or sign up to have them emailed to you. As part of God's word excavating our daily lives, the readings will be followed by a small devotion using the SOAP reflection. SOAP stands for S:Scripture, O:Observation, A: Application, and P: Prayer.
Today's daily Texts: Wednesday, March 5 — Psalm 33:6-11, Exodus 11:1-12:20; Matthew 21:23-32
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Psalm+33%3A6-11%2C++Exodus+11%3A1-12%3A20%3B+Matthew+21%3A23-32&version=NIV
S (Scripture): Exodus 11:9-10 The Lord had said to Moses, “Pharaoh will refuse to listen to you—so that my wonders may be multiplied in Egypt.” Moses and Aaron performed all these wonders before Pharaoh, but the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, and he would not let the Israelites go out of his country.
O (Observation): God multiplies God's wonders in Egypt (the place of slavery) by hardening Pharaoh's heart. Directly following is the instruction for Passover, the highest of Jewish Festivals.
A (Application): The struggle between God's people and the oppression they were under in Egypt provides more clarity of the freedom they will receive. As we begin the season of Lent today, the struggle of God's people under the oppression of sin becomes more real as we either begin disciplines of taking away things that impede our relationship with God or beginning disciplines that we are not familiar that strengthen our relationship with the God. In the struggle to free God's people, Moses and Aaron participate in the wonders God reveals...even as they are preformed to one (Pharaoh) who refused to listen to them. That struggle to is a witness to following God's instructions even and especially among turbulent times.
P (Prayer): Lord, remind us that you continue to work in and through the struggle to make us free. As we begin the season of lent, free our hearts that we may follow your instructions and disciplines for our lives.