author of this chapter the moment we let God take control of our lives our quality of life improves. We become fully human and fully alive, because the Holy Spirit of God starts dwelling in us with a greater intensity. We discover many positive things about ourselves because God makes us positive people, however when we surrender ourselves to evil and its negative practices, we sink low down in our sins and start living a life of sin and sadness.


12. But Moses’s hands grew weary: so they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat on it: Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; so his hands were steady until the sun set. 13. And Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the sword.

(Exodus chapter 17 verses 12 to 13)


In  life we are not alone, during times of tribulation God is always with us and always is of support to us in the handling or coping  with our problems and difficulties. God sends many people in our lives who have helped us to hold our hands high so that we overcome our problems. If we go back in time we can recall the memories of such people. These people were all gifts given to us by God  


14. Then the LORD said to Moses: "Write this as a reminder in a book, and recite it in the hearing of Joshua : I will utterly blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven" 15. And Moses built an altar; and called it The Lord is my banner.  16. He said, "A hand upon the banner of the Lord! The LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation."

(Exodus chapter 17 from verse 14 to verse 16)


From generation to generation God has always been with us just as he had been with Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph Moses and those after them up to this very day. He has never stopped being of support to us empowering us with His Holy Word that gives us a new meaning to life. We are therefore to be grateful to God for without Him and His holy words we would be no better than savage beasts. God and His word gives us new dignity. By means of the Holy Spirit who works by means of the Roman Catholic Church, and other people in the Church we will keep on fighting the forces of evil, both within us and beyond us so that God will be all in all, the first one and only over all and above all. The author of this chapter Mr. Devain Ajit Pawar chose to end this chapter with the following prayer:


I would like to end this chapter with the following prayer,


 God you have been so kind to us. Moreover you never stop showering us with blessings. You give us people who loves us much more than we deserve. Thank you God for your kindness and compassionate love. You have always been a positive impact in my life. 

Thank You God J